Overview
Ballymena Railway Station serves the bustling market town of Ballymena in County Antrim, sitting just off the Galgorm Road on the edge of the town centre. Operated by Northern Ireland Railways, the station is a key interchange on the Belfast‑Derry line and is directly linked to the local bus station, making it a convenient hub for both locals and visitors. The modernised two‑platform layout sits beneath a historic façade rebuilt in 1903‑04 to designs by the celebrated engineer Berkeley Deane Wise.
History
The railway arrived in Ballymena on 11 April 1848 when the Belfast and Ballymena Railway opened the first station. A relocation and rebuild followed on 4 December 1855 as the line extended northwards to Coleraine and Portrush. The station’s most striking architectural phase came at the turn of the 20th century when Wise’s redesign added a clock by Sharman D. Neill and impressive iron water towers. An arson attack on 19 May 1921 left a scar on the building, but the structure survived and continued to serve passengers for decades.
During its heyday the station was a terminus for two narrow‑gauge lines – the Ballymena, Cushendall and Red Bay Railway (1875‑1940) and the Ballymena and Larne Railway (1877‑1933). Those routes once carried iron ore, livestock and holidaymakers through the Glens of Antrim. Although the narrow‑gauge tracks have long vanished, their legacy is visible in the long siding that now houses a car park and in the disused signal cabin at the Derry end of the Up side.
The original 19th‑century buildings were removed in a 1981‑82 modernisation programme, leaving the 1903‑04 structure as the station’s visual anchor. Today, the station not only preserves a slice of railway heritage but also looks forward, with future plans to reinstate double‑track between Antrim and Ballymena, promising even more frequent services.
What to See & Do
- Architectural Details: Take a moment on the Down platform to admire the stone‑built station house, the original water tanks at each platform end, and the subtle decorative brickwork that hints at Wise’s Victorian sensibility.
- Platform Views: The Up platform offers a clear line of sight over the River Braid crossing, a reminder of the former narrow‑gauge line that once ran parallel to the main track.
- Station Café: While the station does not host a full‑service restaurant, a small refreshment kiosk provides coffee, tea and light snacks – perfect for a quick break before catching a train.
- Connecting Greenways: The station is a logical starting point for exploring the proposed Braid River Greenway and the historic trackbeds of the former narrow‑gauge lines, many of which are now walking and cycling routes through the Antrim countryside.
- Rail Enthusiast Photo‑Ops: The disused signal cabin (closed in 1994) and the old locomotive shed site, now a car park, make compelling subjects for railway photography.
Practical Information
Services & Timetables
Ballymena is a passing point on the mainly single‑track Belfast–Derry line. Trains run hourly in each direction on weekdays and Saturdays, with the last northbound service terminating at Coleraine. On Sundays the pattern alternates between Derry/Londonderry and Coleraine, while the southbound service continues hourly to Belfast Grand Central. Detailed timetables are available via the Translink station guide.
Ticketing
Tickets can be purchased at the low‑level ticket desk staffed during opening hours. A hearing‑loop system assists visitors with hearing impairments. There is no ticket vending machine on site, so plan to buy tickets from the desk or online before travel.
Opening Hours & Staff
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 06:30 – 20:00 |
| Tuesday | 06:30 – 20:00 |
| Wednesday | 06:30 – 20:00 |
| Thursday | 06:30 – 20:00 |
| Friday | 06:30 – 20:00 |
| Saturday | 06:30 – 20:00 |
| Sunday | 09:30 – 16:00 |
Staff are present throughout these hours, ready to assist with ticketing, accessibility queries and general information.
Parking & Cycle Facilities
The station offers a sizeable car park with 216 spaces, including six dedicated accessible bays and two electric‑vehicle charging points. Cyclists can use ten outdoor cycle racks located beside the main entrance. CCTV monitors the parking area for added security.
Accessibility
Ballymena is fully step‑free: a ramp leads from the street to the station building, and lifts provide access to both platforms. A ramp also connects the train doors to the platform level, allowing wheelchair and pram users to board without assistance, though staff are on hand to help if needed. Accessible toilets are available on Platform 1.
Amenities
- Seating: Indoor and sheltered outdoor seating are provided on both platforms.
- Restrooms: Public toilets (including accessible facilities) are located on Platform 1.
- Wi‑Fi: No public Wi‑Fi is currently offered.
- ATM & Shops: There are no ATMs or retail outlets within the station, but the adjacent bus station and town centre host a full range of services.
Getting There
The station’s central location makes it easy to reach by car via the A26 or M2. Public transport links include the integrated bus station next door, offering routes throughout County Antrim and beyond. For air travellers, Belfast International Airport lies roughly 18 miles away, with regular coach and taxi services connecting to Ballymena.
Future Developments
Translink’s long‑term strategy includes reinstating double‑track between Antrim and Ballymena, which would increase capacity and reduce journey times. Local authorities are also exploring the Braid River Greenway, a potential foot‑ and cycle‑path that could link the station directly to riverside parks and the wider Antrim greenway network.