Do we need to book bus transportation on Dublin express from upper queen street in Belfast to Dublin airport way in advance? Also are the direct bus routes usually timely? Thanks you
Posted by
Northern Ireland , United Kingdom
15 posts
there are a few options on getting from Northern Ireland to Dublin airport
the first is the Translink Ulsterbus goldliner service from Grand Central station , Translink are the public transport operator in Northern Ireland and operate all buses and trains in Northern Ireland including cross border routes into Ireland across the land border, you can take the express X2 or X1 service run by them to Dublin airport, there are also two private operators on the route dublin express and air coach they depart from Upper Queen street, however from September under a deal they have struck with Translink they will be allowed to use Grand Central station
Posted by
Washington
159 posts
Yes, I would book in advance and I would go with the Dublin Express as opposed to Air Coach. The Dublin Express has more room and a bathroom.
Posted by
Pennsylvania
371 posts
I think it’s possible to buy tickets on the spot, if seats are available. When we took the bus between Dublin and Belfast in June 2024 it was pretty full both in directions. I’m thinking it’s possible for them to sell out. I would say to book online as soon as your plans are firm (whether that’s months ahead, or hours ahead), especially if you’re connecting to a flight at DUB airport. In our case we used Aircoach one way and Dublin Express for the return to Dublin. Both were fine and on time, but the Dublin Express bus seemed a bit nicer/newer.
Posted by
Lake District, England
10442 posts
As said above, and in numerous previous threads, Translink are the third operator on the route.
They were the original operator, and are still the cheapest by a good margin when booked ahead.
They have also always run from Belfast bus station, not random street side stops.
It is a mystery why so many on this forum choose to ignore their existence.