How to Get to Giant's Causeway from Belfast

The Giant's Causeway is a natural site located in Northern Ireland, famous for its unique basalt formations. It is only 90 kilometers away from Belfast and is accessible by a variety of transportation options. The M2 freeway offers a direct route for those who opt for the car, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. There are also regular bus, train and cab services to the Causeway.

In addition to these options, you can join organized tours that offer a convenient and guided way to explore the Giant's Causeway. So that you can organize your trip to one of the best things to see and do in Belfast, here I tell you all about the different ways to get to the Giant's Causeway from Belfast, along with the advantages and disadvantages.

Guided tours are the most practical choice to go from Belfast to the Giant's Causeway, as these services offer you a complete experience. If you decide to join a tour, not only will you be freed from the logistical hassles, but you can also benefit from the organized itinerary, so you can enjoy this natural wonder with greater freedom and freedom.

Choosing a tour to explore the Giant's Causeway will not only simplify your trip, but will also add an informative and cultural component to it. These tours are guided by local experts, so you will be able to delve into the geological and cultural history of the region, which will undoubtedly be an educational and memorable experience.

In addition, on these excursions from Belfast you will have the opportunity to meet other travelers, as they are an ideal space for exchanging impressions about the sites you visit. This social dimension adds a special touch, as the adventure is enjoyed collectively.

Group excursion and bus tour to the Giant's Causeway

Shared bus tours for groups of travelers are a comfortable and affordable way to explore the Giant's Causeway, as well as an opportunity to meet other travelers. They usually follow the Giant's Causeway Coastal Route, stopping at charming seaside towns such as Ballycastle and Ballintoy, before arriving at the Giant's Causeway, where you will see the 40,000 basalt columns.

Some tours, in addition to visiting the Giant's Causeway, often include a visit to the locations where Game of Thrones was filmed, such as The Dark Edges, which is the Giant's Causeway's Royal Road, and Ballintoy. The guide will usually give you a lot of information about the local culture, and will surely tell you about the Irish myth that tells the origin of the Giant's Causeway, which involves two giants, Finn MacCool and the Scottish giant Benandonner.

• Price: from 41 € per person.
• Activity time: about 10 hours.
• Recommended if you want to know the Giant's Causeway at an affordable price and without worrying about logistical planning and transportation.

Private tour and transportation to the Giant's Causeway

If you want a more exclusive alternative, you can join a private tour, accompanied only by the people traveling with you. The experience is ideal if you are only going to be in Belfast for 1 day and want to optimize your time in the city, or if you have traveled with your family or group of friends. This type of tour is usually done in air-conditioned cars and they pick you up at your hotel or accommodation.

One of the main attractions of private tours is the highly personalized service and flexibility in hiring. That's why you can take the tour on any day of the week and adjust the itinerary according to your preferences. For example, you can choose additional stops such as Dunluce Castle or Bushmills Distillery, considered the first distillery in the world. Generally, you can also determine the departure time.

Please note that these tours, being private, usually have higher costs compared to other options, although they do not always include other services, such as lunch.

• Price: from 870 € per group of up to 7 people.
• Activity time: about 9 hours.
• Recommended if you want to explore the Giant's Causeway at your own pace and wish to have an exclusive experience tailored to your preferences.

If you prefer to make an excursion to the Giant's Causeway at your own pace, one of the best alternatives is to rent a car, especially if you will be in Belfast for at least 3 days. This way you will have the freedom to explore the places you want and stop along the way to enjoy the coastal landscapes and villages that make up the Causeway Coastal Route, the coastal route that offers views of the ocean and seascape.

Some of the most recommended stops for your road trip include: Carrickfergus Castle, a medieval castle near Belfast; The Dark Hedges, the famous tunnel of trees that has become iconic thanks to its appearance in Game of Thrones; and Ballycastle, a picturesque seaside village. Also, if you're adventurous, you can walk across the Carrick to Rede Rope Bridge, a suspension bridge that offers panoramic views.

To fully enjoy your trip, don't forget to have an up-to-date map or reliable navigation system handy, and to pay attention to the weather before you leave, as it can change quickly in Northern Ireland. On the other hand, be aware that in popular tourist spots, parking may be limited or expensive. And if you are not used to driving on the left, it may take some time to adjust.

• Price: around 180 € per day.
• Activity time: about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Recommended if you like to create your own itinerary and want to get to know the Calzada del Gigante at your own pace.

Another option to get directly to the Giant's Causeway from Belfast is to use public transport. You must board a bus bound for Aird, Giants Causeway, a service that is provided by Translink. The bus departs from the Belfast Bus Centre, but makes several stops around the city, including North Donegall Square.

The journey will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, and you can enjoy the scenery as you make your way to the Giant's Causeway, the curious rock formation that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will not be able to make intermediate stops on the Calzada Route, as the bus makes a direct trip.

Tickets can be purchased at the bus station, on board the bus or online. It is always advisable to plan your visit in advance and check schedules, as the service makes only 2 trips per day to the Giant's Causeway from Belfast. Please note that although the price is inexpensive, it is similar to that of a shared bus tour.

On the other hand, if you have decided to move around the city by bus, an economical and comfortable alternative are the Belfast Hop-On Hop-Off buses, which take you to the main attractions in a comfortable and affordable way.

• Price: from 40 € per person for a direct bus round trip.
• Activity time: about 2 hours.
• Recommended if you are looking for an economical alternative to reach the Giant's Causeway and prefer to explore it at your own pace.

Another viable choice for getting to the Giant's Causeway from Belfast is to opt for a combination of train and bus. You will begin your journey at Lanyon Place Station and board the train to Coleraine, a journey that takes approximately 1.5 hours. Once in Coleraine, you will board a bus to the Giant's Causeway.

This bus ride, which takes about 40 minutes, will take you directly to The Giant's Causeway Corner, a bar and dining area with outdoor space, which is located right at the entrance to the Causeway.

This combination of train and bus is an inexpensive public transportation alternative, but you will likely have a wait time before boarding the bus in Coleraine. In total, from Lanyon Place Station to the Giant's Causeway, the trip can take you approximately 3 hours, taking into account walking and waiting between transfers. However, it is an affordable transportation alternative, offering more schedule options than the direct bus.

• Price: from 39 € per person for round-trip transportation.
• Activity time: about 3 hours.
• Recommended if you have more time on your hands and want to enjoy a leisurely travel experience.

If you are looking for a trip from Belfast to the Giant's Causeway to see the Irish scenery up close and test your fitness, renting a bike could be one of your best options. One of the great advantages of this bike ride is the total freedom to explore at your own pace, with no time restrictions.

Along the way, you can stop at charming seaside towns, such as Ballymena, which is just about halfway along the way. Keep in mind, however, that it's about a 90 km ride and the hills and some inclines can be challenging, so it's important to be in good physical condition and carry plenty of water.

One of the outstanding routes is the National Cycle Network's Route 93, considered one of the world's premier cycling roads. It runs along the coast from Newry to Ballycastle. An interesting detail is that if you choose to go to the Giant's Causeway by bike, you will be offered a green discount on the entrance fee, which is intended to encourage sustainable and environmentally friendly transport.

Also, renting a bike in Belfast, if you don't have your own, is one of the best ways to see the main attractions of the city. You will find many docking points or bike docks in various parts of the city. Another option is to join an organized bike tour, and visit the attractions in a group, accompanied by a local guide knowledgeable about the history and culture of Belfast.

• Price: about €2 per hour.
• Activity time: between 6 and 6 hours and a half.
• Recommended if you are in good physical condition and like direct contact with nature.

The Giant's Causeway is located about 90 kilometers north of Belfast. Traveling this route will take you a variable time depending on the transport you choose, which can be between 1 and 2 hours with the fastest transports, or from 3 to 6 hours, if you choose to travel by bus or bicycle.

If you decide to visit this particular formation of basalt hexagons from Belfast, you have several options, as you can use public transport (buses and trains), rent a car or a bicycle, or join an organized tour by shared bus or private car. Whichever option you choose, you cannot miss visiting this natural wonder of Northern Ireland, especially if your stay in Belfast will be longer than 3 days.

The best time to visit the Giant's Causeway will depend on your preferences and the type of experience you are looking for. During the spring months (March to May), the landscape is full of fresh colors and the temperature is moderate, ideal for exploring the area. In summer (June to August), you will enjoy longer and warmer days, although it is the busiest season.

If you prefer to avoid the crowds and contemplate quiet landscapes, from September to November, the Calzada offers vibrant colors and a more relaxed atmosphere. Finally, in winter (December to February) and Christmas time in Belfast, the Giant's Causeway receives fewer visitors, but weather conditions can be more unpredictable. Whichever season you choose, you will always find spectacular scenery and the opportunity for unique experiences.

To choose the best day to travel to the Giant's Causeway, keep in mind that the busiest days are usually on weekends, especially in summer, when the site receives a greater number of visitors.

So, if you prefer to avoid crowds, you could visit the Giant's Causeway on weekdays, Monday through Friday. Before you go, remember to check the schedules and specific conditions of transportation or tours to plan your visit optimally. If you don't want to worry about transportation, joining an organized tour from Belfast can make the journey easier and enrich the experience with local information.