Forth Road Bridge

The basics

Spanning 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers), you can cross the Forth Road Bridge on foot or by bike, bus, taxi, train, or motorcycle. If you decide to walk or cycle, follow the signs in South Queensferry to the bridge's pedestrian entrance. There, you’ll find a wide pathway leading you to outstanding views of the Forth Bridge (exclusively open to trains) and Scottish landscapes. Most tours of Loch Ness, Eilean Donan, Fife, and the Scottish Highlands that depart from Edinburgh include the bridge on their itinerary.

Things to know before you go

• Dress comfortably and wear sturdy shoes for a leisurely walk across the bridge.

• Scottish weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for unexpected showers and limited visibility, regardless of the forecast.

• Plan a backup itinerary on blustery days, as the walking path is closed during severe inclement weather.

How to get there

Forth Road Bridge runs from the town of South Queensferry to North Queensferry and can easily be reached from Edinburgh. While the bridge is not open to general traffic, drivers will find many options for free parking on the South Queensferry seafront. Public transit fans can take a westbound bus X58A, X55, or X59A from Princes Street (Stop PR) to Slip Road. From there, it's an easy half-mile (1-kilometer) walk to the bridge.

When to get there

Forth Road Bridge is busy all day with taxis, public transit, and motorcycles, so it is difficult to find a serene time to visit. However, the views of and from the bridge are what attract visitors. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather (albeit unpredictable), enhancing your exploration on and around the bridge.

Pedal through Edinburgh’s outskirts

If overlooked attractions like the Forth Road Bridge interest you, dive deeper into the area’s culture and history on a suburb bike tour. Cycling around Edinburgh’s edges lets you escape the bustle of the city center while discovering places that most people miss, such as Cramand Village, South Queensferry, and Cramond Roman Fort.