My husband and I are going on our very first RS tour. Best of Ireland in July. We will be flying into Dublin, and the tour ends in Belfast. I realize there are bus lines that go from Belfast-Dublin Airport. How easy is it to get to the bus depot? Is this something the hotel can help us arrange? This is our only 2nd trip abroad, and I am not going to pretend that we are savvy travelers. I don't want to be in a panic the day we need to get to the airport, so would sure appreciate advice from you seasoned travelers!
Posted by
Tigard, OR, USA
1068 posts
Well three thoughts: 1) If you haven't booked your airline tickets yet, consider flying "open jaw"---in one city and out another. In this case, into Dublin and out of Belfast. 2) If you have booked your tickets, consider taking a short flight from Belfast to Dublin. They are often inexpensive and quicker than trains or buses. 3) The guide will offer you help/guidance/ride sharing (if possible) etc. after the tour is over, so whether you go to the bus depot or airport, the guide will help you get there. Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Prague, Czech Republic
356 posts
- There are hourly express buses on the Dublin/Belfast route.
- Each bus stops at Dublin Airport.
- The bus terminals are in the city centres - an easy taxi ride from your hotels.
- Your hotel will be able to help you book a bus.
Posted by
OP
Ohio
81 posts
@Ray - we did check the one-way scenario, and it was very expensive to do that. Dublin in and out was the cheapest route. I had no idea you can get a flight from Belfast-Dublin - that's really faster than a 2+ hour bus trip? I would never have thought to check that alternative!
Posted by
North Georgia, USA
1155 posts
Linda,
Ray wasn't talking about two one-way tickets, but booking one reservation as what's commonly referred to as "open jaw." This means into one airport and out of another on the same ticket. It's very common and usually no more expensive, or minimally so when you consider the time savings. When booking reservations on airline websites, it will be called something like "multi city" and you'll have to navigate to a different screen and leave the "round trip" booking option. Too late for this time, but remember for future trips!
Your tour guide will be very helpful in getting you back where you need to be at the end of the trip. Just ask ahead of time.
Posted by
Tigard, OR, USA
1068 posts
Thanks Celeste, exactly what I meant:
Ray wasn't talking about two one-way tickets, but booking one reservation as what's commonly referred to as "open jaw." This means into one airport and out of another on the same ticket. It's very common and usually no more expensive, or minimally so when you consider the time savings. When booking reservations on airline websites, it will be called something like "multi city" and you'll have to navigate to a different screen and leave the "round trip" booking option.
If you are fairly new to travel, I would strongly recommend reading Rick's "Europe Through the Back Door." I read it after my first trip to Europe and kicked myself for not reading it before that! The book really helps clarify a lot of questions and can give you a nice blueprint for travel that you can hone to your own tastes as you travel more. Enjoy Ireland, one of my favorite countries.