Choose where you want to watch

• Portrush: useful for Metropole Corner, Railway Arch and several viewing areas on the coastal side of the circuit.
• Portstewart: convenient for areas around York Corner, the start and finish section and the western side of the course.
• Coleraine: useful for Ballysally Roundabout, University Corner and viewing areas on the inland side of the circuit.
• Start / Finish: one of the busiest areas, with the paddock and grandstands nearby. Arrive well before the roads close if this is your destination.

The circuit is large. Trying to reach a completely different viewing area after road closure can involve a long walk or may not be practical.

Train & bus

• Portrush: has a railway station and is a good choice if you want to watch from the coastal and town sections of the course.
• Coleraine: is the main transport hub for the area, with rail connections and onward buses towards Portstewart and Portrush.
• Portstewart: is served by bus rather than rail. Translink's local services connect the three circuit towns.
• During racing: buses cannot operate along roads that form part of the closed circuit, so stops and routes may be altered.

Public transport can be easier than driving on the busiest race days, but check the special event timetable and your return journey before leaving.

Driving & parking

• Use official parking: several car and motorcycle parking areas operate around the course during race week.
• Main car park: the Golf Course beside the Paddock is the main official parking area and requires a parking ticket.
• Other areas: parking is normally provided around Portrush and other parts of the circuit, depending on the event plan.
• Important: vehicles parked inside official areas may not be able to leave while the road closure is in force.

Do not rely only on your sat-nav near the circuit. Follow temporary signs, police instructions and event marshals when roads begin to close.

Road closures

• The roads become the race track: sections of the A2, A29, B185 and connecting roads are closed to normal traffic during practice and racing.
• Arrive early: be parked and at your chosen side of the circuit before the advertised closure time.
• Moving around: some viewing areas remain connected by paths and roads outside the course, but others become difficult to reach after closure.
• Never enter the live course: only cross or move where marshals say it is safe and permitted.

Walking around the circuit

• Portrush coast: several viewing areas can be reached on foot from Portrush and along the coastal side of the course.
• Metropole: has useful pedestrian access from Portrush after the roads close.
• Start / Finish: can become very congested, so leave extra time if you plan to watch from this area.
• Wear comfortable shoes: a day at the North West 200 can involve considerably more walking than a visit to a permanent circuit.

Accessibility

• Accessible parking: disabled parking is normally provided at the Golf Course car park beside the paddock, subject to available space.
• Blue Badge drop-off: a drop-off area is provided near the Startline Grandstand for passengers with reduced mobility.
• Wheelchair viewing: the Startline Grandstand has a dedicated platform for wheelchair users.
• Plan ahead: because this is a road circuit, some spectator areas involve grass, slopes or longer walks.

Airports & ferries

• By air: Belfast International, Belfast City and City of Derry airports are all options for visitors travelling to the North Coast.
• By ferry: Belfast and Larne provide ferry connections for visitors bringing a car or motorcycle from Great Britain.
• Without a car: continue towards Coleraine or Portrush by public transport and choose accommodation within walking distance of your preferred viewing area where possible.

About the North West 200

The North West 200 is a major international motorcycle road race held on Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast. Its 8.9-mile Triangle Circuit links Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine and includes everything from town streets and roundabouts to extremely fast open-road sections.

For first-time spectators, the most important difference from a permanent circuit is that you cannot simply drive from one corner to another once racing begins. Pick your viewing area, arrive before the roads close and plan where you will spend the session.

Always check the official North West 200 travel information, circuit map and road-closing times before travelling, as parking, access and public-transport arrangements can change each year.

Family-friendly highlights near the course

• Curry’s Fun Park: Portrush’s large indoor amusement park has children’s rides, dodgems, thrill rides and arcade games - useful if younger visitors need a change from motorcycles.
• Portstewart Strand: A long sandy beach backed by dunes, ideal for walking, sandcastles and fresh air after a busy race day.
• Whiterocks Beach: Another beautiful stretch of coast beside Portrush, popular for walking and surfing beneath distinctive limestone cliffs.

Culture hits & rainy-day winners

• Coleraine Town Hall: Home to exhibitions from Coleraine Museum, with displays exploring the history of the town and surrounding area.
• Dunluce Castle: Explore the dramatic ruins of a medieval castle perched above the Atlantic, along with archaeological remains from the settlement that once surrounded it.
• Portrush: Cafés, shops and indoor attractions make the seaside town the easiest place to retreat when coastal weather turns wet.

Eat & drink around the Triangle

• Portrush: The busiest choice for restaurants, cafés and seaside food, especially around the harbour and town centre.
• Portstewart: Walk the promenade before stopping for fish and chips, coffee or an ice cream overlooking the Atlantic.
• Try local favourites: An Ulster fry, soda bread and potato bread provide an easy introduction to Northern Irish food.

Explore the Causeway Coast outdoors

• Portstewart Strand: Walk along the beach or explore paths through the surrounding dune system.
• Portrush coast: Link the harbour, beaches and coastal viewpoints for an easy walk without travelling far from the racing.
• Causeway Coast Way: Longer sections of this coastal walking route provide cliffs, beaches and views towards Dunluce Castle and the Giant’s Causeway.

Atlantic weather changes quickly. Bring waterproof layers and practical footwear even when the morning forecast looks good.

Easy trips if you have more time

• Giant’s Causeway: Walk among the famous basalt columns at Northern Ireland’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and allow extra time for the coastal paths.
• Dunluce Castle: Easy to combine with Portrush and the Giant’s Causeway for a half-day or full-day coastal trip.
• Carrick-a-Rede: Continue east along the Causeway Coastal Route for clifftop scenery and the famous rope bridge.
• Bushmills: Explore the village or, for adults, add a distillery visit to a wider Causeway Coast day.

Good to know during North West 200 week

• This is a public-road circuit: Outside official closures, the Triangle is made up of normal roads carrying everyday traffic.
• Choose your viewing point early: Once roads close, moving between some areas becomes difficult. The organiser publishes access information for locations including the start, Station Corner, University, Metropole and the chicanes.
• Expect serious speed: Superbikes exceed 200 mph on the fastest part of the course, so remain strictly within approved spectator areas and follow marshal instructions.
• Bring hearing protection: Racing motorcycles at close range are extremely loud. Ear defenders are strongly recommended for children.
• Watch for schedule changes: Weather can alter road-closing and racing times, so check official updates before setting out.