How to Get from Belfast International Airport to Ballymena

While there is no train station at Belfast International Airport, combining bus and train travel is a reliable, scenic option. This route is ideal if your final destination is near Ballymena railway station or if you have a rail pass.

Core Challenge: You must first reach a mainline railway station. The two most practical gateways are Antrim Station (closest) or Belfast Lanyon Place or Great Victoria Street stations.

Step-by-Step Guide: The Antrim Route (Recommended)

1. Airport to Antrim Town: Take the Translink Airport Express 300 bus from outside the terminal. The journey to Antrim Buscentre takes about 20 minutes. A single ticket costs approximately £8.50.
2. Walk to Antrim Train Station: From Antrim Buscentre, it's a 5-7 minute walk (500m) to Antrim Train Station. Follow signs or use Google Maps.
3. Train to Ballymena: Board a Translink NI Railways service towards Londonderry/Derry or Coleraine. The train journey from Antrim to Ballymena takes only 10-12 minutes. Trains run hourly, more frequently during peak times. Check live times on Translink's Journey Planner.

Total Estimated Time: 50-70 minutes (depending on connections). Total Estimated Cost: £12-£15 one-way.

The Belfast City Route (Alternative)

Take the Airport Express 300 bus to Belfast Europa Buscentre (approx. 35-50 mins). From there, walk 5 minutes to Belfast Lanyon Place Station or 10 minutes to Great Victoria Street Station (which also has a train to Ballymena via the same line). This adds significant travel time (total ~1.5-2 hours) but could be useful if you need to visit Belfast city centre first.

Ticket & Practical Information

• Ticketing: You must buy separate tickets for the bus and train. Consider an iLink card for unlimited daily travel across bus and train in Zone 3 (NI), which may save money if making other journeys.
• Frequency: Trains from Antrim to Ballymena run approximately hourly, but services can be less frequent on Sundays. Always check the latest schedule.
• Luggage: Buses have under-carriage storage. Trains have dedicated luggage racks.

The bus is the most cost-effective and straightforward public transport option, with a direct service available. It's highly recommended for solo travelers, couples, and anyone on a budget.

Option 1: The Direct 240a Bus (Ulsterbus Service)

This is the primary and most recommended bus route.

• Route: Belfast International Airport (BFS) → Antrim → Ballymena Buscentre.
• Pick-up Point: The bus stop is directly outside the main airport terminal, clearly signposted.
• Drop-off Point: Ballymena Buscentre (William Street, BT43 6AW), the central hub in town.
• Journey Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Frequency: Services run roughly every 90 minutes to 2 hours, from early morning until late evening. Timetables can vary, especially on Sundays and public holidays.
• Fare (2024): A single adult ticket is around £11.50. You can pay the driver with cash (try to have change) or contactless card.
• Advantages: Direct, no changes required, ample luggage space, cost-effective.

Pro Tip: Always check the latest 240a timetable on the Translink website before traveling, as times can change seasonally.

Option 2: Airport Express 300 + Goldline Bus 218

An alternative if you miss the direct 240a, offering more frequent departures for the first leg.

1. Take the frequent Airport Express 300 to Belfast Europa Buscentre.
2. At Europa, transfer to the Goldline 218 service bound for Coleraine/Londonderry, which stops at Ballymena Buscentre. The total journey takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.

Bus Travel Essentials

• Real-Time Tracking: Use the Translink Journey Planner app for live bus times.
• Luggage: All coaches have under-bus storage. Keep valuables in a small carry-on.
• Accessibility: Modern buses are wheelchair accessible.

For door-to-door convenience, speed, or group travel, taxis and pre-booked private transfers are available. This is the most expensive option but offers unmatched ease, especially with heavy luggage, children, or during unsociable hours.

Taxi Ranks & Fares

• Airport Taxi Rank: Located directly outside the arrivals hall. The journey to Ballymena takes 40-50 minutes depending on traffic.
• Metered Fare Estimate: Due to the distance, fares are typically not metered but offered as a fixed price. Expect to pay £55 to £70 for a standard car (4 passengers). Always confirm the fixed price with the driver before setting off.
• Availability: Taxis are generally available around the clock, but wait times can be longer in the very early morning (2 AM - 5 AM).

Pre-Booked Private Transfer (Recommended)

Booking in advance is often cheaper and guarantees your ride, particularly for early/late flights or large groups.

• Average Cost: £60-£80 for a standard saloon car. Prices are fixed at booking.
• Booking Platforms: Services can be booked via local firms or global platforms like Booking.com Transfers or Welcome Pickups.
• Meet & Greet: The driver will meet you in the arrivals hall with a name sign.
• Vehicle Options: Available from saloon cars to 8-seater minivans, useful for families or groups with lots of luggage.

When is a Taxi the Right Choice?

• Arriving after 11:30 PM when public transport has stopped.
• Catching a flight before 7:00 AM.
• Traveling in a group of 3 or more (can be cost-effective per person).
• Having significant mobility issues or excessive luggage.

Warning: While convenient, the cost is 5-6 times that of the bus. For solo travelers on a budget, it is hard to justify.

This table summarizes all key data to help you decide the best mode of transport based on your priority: budget, speed, or convenience.

Transport Method	Approx. Journey Time	Approx. Cost (One-Way)	Transfers / Changes	Best For
Translink 240a Bus (Direct)	75 minutes	£11.50	None (Direct)	Best Value, Budget travelers, Solo/Couple
Train (via Antrim)	50-70 minutes	£12 - £15	1 (Bus to Train)	Rail enthusiasts, Final stop near Ballymena station
Taxi / Private Transfer	40-50 minutes	£55 - £80	None (Door-to-Door)	Fastest & Most Convenient, Groups, Late/Early flights
Bus 300 + 218 (via Belfast)	105 minutes	~£14	1 (Bus to Bus)	Backup option, Need to travel via Belfast

Key Takeaway: For most travelers, the direct 240a bus offers the optimal balance. If money is no object and you value time/convenience, pre-book a private transfer.

Beyond schedules and fares, here’s practical advice from local knowledge to make your journey smoother.

Luggage Strategy

• Traveling Light: If you only have cabin bags, all options are easy. The bus is your most straightforward choice.
• With Large Suitcases: Both buses and trains have storage. The direct 240a bus avoids the hassle of moving luggage between different vehicles.

Booking & Timing Advice

• Check Timetables in Advance: Public transport frequency, especially for the direct 240a bus, reduces significantly in the evenings and on Sundays. Never assume there will be a bus in 30 minutes.
• For Early Flights: There is no public transport early enough to get you to BFS for a flight departing before 7:00 AM. A pre-booked taxi from Ballymena is essential.
• Peak Season & Events: During summer holidays or major events in Belfast, pre-book everything – especially transfers and taxis.

Navigating Ballymena on Arrival

• From Ballymena Buscentre: You are in the heart of town. Most hotels, shops, and restaurants are within a 10-15 minute walk. Local taxis are available if needed.
• From Ballymena Train Station: The station is about a 10-15 minute walk south of the main town centre. There is a taxi rank outside.
• Continuing Your Journey: Ballymena Buscentre is a hub for local buses to surrounding villages, the Causeway Coast, and Antrim Area Hospital.