By train
From Belfast: Translink trains run roughly hourly from Belfast Central to Coleraine (about 1 hour 20 minutes), then change for the short hop to Portrush (around 10 minutes). Portrush has two stations — Dhu Varren, on the western edge near West Strand, and Portrush Station in the town centre.
From Derry~Londonderry: The Derry–Coleraine line is one of the most scenic train routes in Ireland, running along the cliffs and the banks of Lough Foyle. It takes about 35 minutes to Coleraine, then change for Portrush as above.
By bus
Goldline coach services run to Coleraine from Belfast (218) and Derry~Londonderry (234). From Coleraine bus/rail station, the Ulsterbus 140 connects on to Portrush.
By car
- From Belfast: M2 towards Antrim, A26 to Ballymena, then M2/A26 towards Coleraine/Portrush.
- From Derry~Londonderry: A2 towards Limavady, A37, then A29 towards Coleraine/Portrush.
- From Dublin and the south: No direct route — go via Belfast or Derry~Londonderry and follow the directions above.
The drive from Belfast takes around 1 hour 15 minutes on the direct route.
The scenic option: the Causeway Coastal Route
If you’re not in a rush, the Causeway Coastal Route from Belfast is the way to do it — it hugs the Atlantic coast the whole way, past Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, the Giant’s Causeway, and a string of small fishing villages and beaches. Driving it in one go takes about 2.5 hours, but it’s worth building in at least half a day to stop along the way.
Parking in Portrush
General car parks in the town include Dunluce Avenue, Dunluce Centre, Sandhill Drive (car and motorhome), West Strand, White Rocks, East Strand, and Lansdowne Road. On-street parking is also available in the town centre. (Confirm current charges/restrictions before publishing — sourced from an older page, not independently re-checked.)