Scotland is the home of golf, and Edinburgh Airport puts some of the best links courses in the world within a couple of hours' drive. Getting to them is the awkward part: courses sit on the coast, tee times are fixed, bags are bulky, and public transport rarely lines up. This guide covers the main courses within reach of the airport and the practical side of getting there with a full set of clubs.
Courses Within Reach of Edinburgh Airport
Distances and times below are typical figures by road from the airport and vary with traffic.
| Course | Distance | Typical drive |
|---|---|---|
| St Andrews Old Course | ~55 miles | ~1 h |
| Gleneagles Resort | ~45 miles | ~55 min |
| Carnoustie Golf Links | ~60 miles | ~1 h 10 min |
| Muirfield (Gullane) | ~25 miles | ~35 min |
| Kingsbarns Golf Links | ~55 miles | ~1 h |
| Dumbarnie Links | ~45 miles | ~55 min |
| Royal Troon | ~80 miles | ~1 h 20 min |
| Trump Turnberry | ~90 miles | ~1 h 40 min |
Why Not Drive Yourself?
- One-way trips: a golf holiday often ends at a different course or hotel from where it started. A transfer takes you point to point without a car to return.
- The 19th hole: a round is usually followed by a drink, and Scotland's drink-driving limit is lower than in the rest of the UK.
- Tee times: arriving late costs you your slot; a driver who knows the route and tracks the clock removes the stress.
- Unfamiliar roads: single-track and rural roads near the coast are slower than they look on a map.
Travelling with Golf Clubs
Golf bags take up far more room than ordinary luggage. When you book, tell us how many golfers and how many bags are travelling, along with any large suitcases. We assign a vehicle that fits everything: an estate for a pair, a people carrier or minibus for a larger party. Mention it in the special requests box and the right car is sent. Our fleet page shows the capacity of each vehicle class.
Sample Golf Trip Plans
St Andrews Day Trip
Land at Edinburgh, transfer to St Andrews (a fixed price of £130 in a standard saloon), play the course, and return the same day. For the route, timings and alternatives see our Edinburgh Airport to St Andrews page.
East Lothian Links
Muirfield and the neighbouring East Lothian courses are only about 25 miles from the airport, which makes them the easiest golf to fit around an arrival or departure day.
Multi-Course Itinerary
Staying a few days and playing different courses? A private driver can take you from course to course and between hotels, so everyone in the group can enjoy the round without worrying about the drive. Tell us your dates and courses and we will confirm a fixed price for each leg.
Tips for Planning
- Book popular courses and your transfer at the same time so tee times and pick-ups line up.
- Aim to arrive at the course at least 45 minutes before your tee time.
- Give your driver your tee time and finish estimate so the return pick-up is ready.
- Check the weather: links courses are exposed, and wet-weather kit travels in the boot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take golf clubs in your transfers?
Yes. Tell us the number of golfers and golf bags when booking and we will assign a vehicle with enough space, from estates to people carriers and minibuses.
How far is St Andrews from Edinburgh Airport?
Around 51 to 55 miles by road depending on the course, roughly an hour to an hour and a quarter. A fixed-price transfer starts from £130.
Which golf courses are closest to Edinburgh Airport?
Muirfield at Gullane is about 25 miles away, around 35 minutes. Gleneagles and Dumbarnie Links are about 45 miles, and St Andrews, Kingsbarns and Carnoustie are further north.
Can one driver take us between several courses?
Yes. Give us your dates, courses and tee times and we will confirm a fixed price for each journey.
Book Your Golf Transfer
Fixed prices to St Andrews and every major Scottish course, with room for your clubs.
Get a Fixed-Price Quote