“Every available train, coach and bus will be in operation” say Translink
10:40, 08 Jul 2025Updated 10:40, 08 Jul 2025
A special double-decker bus for the Open Championship at Royal Portrush
A major public transport plan with extra buses and trains will be in place next week for the Open Championship golf tournament in Portrush.
The 153rd Open will be held at Royal Portrush from July 13 to 20 and, with well over a quarter of a million visitors expected, travel advice has now been issued by Translink.
The public transport provider is urging anyone heading to the seaside town during the tournament – especially during the crunch championship days from July 17 to 20 – to plan their travel in advance and leave extra time for their journey.
A Translink spokesperson said: “Every available train, coach and bus will be in operation to accommodate thousands of additional passengers. Customers should expect services to be busy, particularly during the main championship days.”
Translink’s Sarah Simpson, said: “After the success of 2019, we’re looking forward to The Open’s return to Northern Ireland. With huge numbers of fans heading to the Causeway Coast to watch the world’s greatest golfers, public transport will once again play a vital role in showcasing this area to a huge audience.
“Our extensive transport plan provides extra capacity for over 115,000 passengers travelling to and around Portrush for this world-class sporting event, offering spectators plenty of choice and convenience, reducing traffic congestion and ensuring visitors enjoy their trip to this stunning visitor destination.
“There will be enhanced train capacity & frequency including additional services to Portrush & late evening return services. Special bus and coach services are also available in addition to normal Goldliner services and our popular Ulsterbus 140 service travelling between Coleraine and Portrush will also be enhanced.”
She added: “I would encourage anyone heading to The Open to visit our website for travel options and make the most of their time on the Causeway Coast.”
- Translink is running special services to Portrush, with some availability still remaining despite high demand. These services can be booked online here www.translink.co.uk/the-153rd-open
- Normal bus, coach and rail timetables will also be available.
- The advice from Translink is for passengers to arrive at stations 30 minutes before departure time, with a “queuing system” in place and seating available on a “first come, first served basis with additional standing room available”.
- Those travelling to Portrush but not attending the gold are encouraged to travel by train after 10am.
- Limited space is expected for bags, buggies, bicycles or any other bulky items.
Park & Ride details available at TheOpen.com
Train Services
- Tickets for special trains must be booked online to secure travel.
- Spectators can also use normal scheduled rail services to Portrush.
Coach / Bus Services
- Special bus and coach services are available for travel to Portrush subject to demand with online booking essential.
- Spectators can also choose the Goldliner 218 coach service from Belfast Laganside Bus Station or 234 service from Derry~Londonderry to Coleraine with onward Portrush bus connection.
- Local Ulsterbus 140 services travelling between Coleraine & Portrush will be enhanced (5 min frequency) running 5.50am – 11.00pm (Mon – Sun) and stopping at major caravan/camping sites along the route.
- Additional morning (6.00am & 7.00am) and evening services (8.15pm & 9.15pm) will be available on Ulsterbus 402 between Coleraine and Ballycastle operating on a 20 min frequency.
The T Zone
- Translink will deliver a free family-friendly golf fanzone in Belfast Grand Central Station on July 17 – 20, 9-5pm.
- With a 9-hole mini golf course, golf-themed games and giveaways, everyone is invited to come along and enjoy all the action!
Key Facts – Translink ~ The 153rd Open
- Around 70,000 additional bus seats over the week on local Causeway Coast services alone, on top of the regular Ulsterbus 140 and 402 services.
- 80 low and zero emission buses operating scheduled and enhanced timetabled services across the Causeway Coast area.
- Over 30 scheduled timetabled Goldliner Coach services daily between Belfast and Coleraine with connections to Portrush Mon – Sat [24 services on Sundays.]
- Bus Drivers to deliver the event – 132
- Bus Supervisors – 20
- Teams of Shunters and Cleaners – 15
Train Provision
- 50 extra train journeys over the event week from Belfast and Derry~Londonderry to Portrush for the championship, providing additional capacity for around 19,500 passengers.
- In addition, there are over 400 scheduled train services operating to and from Portrush from Belfast and Derry~Londonderry during the course of the week.
- Around 500 rail staff to deliver the event plan across the week.
- Valeting for x50 train sets throughout the week.
Park & Ride service
- Fleet – 67 Double Decker buses.
- Approximate vehicle miles (on P&R) – 90,000 miles over the week working 9,500 hours.
- Seats available (on P&R) – 25,350 over the week.
- Bus valets – 338 over the week.
Property
- 2 months of night time works to prepare platforms on the Belfast to Coleraine and Portrush lines.
- Major investment in upgrading the drainage and passenger toilets in Coleraine Bus & Rail Station in time for the Open.
- Multiple on-site and on-call tradesmen deployed for the duration of the competition days to ensure smooth running of Translink facilities.
- Extra cleaning staff deployed at NW Transport Hub, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Portrush stations.
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