Major city · United Kingdom
ColeraineCúil Rathain
Use Coleraine as a 1-night rail and bus base for the Causeway Coast, not a sightseeing stop: the town itself is 2–3 hours, the coast is the reason.
Coleraine is a market town and transport hub on the River Bann, 80 minutes by train from Belfast and 40 minutes from Derry, with hourly connections to Portrush and the coast. It has few sights of its own, but it is the best-value bed base for the Giant's Causeway, Bushmills and the beaches, and it is where the buses to those places start. Stay one night, two if you want a full coast day without a car.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Jan–Feb (wet, short days); Northwest 200 week if you want quiet roads
- Airports
- BFS · BHD · LDY
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Coleraine999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Coleraine, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyA low-crime town and a safe base; the real risks are weather, thin Sunday buses and unlit coastal paths after dark.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police, fire, ambulance · 101 police non-urgent · 111 NHS non-urgent
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckBFS Belfast International (Aldergrove) (Train from Antrim station, about 1 h 20 min total to Coleraine; check the Antrim connection).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable: station to The Diamond is about 200 yards.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course£12–18 (≈ US$16–25)
- BeerPint of beer£5–6.50 (≈ US$7–9)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi within town£5–8 (≈ US$7–11)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week£8–15 (≈ US$11–20)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per person£25 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedB&B or hotel double room, a night, per room£110 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedB&B or hotel double room, a night, per room£180 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £45 (≈ US$60) · Mid £80 (≈ US$110) · High £150 (≈ US$200)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BFS Belfast International (Aldergrove) (Train from Antrim station, about 1 h 20 min total to Coleraine; check the Antrim connection) · BHD George Best Belfast City (Bus or taxi to Belfast city centre, then hourly train to Coleraine, about 2 h 15 min total) · LDY City of Derry (Bus 134/234 from Eglinton via Limavady to Coleraine; limited daily services, check times)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Aug
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Jan–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (17 rain days), driest Apr (12). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Coleraine: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
17 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
14 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
15 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
12 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Jul
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
13 rd
Aug
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
14 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
14 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
16 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
16 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
17 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable: station to The Diamond is about 200 yards. Bus 140 runs the Coleraine–Portstewart–Portrush triangle every 20 min Mon–Fri, hourly Saturday, about every 2 hours Sunday. Bus 172/402 follows the coast to Dunluce, Bushmills, the Giant's Causeway and Ballycastle, but only 2–3 times Mon–Fri and once on Saturday, so plan around it or drive. Ulsterbus 139 loops the town hourly Mon–Sat.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Portstewart
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Bus 140 from Coleraine station, about 15 min
Long sandy beach and promenade; easy half-day, more if the weather holds.
Portrush
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Train from Coleraine, about 15 min, or bus 140
Seaside town with beaches and amusements; the train is the simplest hop.
Castlerock
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Train towards Derry, about 15 min
Mussenden Temple and Downhill strand; a short walk from the station.
Giant's Causeway and Bushmills
cautionDoor to door: 1–1.5 h each way
Bus 172/402 from Coleraine, 2–3 times Mon–Fri, once Saturday
Doable by bus but the timetable is tight; a car or tour gives you the day back.
Door to door: About 1 h
Train along the coast, about 40 min
Walled city; an easy half-day or a night of its own.
Limavady
cautionDoor to door: About 45 min
Bus 134 via Aghanloo and Magilligan, 5–6 times Mon–Sat
Fine for Magilligan Point and the Roe Valley; check the return times.
Magherafelt
skipDoor to door: About 1 h
Ulsterbus 116 via Garvagh, 4 times Mon–Fri, 2 Saturday
Inland route with no coast views; only worth it if you are heading that way.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre (The Diamond and Railway Rd)
Walk to station, pubs and shops; most B&Bs and the small hotels sit within 15 min of the station.
Riverside / Castlerock Rd west bank
Quieter, near the Old Court House pub and the bridge; 10–15 min walk to the station.
Edge-of-town hotels (Lodge Rd, Drumcroom Rd)
Car-friendly with parking and leisure facilities; 20–30 min walk or a short taxi to the centre.
Portstewart or Portrush (nearby)
Seaside beds 10–20 min away by bus 140; better for beach evenings, thinner off-season.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £45–70 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- £70–120 (≈ US$95–160) excl. bed
- High
- £120 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B or hotel double room1 × 1 night × £110 | £110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £80 | £160 |
| Train Belfast → Coleraine, one way2 × £15 | £30 |
| Bus 140 triangle day, one day2 × £8 | £16 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £10 | £20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £34 |
| Trip total≈ £185 per person per day, bed included | £370≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in pounds; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main course | £12–18 (≈ US$16–25) |
| Pint of beer | £5–6.50 (≈ US$7–9) |
| Fish and chips | £10–15 (≈ US$14–20) |
| Train Coleraine → Belfast, one way | £12–16 (≈ US$16–25) |
| Taxi within town | £5–8 (≈ US$7–11) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | £8–15 (≈ US$11–20) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Coast buses are sparse: the 172/402 runs 2–3 times Mon–Fri and once on Saturday, so a missed bus can cost hours.
- Sunday service is thin on nearly every route; check the day's timetable before you commit.
- Northwest 200 in May closes roads between Coleraine, Portrush and Portstewart; expect diversions and full beds.
- Book coast accommodation early for May–September and race week; the town's own stock is small.
- Rain is likely in any month: pack a waterproof rather than planning around a dry forecast.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 999
- Police non-urgent
- 101
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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ColeraineCúil Rathain
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance999
- Police non-urgent101
- NHS non-urgent111
Embassy
No embassies in Coleraine; the US consulate-general is in Belfast, and most other countries have embassies in London or Dublin (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Train Coleraine → Belfast: about £12–16 (≈ US$16–25), 80 min
- Train Coleraine → Derry: about £10–13 (≈ US$14–18), 40 min
- Bus 140 Coleraine → Portrush: about £3–4 (≈ US$4–6), 20 min
Say or show
- Hello — Hello
- Please — Please
- Thank you — Thank you
- Excuse me — Excuse me
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
Local language is English; no phrase card needed.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Coleraine. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Jan–Feb (wet, short days); Northwest 200 week if you want quiet roads · month by month →
- 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for BFS and BHD: train times from Antrim and Belfast, taxi fallback, late-arrival rung.
- Coast bus fixture: 172/402 and 140 timetables field-checked by day of week, with a car or tour fallback.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs for Mount Sandel, the Riverside Theatre and the Causeway coast stops.
- Race-week and storm fixtures so gates A–D can go green.