Key event partners are encouraging anyone heading to The Open to plan their travel in advance, leave extra time for journeys and use public transport including additional bus, coach, and train services as well as The Open Park & Ride options.
Announcing the transport plan, Translink Northern Area Manager, Sarah Simpson, said: “After the success of 2019, we are looking forward to The Open’s return to Northern Ireland. With tens of thousands of people 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 transport plan offers spectators convenient journey options, reducing traffic congestion and ensuring everyone enjoys their trip to this stunning visitor destination.
“There will be enhanced train capacity & frequency including additional early morning services to Portrush and late evening return services. Special bus and coach services will also be available to book online in addition to normal Goldliner services and our popular Ulsterbus 140 service travelling between Coleraine and Portrush will also be enhanced. I would encourage anyone heading to The Open to visit our website for details on bus, coach and rail travel options to make the most of their time on the Causeway Coast.”
Councillor Tanya Stirling, Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, said: “As we plan to welcome spectators to the sold out 153rd Open Championship in July 2025, we’re working with Translink to encourage visitors and locals to take advantage of public transport when planning your visit.
‘‘We’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to the area for this world class sporting event and we’d love those coming to enjoy the golf and to also use the opportunity to experience all our Council area has to offer.
“I’d encourage you to visit Translink’s website to plan your journey well in advance and take advantage of the special services they will be adding to help visitors to the Borough this July.”
Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at The R&A, said: “We are now less than 100 days from the return of The Open to Royal Portrush and preparations for welcoming tens of thousands of fans to the iconic Dunluce links are well underway. We have a responsibility as a major events organiser to promote sustainable travel and so are encouraging fans to use enhanced public transport services but also have a number of park and ride facilities available for those who wish to travel by road to Portrush.”
Aine Kearney, Director of Events at Tourism Northern Ireland, said: “The countdown to The 153rd Open is well and truly on, and all of the partner agencies are continuing to work together to make it a true celebration of both golf and Northern Ireland.
“Translink’s transport plan for the event has many options available for those planning on travelling to the event and we would encourage as many visitors as possible to use public transport to make their journey as sustainable as possible.
“We want to ensure everyone has the best experience possible from start to finish and that includes their journeys there and back.”
PSNI’s Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson added: “We are delighted to see the return of this major event, enabling us to work alongside our partners again, for what is set to be another fantastic tournament on the North Coast. Like any significant event, a substantial deployment of police over the seven days of the championship will be in place, with the main purpose of the operation to ensure public safety and to minimise disruption to the local community impacted.
“A considerable amount of planning has gone into the traffic and transport arrangements ahead of this event and we would encourage everyone planning on attending, to familiarise themselves with the various parking options and public transport services available ahead of time.
“To assist with traffic management and to reduce congestion in the immediate vicinity of Royal Portrush and the surrounding area, temporary traffic regulations and parking restrictions will be introduced during The Open. These will be enforced by traffic attendants and police in order to decrease disruption to local residents and businesses, assist with overall traffic flow and increase safety and security for all road users.”
Divisional Roads Manager Alan Keys, Department for Infrastructure said: “The Department has been working closely with partners on preparations for The Open in July. We would encourage those hoping to attend to avail of the public transport and park and ride facilities where possible. As we get closer to the event, further information on road closures and diversions will be publicised. It will be important for anyone traveling to allow additional time for their journey, follow the diversions in place, drive with due care and attention and park legally and responsibly at all times.”
For further details on Translink services to The 153rd Open, visit www.translink.co.uk/the-153rd-open.
For the latest Translink travel updates follow @Translink_NI #OpenTravel.
Notes:
Park & Ride
- For more details on The Open Park & Ride options visit www.TheOpen.com .
Train Services
- Tickets for special trains must be booked online to secure travel.
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 and 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.
- Passengers are reminded that due to large numbers travelling on services, there will be limited space for bags, buggies, bicycles or any other bulky items.
