North West 200 Accommodation Guide 2026: Where to Stay on the Causeway Coast
Every May, the Causeway Coast transforms.
The roads between Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine close to form one of the fastest road racing circuits in the world — the North West 200.
If you’re planning to attend in 2026, accommodation strategy matters more than you think.
This guide breaks down:
Where to stay for the best access
Which towns suit different types of visitors
When to book
What to expect during race week
How to avoid common mistakes
When Is the North West 200 2026?
The North West 200 traditionally runs in early to mid-May, with practice sessions midweek and race day on Saturday.
Demand builds from Monday onward. By Thursday evening, most central accommodation is fully booked.
Search volume for “North West 200 accommodation” spikes from January and accelerates from February onward.
Booking 3–6 months in advance is the sweet spot.
Understanding the Circuit (Why Location Matters)
The circuit runs on public roads forming a triangle between:
Portrush
Portstewart
Coleraine
Traffic diversions begin early. On race days, certain routes become inaccessible for hours.
This means your accommodation location directly impacts:
How early you need to leave
Whether you can walk to viewing areas
How stressful your evenings feel
Whether you’re sitting in traffic or at a pub
During race week, logistics is king.
Where to Stay for North West 200
Portrush – Best for Atmosphere & Walkability
Portrush is race week central.
Why stay here:
Walkable viewing areas
Harbour restaurants and pubs
East Strand beach
Strong race atmosphere day and night
Downside:
Sells out first
Highest pricing during peak week
Can be busy late evening
Best for visitors who want immersion.
Portstewart – Balanced & Scenic
Minutes from Portrush but calmer.
Why stay here:
Promenade cafés
Scenic clifftop walks
Easier evenings
Family-friendly
Watch for:
Traffic bottlenecks leaving town during peak times
Best for couples, families, and those wanting a more relaxed base.
Portballintrae – Quiet Coastal Alternative Close to the Action
Often overlooked in race week searches, Portballintrae offers a very different experience.
Located around 10–15 minutes from Portrush, Portballintrae provides:
Quiet harbour setting
Beach access
Reduced evening congestion
Easier parking
Proximity to Giant’s Causeway
It is not walkable to the circuit. You will need a vehicle.
But if your plan is:
Race by day, calm evenings by the coast — Portballintrae is arguably one of the smartest choices.
Search volume for “Portballintrae accommodation” increases during race season as visitors look for quieter alternatives within driving distance.
Best for:
Visitors who want to attend the race but avoid town-centre intensity.
Bushmills – Combine Race Week With Sightseeing
Around 15 minutes from the circuit triangle.
Why stay here: Village atmosphere with a relaxed pace. Close to the Giant’s Causeway and other coastal sights. A more rural setting offering peace and greenery. Better value pricing compared with the town centre.
Downside: Driving is required to reach many attractions. Less of the lively race-night atmosphere. Best for visitors who want to turn race week into a wider North Coast break.
Accommodation Pricing During North West 200
Race week significantly increases nightly rates.
Typical patterns:
Portrush central apartments: £250–£450 per night
Portstewart homes: £200–£350 per night
Portballintrae coastal properties: £180–£320 per night
Bushmills homes: £150–£300 per night
Hotels tend to sell out first. Short-term rentals provide the majority of remaining availability.
Booking in April almost guarantees higher pricing and fewer choices.
Traffic & Parking Advice
Expect road closures throughout race day.
Arrive early to viewing points.
Stock groceries ahead of race day.
Consider staying within walking range if possible.
Avoid unnecessary travel between sessions.
The difference between a smooth experience and frustration is almost always planning.
Should You Stay Outside the Triangle?
Some visitors book inland towns to reduce cost.
While cheaper, you may face:
Long diversions
Limited evening atmosphere
Increased travel time
If the race is your main focus, staying within Portrush, Portstewart, Portballintrae or Bushmills is strategically smarter.
FAQ: North West 200 Accommodation
-
Portrush forms one corner of the race triangle and offers some of the most walkable access to viewing areas. Many visitors choose Portrush to reduce reliance on driving during road closures.
-
Yes. Portstewart sits just minutes from Portrush and offers a slightly calmer base while still providing easy access to the circuit. It’s ideal for visitors wanting balance between race atmosphere and relaxed evenings.
-
Portballintrae is approximately 10–15 minutes by car, depending on traffic and road closures. It’s not walkable to the circuit but offers a quieter coastal setting within close driving distance.
-
Bushmills is around 15 minutes from the circuit triangle. It’s a good option for visitors combining the North West 200 with sightseeing such as the Giant’s Causeway, but transport planning is essential.
-
Portrush generally offers the best walkable access. Central apartments and homes near the circuit routes reduce the need for vehicle movement during closures.
-
Ideally between January and February 2026. Availability in central Portrush often becomes limited by early spring, especially for larger homes and weekend stays.
-
Yes. Hotels typically sell out months in advance. Short-term rentals provide greater flexibility, particularly for groups and longer stays.
-
Yes. Race week creates one of the highest demand periods of the year on the Causeway Coast. Booking early secures better value and wider choice.
-
Staying inside the Portrush–Portstewart–Coleraine triangle reduces travel stress and maximises atmosphere access. Staying further out may lower cost but increases reliance on car travel and diversions.
Final Advice
Choose based on your tolerance for atmosphere:
Maximum immersion → Portrush
Balanced & scenic → Portstewart
Quiet coastal retreat → Portballintrae
Village + sightseeing → Bushmills
Race week is not just an event. It is an economic surge across the Causeway Coast.
Early booking improves value. Strategic location improves experience.
And for property owners, North West 200 week consistently represents one of the highest revenue periods of the year when managed correctly.