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Getting to Portrush – How to Reach Portrush by Car, Train, or BusDoprava do Portrush – Jak se dostat do Portrush autem, vlakem nebo autobusem">

Doprava do Portrush – Jak se dostat do Portrush autem, vlakem nebo autobusem

Oliver Jake
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Oliver Jake
15 minutes read
Blog
září 09, 2025

Best option: take the train from coleraineportrush to Portrush for a quick, comfortable arrival. The coleraineportrush rail link runs frequently, with plenty of seats and easy access to both east and west parts of Portrush. If you’re arriving from Belfast or Derry, this route minimizes driving and lets you start sightseeing right away; you can download the timetable ahead of time to plan these journeys.

Driving along the Causeway Coastal Route gives you full flexibility. From Belfast, the drive is roughly 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes depending on traffic; Coleraine to Portrush takes about 20–30 minutes. Expect restricted space in busy conditions near town centers, but there is plenty of on-street parking and harbour-area lots when the weather is calm. Portrush sits on the northern coast, so the route hugs the sea as you head west or east. Use the west-facing coastal sections when you head west to Portrush, and the east-facing approach if you’re coming from the Coleraine side.

For these journeys by rail, the coleraineportrush service runs hourly on most days and more frequently in peak season. Trains stop at Portrush station just a short walk from the town center and the seafront. From Belfast Central, expect around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours; from Coleraine, 15–20 minutes. Buying tickets online saves time, and the timetable is stable enough for plan-ahead travel.

Ulsterbus and other coach services connect Portrush with Derry, Belfast, and nearby towns along the coast. Buses run regularly through the day and provide direct access to golf clubs, beaches, and the Causeway Coast hotels, with coaches picking up and dropping off near the harbour. A typical Coleraine–Portrush bus trip takes about 25–40 minutes, and you’ll find plenty of options for weekend trips and off-peak discounts. If you’re traveling with a group, coaches offer flexible departures and suitcase space. These services were introduced to simplify coastal travel.

These journeys aren’t only about getting there: If you like an active day, Portrush is compact enough for walking between sights. Once in Portrush you can walk the East Strand and West Strand promenades or take a short stroll to the Royal Portrush Golf Club, which hosted the Open Championship and remains a magnet for golfers. The area is well signposted, offers friendly walking routes, and has public spaces to break up a day with coffee breaks and scenic views. If you’re visiting during a championship or festival, arrive early to secure restricted parking and a comfortable space near the town center.

To optimize trips, download timetable apps, check service alerts, and compare these options the night before you go. Portrush’s rail and bus links provide reliable access for these journeys, with plenty alternatives if you’re short on time. When you plan with these details, you’ll enjoy a smooth start to your Portrush visit.

Driving routes to Portrush: fastest options from Belfast, Coleraine, and Derry

From Belfast, the fastest route to Portrush follows the M2 north to Coleraine via the A26, then the A29 along the coast. In normal traffic, expect about 1 hour 40 minutes; in busy periods, 2 hours or more. Above all, check live traffic before departure and leave a buffer during weekend mornings when roads can be busy. When planning, use which option fits your schedule; the coastal route minimizes inland delays and keeps you on the smoother carriageways. This is the recommended option for most travellers.

From Coleraine, the direct A29 coast road to Portrush is quickest, roughly 25-35 minutes depending on traffic. If you want a scenic opening through Bushmills, you can add a short detour–this adds around 15 minutes but rewards you with views of the north coast. When detouring, recheck your map and adjust arrival time. For busy weekends, pre-booking parking near Portrush town centre can save time; some car parks open early and close late.

From Derry (derry-londonderry), head east on the A6 toward Limavady, then join the Coleraine corridor via the A29 to Portrush. Expect about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes in light traffic; add time on Friday evenings and sunny weekends. The advantage of this route is its straightforward signposting and steady pace along the coast. When you reach the Coleraine area, follow signs to Portrush and local parking options.

Parking and regulations: Portrush offers several car parks near the harbour and beach. Opening times vary by lot and by season; some close early in winter. For busy periods, pre-booking parking where available saves time and avoids circling. If you need specifics, contact local authorities or visit them on site for details.

If you still want to combine driving with rail or bus, translink_ni provides trains from Belfast to Coleraine with a quick transfer to Portrush by bus or taxi. Tickets are available in advance and at the station’s ticket window. Pre-booking is advised during peak periods; this also helps passengers with luggage. The advantage of rail as a backup is predictable schedules and fewer delays on coastal routes.

Short recap: plan ahead, monitor traffic, and allow for detours around busy times. Opening hours for parking, and regulations, vary by season, so check local notices before you arrive. Also consider a short visit to Bushmills if you have time; it adds a layer of local flavor to your Portrush trip.

Portrush parking: recommended car parks, rates, and hours

Park at Lansdowne Car Park for the quickest access to Portrush town and the coast; advance booking is recommended on busy weekends and during events to secure a space without stress.

Rates and hours: Lansdowne Car Park typically offers day rates in the £7–£9 range with hourly rates around £1.50–£2.00; West Strand Car Park along the coast charges about £1.60–£2.10 per hour with a daily cap near £8–£11; Portrush Town Centre Lot operates roughly 07:00–22:00 with similar caps. Timetabled signs on entry show exact figures for the day, and these figures can vary by season and event schedule.

Booking and access: pre-booked spaces are available online through the local authority portal, and booking here should be made well in advance, especially for event weekends. If you prefer to plan by e-mail, use the e-mail option listed on the official site; you can also book for length stays, with length options shown during checkout. These options allow you to reserve in advance and arrive without delay here, and also give you a cushion if you arrive without a pre-booked space.

Getting around: Ulsterbus runs between Portrush and Coleraine and to other towns; these timetabled services offer a convenient transport link between the coast towns and the parking hubs. For sustainability, these services help reduce traffic on busy days and keep access high along the coast. For accessibility details, visit accessibilityrandaorg. Also, planning ahead and booking when possible helps every traveler; between the length of stay and your arrival time, you can coordinate with your group here using clear transport and parking steps.

Rail travel to Portrush: NI Railways lines, stations, and typical journey times

Take the timetabled Belfast–Portrush service via Coleraine; it delivers the most direct coast ride and minimises transfers.

NI Railways operates two main access paths to Portrush: from Belfast along the coast and from Derry-Londonderry through Coleraine. The routes run on coastal tracks, offering steady scenery, reliable departures, and opportunities to ride in comfort with a window seat in the goldliner when available. July increases weekend frequencies, so plan ahead. For accessibility or specific needs, check accessibilityrandaorg guidelines and contact via e-mail for assistance.

Lines and journey times

  • Belfast to Coleraine to Portrush: typical total time 1h 30m–1h 50m on timetabled services; direct trains minimise changing and keep the ride close to the coast.
  • Derry-Londonderry to Coleraine to Portrush: around 1h 30m–1h 50m total; expect slight variations by departure and day.
  • Coleraine to Portrush: 15–25m on most services; this coastal stretch cuts congestion and speeds up a coastal day trip.

Key stations

  • From Belfast: Belfast Great Victoria Street (GVS) or Belfast Central, with direct timetabled links toward Coleraine and Portrush.
  • Along the coast: Coleraine and nearby access points to surrounding towns.
  • Destination: Portrush station, where you can continue by walking toward the coast path or catching a local bus or taxi to sights.
  • From Derry-Londonderry: Derry–Londonderry, then onward to Coleraine and Portrush on the same line.

If you ride a motorcycle to a station, confirm secure parking at the site and plan to continue by bus or taxi when needed. This approach helps everyone by reducing congestion and supporting sustainable travel along the coast. For confirmations, keep an eye on e-mails from the operator, especially around July, and use the window seat to enjoy the scenery while the train continues along the surrounding shoreline.

Ulsterbus Service 402: route map, stops, and how often it runs

Plan to ride Ulsterbus Service 402 for the Causeway Coast leg from Coleraine Centre to Portrush Harbour. Use the route map at designated stops or in the Ulsterbus app to follow the stretches along the coast. The length is roughly 40–45 km, with beach stops at Portstewart and Portrush. In the week you’ll find plenty of departures; in july, frequencies rise to serve beachgoers coming to open coast days. The cost remains practical: a single fare Coleraine–Portrush is about £5–£6, and a day pass sits near £11–£12. Goldliner coaches provide comfortable journeys on the main stretches, while minibus variants handle local hops when loads are appropriate. The service connects with rail at Coleraine centre, and Ballycastle Harbour offers a ferry connection for Rathlin Island. When planning, use the appropriate stops and apply the current timetable; you should check the open timetable for exact times. For travellers coming from airports, use rail links to reach Coleraine centre or Portrush first, then hop on the 402.

Route map and stops

The route map highlights designated stops along the coast: Coleraine Centre; Portstewart Beach and Promenade; Bushmills Village; Ballintoy Harbour; Ballycastle Town Centre and Harbour; Portrush Town Centre and Harbour. Locally served stops include beach access points near Portstewart and Portrush; the Ballycastle stop provides easy access to the Rathlin Island ferry terminal. The map also marks the coast path stretches past caravan parks, where passengers can join or alight for short strolls. Use these stops to tailor a day by the sea or a longer coast ride, and compare connections to rail where you plan a broader trip.

Frequency, timing, and tips

Operating days and frequency: week days and weekends year round, with higher frequency in july. Typical headways are every 60 minutes, but the core coast stretches see 30–40 minute intervals during peak daylight hours in july. Morning departures from Coleraine Centre begin around 06:15, with last buses returning after 21:45. Across a standard week there are roughly 12–16 journeys daily; in july this rises to about 18–22. Passengers should expect plenty of seats, including on Goldliner services for longer stretches. Minibuses handle the shorter hops between towns when demand warrants it. Costs apply to each journey; a single fare Coleraine–Portrush typically costs £5–£6, with a day ticket around £11–£12. Tickets can be bought on board, via the app, or at ticket desks; fare rules are applied consistently at the point of sale. When you plan a trip coming from airports, combine rail to Coleraine centre with the 402 for the coastline, or take the 402 to Portrush and connect to rail for onward legs. For the most efficient plan, match your chosen stop with the appropriate time slot and factor in previous timetable updates to avoid delays. This route remains an efficient coastal link, connecting rail, ferries, and local sights along the coast.

Ticketing and fares: buying options for car, train, and Ulsterbus 402

Book rail or Ulsterbus 402 tickets through translink_ni online or in the app to access the best fares and clear booking options. For june travel, booking ahead avoids last-minute stress, and group or concession fares may apply if you travel with a club or as spectators from the surrounding area. The advantage of upfront booking is easier planning and fixed costs across your travel day.

Car travel remains flexible: connect from derry-londonderry via the coastal roads, then leave your vehicle in parking near Portrush. Public roads can become dense on weekends; an early start reduces delays. Parking bays are clearly signposted, with pay-by-plate or mobile payment methods. If you drive after a match or event, walk from the lot to the club or venue to avoid street congestion and stay close to the action.

rail option: trains operated by Translink NI Railways connect major hubs to Portrush; check rail timetables via translink_ni and opt for a return or day pass on the same booking. timetable updates can occur in june or on weekends, so verify the latest times before you leave. If you travel with a small group, you could save using a group fare where available.

Ulsterbus 402: this route runs between Coleraine and Portrush with stops in Portstewart and nearby towns; tickets can be bought online via translink_ni or directly from the driver with cash or contactless; the app shows real-time arrivals, and you may choose a day pass or return option. If you arrive with spectators or a club, the 402 can be a convenient option to reach Portrush without parking hassle; booking ahead ensures you have a seat.

micheal from the local club notes that spectators arriving from derry-londonderry often reach early and find parking close to the promenade. He adds that walking a short distance to the venue keeps you flexible if the roads get busy.

Accessibility and facilities: stations, vehicles, and in-town access

Plan ahead: arrange assisted access at Coleraine and Portrush stations and please contact the operator at least 48 hours in advance. Following these steps reduces delays during busy stretches; youll find their staff ready to help at the desks, and opentravel pages provide current details for east and west services. In June, schedules may shift, so please check latest times and note that trips on coast routes are often split between trains and coaches.

Stations: Coleraine provides full step-free access to all platforms, with lifts, ramps, and tactile paving; there is an accessible toilet on platform 1 and an information desk nearby. Portrush offers coordinated assistance on arrival and access to the platform from the booking hall; staff can guide you to the correct carriage. In both hubs, signposted routes connect to the town centre, with motorcycle parking and a drop-off point at the forecourt. In-town walking times are approximately 5–15 minutes depending on route.

Vehicles: trains support level boarding where indicated and spaces for mobility aids; coaches and long-distance services use low-floor entry. On coach services, advance assistance can be advised; discount fares may apply for eligible travellers. If youll travel east along the coast, continue to verify accessibility for your service and confirm any transfers with station staff if needed.

In-town access: local routes are served by low-floor buses on most stretches, and key stops are within a short walk of station exits. Taxi ranks operate at both stations’ forecourts, and some providers offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles. For motorcycle users, dedicated parking spaces are available on request at Coleraine and Portrush; please arrive early to reserve space.

Station Step-free access Platform information Accessibility facilities In-town access Poznámky
Coleraine Full step-free access to all platforms Lift and ramp routes; tactile paving Accessible toilet on platform 1; hearing loop at the info desk Bus stops within 5–7 minutes; taxi rank on forecourt; walking to town approx 5–15 minutes Advance assistance advised; discount fares may apply; refer to m2a26 corridor for transfers
Portrush Partial step-free access to platforms Staff assistance available; clear platform-edge markings Onboard seating for accessibility; ramp access on request Coast road buses stop near station; walking to town centre approx 10–12 minutes June service changes; please advise ahead for connections; check opentravel for current times

Arrival tips: from Portrush station or bus stops to town center and attractions

Arrival tips: from Portrush station or bus stops to town center and attractions

Take the shuttle from Portrush station; it takes around 6–8 minutes to reach the town center, with stops at the harbour and the main attractions.

If you prefer a walk, a flat 15–20 minute stroll along the seafront leads to the town center and popular sights. The route stays through pedestrian zones and avoids restricted roads during busy periods.

By bus, routes from Portrush connect to the town center and coastline. Check the timetable online via Translink pro options and pick a discount fare when available. For groups or students, ask about discount options and arrangements.

For a private route, book a minibus transfer from the station or local stops; this is a convenient arrangement for families and small groups, with door-to-door service to your hotel or chosen entrance points.

If you plan to visit bushmills or head toward derry-londonderry, use Translink connections; many routes pass through areas around Portrush and bushmills along the North Coast. Check online for the latest timetable and contact details.

Traffic can spike at peak times, so plan around the timetable and avoid hard arrivals at the main forecourt. The online options and note on the official pages help you choose the best times to travel throughout the year, while watching for any restricted routes.

Ideally, book entrance tickets online to secure a discount and skip queues. Note: entrances to attractions are clearly signposted; use a map to find your way around the town and its areas.

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