We’re often asked how to get to the Giant’s Causeway. Our honest answer is: it depends how you like to travel. Here’s every practical option.
Where is it?
The Causeway sits on the north coast of the island of Ireland, in an area known as the Causeway Coast — famous for the Causeway Coastal Route. It’s in the county of Antrim, part of Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom, sitting between Bushmills (famous for its whiskey distillery) and Ballycastle (renowned for the historic Auld Lammas Fair). Close by are the seaside towns of Portstewart and Portrush, home to the 2019 Open Golf Championship and the 2018 Irish Open.
Belfast is around 60 miles (100km), or just over an hour’s drive, to the southeast. Dublin is about 160 miles (270km), roughly 3 hours’ drive away.
By car
From Belfast, there are two routes: the direct route (around 1 hour 15 minutes) or the scenic Causeway Coastal Route, which takes longer but is well worth it if you have the time.
The direct route: take the M2 out of Belfast following signs for “The North” and Londonderry/International Airport. At Junction 1, exit for Antrim/Ballymena/Coleraine (A26) and follow it through Ballymena to the Ballee Roundabout, then continue on the A26 “Frosses Road” toward Ballymoney. From Ballymoney, follow signs for Coleraine/Ballymoney onto the B62 (signposted “Giant’s Causeway”), which runs through Ballybogey and on toward Bushmills — or via Portrush, if you want the coastal views past Royal Portrush Golf Club, Dunluce Castle, and Magheracross Viewpoint. Either way, you’ll pick up signs for the Giant’s Causeway through Bushmills and arrive at the Visitor Centre.
There’s a free Park & Ride facility at Dundarave car park in Bushmills, useful in peak season.
By rail
From Belfast: Translink runs a regular hourly (or better) service from Belfast Central to Coleraine, taking around 1 hour 20 minutes. From Coleraine, change onto a bus (the 172/402) from the adjoining bus station, or continue by train to Portrush (about 10 minutes) and pick up the 172/402 from there — a nicer route, passing along the famous West Strand beach.
From Derry~Londonderry: the Derry–Coleraine line is one of the most scenic rail trips anywhere — cliffs, tunnels, and the banks of Lough Foyle — taking around 35 minutes to Coleraine, where you change for Portrush or a connecting bus as above.
Check Translink’s website for current timetables before you travel — schedules do change seasonally.
By bus
Translink runs several options depending where you’re coming from — the Causeway Rambler, Ulster Bus, and Goldline coach services. From Belfast, the 218 Goldline coach runs from Great Victoria Street bus terminal; from Derry~Londonderry, the 234 Goldline runs from Foyle Street bus station. Both arrive at Coleraine Rail and Bus Station, where you can pick up the 172 or 402 bus to the Giant’s Causeway via Portrush.