- Must visit
Titanic Belfast
Major interactive museum telling the story of the ship, the city’s industrial heritage and the dock where Titanic was built.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest coaches from Ayr to Belfast
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£37
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£37
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
5 h 15 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
5 h 15 m
Buses on 18 Sept
1
Distance
128 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Ayr to Belfast is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ayr to Belfast will cost around £37 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £37.
Fast coaches
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 1 buses from Ayr to Belfast, including 1 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 128 km distance in an average of 5 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 15 m .
The slowest buses will take 5 h 15 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
UL92317:155h15Ayr, Sandgate22:30Belfast, Grand Central Station£371One-way0 changes
- UL92317:155h15Ayr, Sandgate22:30Belfast, Grand Central Station£371One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare ferry and coach for Ayr to Belfast
Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Ayr to Belfast among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £38 For those with little time, consider booking a ferry, which has an average total journey time of 3h 8m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £38, while a ferry costs an average of £39.
Distance: 128 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Ferry | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£38 Average Price Cheapest | £39 Average Price | £12 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 44m Average total duration 5h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 8m Average total duration Fastest 2h 8m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular ferry company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Ayr to Belfast is a coach with an average price of £38.
This is compared to other travel options from Ayr to Belfast:
A coach is £0.19 less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Ayr to Belfast costing on average £39.
The fastest way to travel from Ayr to Belfast is by ferry with an average journey time of 2h 8m.
Other travel options to Belfast take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 14m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ayr and Belfast including taking a ferry and coach.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £38 compared to roughly £12 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-26.09. The journey takes 5h 14m versus 4h 0m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Live departures
Ayr to Belfast bus times
The table below shows live departures for Ayr to Belfast coaches for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UL923 | 13:15 Ayr, Sandgate | 5h15 | 18:30 Belfast, Grand Central Station | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Ayr to Belfast by ferry or coach
Compare ferry and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Ayr to Belfast coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Ayr to Belfast.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ayr to Belfast.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are ferry and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Ayr to Belfast.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including ferry and bus to find the ideal travel option from Ayr to Belfast.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Ayr to Belfast
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Ayr to Belfast run on average 2 times per day, taking around 5h 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £37 but you can travel from only £28 by ferry.
There are 2 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 06:30, the last at 17:15. The fastest coach covers the 128 km distance in 5h 15m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Ferry from £28
Distance 128 km |
Average bus duration 5h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price £37 |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 5h 15m |
First bus 6:30 |
Last bus 17:15 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Ferry from £28
Bus providers: National Express from Ayr to BelfastYou can travel by bus between Ayr to Belfast with National Express for as low as £28. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
5h 15m
Cheapest National Express Price
£37
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Complete guide to Belfast
Things to do in Belfast
Discover the best of Belfast — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Belfast trip today.
- Must visit
Ulster Museum
National museum with art, archaeology, natural history and local history collections beside Botanic Gardens.
- Recommended
Golden Thread Gallery
Contemporary gallery in the Cathedral Quarter showing rotating exhibitions by Irish and international artists in a compact city-centre space.
- Must visit
Titanic Quarter
Revived waterfront district with dockside walks, Titanic landmarks, public art and harbour views close to major visitor sites.
- Must visit
Cathedral Quarter
Historic quarter known for cobbled lanes, street art, music venues and handsome warehouse architecture around St Anne’s Cathedral.
- Recommended
Ormeau Park
Leafy Victorian park with broad lawns, river walks and an excellent viewpoint over Belfast from the hilltop.
Ulster Fry
A Northern Irish breakfast with fried eggs, bacon, sausages, soda bread, potato bread and black pudding. A staple local start to the day.
- Vegetarian
Soda Bread
A dense quick bread made with bicarbonate of soda instead of yeast. It is a classic Belfast and Ulster bakery staple, often served at breakfast.
- Vegetarian
Potato Bread
A flat griddled bread made from mashed potato, flour and butter. It is a much-loved part of the Ulster Fry and everyday home cooking.
OX Belfast
Modern Irish restaurant known for carefully sourced local produce and polished yet relaxed dining in the Cathedral Quarter.
The Muddlers Club
Stylish brasserie and bar serving seasonal Irish dishes, seafood and steaks in a lively city-centre setting.
St George's Market
Long-standing market with trusted stalls for local breads, seafood, traybakes and hot food. Ideal for sampling Belfast flavours casually.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while public transport and pub meals stay fairly manageable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest: 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not included, round up for taxis, and tipping in cafés is optional.
FAQs: Ayr to Belfast coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ayr to Belfast by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Belfast, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Ayr to Belfast can start from as little as £37 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Ayr to Belfast is £38; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Ayr to Belfast is 5h 15m to travel the 128 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Ayr to Belfast leaves at 6:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Ayr to Belfast leaves at 17:15.
Yes, there are 2 direct coaches a day from Ayr to Belfast with . Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Ayr to Belfast, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Belfast. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Ayr and Belfast and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Belfast from Ayr is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Ayr to Belfast is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ayr and Belfast including taking a ferry and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Ayr to Belfast:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Ayr to Belfast for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Ayr to Belfast depends on the coach companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Ayr to Belfast.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Ayr to Belfast:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Ayr to Belfast:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Ayr to Belfast.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Ayr to Belfast with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Ayr to Belfast with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Ayr to Belfast with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Ayr and Belfast
Most Ayr to Belfast buses use the Ayr, Sandgate to Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Ayr and Belfast bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Ayr
Arrival bus stations in Belfast
Ayr, Sandgate
City-centre transport
Getting to Ayr, Sandgate from Ayr city centre
Bus3, 6, 3B · 3m · £2 · every ~15 min
Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington StreetUpper Queen Street, Belfast BT1 6PU, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street from Belfast city centre
Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street is 1 km from Belfast city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 3G, 3H, 3J, 4C, 4D, 4E, 5A, 5B, 5C, 6A, 6D, 6E, 12, 511 · 7m · every ~36 min
Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street bus station facilities and services
Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street. ATMs are available at Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street: Accessibility features not detailed.
More options for your journey from Ayr to Belfast
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
