Quick Answer
The best overall way to travel from Belfast International Airport (BFS) to the Giant's Causeway on the Causeway Coast is by renting a car. It offers maximum flexibility, takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, and costs approximately £40-£70 per day plus fuel. For those not driving, the most efficient public transport route is the Airport Express 300A bus to Belfast Europa BusCentre, a train to Coleraine, and then the Ulsterbus 172 Causeway Coast Shuttle, taking around 2.5 to 3 hours and costing £25-£35 one-way.
Train & Public Transport: A Scenic but Multi-Leg Journey
There is no direct rail link from Belfast International Airport. The journey involves a combination of bus and train, offering a chance to see the Northern Irish countryside. The core route is: Airport Bus → Mainline Train → Local Causeway Shuttle Bus.
Step-by-Step Guide (Recommended Route)
- Airport to Belfast City Centre: Take the Translink Airport Express 300A bus from directly outside the terminal. It runs every 15-30 minutes to Belfast Europa BusCentre (journey: ~30 mins, cost: £8.50 single, £11.50 return).
- Belfast to Coleraine by Train: Walk 5 minutes to Belfast Lanyon Place station. Take a Translink NI Railways service towards Derry~Londonderry or Coleraine (journey: ~1 hr 20 mins to Coleraine, cost: Off-Peak Day Return ~£15). Scenic highlight: the track runs along the coast between Coleraine and Derry.
- Coleraine to Giant's Causeway: At Coleraine station, transfer to the Ulsterbus Service 172 - Causeway Coast Shuttle. This hop-on-hop-off service runs to the Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre, Bushmills Distillery, and Carrick-a-Rede (journey: ~25 mins to Causeway, cost: £4-£6 return).
Alternative Public Transport Routes
| Route | Key Steps | Approx. Total Time | Approx. Total Cost (One-Way) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Via Antrim (Budget) | Bus 109A to Antrim Bus Centre → Train to Coleraine → Bus 172. | 3+ hours | £20-£28 | Saving money, less frequent service. |
| All-Bus Route | Bus 300A to Belfast → Ulsterbus 221 to Ballycastle → Bus 172 to Causeway. | 3.5+ hours | £24-£33 | If you prefer bus travel or miss a train connection. |
Ticketing Tip: Consider an mLink card or the "Causeway Rambler" day ticket if planning multiple bus journeys on the coast. Train tickets are cheaper when booked online in advance.
Car Rental & Driving: The Ultimate Flexibility
Driving is the most recommended way to explore the Causeway Coast, as it allows you to visit remote viewpoints, multiple attractions in one day, and travel on your own schedule.
Step-by-Step Driving Guide
- Pick Up Your Car: Major rental companies (Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Europcar) have desks in the Belfast International Airport arrivals hall. Pre-booking online is essential, especially in summer.
- The Drive: Take the M2 motorway north towards Antrim/Ballymena. Continue onto the A26 towards Ballymena and then the A44 towards Ballymoney. Join the A2 coast road at Coleraine or Ballycastle for the spectacular scenic route to the Giant's Causeway.
- Parking: The main Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre car park charges a fee (£13 for cars, often waived if you have Visitor Centre entry tickets). Cheaper or free parking can be found at nearby alternative sites like the Giant's Causeway & Bushmills Railway car park or in Bushmills town.
Cost Breakdown & Considerations
- Rental Cost: £40-£70 per day for a standard car, plus insurance waivers. Weekly rentals offer better value.
- Fuel: Approximately £15-£20 for a round trip from the airport.
- Tolls: There are no road tolls on this route.
- Navigation: Use Google Maps or Waze. Download offline maps as mobile signal can be patchy on the coast.
- Driving Tips: Roads are generally good but can be narrow and winding on the coast (A2). Drive cautiously, especially in poor weather. Remember to drive on the left.
Direct Bus & Organised Coach Tours
For a hassle-free experience where logistics are handled for you, consider a pre-arranged coach tour.
Organised Day Tours from Belfast/Airport
Many tour companies operate from Belfast. While most depart from the city centre, some can arrange airport pick-up for groups or with advance notice.
- McCombs Coach Travel: Offers specific Giant's Causeway tours from Belfast, often including the Dark Hedges and Carrick-a-Rede. Prices from £35.
- Irish Tour Tickets: Runs frequent, well-reviewed day trips covering the major sights. Check if they offer an "Airport Meet & Greet" add-on.
Pros: Expert guide, all transportation and itinerary planned, meet other travelers.
Cons: Fixed schedule, limited time at each spot, may not suit early airport arrivals.
Direct Public Coach Services
There is no direct public bus from Belfast Airport to the Causeway Coast. You must go via Belfast as detailed in the public transport section.
Taxi & Private Transfers: Door-to-Door Convenience at a Premium
This is the most expensive option, suitable for groups, those with heavy luggage, or travelers arriving late at night.
Options & Pricing
- Pre-Booked Private Transfer: Companies like Belfast Airport Taxi or Airport Transfers UK offer fixed-price, pre-booked cars. A standard car to the Giant's Causeway costs £100-£140 one-way. A minivan for 8 people can be £150-£200.
- Airport Taxi Rank: Metered taxis are available outside the terminal. The fare for the 60-mile journey will be very high (£120-£180+) and subject to traffic. Always confirm an estimated fare before setting off.
- Ride-Sharing (Uber/Bolt): Availability for such a long trip is unreliable and pricing can be surge-dependent, often matching or exceeding taxi fares. Not recommended for this journey.
When is it Worth It?
- Traveling in a group of 4 or more (splitting the cost).
- Arriving on a late-night flight after public transport has stopped.
- If you have mobility issues or excessive luggage.
- For a special occasion where time and comfort are paramount.
Cost & Time Comparison: All Transport Options at a Glance
| Transport Method | Approx. Journey Time (Door-to-Door) | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Key Advantages | Key Disadvantages | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rental Car | 1 hr 30 min - 2 hrs | £40-£90 (daily rate + fuel) | Total freedom, scenic stops, efficient for groups. | Driving on left, parking costs, rental paperwork. | Families, groups, photographers, independent travelers. |
| Train + Bus (via Belfast) | 2 hrs 30 min - 3 hrs 30 min | £25-£35 | Scenic train ride, no stress of driving, affordable. | Multiple changes, fixed schedules, luggage hassle. | Solo travelers, couples, those without a driving license. |
| Organised Coach Tour | 8-10 hrs (full day tour) | £35-£65 (per person) | All-inclusive, guided commentary, social. | Rigid timetable, limited time at sites, starts in Belfast. | First-time visitors, those short on time who want an overview. |
| Private Transfer / Taxi | 1 hr 15 min - 1 hr 45 min | £100-£180 | Door-to-door, comfortable, available 24/7. | Extremely expensive, no flexibility once en route. | Groups, late arrivals, travelers with special needs. |
Note: Times are estimates and can vary with traffic, connections, and waiting time. Costs are per vehicle for car/taxi, per person for public transport/tours.
Traveler Tips & Essential Advice for the Causeway Coast
Luggage & Logistics
- Luggage Storage: Belfast International Airport offers left luggage facilities. If doing a day trip, store your bags here rather than dragging them to the coast.
- Pack for the Weather: The coast is famously windy and rainy. A waterproof jacket, layers, and sturdy shoes are non-negotiable, even in summer.
Booking & Timing
- Visitor Centre Tickets: You must book timed entry tickets online in advance for the Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre, especially for weekends and July/August. Access to the stones themselves is free, but the centre, parking, and audio guide require a ticket.
- Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: This also requires advanced online booking. It often sells out days in advance.
- Start Early: To avoid the largest crowds at the Causeway (often from 11am-3pm), aim to arrive as early as possible, particularly if driving.
On the Ground
- The "Black Taxi" Tour Alternative: In Belfast, consider a political mural taxi tour before heading north. It's a profound cultural experience.
- Beyond the Stones: The Causeway Coast has more to offer. Don't miss the coastal walk from the Causeway to Portballintrae, the ruins of Dunluce Castle, or a whiskey tasting at Bushmills Distillery (book ahead).
- Money: Have some cash (£ Sterling) for small car parks, donations at free sights, and rural cafes where card machines might be unreliable.
FAQs: Belfast Airport to Causeway Coast Travel
Is there a direct train from Belfast Airport to Causeway Coast?
No, there is no direct train from Belfast International Airport (BFS) to the Causeway Coast. You must first take a bus or taxi to either Belfast City Centre or a main train station like Antrim or Belfast Lanyon Place, then connect to a train towards Coleraine or Derry~Londonderry, followed by a local bus (e.g., Ulsterbus Service 172) to the coast attractions.
What is the cheapest way to get from Belfast Airport to Giant's Causeway?
The cheapest way is a combination of public buses. Take the Translink 300A bus from the airport to Belfast Europa BusCentre (£8-£11), then the Ulsterbus 221 to Ballycastle (£12-£16), and finally the local 172 to the Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre (£4-£6). Total cost is approximately £24-£33 one-way, but journey time can exceed 3.5 hours.
How long does it take to drive from Belfast Airport to Causeway Coast?
The drive from Belfast International Airport to the Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre is approximately 60 miles (97 km) and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes via the M2 and A26, depending on traffic. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the coast at your own pace.
Are there any organised tours from Belfast Airport to the Causeway Coast?
Yes, several tour companies offer day trips from Belfast (including pick-ups from the airport by prior arrangement). Companies like Irish Tour Tickets or Causeway Coast Day Tours provide guided coach tours that include the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and other highlights. Prices range from £35 to £65 per person and handle all logistics.
Can I use a ride-sharing app like Uber from Belfast Airport?
Uber operates in Belfast, but availability for a long-distance trip to the Causeway Coast (60+ miles) is not guaranteed and would be extremely expensive (£100-£150+ one-way). It is not a recommended or reliable method for this journey. Pre-booking a private transfer or taxi is a better option if you require door-to-door service.
Is it feasible to visit the Causeway Coast as a day trip from Belfast Airport?
Yes, it is feasible but requires an early start and efficient planning. If you land in the morning, you can store luggage at the airport, take a pre-booked tour, or use a rental car to drive directly. Allow a minimum of 2-3 hours travel time each way, plus 3-4 hours to see the main sights. Returning to the airport for an evening flight is possible but tight.
What is the best transport option for a family with luggage?
For a family with luggage, renting a car at the airport is the best option. It provides space for luggage, flexibility with schedules, and comfort. The second-best option is a pre-booked private minivan transfer. Public transport involves multiple changes and can be challenging with bulky suitcases, especially on buses with limited luggage space.
Do I need to pre-book tickets for the Causeway Coast shuttle bus?
No, you do not need to pre-book the Causeway Coast Shuttle bus (Ulsterbus Service 172) that runs between Coleraine/Ballycastle train stations and the Giant's Causeway. You pay the driver (£4-£6 return). However, you must book timed entry tickets for the Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre in advance during peak season.