I need options advice for getting around Belfast including from the airport. I originally planned on taking the airport bus to the depot and walking to apartment, but I am now seeing varying options for daily passes that may include the airport transfer plus bus and train travel around the city. We will be staying within a short walk from the Bus Depot and Hotel Europa and travel very light so that part is not a problem. We are used to logging 6-8+ miles per day when traveling but I don't want to wear myself out on our arrival day. On arrival day (Friday) we will try to take in the Titanic Exp in the afternoon. What is the best way to get there? We could walk it (is it pedestrian friendly?) but by the end of the day we'll be pretty beat. Is there a bus/metro pass that would include airport transfer and city for the day? We may also try to visit Belfast Castle. Or since there are 4 of us, is a taxi a better option?
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2980 posts
It's a fairly easy 20-30 minute stroll to the Titanic Experience from the Europa, and although the walk does meander thru the center of the downtown area we found it to be pedestrian friendly. The hotel will provide you with a map and suggest the best walking route.
http://www.translink.co.uk/ runs the local bus system, and they do offer a metro-link card that includes airport transfers for anywhere from 1 to 5 days. Believe they have an information kiosk in the airport arrivals area.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2980 posts
Might add that we thought the Titanic Experience was fabulous...really well done. Suggest allowing a couple of hours to work your way thru the various exhibits. You can sprint thru the place in 30 minutes but it's really worth lingering. Also recommend getting there early (ie when they open) or later in the afternoon to avoid the mid-day crush of tour groups - it can get pretty clobbered if you time it wrong.
There's also a short walking tour outside the exhibit hall that tells the story of the old Harlan & Wolfe shipyard that's quite nice if the weather is good.
Posted by
OP
Cherry Hill, NJ
154 posts
Thanks Robert. I mapped the distance using google pedometer and it's about only abt 2 miles each way which is not bad, but after being on feet for a few more hours in Titanic Exp, we'll be pretty beat. We could always grab a taxi back.
I'm really looking forward to seeing this. If it's anything like the 911 Memorial Museum, you need hours to do it justice.