Getting from Dublin to Belfast (and return)
Dublin , the capital of Ireland, is a vibrant city, with an active nightlife, enchanting sights and historical vibe. Belfast is the capital of Northern Island and the second largest city on the island, after Dublin. Traveling between the two cities is fast, cheap and easy. And that’s why many travelers choose to visit both cities when they plan a vacation in this area.
Quick summary
When planning to get from Dublin to Belfast (or return), choosing the right transportation depends on how you like to travel. If you want to see the country and explore it at your own pace, you can rent a car and drive (in about 2 hours you’ll cover the distance); or you can choose to travel by bus or train. Both options are cheap and fast (2 ½ hours).
Flights from Dublin (airport code: DUB) to Belfast
There are no direct flights connecting Dublin to Belfast. The only option is to fly via London or Island of Man. This also means you’ll be paying from £210 for a round trip even if you fly on low cost carriers such as Flybe or bmi.
Trains from Dublin to Belfast
The Translink Enterprise Service 5 connects Belfast Central to Dublin Connolly. There are up to 8 departures a day, with the first train leaving at 6:50 a.m. from Belfast during the entire week. On the way back, from Dublin Connolly to Belfast Central, the first train leaves at 735 a.m. Tickets can be bought online here . The adult single web fare stars at £8.99 (and depends on the day and hour of departure).
Buses from Dublin to Belfast
The Dublin to Belfast route is serviced by Ulsterbus (operated by Translink) and Bus Éireann. The journey takes about 2 ½ hours and there are hourly departures.
In Dublin, the departure station is Busaras, but there is a stop at Dublin Airport, as well. In Belfast, you can get off at Europa Bus Centre (the bus/rail station) or at Glengall Street stop.
Driving from Dublin to Belfast
Driving from Dublin to Belfast is relaxing and offers the possibility to see beautiful scenery and historical sites along the way. The shortest route (according to Goggle Maps) is 167 km and you should be able to cover it in about 2 hours.