City Local Transportation Guide for Giant’s Causeway, Ireland
Giant’s Causeway, located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its unique hexagonal basalt columns. While it is a natural attraction rather than a city, visitors can reach it using various transportation options from nearby cities like Belfast, Coleraine, and Derry/Londonderry. Below is a structured guide covering the available transportation methods to and around Giant’s Causeway.
Local Transportation Options in Giant’s Causeway
| Mode of Transport | Availability | Routes & Key Stops | Ticket Price | Operating Hours | Notes |
|----------------------|----------------|----------------------|----------------|----------------|---------|
| Car (Self-Drive) | Yes | Belfast → A2 Coastal Route → Giant’s Causeway (1.5-2 hours drive) | Fuel costs + £13 for Visitor Centre parking | 24/7 | Most flexible option, parking available at Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre |
| Bus (Translink Ulsterbus 172 & 402) | Yes | Belfast/Coleraine → Bushmills → Giant’s Causeway | £9-£12 (single), £17-£20 (return) | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (check seasonal schedules) | Most affordable option, direct routes available |
| Train (NI Railways) | Yes (partially) | Belfast → Coleraine → Transfer to Ulsterbus 402 | £10-£15 (one way) | 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM | Train runs only up to Coleraine, requires a bus/taxi transfer |
| Tram (Bushmills Causeway & Heritage Railway) | Yes (seasonal) | Bushmills → Giant’s Causeway | £7-£10 (one way) | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (seasonal April-September) | A scenic heritage railway, fun experience for tourists |
| Taxi / Ride-Sharing | Yes (Limited) | Belfast / Coleraine / Bushmills → Giant’s Causeway | £40-£80 (depends on distance) | 24/7 (Pre-booking recommended) | Taxis can be expensive; recommended for groups |
| Guided Tours (Private & Group) | Yes | Belfast / Derry → Giant’s Causeway | £30-£50 per person | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Many companies offer day trips with stops at Carrick-a-Rede, Dark Hedges, etc. |
Recommended Ways to Get to Giant’s Causeway
From Belfast:
- By Car: 1.5 - 2 hours via A2 Causeway Coastal Route (most scenic).
- By Train: Take the NI Railways Belfast - Coleraine, then Ulsterbus 402 to Giant’s Causeway.
- By Bus: Ulsterbus 172 or 402 (direct route).
- Guided Tour: Many day tours available from Belfast.
From Dublin:
- By Train: Dublin to Belfast (Irish Rail) → Transfer to NI Railways to Coleraine → Bus to Giant’s Causeway.
- By Bus: Dublin to Belfast, then a direct bus or train to Coleraine.
- By Car: 3.5 - 4 hours drive via M1/A1/M2.
From Derry/Londonderry:
- By Car: 1.5 hours via A2.
- By Train: Derry to Coleraine → Bus to Giant’s Causeway.
- By Bus: Ulsterbus 234 or 402 (direct).
Additional Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
Weather: The area can be windy and rainy, so bring a jacket and wear sturdy shoes.
Parking: The Visitor Centre parking fee is around £13 (includes access to facilities).
Alternative Parking: Park in Bushmills and take the Causeway Tram or walk (3km).
Tourist Attractions Nearby: Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle, The Dark Hedges (all within a short drive).
