Travel Information: Getting to & through Belfast
Airports & Connections
Dublin Airport (DUB)
Popular airport with more international connections
- Direct Bus services to Belfast
- Journey time: approximately 2 hours
- Multiple daily services
- Online booking recommended
⚠️ PLEASE NOTE: No border checkpoints between Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland ⚠️
Dublin Airport to Belfast Bus Services. Main Operators:
Aircoach (Route 705X):
- Premium express service
- Operates 24/7
- Pickup: Terminal 1 (Zone 2) and Terminal 2
- Online booking available
- Contactless payment accepted onboard
- Northern Ireland's official transport operator
- Regular services throughout the day
- Web saver fares available when booking online
- Stops at Dublin Airport and Dublin city center (Busáras)
- Multiple pickup/dropoff points in Belfast
- Joint Service Cooperative service between Irish and Northern Irish operators
- Regular daily schedule
- Competitive pricing
- Student and senior discounts available
Frequency:
Aircoach: Every 2 hours throughout the day and night Translink: Approximately every 2-3 hours during daytime Bus Éireann/Ulsterbus: Multiple daily servicesJourney Time: All services take approximately 1h45/2 hours (subject to traffic)
Booking Options:
1. Online booking (recommended): Aircoach: www.aircoach.ie
Translink: www.translink.co.uk
Bus Éireann: www.buseireann.ie
2. At the airport: - Tickets available from drivers or airport kiosks
- Credit/debit cards accepted
Travel Tips
- Book in advance for best fares
- Allow extra time during peak periods
- Check operator websites for current timetables
Domestic Flights (mostly from the UK)
Belfast International Airport (BFS)
Located 18 miles from Belfast city center Regular Airport Express 300 service runs every 15-20 minutes during peak times Journey time: approximately 45 minutes Adult single fare: £8.00
George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD)
Just 7-minute drive from the city center Airlink Express service runs every 20 minutes during peak times Journey time: 15 minutes Adult single fare: £2.60
Train Services
Enterprise Service (Dublin-Belfast)
- Regular service between Dublin Connolly and Belfast (every hour)
- Journey time: 2 hours 15 minutes Stops at Belfast Grand Central Station
- https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/rail-fares-and-tickets/fares-info/dublin-belfast
Local Stations:
- Botanic Station: 5-minute walk to Queen's University
- Grand Central Station: City center location; new Belfast Transport Hub: Main terminal for cross-border services
Car Rental
- Major companies available at all airports
- ⚠️ No border checkpoints between Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland ⚠️
- ‼️ Important: Inform rental company if planning cross-border travel ‼️
- 🚨 Remember: Northern Ireland uses miles per hour (mph), Republic uses kilometers per hour (km/ (km/h) 🚨
‼️‼️ Visa Information ‼️‼️
- The UK visa requirements also apply to Northern Ireland. Starting in April 2025, you may need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK, which costs £10. Check specific requirements for your nationality before travel. You can apply for one using this link Apply for an ETA
- Republic of Ireland has separate visa requirements
- Common Travel Area allows free movement between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland
Recommended Transport Options
- From North America: Direct flights to Dublin Airport, then Aircoach to Belfast
- From Europe: Direct flights to Dublin or Belfast International or Belfast City Airport
- From Asia: Connection via London or Dublin, then onward travel to Belfast
Useful Links
- Translink (Northern Ireland Transport)
- Aircoach
Getting Around Belfast
Public Transport Overview
- Translink operates all public buses and trains in Belfast
- Download the Translink app for real-time updates and journey planning
- Purchase tickets on board or via the app
- Day tickets available for unlimited travel
Bus Services:
Metro:
- Extensive network covering Greater Belfast
- Regular services from 6am to 11pm
- Main routes run every 7-10 minutes during peak times
- Single journey: £2.50
- Day ticket: £4.50 (unlimited travel)
Glider:
- Modern rapid transit system
- Two cross-city routes (G1 and G2)
- Connects East and West Belfast through the city center
- More frequent services during peak hours
- Same fares as Metro services
Train Services:
- Regular services throughout the city and to suburbs and surrounding towns
- Main stations: Grand Central, Lanyon Place, Botanic
- Off-peak travel is recommended for better value
- Weekly passes available
Travel Cards
- iLink card: Unlimited travel on bus and rail
- mLink: Mobile tickets via app
- yLink: Discounted travel for 16-23 year olds
- Student travel cards available with valid ID
Taxi Services:
Value Cabs
- Phone: 028 9080 9080
- Website: www.valuecabs.co.uk
- 24/7 service
- Card payments accepted
- Online booking available
FonaCab
- Phone: 028 9033 3333
- Website: www.fonacab.com
- 24/7 service
- Mobile app available
- Online booking system
There are other, smaller taxi companies you can use.
Typical Taxi Fares:
- Starting fare: £3.40
- City Center to Queen's University: £6-8
- City Center to Belfast International Airport: £35-40
- City Center to Belfast City Airport: £10-12
Travel Tips
- Taxis can be hailed on the street or at designated ranks
- Pre-booking is recommended during peak times and late nights
- Most taxi companies accept card payments
Useful Apps
- Translink NI: Official app for journey planning and mobile tickets
- Value Cabs app
- FonaCab app
- All available on iOS and Android
Important Notes
- Night services are available only on weekends
- Real-time information available at most stops
- Contact Translink customer service: 028 9066 6630
- Remember to check Translink's website or app for the most current timetables and fares, as these may change seasonally or during special events.
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This information is current as of December 2024, but please check the official websites for the most up-to-date schedules and fares.
