No, you must change at Belfast Great Victoria Street.

How long is the drive?

It takes about 40 minutes via the M2 and M1.

Lisburn is generally considered a safe city for visitors.

Can I use contactless?

Yes, contactless payment is accepted on most bus services.

Yes, there are several reliable taxi companies operating in Lisburn.

Ballymena

Lisburn

Train Driving

Ballymena to Lisburn

Updated: 28 May 2026

Traveling from Ballymena to Lisburn covers a distance of approximately 45 kilometers. The most popular route is via the M2 motorway, which connects directly to the M1 near Belfast. Alternatively, you can take the train from Ballymena Station, which requires a change at Great Victoria Street in Belfast. The journey by car takes about 40 minutes, while the train takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes. Both options are reliable for daily commuting.

Total Distance: 45 km driving distance, 40 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving via the M2 and M1 is the fastest, taking 40 minutes outside peak hours.

Cheapest Way

The train is cost-effective if booked in advance or using a Smartlink card.

Compare Ballymena to Lisburn Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	1 hour 15 minutes	40 minutes
Avg Price	10-15 GBP	8-12 GBP fuel cost
Operator	Translink NI Railways	Personal Vehicle
Route	Ballymena to Great Victoria Street, then to Lisburn.	M2 motorway to M1 motorway.
Tip	Use the Translink app to track live train arrivals.	Avoid the Westlink during rush hour to prevent significant delays.

Travel Tips

Rush Hour
The M1/M2 junction near Belfast is extremely busy between 8 AM and 9 AM.
Train Tickets
Buy your ticket at the station machine to avoid queues.
Parking
Use the train station car park in Lisburn for easy city access.
Navigation
Use GPS to navigate the complex motorway junctions around Belfast.
Comfort
Trains are generally quiet, making them ideal for reading or working.

Safety Tips

Motorway Safety
Keep a safe distance from heavy goods vehicles on the M2.
Station Safety
Stay behind the yellow line on platforms at all times.
Night Travel
Ensure your phone is charged if traveling late at night.
Emergency
Keep the number for local taxi firms saved in your phone.