Fastest ~1h45 by bus
| 🚆 Train | ~2h10–2h20 | Scenic Antrim coast route, Translink NI Railways |
| 🚌 Bus | ~1h45–2h | Goldline coach, faster and often cheaper than train |
| 🚗 Car | ~1h15–1h30 | Fastest door-to-door via A6; coastal A2 adds 2h+ |
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The journey from Belfast to Derry — Northern Ireland's second city, also known as Londonderry — is one of the most scenically rewarding rail trips in Ireland: the line hugs the shore of Lough Neagh, crosses the River Bann at Coleraine, and runs right along the shoreline of Lough Foyle into the walled city. Coaches and the car are solid alternatives. Here is how all three compare.
The most atmospheric way: Translink NI Railways
Translink NI Railways operates the railway between Belfast Great Victoria Street (and sometimes Belfast Lanyon Place/Central) and Derry/Londonderry, with journey times of around 2 hours 10 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes. Services run roughly every hour or two throughout the day, with fewer trains on Sundays.
The route is justly praised for its scenery. The final section from Castlerock runs along the dramatic cliffs above the North Atlantic, with views out towards the Giant's Causeway headlands and, on a clear day, the coast of Scotland. The approach to Derry runs along the eastern shore of Lough Foyle, with the city walls and St Columb's Cathedral visible as you pull in.
Derry/Londonderry station is on the east bank of the River Foyle at Waterside, connected to the walled city on the west bank by a free shuttle bus or a pleasant 15-minute walk across the Peace Bridge, a striking curved pedestrian bridge that opened in 2011. Fares are reasonable, and Translink's iLink smartcard offers discounts for regular travellers.
Tip: If time allows, break the journey at Coleraine and take the short branch to Portrush, the closest rail station to the Giant's Causeway. A seasonal bus connects Portrush to the causeway itself.
The cheapest and sometimes faster option: Translink Goldline coach
Translink Goldline operates the express coach service between Belfast's Europa Bus Centre and Derry/Londonderry's Foyle Street Bus Station (in the city centre, on the west bank). Journey times are typically around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours — faster than the train, and sometimes cheaper depending on the fare.
Goldline coaches are comfortable, with regular departures throughout the day. The route takes the A6 dual carriageway through Dungiven and Claudy, a more direct road than the railway's coastal detour. If you are heading straight to the centre and the city walls, the coach drops you closer to them than the railway station does.
Ulsterbus services also run on this corridor via various routes, though they stop more frequently and take longer.
Driving: the scenic route via the north coast
The direct driving distance from Belfast to Derry via the A6 is around 70 miles (115 km) and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes in normal traffic. This is clearly the fastest door-to-door option if you have a car.
However, many visitors choose to take the longer coastal route via the Antrim Coast Road (A2) through Carrickfergus, Larne, the Glens of Antrim, Ballycastle and the Giant's Causeway before continuing to Derry. This adds 40–50 miles and at least two hours of driving, but takes in some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Europe. The Causeway Coastal Route is signposted and provides a genuinely memorable alternative to the motorway.
Parking in Derry city centre is available in several car parks and on-street in the Waterside area.
What to see in Derry
Derry/Londonderry is the only completely intact walled city in Ireland, and walking the full circuit of the city walls — about 1.5 km — is the natural starting point for any visit. The walls date largely from the early 17th century and offer views over the Bogside murals (just outside the walls), the cathedral and the River Foyle.
The Museum of Free Derry in the Bogside tells the story of the civil rights movement and Bloody Sunday with great honesty and care. The Guildhall, the striking neo-Gothic city hall on the riverfront, has free exhibitions on the city's history. The Peace Bridge and the Ebrington Square former military barracks on the east bank complete the picture of a city that has reinvented itself thoughtfully after decades of conflict.
Which should you choose?
For scenery and atmosphere, the train is special — the north coast section is one of those rail journeys that makes the journey itself worthwhile. For speed and central arrival, the Goldline coach is practical and faster. Drive if you want to take the Antrim Coast Road or explore beyond the city. For a broader view of rail options in the UK and Ireland, see our UK rail guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Belfast to Derry?
Translink NI Railways services take around 2 hours 10 to 2 hours 20 minutes from Belfast Great Victoria Street to Derry/Londonderry, via Antrim, Ballymena and Coleraine.
Is the Goldline coach faster than the train?
Yes, typically. Goldline services take around 1h45 to 2 hours via the A6 and are often cheaper. The train is longer but more scenic, running along the Antrim coast and the shore of Lough Foyle.
How do I get from Derry station to the city walls?
Derry railway station is at Waterside, on the east bank of the Foyle. The walled city is on the west bank, about a 15-minute walk via the Peace Bridge, or a short hop on the free Translink shuttle bus.
Can I visit the Giant's Causeway on the way?
Yes, if you have time. Alight at Coleraine and take the branch line to Portrush (about 12 minutes), then a seasonal shuttle bus or taxi to the Causeway. By car, the full Antrim Coast Road route via Ballycastle is spectacular but adds at least two hours.
Sources and further reading:
- Timetables, fares and the iLink smartcard: Translink (translink.co.uk).
- Causeway Coastal Route information: Tourism Northern Ireland and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
- City information: Visit Derry.