How can I get to The 153rd Open?

Modified on Wed, 2 Apr at 10:20 AM

Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to attend throughout the week. To minimise road traffic congestion and reduce the Championship’s carbon footprint, The R&A is recommending that spectators consider the use of public transport, which will be significantly enhanced for travel convenience, or car share with others in their group. Those staying in the local area should consider active travel (walking, wheeling or cycling).

There will be no public car parking available at Royal Portrush or in the immediate surrounding area. All public parking will be provided at managed Park & Ride sites, with the exception of pre-booked Accessible parking.

To assist with traffic management and reduce congestion in the vicinity of Portrush, temporary traffic regulations and parking restrictions will be introduced. These will be enforced by the Police Service of Northern Ireland in order to minimise disruption to local residents and businesses, assist traffic flow and increase safety and security for all road users.

By Rail

Rail timetables are not yet available. Information about rail travel will be confirmed by Translink in the coming weeks.

A wide range of train services will be available for fans to reach The Open.

Trains from Belfast and Derry~Londonderry to Portrush are convenient and will have significantly enhanced frequency and capacity during the Championship week.

There will also be additional early-morning rail services to make sure fans can catch all the action. Full details will be available on the Translink website once timetables are confirmed.

By Public Bus

Bus timetables are not yet available. Information about rail travel will be confirmed by Translink in the coming weeks.

A wide range of bus or coach services will be available for fans to reach The Open.

Local bus services will have significantly enhanced frequency and capacity during the Championship week.

There will also be additional early-morning bus services to make sure fans can catch all the action. Full details will be available on the Translink website once timetables are confirmed.

By Car or Motorcycle

Spectators choosing to travel to the event by car or motorcycle will be directed to The Open Park & Ride sites by Variable Messaging Signs (VMS) and specific black and yellow event signs provided by The AA.

By Coach or Minibus (including camper vans / RVs)

Spectators choosing to travel to the event by private coach or minibus will be directed to Coach and Minibus parking by Variable Messaging Signs (VMS) and specific black and yellow event signs provided by The AA.

Directions

Fans are advised to turn off satellite navigation systems and follow the appropriate signage to ensure the smoothest journey to and from The Open.

From the South East (Belfast)

Follow the M2 towards Antrim. Take the A26 to Ballymena and follow the M2/A26 towards Coleraine/Portrush. On approach to Coleraine, follow signs for the appropriate parking facility.

From the North West (Derry~Londonderry)

Follow the A2 towards Limavady. Take the A37 then continue on the A29 towards Coleraine/Portrush. On approach to Coleraine, follow signs for the appropriate parking facility.

From the South (Armagh/Mid Ulster)

Follow the A29 towards Coleraine/Portrush. On approach to Coleraine, follow signs for the appropriate parking facility.

From the North East (Ballycastle)

Follow the A2 from Ballycastle to Bushmills. Continue on the A2 and on approach to Portrush follow signs for the appropriate parking facility.

Private Vehicle Parking

Car, motorcycle, coach and minibus parking at The 153rd Open is not yet available for purchase. Parking will be available in the coming months. Accessible Parking is available to pre-book now.

Click here for more information about parking at The Open.

By Taxi

There will be a designated taxi rank and private hire drop off/pick-up area in operation for The 153rd Open from 13-20 July. This will be located close to the main public entrance to the course. On approach to The Open, ask the driver to follow signs for taxis and private hire vehicles to avoid the road access restrictions. Demand for taxi and private hire vehicles is expected to be high, so it is strongly recommended to book in advance.

By Bicycle

A bicycle park will be available close to the main entrance to Royal Portrush Golf Club. This will be signposted from the existing cycle paths in the area.

By Air

The below listed airports all operate scheduled flights as well as the arrival and departure of private jets:

City of Derry Airport (27 miles / 43km away)
Belfast International Airport (46 miles / 74km away)
Belfast City Airport (62 miles / 100km away)
Dublin Airport (158 miles / 252km away)

These airports also accept charter flights. Please contact the airport directly through their websites to book.

An official helicopter landing site will be in operation at The 153rd Open. Further details will be published here when available.

By Sea

Larne is the closest port to Royal Portrush Golf Club with passenger ferry services direct from Scotland. P&O Ferries operates the shortest, fastest and most frequent Irish Sea crossings, from Cairnryan to Larne in just two hours.

There are both public transport and car hire options available at Larne for passengers travelling without a vehicle. Royal Portrush Golf Club is approximately 52 miles (83 km) away from Larne Port.

For further information and to book, please visit the P&O website.