Deep into Trossachs National Parks lies the largest loch in all of Scotland, known as Loch Lomond. It is tied to its fair share of mysteries, claiming to house the Loch Ness Monster’s long-lost cousin.

On a day trip, keep your eyes peeled on the loch’s surface. Dolphins, killer whales, and even humpback whales have been spotted from their shores. The loch is full of underwater canyons and over 20 islands- one being home to a massive colony of wallabies.

After touring the spacious Loch Lomond, you’ll travel to the historic Stirling Castle to walk in the footsteps of royalty, eat delicious Scottish food in Aberfoyle, and learn all about Scottish myths and legends.

You will find below everything you need to know about Loch Lomond, one of the most fascinating destinations for day trips from Edinburgh.

How to get to Loch Lomond from Edinburgh?

Loch Lomond is situated northwest of Edinburgh and you can reach there by car or train.

From Edinburgh to Loch Lomond by car/taxi

The quickest way to Loch Lomond from Edinburgh is by taxi or car, taking about 1.5 hours, without stops. From the Edinburgh airport, you can either take M9 towards A811 or M8 passing Glasgow. Both routes merge at A82, arriving at the Luss village near Loch Lomond.

From Edinburgh to Loch Lomond by train

The shortest route to Loch Lomond by train from Edinburgh takes about 2.5 hours. The train leaves every 20 minutes from Edinburgh Train Station and arrives in Glasgow. From there, you’ll transfer trains to reach Balloch.

Then, you can take a 14-minute bus ride or a 10-minute taxi ride to the entrance of Loch Lomond.

Guided tour to Loch Lomond from Edinburgh

Rather than deal with transfers, opt for a guided tour to Loch Lomond from Edinburgh. It’s also around the same price and transport time is faster.

All tours have their starting point and most of them offer hotel pickup and drop-off.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Loch Lomond from Edinburgh?

Meetup with your tour group in a popular location in Edinburgh before you board your shared van to Loch Lomond. A verified guide will be onboard to provide commentaries and answer any questions you may have regarding local attractions and cuisine.

You’ll be riding in comfort and luxury, stopping along the way for prime photo opportunities. You will see Loch Lomond, The Kelpies and Stirling Castle, and spend time to relax and explore before heading back to Edinburgh.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Loch Lomond?

Guided tours to Loch Lomond from Edinburgh

Sit back and enjoy the ride, as you cruise across the country, past multiple villages and scenic sights on a guided tour to Loch Lomond from Edinburgh.

All full-day trips to Loch Lomond include stops at Stirling Castle and the Kelpies monument. A few day tours offer a boat tour on the Loch, and it’s worth looking into to experience its beauty from the water.

Private tour to Loch Lomond from Edinburgh

Get picked up in a luxury coach van and taken anywhere that your heart desires (as long as it's on the way to the Loch). You’ll still stop at the main attractions, including Linlithgow Palace, the enormous Kelpies equestrian statue, Stirling Castle and other picturesque villages.

In this private tour to Loch Lomond, as your guide is a Scottish local, you’ll get the inside scoop on the best pubs and restaurants in the area.

Day trip to Loch Lomond plus a whiskey tour from Edinburgh

Everything you loved about the previous tours is included in this day trip with the added addition of whisky!

Before you call it a day, you’ll be stopping in for a dram or two of high-quality, family-distilled whisky. Give it a shot.

How much does a tour to Loch Lomond from Edinburgh cost?

Full-day guided tours to Loch Lomond range start at £40 per person. Private day tours start at £150 but increase steeply from there. Day tours plus a whisky tasting can cost up to £70 per person.

What will you see and do on a Loch Lomond day trip from Edinburgh?

All of the Loch Lomond tours are paired with Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Monument. You’ll first head out to the water on a scenic boat cruise down the Loch before checking out the conservation village along the shores.

Immediately following, join your group for a stroll in Aberfoyle, situated on the River Teith, and grab some lunch. The last spot of the day is the iconic Stirling Castle, positioned on volcanic rock, overlooking miles and miles of gorgeous Scottish scenery.

Stirling Castle

Learn all about ancient life with a stroll through Stirling Castle. Throughout history, the castle changed hands 8 times in 50 years. Historical rooms and halls within these castles walls crowned it as one of the most important architectural relics in Scotland’s past.

Walking these halls means walking in the footsteps of nobility; Anne Queen of Scots and James VI once lived here.

The Kelpies

This marvelous art installation pays homage to equestrian-powered technologies across Scotland. Kelpies come from old Scottish folklore, originally tied to water gods but now used as a legend to keep children away from dangerous water sites.

When is Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Parks open over the year?

Loch Lomond is open year-round for visitors, but it has designated camping areas for certain periods.

When is the best time to visit Loch Lomond?

The best time to visit Loch Lomond is during spring and summer, when the temperatures are enjoyable. The days are longer during these seasons, and you can always catch some sunlight.

Are there any tours to Loch Lomond from other cities in Scotland?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Scotland:

Travel tips

If you plan camping out in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, check the forecast for rain.
While in Edinburgh, try one of their famous national dishes, such as haggis or neeps and tatties.
Check out local village surrounding Loch Lomond, such as Balloch, Luss and Killin, which are three historically intact villages in the nearby area.

Loch Lomond: Day Trips and Tours from Edinburgh