Belfast, Grand Central Train Station (navigating platforms)

Posted by Sean (Montana, USA) on 04/04/26 12:44 PM

Question: How far apart are the platforms at Belfast, Grand Central Train Station? Is it difficult to get through the terminal and ticket gates when transferring platforms? Are the platforms in separate sections of the train station? Hoping to hear from folks that have traveled in and out Grand Central.

We will arrive in Belfast from Portrush/Coleraine on Platform 4 at 12:50 and depart for Dublin on Platform 2 at 13:00. Is 10 minutes enough time to make that transfer? If not, we can take the 14:00 train to Dublin. I’d much rather arrive in Dublin an hour earlier than spend that time in the train station. Any firsthand experience would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Sean

Posted by Philip

London, England

04/05/26 12:36 AM

377 posts

I was at Belfast Grand Central a couple of times on holiday last year. There are eight platforms all in the same location, with medium-to-long distance bus stands on the other side of the building. All the platforms are dead end so from Platform 4 to Platform 2 you can just walk around the ends of the platform. Ten minutes will be plenty of time if your incoming train isn't delayed. I don't think you have to pass through ticket gates.

Posted by Nightowl

NORTHERN IRELAND UK

04/05/26 02:36 PM

2 posts

Hi sean, I am from Northern Ireland, yup as the previous poster has said the platforms at Belfast Grand Central station are close togther right next to each other, there are 8 platforms , here is a tip if you download the translink NI (www.translink.co.uk) Translink are the public transport operator in Northern Ireland and operate all buses and trains including the cross border services into Ireland, you can plan your journey from portrush to belfast on it and it will tell you what platform your dublin service will depart from, be aware not all of the dublin services use the enterprise train sets some use the local Northern ireland railways, or the Irish rail trains but you dont have to worry about this as it will still go to dublin as normal
make sure your have your ETA for the UK (Northern Ireland) as well www.gov.uk/eta
and pounds

Posted by Sean OP

Montana, USA

04/05/26 03:16 PM

9 posts

Appreciate the information and tips. I’m feeling much more comfortable about making that 10 min. connection at Grand Central. I also downloaded the Translink app.

Slainte,
Sean