Scenic Road Trip
Causeway Coastal Route
Game of Thrones Meets Geological Wonder
The 195-km Causeway Coastal Route from Belfast to Derry tracks Northern Ireland’s dramatic Antrim coast past geological wonders, Game of Thrones filming locations, and one of the world’s oldest whiskey distilleries. It’s a drive where every pull-off reveals another reason to stop.
Quick Facts
| Route | Belfast to Derry/Londonderry |
| Country | Northern Ireland, UK |
| Distance | 195 km |
| Recommended days | 2 |
| Total drive time | ~4 hours |
| Best months | May–September |
| Toll cost | None |
| Est. fuel cost | ~EUR 25 |
| Motorway speed limit | 112 km/h |
| Alcohol limit (BAC) | 0.08 |
| Drives on | Left |
Top 5 Highlights
1. Giant’s Causeway
40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by an ancient volcanic eruption — UNESCO World Heritage
2. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
A swaying rope bridge 30 m above the sea connecting the mainland to a tiny island
3. Dark Hedges
An avenue of twisted beech trees — the King’s Road in Game of Thrones
4. Dunluce Castle
Dramatic clifftop castle ruins perched on a basalt headland over the ocean
5. Glenariff Glen
The ‘Queen of the Glens’ — a forested waterfall walk in the Antrim Glens
Road Conditions & Terrain
Terrain: Coastal road along basalt cliffs and through the nine Glens of Antrim
Road type: A2 coastal road — well-maintained two-lane with occasional narrow sections through villages
Best Time to Drive
Best months: May–September
June has the longest daylight; spring sees fewer tourists at the Giant’s Causeway
Key Driving Rules
Northern Ireland drives on the LEFT (UK rules). Speed limits: 60 mph (96 km/h) on single carriageways, 30 mph (48 km/h) in towns. MPH on speedometers, not km/h. Third-party insurance mandatory. Watch for tractors on rural stretches.
Speed Limits
| Road Type | Limit |
|---|---|
| Urban | 48 km/h |
| Rural/Open road | 96 km/h |
| Motorway | 112 km/h |
Required Equipment
- Warning triangle
- Reflective vest
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
Estimated Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Fuel (petrol, round trip) | ~EUR 25 |
| Tolls/vignette | None |
| Petrol price (per litre) | ~$1.85 USD |
| Diesel price (per litre) | ~$1.78 USD |
Practical Tips
- Book Giant’s Causeway parking online in advance — the main car park is National Trust managed
- Visit the Dark Hedges early morning for empty photos — tour buses arrive from 10 AM
- The Gobbins cliff path reopened in 2015 — book the guided walk for a unique coastal experience
- Bushmills Distillery (world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery) is a 5-minute detour from the Causeway
- Stop in Ballycastle for the best fish and chips on the route
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Causeway Coastal Route covers 195 km and takes approximately 4 hours of pure driving time. We recommend 2 days to enjoy the highlights and stops along the way.
The best months are May–September. June has the longest daylight; spring sees fewer tourists at the Giant's Causeway
Northern Ireland, UK drives on the left side of the road.
The blood alcohol limit in Northern Ireland, UK is 0.08 BAC.
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