Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Belfast International Airport (BFS) to Portrush for most travelers is by combining the 300A Airport Express bus to Belfast city center and then the train from Belfast Lanyon Place to Portrush via Coleraine. This balance of cost, speed, and reliability takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours total and costs around £25-£35 one-way. The cheapest option is by bus all the way (Airport Express + Goldline 218), costing about £20-£23 but taking over 3 hours.
By Train: The Recommended Balanced Option
Taking the train offers a comfortable, scenic, and efficient journey to Portrush, though it requires a transfer from the airport to a Belfast train station. This is the preferred method for solo travelers, couples, and those without a car who value a stress-free trip.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Airport to Belfast City Centre: Take the Translink 300A Airport Express bus. It runs every 15-30 minutes, takes ~30-50 minutes, and stops at both Belfast Europa Buscentre (near Great Victoria Street Station) and Belfast City Centre (Donegall Square West) (closer to Lanyon Place Station). Fare: ~£8.
- Walk to Train Station:
- From Europa Buscentre: Walk 2 minutes to Belfast Great Victoria Street (GVS) station.
- From Donegall Square West: Walk 10-12 minutes or take a short taxi to Belfast Lanyon Place station (more mainline services).
- Train to Coleraine: Board a Translink Northern Ireland Railways service bound for Londonderry~Derry. The journey to Coleraine takes about 1 hour 25 minutes from Lanyon Place. Trains are modern and comfortable.
- Change at Coleraine for Portrush: At Coleraine, cross the platform to board the waiting local train to Portrush. This scenic 10-15 minute leg runs along the coast.
| Route Segment | Duration | Approx. Fare (One-Way) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300A Bus: Airport → Belfast City | 30-50 min | £8.00 | Every 15-30 min |
| Train: Belfast Lanyon Place → Coleraine | 1 hr 25 min | £12.50 - £18.50* | Hourly |
| Train: Coleraine → Portrush | 10-15 min | Included in through fare | Connects with main trains |
| Total (Excl. transfer/wait) | ~2 hrs 10 min | £20.50 - £26.50+ | - |
*Fares vary by time, advance purchase, and ticket type (e.g., Day Return offers better value). Check Translink for live prices.
Ticket Tips & Railcards
Always book train tickets online in advance for the best fares. Consider the iLink Smartcard for unlimited travel on all Translink services (bus and rail) within zones – a 1-day adult card for the relevant zone covering Belfast to Coleraine/Portrush costs around £15-£20 and can be excellent value if making multiple journeys. There is no "JR Pass" equivalent; discounts are available for seniors, children, and families.
By Bus: The Most Economical Choice
For budget-conscious travelers, a combination of express and coach services is the cheapest method, albeit slower and potentially less comfortable than the train.
Option 1: Airport Express + Goldline Coach (Recommended Bus Route)
- 300A Airport Express from BFS to Belfast Europa Buscentre.
- Goldline Service 218 from Europa Buscentre directly to Portrush (Dunluce Avenue). This coach service is comfortable with Wi-Fi and takes approximately 2 hours.
Total Cost: ~£20-£23 one-way. Total Time: ~3 to 3.5 hours (including wait).
Option 2: Ulsterbus Services (More Local, Cheaper Segments)
Involves multiple local bus changes (e.g., 109A to Antrim, then 218 to Portrush). Only recommended for ultra-budget travelers with plenty of time and light luggage. Journey time can exceed 4 hours.
| Service | From | To | Key Features | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300A Airport Express | Belfast Int'l Airport | Belfast City Centre | Luggage racks, frequent | Buy on bus or online |
| Goldline 218 | Belfast Europa | Portrush & North Coast | Comfortable coach, WiFi, toilet | Advance online booking advised |
Luggage: Both services allow one large suitcase and hand luggage. Space can be limited during peak season.
By Taxi / Private Transfer: For Convenience & Groups
This is a door-to-door solution but comes at a premium. The 70-mile journey is substantial.
- Cost: £120 - £160 for a standard saloon/car one-way. Prices are fixed for pre-booked transfers but can be meter-based for airport taxis, potentially higher.
- Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Booking: Pre-booking online with companies like Airport Taxis Belfast or Value Taxx is strongly recommended for better rates and guaranteed service. Avoid unlicensed cabs.
When is a Taxi Worth It?
- Groups of 4 or more (splitting the cost).
- Arriving after public transport has stopped.
- Travelers with significant mobility issues or excessive luggage.
- Corporate travel or tight schedules.
By Rental Car: Maximum Flexibility
Renting a car at Belfast International Airport is straightforward and ideal for exploring Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast at your own pace.
Key Details:
- Drive Route: Follow signs for the M2 towards Derry~Londonderry, then continue onto the A26 towards Coleraine. From Coleraine, take the A29 towards Portrush. The route is well-signposted.
- Distance & Time: ~70 miles (113 km), taking about 1 hour 15 min to 1 hour 45 min depending on traffic.
- Costs to Consider:
- Rental: £30-£70 per day (varies by season, car size, rental company).
- Fuel: ~£15-£20 for the one-way journey.
- Tolls: None on this route.
- Parking: In Portrush, it can be challenging and costly in summer. Ensure your accommodation has parking.
- Rental Companies at BFS: Major providers like Europcar, Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise have desks in the arrivals hall.
Tip: Book your rental car months in advance for summer trips to secure the best rate and availability. Remember, driving is on the left-hand side in Northern Ireland.
Cost & Time Comparison Table: Belfast Airport to Portrush
| Transport Method | Total Travel Time (Approx.) | Estimated Cost (One-Way, Adult) | Convenience / Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (via Belfast) | 2.5 - 3 hours | £25 - £35 | Comfortable, scenic, reliable. Requires bus/taxi to Belfast station. | Most travelers, solo/couples, scenic lovers |
| Bus (All the Way) | 3 - 3.5 hours | £20 - £23 | Cheapest, direct coach from Belfast, can be slower with traffic. | Budget travelers, backpackers |
| Rental Car | 1 hr 15 min - 1 hr 45 min | £45 - £100+ (rental + fuel) | Full flexibility, explore region. Parking costs & driving stress. | Families/groups, explorers, multi-destination trips |
| Taxi / Private Transfer | 1 hr 15 min - 1 hr 30 min | £120 - £160 | Door-to-door, hassle-free. Very expensive for singles/couples. | Late arrivals, groups, luxury/convenience seekers |
Verdict: For a blend of value, comfort, and experience, the Train is our top recommendation. The Bus wins on pure cost, while the Car wins on freedom.
Traveler Tips & Local Experience
- Luggage Strategy: If traveling by train/bus with large suitcases, pack light. Luggage space is available but not abundant. For surfboards or bulky sports equipment, a rental car or pre-arranged transport is essential.
- The Coleraine Change: Don't worry about the train change at Coleraine. The Portrush service is almost always waiting on the opposite platform for connecting passengers. It's a 2-minute cross-platform transfer.
- Peak Season Chaos (July-August): Book train and bus tickets weeks in advance if traveling during the summer holidays or during major events like the North West 200 motorbike races. Services sell out.
- First/Last Services: Always check the latest timetables on Translink's website. The last train from Belfast to Coleraine is typically around 9:30 PM, and the last 300A bus from the airport is around 11:30 PM.
- Phone Data & Apps: Have mobile data or offline maps. Use the Translink Journey Planner app for real-time bus and train times, tickets, and service alerts.
- Explore En Route: If driving or with spare time, consider stops at the Dark Hedges (Game of Thrones site, off A26) or the historic town of Ballymoney.
FAQs: Belfast Airport to Portrush Travel
Is there a direct train from Belfast International Airport to Portrush?
No, there is no direct train. You must first take a bus or taxi from Belfast International Airport (BFS) to either Belfast Lanyon Place or Belfast Great Victoria Street railway stations, then take a train to Coleraine, followed by a connecting train to Portrush.
What is the cheapest way to get from Belfast International Airport to Portrush?
The cheapest way is by combining the 300A Airport Express bus to Belfast Europa Buscentre (approx. £8) and then a Translink Goldline 218 bus to Portrush (approx. £12-£15). Total cost is around £20-£23 one-way. Booking bus tickets in advance online can sometimes yield lower fares.
How long does the train journey from Belfast to Portrush take?
The direct train journey from Belfast Lanyon Place to Coleraine takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. After a short change at Coleraine, the connecting service to Portrush takes an additional 10-15 minutes. Total train travel time is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes, excluding the transfer from the airport to the Belfast train station (add 30-50 minutes).
Can I use a taxi or private transfer from Belfast Airport to Portrush?
Yes, but it is the most expensive option. A pre-booked private transfer or taxi for the 70-mile (113 km) journey typically costs between £120 and £160 one-way. It's only recommended for large groups (splitting cost), those with heavy luggage, or for arrivals late at night when public transport is limited.
What should I do if I arrive at Belfast International Airport late at night?
Public transport options (buses and trains) from the airport diminish significantly after 10:00 PM. Your best options are: 1) Pre-book a taxi or private transfer (most reliable). 2) Consider staying overnight in Belfast near the airport or city center and traveling to Portrush the next morning. 3) Check the latest schedule for the 300A Airport Express bus, its last departure is around 11:30 PM, but you will need to arrange overnight accommodation in Belfast as connecting services to Portrush will have stopped.
Is it better to rent a car at Belfast Airport for going to Portrush?
Renting a car offers maximum flexibility, especially for exploring the North Coast (Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle) afterward. The drive takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes via the A26 and M2. Consider: Costs (rental, fuel, parking in Portrush), driving side (drive on the left in NI), and parking availability at your accommodation. It's often cost-effective for groups of 3 or more.
Where do I buy train tickets from Belfast to Portrush?
Train tickets can be purchased: 1) Online in advance via the Translink website (often the cheapest). 2) At ticket machines or ticket offices at Belfast Lanyon Place or Belfast Great Victoria Street stations. 3) Onboard the train from the conductor if machines are out of order, but you may pay a slightly higher fare. Consider a Day Return or iLink card for multiple-day travel in Northern Ireland.
What is the most scenic way to travel to Portrush?
The train journey from Coleraine to Portrush is famously scenic, running right along the coastline with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Portstewart Strand, and the Portrush peninsula. For the full scenic route, take the bus/train to Coleraine and ensure you get a seat on the right-hand side (facing the sea) for the final leg into Portrush.