Queensferry Crossing Edinburgh
A trio of iconic bridges spanning the Firth of Forth, showcasing modern engineering and historic grandeur.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best views of bridges
Queensferry Crossing Edinburgh
Best Time
Best views of bridges
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A trio of iconic bridges spanning the Firth of Forth, showcasing modern engineering and historic grandeur.
"Magnificent views of the three Bridges."
📸 Capture the Trio
Get the best vantage points in South Queensferry to photograph all three bridges together. :camerawithflash:
🚶 Walk the Forth Bridge
Experience the historic red Forth Bridge by walking across it for unique perspectives. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Queensferry Crossing
Firth of Forth
A modern marvel of engineering with three striking white towers and a network of cables, offering a dramatic silhouette against the sky.
Forth Bridge (Rail Bridge)
Firth of Forth
The iconic bright red cantilever railway bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a testament to Victorian engineering.
Forth Road Bridge
Firth of Forth
The middle bridge of the trio, a suspension bridge that once carried the M90 motorway, now primarily for public transport and cyclists.
South Queensferry Town
Shorefront
A picturesque town with historic buildings, offering stunning views of all three bridges and a selection of pubs and cafes.
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to the Queensferry Crossing
Getting to South Queensferry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Trio
Get the best vantage points in South Queensferry to photograph all three bridges together. :camerawithflash:
🚶 Walk the Forth Bridge
Experience the historic red Forth Bridge by walking across it for unique perspectives. :athletic_shoe:
🍺 Hawes Inn Visit
Enjoy a drink and a meal at the historic Hawes Inn for a classic Scottish pub experience. :beer:
🚌 Bus for Easy Access
The 747 bus from Edinburgh is a convenient way to reach South Queensferry. :bus:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Trio
Get the best vantage points in South Queensferry to photograph all three bridges together. :camerawithflash:
🚶 Walk the Forth Bridge
Experience the historic red Forth Bridge by walking across it for unique perspectives. :athletic_shoe:
🍺 Hawes Inn Visit
Enjoy a drink and a meal at the historic Hawes Inn for a classic Scottish pub experience. :beer:
🚌 Bus for Easy Access
The 747 bus from Edinburgh is a convenient way to reach South Queensferry. :bus:
🚁 Scenic Helicopter Tours
For an unforgettable view, consider a helicopter ride over the bridges. :helicopter:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the engineering marvels of the Queensferry Crossing and its historic counterparts, the Forth Bridge and Forth Road Bridge. The charming town of South Queensferry provides a perfect backdrop for admiring these structures, with many praising the scenic views and the pleasant atmosphere. While the crossing itself is a motorway, the surrounding area offers ample opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.
"This impressive with an overall length of 2.7km was completed in 2017 after being started in 2011.
The queen formally opened the bridge on 4 Sept 2017. In 1964 (on 4 Sept) she had opened the bridge next door (Forth Rd bridge)!
This modern bridge, has three above road white pillars with metal stays also painted white.
The M90 is the motorway that goes over the bridge. There are two lanes of traffic on either side of the pillars.
The bridge takes its name from a free ferry service that Margaret, queen of Scotland in the 12th century, provided for pilgrims to travel north to St Andrews."
Margaret Crisp
"Queensferry a great day out plenty restaurants pubs coffee shops etc . Great views of both bridges"
bob “Florida bob” peter
"We were lucky to get across before it was possibly closed completely. This was a few hours ago. I do not know the current status at 15.30pm Saturday"
Elizabeth
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way to reach Queensferry Crossing and the town of South Queensferry from Edinburgh is by bus. The 747 bus service is a direct route that will take you close to the bridges. Alternatively, some X buses heading north across the bridge can drop you off nearby. If you need to arrive very early, before 5:30 AM, check specific bus and tram schedules as services may be limited.
The Queensferry Crossing is a motorway and is not accessible to pedestrians or cyclists. However, you can walk or cycle across the adjacent Forth Road Bridge, which offers excellent views of all three bridges.
While you cannot park directly on the Queensferry Crossing itself, there are parking facilities available in South Queensferry. From there, you can walk to viewpoints overlooking the bridges.
To see all three bridges – the Queensferry Crossing, the Forth Road Bridge, and the historic Forth Bridge – the best approach is to visit South Queensferry. From the town's shorefront, you get fantastic panoramic views.
Queensferry Crossing is located approximately 10 miles northwest of Edinburgh city center. The journey by bus typically takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need a ticket to see the Queensferry Crossing. It is a public motorway. However, to access viewpoints in South Queensferry or to walk on the Forth Road Bridge, no tickets are required.
There are no entry fees to visit the town of South Queensferry. You can freely explore the town and its waterfront for views of the bridges.
The iconic red Forth Bridge is a railway bridge and is not accessible to the public for walking. However, you can walk on the adjacent Forth Road Bridge.
Viewpoints in South Queensferry are publicly accessible at all times. The town itself is always open, though individual shops and restaurants will have their own operating hours.
There isn't a dedicated visitor center specifically for the Queensferry Crossing. However, the town of South Queensferry offers information and amenities for visitors interested in the bridges.
📸 📸 Photography
The town of South Queensferry provides excellent vantage points for photographing the Queensferry Crossing, along with the Forth Road Bridge and the Forth Bridge. The shorefront offers unobstructed views.
For capturing the bridges, especially the Forth Bridge, long exposures can be effective for smoothing water and clouds. Using ND filters can help achieve this, as demonstrated by photographers using gear like Nikon D850 with specific lenses.
Yes, the bridges are often illuminated at night, offering a different and dramatic photographic opportunity. Check local lighting schedules for the best experience.
Drone regulations can be strict, especially around infrastructure like bridges. It's essential to check current aviation authority guidelines and local bylaws before flying a drone in the area.
Golden hours, both sunrise and sunset, offer beautiful lighting for photographing the bridges. Daylight hours provide clear views, while evenings offer illuminated perspectives.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
South Queensferry boasts a variety of dining options, from traditional pubs like the Hawes Inn to cafes and restaurants along the shorefront, offering great views of the bridges.
Given its coastal location, you can find establishments offering fresh seafood in South Queensferry. Exploring the town's eateries will reveal local culinary offerings.
Yes, ice cream is a popular treat in Queensferry, especially during warmer months, and is often enjoyed while taking in the bridge views.
Many of the pubs and cafes in South Queensferry are family-friendly, offering a relaxed atmosphere for meals with children.
The Hawes Inn is a historic pub in South Queensferry, known for its traditional Scottish fare and its prime location with excellent views of the Forth Bridge.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Walking along the Forth Road Bridge is also a great activity for families, allowing kids to experience the scale of the crossing up close. Pack snacks and drinks, and be mindful of the weather, as it can be breezy along the Firth of Forth. The Hawes Inn offers a family-friendly atmosphere for a meal.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Cyclists
📸 Photographers
Long exposures can create stunning effects with water and clouds, especially on the Forth Bridge. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Three Iconic Bridges
+1Adjacent to the Queensferry Crossing is the Forth Road Bridge, a suspension bridge that was opened in 1964. For decades, it carried the M90 motorway traffic. Today, it is primarily used by public transport, cyclists, and pedestrians, offering a fantastic way to experience the scale of the crossing.
Completing the trio is the historic Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This iconic red cantilever railway bridge, completed in 1890, is a marvel of Victorian engineering and remains a vital rail link. Its distinctive color and robust structure make it a beloved landmark.
Exploring South Queensferry
Visitors can enjoy a variety of amenities in South Queensferry, including numerous restaurants, pubs, and coffee shops. The Hawes Inn, a historic pub, is particularly recommended for its traditional food and excellent views of the Forth Bridge.
Photography Tips for the Bridges
For photographers looking to capture the movement of water and clouds, long exposure techniques are highly effective. As one Reddit user shared, using filters like a 10-stop ND filter can help achieve this, even if traffic is present.
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