🚌 Bus from Belfast to Ballymena
5 direct routes · about 65 min · first bus 07:45, last bus 19:45 (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 | ~65 min | 12 | 07:45 | 19:45 | Laganside Bus Station |
| 120 | Ulsterbus | ~87 min | 2 | 07:15 | 15:25 | Laganside Bus Station |
| 221 | Goldliner | ~45 min | 2 | 09:20 | 10:20 | Laganside Bus Station |
| 218a | Goldliner | ~55 min | 2 | 16:45 | 17:45 | Laganside Bus Station |
| 573 | Ulsterbus | ~73 min | 1 | 18:15 | 18:15 | Laganside Bus Station |
Times are for the first boarding point in Belfast 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 Belfast to Ballymena?
5 routes run directly from Belfast to Ballymena: the 218 (Goldliner), the 120 (Ulsterbus), the 221 (Goldliner), the 218a (Goldliner), the 573 (Ulsterbus).
How long does the bus take from Belfast to Ballymena?
Around 65 minutes on the 218, depending on time of day and traffic.
What time is the first and last bus from Belfast to Ballymena?
On weekdays the first direct bus (the 218) leaves around 07:45 and the last around 19:45. Check the route timetable for weekends.
How much is the bus from Belfast to Ballymena?
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.