Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Belfast

Belfast rewards anyone willing to twist a throttle. Sure, you could stick to the black cabs and the Titanic Quarter walking tours — but hop on a motorcycle and the whole of Northern Ireland opens up: the Causeway Coastal Route unspooling along the Antrim cliffs, the switchbacks up Cave Hill with Belfast Lough laid out below you, the road south to the Mournes where the mountains meet the sea. This is one of the best places in the UK to ride, and most visitors never find out.

The city itself is easy on two wheels — compact, with light-to-moderate traffic that lets you slip between Titanic Quarter and the centre without much fuss. But the real reason to rent a motorcycle in Belfast is what's just beyond it: the Giant's Causeway is barely an hour up the coast, and the glens, villages and viewpoints along the way are made for exactly this kind of travel, at your own pace, stopping wherever the view demands it.

Top 10 things to see in Belfast by motorcycle

1. Giant's Causeway — the UNESCO-listed basalt columns on the Antrim coast, and the ride's natural finish line, about an hour from the city.
2. Causeway Coastal Route — one of the world's great coastal drives, tracing the shoreline from Belfast through Carnlough and Cushendall.
3. Titanic Belfast (Titanic Quarter) — the city's landmark museum, built on the slipway where the ship itself was launched.
4. Cave Hill Country Park — hairpins just outside the centre, climbing to panoramic views over Belfast Lough.
5. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge — a dramatic clifftop crossing near Ballintoy, usually paired with a Causeway coast run.
6. Dark Hedges — the eerily beautiful beech-tree avenue near Armoy, an easy detour off the coast road.
7. Mourne Mountains (Newcastle) — twisty mountain and coastal roads south of the city, loved by riders for the climbs and sea views.
8. Ards Peninsula / Strangford Lough coast road — a relaxed loop through villages like Portaferry and Greyabbey.
9. Glenariff Forest Park — waterfalls and forest roads deep in the Glens of Antrim, reached by a scenic coastal approach.
10. Portstewart / Portrush — north coast seaside towns with beach promenades, a natural end point for the day.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Belfast?

UK motorcycle rules are tiered by engine power and rider age, under categories A1, A2 and A — which one you need depends on the bike, so check with the rental company before you book. Riders on a provisional licence with only CBT training generally can't rent. No International Driving Permit is required. Most operators also set their own minimum age and licence-holding period, usually stricter than the legal minimum, plus a credit-card deposit whose size depends on the vehicle.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Belfast?

Expect around GBP 22 per day in low season, rising to roughly GBP 40–55 per day in peak summer. Larger-displacement or premium touring bikes run about GBP 60–90 per day.

• Cheapest: November to February.
• Priciest: July and August, when the Causeway coast is at its busiest.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Belfast?

High season runs June to August, when demand and prices both peak — book ahead if you're travelling then. Low season, November through February, is cheapest but many rural and coastal operators reduce hours or close altogether. May, June and September hit the sweet spot: long daylight, milder weather, and roads that aren't jammed with summer traffic.

Local traffic rules in Belfast

Traffic drives on the left, and roundabouts run clockwise — give way to anyone coming from your right. Helmets are compulsory by law for riders and passengers. Speed limits are posted in mph: 30 mph in built-up areas, 60 mph on single carriageways, 70 mph on motorways and dual carriageways. The blood alcohol limit in Northern Ireland is 0.08% — but the safest plan is simply not to drink before you ride. Ride with dipped headlights on at all times for visibility, and if you only hold a provisional licence, note that motorways are off-limits.

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!