Does anybody know just how long it takes to get from the castle to the Leith Port (where the yacht is)?

Depending on mode of transport and time of day, anything from 20 minutes to an hour and a half.

By bus it takes about 20-25 minutes

Thanks. We'd be looking at using the bus.

You can jump on a special Britannia bus at Waverly bridge and the fare includes entry to the Royal yacht. You are not on a guided tour - it is a special shuttle that goes straight to the pier and you can take any of their frequent buses back into the city center.

This is faster than city buses since there are no stops enroute.

Janis:
How much is this?? thanks!!

I tried to post this but got a weird error message so here goes again . . .

It has been about 3 years since I visited the Britannia so I just double checked the website. It appears the tour bus still runs from Waverly Bridge - but the fare is no longer inclusive w/ the yacht entrance fee. the yacht is £8 for adults, less for concessions and there are special on-line discounts. Don't know what the tour bus fare is - when I last visited I paid £10 for both so maybe the bus is £2. Just a guess . . . .