Getting There
Getting to Carnoustie Golf Course from Edinburgh or Dundee
Carnoustie is straightforward to reach from both Edinburgh and Dundee — and one of the few major Scottish links courses where arriving by train is genuinely practical. Here's how to get there, what the journey looks like, and a few things worth knowing before you go.
Carnoustie is a rare thing among Scotland's major links: the railway station is a five-minute walk from the first tee. This makes it one of the most accessible championship courses in Scotland by public transport, and it means that visitors from Edinburgh and Dundee genuinely don't need a car.
Here's how to get there.
By train from Edinburgh
Route: Edinburgh Waverley → Dundee → Carnoustie
Journey time: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours (depending on connection)
Frequency: Roughly hourly throughout the day
Fare: Around £15–22 for an off-peak return (Advance fares can be cheaper)
The journey goes via the Tay Rail Bridge into Dundee, then east along the Angus coast to Carnoustie. Some services are direct; others require a change at Dundee. Both options are straightforward.
Carnoustie station is unmissable — it's a small halt on the coastal line, and the town is compact enough that you'll be at the Links within five minutes of stepping off the train.
Tip: Book in advance on ScotRail's website to get the best fares. A walk-up return can cost significantly more than an Advance ticket booked a week out.
By train from Dundee
Route: Dundee → Carnoustie
Journey time: 20–25 minutes
Frequency: Roughly twice an hour
Fare: Around £6–9 return
The quickest connection from Dundee by train. If you're already in Dundee for any reason — staying the night, arriving from the north — this is the obvious option.
By car from Edinburgh
Route: A90 north over the Forth Road Bridge, then A92 east through Glenrothes to Dundee, then the coast road (A930) into Carnoustie
Distance: Approximately 70 miles
Drive time: 1 hour 15 – 1 hour 30 minutes (off-peak, no delays at Forth Bridge)
The Forth Bridge is the one variable. In peak summer and at rush hour, queues can add 20–30 minutes. If you're playing a morning round and heading out from Edinburgh, leave by 7am to avoid the worst of it.
Parking: Free car park at Carnoustie Links, accessible from Links Parade. Large and easy; the only complication is during the Open Championship, when parking management changes significantly.
Alternative route: Some sat-navs route via the M90 and then the A90 to Dundee, which avoids some A-road congestion. The difference is minor and either works.
By car from Dundee
Route: A930 east along the coast
Distance: 12 miles
Drive time: 20–25 minutes
Straightforward. The road runs along the Angus coast and drops you directly into Carnoustie. The Links is signposted from the town centre.
By taxi from Dundee
A taxi from Dundee city centre to Carnoustie costs approximately £20–25 one way and takes 20–25 minutes. This is a practical option if you're staying in Dundee and want to avoid the logistics of a hire car.
Dundee has several taxi companies and Uber operates in the city. For the return journey, the clubhouse at Carnoustie can arrange or call a taxi, but it's worth having a number saved in your phone.
On arrival at Carnoustie
The Carnoustie Links complex sits at the western end of the town, along Links Parade. The Championship Course clubhouse is the main building — a modern structure facing the 18th green. Visitor check-in and the pro shop are here.
The Buddon Links and Burnside courses share the same complex and are accessible from the same car park and reception area.
What to have ready:
- Proof of handicap certificate (a current handicap card, WHS app, or email confirmation from your club). Carnoustie requires this for the Championship Course.
- Your booking confirmation
- Buggy or trolley hire booked in advance if needed
Staying near Carnoustie
The town of Carnoustie has a handful of hotels and B&Bs within walking distance of the course. The best-placed options are along Links Parade and Station Road — you can be at the first tee on foot in under five minutes.
Dundee is a 20-minute drive and has a wider range of hotels at various price points. For golfers combining Carnoustie with Monifieth, Panmure, or other Angus courses, Dundee makes a sensible base.
Combining Carnoustie with other courses
Carnoustie sits in a cluster of good value courses:
- Monifieth Golf Links — 5 miles west, two courses (Medal and Ashludie), both good value and accessible
- Panmure Golf Club — 3 miles west, private but genuinely excellent links, visitor rounds by arrangement
- Arbroath Golf Club — 10 miles north, scenic links above the town, very affordable
If you're making the trip from Edinburgh or Dundee for a golf day, adding a second course at Monifieth or Arbroath to the itinerary is straightforward.
For the Championship Course in detail: Carnoustie Championship — course profile and green fees. For the broader Angus and Dundee golf scene: Golf in Dundee Guide.
About the author
Gary
Editor and founder of Birdie Brae. Based in Glasgow, 14.5 handicap, playing since 2022. Has played 40+ Scottish courses and started this site because most Scottish golf content is written by people trying to sell you a package holiday.
More about Gary →Courses in this article
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