How to Get to Belfast from Dublin: The Best Ways to Travel
While many travelers take a day trip from Dublin to Northern Ireland to visit Giant’s Causeway, these tours skip one of the UK’s best cities: Belfast.
Just 2 hours from Dublin, Northern Ireland’s capital city is packed with history, incredible street art, amazing bars and restaurants, and, as a bonus, is more affordable than Dublin.
I was lucky enough to spend several days in Belfast after 2 weeks in Dublin, but if time is limited, it is an easy and enjoyable day or overnight trip. If you are self-navigating a trip through Ireland and Northern Ireland, it is likely you will be transiting between Belfast and Dublin.
When I first traveled from Dublin to Belfast, there was rail work taking place, so I took a combination train + bus, which gave me the chance to experience both options. When I returned to Dublin, I drove with a friend up to Belfast for a quick overnight visit.
While being chauffeured like a princess was obviously the most comfortable and convenient way to get to/from Belfast, this isn’t typically an option for all travelers, so here I will break down all the ways to get to and from Belfast from Dublin so you can decide the best option for your budget, itinerary and comfort.
First, Some Logistics
Due to the Republic of Ireland being its own country and Northern Ireland being part of the UK, it is easy for travelers to be confused or have questions about the immigration process.
Here, I will answer some commonly asked questions, based on my experience as a US passport holder, which also applies to Canadian, EU, Australian, UK, etc passport holders. *Always be sure to check the requirements for your specific country of origin.
Is there passport control between Ireland and Northern Ireland?
No.
There is no physical passport control or routine border checkpoint on the open land road between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
You may not even notice you have crossed from Ireland to Northern Ireland until you notice the change in speed limit, which will be indicated in miles per hour versus kilometers.
Do I need a Visa/ETA to enter Northern Ireland By Land?
While there is no physical checkpoint, be sure you are in compliance with UK immigration requirements. This includes having a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). While it is very unlikely this will be checked if you are not entering or departing from Northern Ireland by air, it IS required and should be
You can apply for and receive your ETA on-line in just a few minutes. The cost is £20 and it is valid for two years.
Use the official UK ETA website here
Can I enter Ireland and Leave out of Norther Ireland?
Yes.
While this can cause some confusion since there is no formal immigration process from The Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland, there are no issues entering one and exiting the other.
🚂Dublin to Belfast By Train
If you do not already have a car rental, the most stress-free and efficient way to travel from Dublin to Belfast is by train. The train
Dublin to Belfast Train Tickets
How Frequently do Trains Run Between Dublin and Belfast
Trains run on the hour starting at 5:50a and ending at 8:50p every day.
Trains from Dublin to Belfast originate at the follow stations: Connolly, Pearse, and Heuston. Connolly Station is generally the most central and convenient to visitors in Dublin.
Where to Buy Train Tickets from Dublin to Belfast
Irish Rail is the national train provider operating between Belfast and Dublin.
Tickets should only be purchased via the official website here or via Omio, the only officially recognized third party booking site in Ireland.
How Much Do Train Tickets to Belfast from Dublin Cost?
Tickets start at €13.99 each way for economy class, with semi-flexibele, flexible and first-class tickets available for an additional cost.
While the difference isn’t too drastic, ticket prices do increase based on demand, so it is advisable to book in advance if you know your plans.
What Types of Tickets are Available on Irish Rail?
Irish Rail offers 4 fare types for journeys between Dublin and Belfast. Your ticket type determines how far in advance you can amend or cancel tickets, however; the train only has 2 classes: economy and first.
I found the economy class on Irish Rail to Belfast perfectly comfortable for the duration of the journey, with friendly service.
Low Fare
These tickets are the lowest fare and start at €13.99 each way.
Amend up to 48hrs in advance* (50% fee plus fare difference)
Cancel up to 48hrs in advance* (50% fee)
*of the outward journey and or ticket(s) being printed
Semi-Flexible
Typically only €1-2 more, these tickets allow an additional 24 hours of flexibility if plans change
Amend up to 24hrs in advance* (20% fee plus fare difference)
Cancel up to 24hrs in advance* (20% fee)
*of the outward journey and or ticket(s) being printed
Flexible
This fare will cost you about €2,50 more, but allows the most flexbility with changes and cancellations permitted up to an hour before scheduled departure
Free amendments online up to 60 minutes in advance*
Free cancellations online up to 60 minutes in advance*
*of the outward journey and or ticket being printed
First Class
First class tickets on Irish Rail offer the most space and comfort, but also come at the highest price. First class ticket Dublin to Belfast typically cost €27,50-€33,50 depending on how far in advance they are booked.
First class tickets offer the same flexibility as ‘flexible’ tickets
First Class / First Plus coach depending on the route
Free amendments online up to 60 minutes in advance*
Free cancellations online up to 60 minutes in advance*
*of the outward journey and or ticket being printed
⭐For a full overview of fare classes and change/cancellation policies, refer to the official Irish Rail website.
Is There a Bar Car on Irish Rail to Belfast?
Yes.
There is a dedicated car where you can purchase snacks, hot and cold drinks, and light refreshments, as well as a mobile cart that travels through standard class carriages.
First Class passengers can enjoy in-seat meals and host service during their journey.
*Outside alcohol is not permitted to be consumed onboard.
🚌Dublin to Belfast by Bus
If you are looking for the most cost-effective way to get from Dublin to Belfast, or vice versa, the bus is your best option and takes less than 30 minutes longer than the train (pending traffic delays).
In addition to being more cost effective, here are some other benefits to taking the bus from Dublin to Belfast:
💶Cost: With prices ranging from €9 to €13 when booked in advance, the bus is a budget friendly option.
📆Schedule: With busses running about every 30 minutes, there is a bus running between Belfast and Dublin to fit every schedule
⌚The bus takes only 2 hours and 20 minutes
💺The coaches are modern and quite comfortable, with Wi-Fi and power outlets.
✈️DUB to Belfast
If you are traveling straight from Dublin Airport to Belfast, the bus is the best option with both Aircoach and Dublin Express offering service from DUB to Belfast's Europa Buscentre/Grand Central area.
Taking the bus from Dublin airport to Belfast eliminates the need to reposition to the Dublin City Center to then take the train, saving travelers time and money.
Where to Book Bus Tickets Dublin to Belfast
To get a full view of available buses, prices, schedules, and tickets visit Omio or check individual providers’ official websites.
Dublin Express Pearse Street (Stop 345) - Dublin City Centre (Custom House Quay, Stop 135271) - Dublin Airport - Belfast Grand Central Station
AirCoach Service from Dublin Airport - Dublin City Center (Connelly St) - Belfast Grand Central Station - Belfast Airport
Translink Goldliner - Service from Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre
🚗Driving From Dublin to Belfast
Taking the direct route, the drive between Dublin and Belfast takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to a little over 2 hours, depending on traffic, using the A1-M1 motorway.
🪙Tolls Driving in to Dublin from Belfast
Standard Route (Avoiding Dublin Port Tunnel): If you take the standard motorway connection via the M50 and head north on the M1, you will pass the M1 toll plaza near Drogheda (€2.30) plus the barrier-free M50 toll (€2.60–€3.80), for a combined total of €4.90 to €6.10
Route via Dublin Port Tunnel: If your starting point in Dublin takes you through the Port Tunnel during peak commuting hours, the tunnel fee alone can add €12.00 to €14.00, bringing your total one-way tolls up to €16.30
Those traveling with more time, or at a more leisurely pace, can opt to take the scenic route from Dublin to Belfast to include stops in quaint towns, to take in views, or visit castles and other historic sites.
If taking the Scenic route from Dublin to Belfast, some suggested stops include:
Newry & Carlingford Lough - incredible views and cute cafe vibes
Boyne Valley / Newgrange - for sightseeing and prehistoric monuments
Drogheda - Take a step back in time in this prehistoric town, perfect for a quick lunch and wander around
⭐Be sure to alert your rental car company before driving from The Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland.
While there is no physical border crossing, appropriate insurance coverage is necessary in the UK.
No matter how you get from Dublin to Belfast, whether it is a day trip, overnight stay, or extended holiday, you will not regret visiting both cities during your trip.
Both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland have so much to offer from great food, pub culture, history, art, culture and so much more. While Dublin and Belfast have some similarities, as far as capital cities go, they are also very unique in their history and cultural, making them their own experiences and both worth visiting.
