Edinburgh Layover Near Ocean Terminal and the Royal Yacht Britannia
Part of the full Edinburgh Layover Guide: What to Do Before a Late Flight Out of Edinburgh Airport
If you’d rather spend your layover down at the water than in the Old Town, take the tram to Ocean Terminal in Leith, tour the Royal Yacht Britannia, then walk along The Shore before heading back to Edinburgh Airport, planning for roughly 3-5 hours door to door.
Can’t-miss
The Royal Yacht Britannia is berthed right alongside Ocean Terminal and is the reason most travelers make the trip out here: the former royal ship is now a self-guided museum across five decks, from the state apartments to the engine room, and it’s a genuinely different kind of sightseeing than another church or castle.
Once you’re done aboard, walk about 15 minutes (or hop the tram two stops) to The Shore, Leith’s old harbourfront, lined with converted warehouses, houseboats, and some of the city’s best restaurants, including two Michelin-starred kitchens if you want a proper sit-down meal.
Why hands-free matters here
Britannia’s staircases and internal doorways are original 1950s ship fittings, narrow, and not built with luggage in mind, and Ocean Terminal doesn’t offer left-luggage either. Dragging a case through the yacht’s corridors, or across the mall’s escalators, is exactly the kind of friction you don’t need.
If you have more time
Leith rewards slowing down rather than covering more ground: linger over a coffee or a full meal at one of The Shore’s restaurants, or browse the smaller independent shops along Bernard Street and Constitution Street rather than rushing back to the tram.
Getting back to Edinburgh Airport
Ocean Terminal sits at one end of the tram line and the airport at the other, so the ride is closer to 50-55 minutes rather than the roughly 30 minutes from the city centre. Leave close to two hours in total once you factor in check-in and security.
A different Edinburgh, a few miles from the Old Town
Leith trades hills and cobbles for a working harbour and a slower pace, but a suitcase is just as much of a hindrance on a ship’s narrow decks as it is on the Royal Mile. Store it before you board the tram out here and the whole afternoon stays easy.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a size limit for bags at a luggage storage point near Ocean Terminal?
No, luggage storage locations take suitcases and backpacks of any size for one flat daily rate per item, whether you're storing near Leith or back in the city centre.
How long does the Royal Yacht Britannia tour take?
Budget 90 minutes to two hours for the self-guided audio tour through all five decks, longer if you linger in the staterooms or the tea room afterward.
What if it's raining?
Ocean Terminal itself is an indoor shopping centre with cafes and a cinema, and the Britannia tour is entirely under cover, so a wet afternoon doesn't really disrupt this itinerary.
How much time should I leave to get from Ocean Terminal back to Edinburgh Airport?
The tram runs the full length of the line between these two end points and takes about 50-55 minutes, noticeably longer than from the city centre, so leave close to two hours once check-in and security are added.