I posted a version of this question under the Transportation page, but am finding that I need more help. My friend and I will be arriving in Dublin from the US on a Friday morning in late June - our flight arrives at approximately 8:30 in the morning. We need to get to Belfast via public transportation. Although the train has its benefits (most obviously the ability to move around after a 7-hour transcontinental flight), it appears that the need to travel from Dublin International to Connelly Street Station would add an hour to our total travel time. Is this correct? Accordingly, the bus would be the more expedient method for getting to Belfast, correct? Assuming this to be true, is it better to book bus tickets over the internet prior to our arrival in Ireland? I have tried to figure all of this out using the Translink website, but I must say that it is somewhat challenging! I cannot even find information about fares using this website - it merely provides me with a phone number! Please help!!!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
The information is all here: http://www.translink.co.uk/Services/Other-Translink-Services/Airport-Services/Goldline-200-Belfast-to-Dublin/ You can also use the Journey Planner at www.buseireann.ie
Posted by
Boston, MA
119 posts
Hi Helen - I remember answering your post in the transportation section, so I apologize if I'm just repeating what I said before! It definitely is fastest to just take the bus, because you are already at the airport, versus having to get into Dublin to pick up the train. It is about 45 mins from the airport to the train station, dependent on traffic. I was last in Ireland and Northern Ireland in March, and I just purchased the tickets from the driver. There are also machines at the bus stops you can use to the buy the tickets, and inside Terminal 1 is a ticket counter. Hope that helps!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
Translink DOES show the price of the journey if you look in the right spot. Just go to the link I posted and scroll down.
Posted by
OP
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
6 posts
Thank you Nancy & Bonnie! Both of you have given me the information I need. My friend and I have decided to wait until we arrive in Dublin and then, judging on the time and how we feel, we will decide whether to take the train or the bus. Thanks again for the information!
Posted by
wichita, kansas
484 posts
I haven't checked to see of this is possible but if it is you might consider taking the bus to Drogheda,or some other town where the train stops, then get on the train and continue on to Belfast, saving you from going into Dublin and then having to backtrack. Even if it is only about a 2 hour trip the train is preferable, at least in my opinion, to the bus.