Can I visit the Giant’s Causeway on a day trip from Belfast?

The short answer is yes! The Giant’s Causeway is just under 100km from Belfast city and while there are lots of car rental options within the city, a popular option is to take a day-tour, train or bus. 

One of the most cost-effective ways of getting to the causeway is on the Goldliner 221 bus from the Europa Buscentre.  The journey time is about an hour and you can view the timetables here. Another scenic and relaxed way to travel there is by train. It’s a slightly longer trip so you will need to take timetables into account. The train from Belfast to Coleraine takes about 1hr20 minutes, and you then need to take a 20-minute bus (the 172/402 Coastal Rambler) to the Unesco World Heritage Site. 

If you’re looking for a hassle-free adventure, a built-in tour guide and the chance to meet some like-minded explorers along the way, then a bus tour is definitely the way to go. Here are a few popular tour operators to choose from: 

Allen’s Belfast Bus Tours' Giant’s Causeway tour offers an award-winning fully guided tour of the north coast from Belfast city. The tour stops at Carrickfergus Castle, and drives through Glenarm, Carnlough, Cushendall, Ballycastle and Ballintoy while providing insightful commentary. There’s another stop in Bushmills town for a lunch break, and then you head on to the Giant’s Causeway and the Dark Hedges. So, not only will you visit the Giant’s Causeway, but you’ll be clued in on the best surrounding attractions without having to do a lick of research! With prior arrangements, you can even be picked up from your accommodation in Belfast city. 

Another solid option is with Paddywagon. Their unmistakable bright green buses are hard to miss, and their tours are just as fun as their bus design! From the heart of Belfast city, this tour group will take you on a trip down the Causeway coast, to the Dark Hedges, the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and then back home again while making stops and providing information about your surroundings. 

McComb’s Coach Travel have been perfecting their tour for over 25 years – making them the island of Ireland’s longest tour provider to the Causeway. They offer a similar itinerary to the two options above and include a stop in the Fullerton Arms in the village of Ballintoy for a pub grub style lunch. 

That’s just scratching the surface, and there are lots more tour companies to choose from!

Has our Community gone on any bus tours around the island of Ireland?

Hello Kiera, some great tips and advice. Another option for the Giant's Causeway is City Tours Belfast.
I know they operate exclusive COMBO deals, for customers who want to do some Belfast Sightseeing and explore the Causeway Coast.
Giants Causeway Tours
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