Northern Ireland is easy to get to and also easy to get around. Excellent fast ferry links from England and Scotland to Belfast and Larne, three airports with frequent low-cost flights from the United Kingdom and beyond, plus good roads, buses and trains can all take you where you want to go.
Arriving from the Republic of Ireland
Getting to the North Coast from the Republic of Ireland is very simple. For comprehensive information on travelling by bus, train and plane or for driving routes click here.
Arriving by Air
Scheduled air services operate to Northern Ireland from nearly all major UK airports. There are many direct flights from major European cities to Northern Ireland. Additionally, there are services via Dublin, London and other UK airports.
Major airlines operate scheduled services from the US and Canada to Belfast International Airport via UK airports and airports in the Republic of Ireland. Additionally, there are charter flights direct from New York and Toronto to Belfast.
For full information on the airlines that travel to Northern Ireland’s three airports, go to Belfast International Airport, Belfast City Airport or City of Derry Airport.
Transport to and from Airports
You can travel to the North Coast from the airports using the following services:
- Belfast International Airport: The Airbus service provides a public transport service by bus to and from Belfast International Airport from the Europa Bus Centre in central Belfast. From the Europa Bus Centre Belfast, there are buses by Translink that travel to Coleraine Bus Centre via Service 218 and trains that travel to Coleraine Rail Station. From Coleraine Bus Centre you can travel to Ballycastle via Service 171.
- Belfast City Airport: Flexibus operate the Airlink every 20 minutes from the Airport terminal to the Belfast Europa Bus Centre adjacent to the Europa Hotel, in the heart of the city. No. 3 Metrobus operates every 20 minutes from Sydenham to City Hall. Sydenham is a five-minute walk from the Airport terminal to the bus stop. From the Europa Bus Centre in Belfast follow the travel routes above to get to Ballycastle. The “Airporter” service operates 9 coaches daily to Londonderry. From Londonderry you can travel via train to Coleraine Rail Station or via bus service 234 to Coleraine Bus Centre and then onto Ballycastle via Service 171.
- Dublin Airport: Ulsterbus Goldline Express Service 200 operates to and from the Europa Bus centre in central Belfast. From the Europa Bus Centre in Belfast follow the travel routes above to get to Ballycastle. There are other services also, including Aircoach.
- The Airporter Service travels to and from both Belfast Airports directly to Londonderry. Click here for a timetable. From Londonderry, use the travel options above to travel to Coleraine and then onto Ballycastle.
Crossing by Ferry
Coast to Coast from Scotland to Northern Ireland in 1 hour! Northern Ireland has first-class ferry connections with Scotland, England and the Isle of Man. New, high-speed vessels, enhanced on-board amenities, entertainment and shopping, together with lower prices, make the car ferry a very attractive way to go.
Port information can be obtained from Northern Ireland’s two ports, the Port of Larne and Belfast Harbour.
Transport to and from Sea Ports
You can travel to the North Coast from the sea ports using the following services:
- Port of Larne: Translink offer a bus, coach and train service from the Port of Larne to a number of destinations throughout Northern Ireland. Trains operate from Larne Harbour to Belfast via Larne Town and Carrickfergus.
- Belfast Harbour: The passenger terminal is a short walk from the Laganside Bus Centre, buses travel daily from the bus centre to Chichester Street in Belfast (a few minutes walk from the Europa Bus Centre). There is also an option of taking a bus to Belfast Central Railway Station (a few minutes walk from the Europa Bus Centre) from just outside the terminal.
Upon reaching the Europa Bus Centre in Belfast follow the travel options above (under ‘Transport to and from airports’) to travel to and from the North Coast.
Bicycles and Transport
Public Transport
All bicycles are carried free of charge on Translink buses (Goldline Express Coaches) and trains (including the ‘Enterprise’ service). No bikes will be carried before 0930 hours Monday to Friday. There is space for 2 full-sized bicycles on buses and 4 full-sized bicycles on trains, allocated on a first come, first served basis. Some conditions apply to this service.
Planes
It is feasible to take bicycles on most airlines, the rules and regulations vary from carrier to carrier. Most airlines require you now to bag or box your bike, rather than just allow you to remove the pedals, deflate tyres and turn the handle bars around. Please check with the airline that you intend to use before booking.
Ferries
Normally there is no need to make a reservation for bicycles on ferries. However we recommend contacting the ferry operator before departure as some operators may differ.
