Getting to the Causeway Coastal Route 

“Getting to” the Causeway Coastal Route may look like the start of the adventure and it is but the real joy begins once you’re on it. This iconic stretch along Northern Ireland’s north coast links two of the island’s greatest gateways and offers dramatic scenery, rich heritage and easy access from land, air or sea. 

Suggested Journey Starters 

From Belfast - Set off north-west, pick up the coast road through the Glens of Antrim, pass the sea cliffs, and follow the coastline towards the UNESCO site at Giant’s Causeway.  

From Derry~Londonderry - Alternatively begin in the west, travel eastwards along Strands, views and harbours, and work your way back towards Belfast or base yourself mid-route and explore both directions. 

By Air 

The nearest airports to the route are: 

Belfast International Airport (BFS)

Belfast City Airport (BHD)  

Both offering regular UK & European flights. Further west, City of Derry Airport (LDY) is ideally placed for beginning or ending your journey at the Derry~Londonderry side.  

Once you’ve landed, car hire, taxis or coach services will have you merging into the route in no time. 

By Ferry 

You can arrive via ferry into Northern Ireland’s major ports and hop a short onward journey onto the Coastal Route. Daily ferry routes connect Belfast Harbour and nearby Port of Larne with Scotland and northern England, making it easy to travel by car or on foot. 

Stena Line operates services between Belfast and Cairnryan, with onboard facilities and crossings of around two hours. 

P&O Ferries sail between Larne and Cairnryan several times daily. 

Kintyre Express offers services between Ballycastle, Campeltown and Port Ellen  

By Car & Coach 

Driving the route gives you total freedom and is strongly recommended for getting the most from the landscapes. 

It stretches roughly 75-115 miles (120-185 km) between Belfast and Derry~Londonderry depending on how much of the loops and side-routes you include.  

Car hire is available at the major airports and you’ll find well-signposted roads throughout. 

For non-drivers, coach/ bus services operate into the main towns, and onward links put you on the route. 

Plan Your Trip 

Now that you know how to get here, it’s time to think about where you’ll stay, what you’ll see, and how long you’ll linger. 

From cliff-hanging views and historic castles to quiet coves and lively food scenes, the Causeway Coastal Route is your invitation to slow down, soak it up and embrace the spirit of this coastline. Plan your Causeway Coastal Route break today.

Make getting to the Causeway Coastal Route easy by exploring travel routes and options in our planner map below.