Enjoy a leisurely return trip of approximately 50 miles (80 km) from Edinburgh to St Andrews, the “Home of Golf.” Perfect for a one-day excursion, it offers historical charm, coastal scenery, and sporting legacy—all within a manageable 1–2 hour drive. Here’s how to maximize it, with key stats and clear options for seamless travel, thanks to the Edinburgh Minibus Company.
One Day Trip from Edinburgh to St Andrews
A typical day trip from Edinburgh to St Andrews entails 2–3 hours of sightseeing and a visit to at least one major site. Tourist statistics reveal that 400,000 day‑trippers visit St Andrews per year, with St Andrews Links (Old Course) drawing over 150,000 golfers annually, and St Andrews Cathedral attracting another 200,000. That popularity stems from the town’s dual role as spiritual and sports heartland.
Expect to spend:
- 1 hour at the Old Course
- 45 minutes exploring Cathedral ruins
- 30 minutes at the Botanic Garden
- 1 hour lunch by the harbour
This makes for a rich, yet relaxed day.
Day Trip from Edinburgh to St Andrews by Train
There’s no direct train—but Edinburgh to Leuchars station (12 miles from St Andrews) takes just 30 minutes via ScotRail. This route handles about 250,000 passengers annually, especially from tourists and students. From Leuchars, buses or taxis take you comfortably into town in 20 minutes.
Pros: Fast, eco‑friendly, reliable.
Cons: Inflexible schedule, and last-mile connections may snap your tight itinerary.
Edinburgh to St Andrews Golf Course
St Andrews is synonymous with golf. The Old Course, dating back to the 15th century, is the oldest continually played course globally. Over 600,000 rounds are played annually across its seven links courses (Old, New, Jubilee, Eden, Strathtyrum, Balgove, Castle). A guided visit includes:
- A guided walking-tour of the Royal & Ancient clubhouse
- Photo stops at iconic landmarks like Swilcan Bridge
- Golf museum visit
A private day-trip allows tailor-made tee-times and extras—you can even tee off at the New Course.
Bus from Edinburgh to St Andrews
Stagecoach buses connect Edinburgh and Leuchars about 10 times per day, with an average ticket cost of £10 return. Operator data shows 150,000 passengers annually making this full journey. They’re efficient, but not customizable—you won’t stop at diversion points like picturesque coastal villages or hidden beaches.
For groups, hiring a private minibus bypasses these constraints. With 8–16 seaters and larger coaches available through Edinburgh Minibus Company and Our Coaches, everyone travels together in comfort and style.
Tours of St Andrews
Structured day tours often bundle in Botanic Garden visits, Cathedral and Castle ruins, sightseeing around West Sands beach (where Chariots of Fire was filmed), and even Whale Observatory trips—booking around £65 per person.
Annual stats:
- Botanic Garden hosts 80,000 visitors yearly
- West Sands Beach sees 200,000+ visitors, especially during summer
Small-group tours top out at 20% higher satisfaction compared to bus tours due to their personalized pacing.
Conclusion: How Edinburgh Minibus Company Helps the Trip Go Smoothly
Coordinating transport, stops, and group logistics between Edinburgh and St Andrews can become complex fast. The Edinburgh Minibus Company simplifies everything:
- Fleet variety: 9–29 seat minibuses or larger coaches (35–72 seats); ideal for golf groups, families, corporate outings
- Professional drivers: fully licensed, local-route experts — no parking or navigation stress
- Customizable itineraries: incorporate tee-times, cathedral, gardens, beach stops—on YOUR timetable
- Group comfort: onboard amenities, door-to-door pick-ups, direct transfers to courses or hotels
- Time efficiency: cut wasted transfer waits—drive straight to the heart of St Andrews
Their fleet supports hundreds of seamless transfers weekly, logging thousands of miles and earning 95%+ positive feedback from golfers, academic groups, wedding parties, and visitors.
Interested in a bespoke St Andrews golf escape or sightseeing day out?
Fill out the contact form here
Or send your itinerary to sales@minibuseslondon.co.uk
Let Edinburgh Minibus Company take care of driving, so you can focus on par scores, seaside views, and historic ruins.
