🚌 Bus from Ballymena to Belfast
4 direct routes · about 59 min · first bus 06:30, last bus 18:30 (weekdays).
💷 Translink sets zonal fares on this journey. Smartlink/iLink cards and contactless are cheaper than cash, with daily and weekly caps on Metro and Glider. Who travels free →
Direct routes
| Route | Operator | Journey time | Weekday journeys | First | Last | Board at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 218 | Goldliner | ~59 min | 14 | 06:30 | 18:30 | Ballymena Bus & Rail Centre |
| 573 | Ulsterbus | ~81 min | 3 | 09:00 | 16:45 | Ballymena Bus & Rail Centre |
| 221 | Goldliner | ~42 min | 2 | 16:00 | 17:00 | Ballymena Bus & Rail Centre |
| 120 | Ulsterbus | ~80 min | 1 | 15:45 | 15:45 | Ballymena Bus & Rail Centre |
Times are for the first boarding point in Ballymena on each route's weekday timetable — open the route for the full timetable, live map and every stop.
Frequently asked questions
Which bus goes from Ballymena to Belfast?
4 routes run directly from Ballymena to Belfast: the 218 (Goldliner), the 573 (Ulsterbus), the 221 (Goldliner), the 120 (Ulsterbus).
How long does the bus take from Ballymena to Belfast?
Around 59 minutes on the 218, depending on time of day and traffic.
What time is the first and last bus from Ballymena to Belfast?
On weekdays the first direct bus (the 218) leaves around 06:30 and the last around 18:30. Check the route timetable for weekends.
How much is the bus from Ballymena to Belfast?
Translink sets zonal fares on this journey. Smartlink/iLink cards and contactless are cheaper than cash, with daily and weekly caps on Metro and Glider.