Day Trips in Edinburgh — FAQ

What are the best day trips from Edinburgh?
Top day trips are the Highlands with Loch Ness and Glencoe, Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond, St. Andrews and the Fife fishing villages, and the Outlander filming locations.
Can you visit Loch Ness from Edinburgh in a day?
Yes — a Loch Ness day trip is long (about 3.5 hours each way) but very popular, taking in Glencoe, the Highlands and a Loch Ness cruise; some prefer a 2-day tour for a relaxed pace.
How far is the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh?
The southern Highlands and Loch Lomond are about 1.5 hours from Edinburgh, while Glencoe and Loch Ness are 2.5–3.5 hours — all popular full-day trips.