What is the cheapest way to get from Belfast to Dublin?

The cheapest way to get from Belfast to Dublin is to bus which costs £13 - £19 and takes 2h 25m. What is the fastest way to get from Belfast to Dublin? The quickest way to get from Belfast to Dublin is to drive which costs £28 - £45 and takes 1h 45m.



The most budget-friendly way to travel between Belfast and Dublin in 2026 is by express bus, with tickets often starting as low as £12 ($15) when booked in advance. Two major operators, Aircoach and Dublin Express, run high-frequency services (often every 30-60 minutes) between Belfast City Centre (Europa Buscentre or Glengall Street) and Dublin Airport or O'Connell Street. These journeys take approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes and offer amenities like free Wi-Fi and USB charging points. While the Enterprise train is more comfortable and scenic, it is generally more expensive, with standard fares usually starting around £20-£30. For those looking for the absolute lowest price, mid-week travel and "early bird" online bookings are essential. Avoid "turning up and paying" on the day, as walk-up fares can be double the online price. Ridesharing apps are occasionally an option, but for a guaranteed low price and reliable schedule, the bus remains the undisputed champion for this 100-mile cross-border corridor.

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The best way to get from Belfast to Dublin is to train which takes 2h 10m and costs £14 - £20. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs £13 - £19 and takes 2h 25m.

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Dublin to Belfast Train Information Providing not only scenic views but a rapid and comfortable journey as well, train travel is one of the best ways to conquer the distance. There are several daily connections, which take around two hours to complete.

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Is there a direct train from Dublin to Belfast? As mentioned above, the railway route between the beautiful cities is served by fast Irish high-speed trains. They boast fast travel times and can take you from Ireland to Northern Ireland in just a bit over two hours, no train changes needed.

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Belfast is compact and walkable, so getting around the city is easy on foot, by bike or by taxi.

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For an authentic Belfast experience give yourself three days to soak up the history, culture and sights. elfast ranks among the great cities of the world for character and charisma. Yet it's still a place that flies under the radar, where people are genuine and visitors come away feeling they've discovered a real gem.

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Is it cheaper to buy a train ticket in advance? Yes. Advance train tickets are usually the cheapest way to travel by train, and generally go on sale 12 weeks before your date of travel. You'll need to travel on the train you're booked on, but you'll get a cheaper price by foregoing flexible travel times.

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NOTE: Northern Ireland forms part of the United Kingdom. Separate visa requirements apply for travel in the Republic of Ireland. As there is no physical border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland you will not pass through UK immigration control if arriving to Belfast through Dublin.

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Tip 2: On the Enterprise, find a seat on the left hand side going south to Dublin, right hand side going north to Belfast, for the sea views north of Dublin. Belfast Central was named after the Belfast Central Railway, not because of its location!

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Belfast is compact and walkable, so getting around the city is easy on foot, by bike or by taxi.

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As part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland's currency is the pound sterling (£).

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