- Must visit
Titanic Belfast
Flagship museum on the Titanic story, Belfast shipbuilding heritage, and the city’s maritime past. One of the city’s defining visitor attractions.
Cheapest price
$22
Average price
$27
Fastest journey
2 h 35 m
Average duration
2 h 35 m
Buses per day
12
Distance
141 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Dublin to Belfast is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Dublin to Belfast will cost around $27 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $22.
Of the 12 buses that leave Dublin for Belfast on Wed, May 27, 12 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, May 27 the direct buses cover the 141 km distance in an average of 2 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 35 m .
On Wed, May 27 the slowest buses will take 2 h 35 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
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XI785Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Dublin to Belfast among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 9m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $15, and a train costs an average of $28.
Distance: 87 miles (141 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$25 Average price Cheapest | $28 Average price | $46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 55m Average total duration 2h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 39m Average total duration Fastest 2h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Dublin to Belfast:
A bus is $3 (€3) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Dublin to Belfast costing on average $28 (€23).
Other travel options to Belfast take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 25m.
Tickets start at around $25 (€20) compared to roughly $46 (€37) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $21 (€17). The journey takes 2h 25m versus 2h 8m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by AirCoach, Dublin Express, Infobus, Translink, Dublin Express, Aircoach.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Dublin Express | Departure Time 12:55AM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Dublin Express | Departure Time 05:55AM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator Dublin Express | Departure Time 06:55AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Dublin Express | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Dublin Express | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Dublin Express | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Dublin Express | Departure Time 12:55PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Dublin Express | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Dublin Express | Departure Time 02:55PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Dublin Express | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Dublin Express | Departure Time 05:55PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Dublin Express | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Dublin Express | Departure Time 08:55PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator Dublin Express | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 01:30AM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
The table below shows live departures for Dublin to Belfast buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, May 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
XI785 | Delayed 7:55 AM 12:55 AMDublin, Custom House Quay (The Custom House) | 2h35 | 8:50 AM 8:50 AMBelfast, Grand Central Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
XI785 | Delayed 7:55 AM 5:55 AMDublin, Custom House Quay (The Custom House) | 2h35 | 8:50 AM 8:50 AMBelfast, Grand Central Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
XI785 | Delayed 7:55 AM 6:55 AMDublin, Custom House Quay (The Custom House) | 2h35 | 8:50 AM 8:50 AMBelfast, Grand Central Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
XI785 | On time 8:55 AM Dublin, Custom House Quay (The Custom House) | 2h35 | 11:30 AM Belfast, Grand Central Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
XI785 | On time 10:55 AM Dublin, Custom House Quay (The Custom House) | 2h35 | 1:30 PM Belfast, Grand Central Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
XI785 | On time 11:55 AM Dublin, Custom House Quay (The Custom House) | 2h35 | 2:30 PM Belfast, Grand Central Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
XI785 | On time 12:55 PM Dublin, Custom House Quay (The Custom House) | 2h35 | 3:30 PM Belfast, Grand Central Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
XI785 | On time 2:55 PM Dublin, Custom House Quay (The Custom House) | 2h35 | 5:30 PM Belfast, Grand Central Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
XI785 | On time 4:55 PM Dublin, Custom House Quay (The Custom House) | 2h35 | 7:30 PM Belfast, Grand Central Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
XI785 | On time 6:55 PM Dublin, Custom House Quay (The Custom House) | 2h35 | 9:30 PM Belfast, Grand Central Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
XI785 | On time 8:55 PM Dublin, Custom House Quay (The Custom House) | 2h35 | 11:30 PM Belfast, Grand Central Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
XI785 | On time 10:55 PM Dublin, Custom House Quay (The Custom House) | 2h35 | 1:30 AM Belfast, Grand Central Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Buses from Dublin to Belfast run on average 14 times per day, taking around 2h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $15 (€12) if you book in advance.
There are 14 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 87 miles (141 km) distance in 2h 35m.
Distance 87 miles (141 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 (€12) |
Buses per day 14 |
Direct buses 14 |
Fastest bus 2h 35m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 91 days |
Discover the best of Belfast — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Belfast trip today.
Flagship museum on the Titanic story, Belfast shipbuilding heritage, and the city’s maritime past. One of the city’s defining visitor attractions.
Major national museum with art, archaeology, natural sciences, and Troubles-era history. Excellent all-round museum in the Botanic area.
Interactive science and discovery centre with hands-on exhibits popular with families and curious adults, located in the Titanic Quarter.
Belfast’s creative heart, known for cobbled lanes, street art, historic warehouses, and a lively cultural atmosphere.
Regenerated waterfront district with signature architecture, maritime heritage sites, and one of the city’s most photographed areas.
Historic covered market and one of Belfast’s best-loved public spaces for atmosphere, architecture, and local character.
A classic Northern Irish breakfast with bacon, sausage, eggs, black pudding, soda bread, and potato bread. It is one of Belfast’s most iconic hearty meals.
A large soft flour bap, often filled with bacon or sausage. It is a Belfast bakery staple and a well-known local lunchtime favorite.
A flat griddled bread made with potato, flour, and butter. Commonly served with breakfast, it is a distinctive Northern Irish comfort food.
Well-known Michelin-starred restaurant in Belfast city centre, offering creative tasting menus in a stylish contemporary setting.
Popular venue focused on traditional Irish and Northern Irish dishes such as champ and stew, served in a warm, welcoming setting.
Established seafood restaurant from the Deanes group, known for fresh local fish and a polished but relaxed dining atmosphere.
Generally cheaper than London. Hotels can rise in summer, but meals, pubs, and local transport are usually reasonable for UK city travel.
Around 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not included. Round up in taxis. Small tips are appreciated in hotels; not expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street -> Belfast Grand Central Station
The journey from Dublin to Belfast takes around 2h 20min and buses run throughout the whole day, on average departing around every 30min. However the buses are a lot less frequent throughout the night and only run around once every 2h.
The first bus from Dublin to Belfast usually departs at around 12:15 a.m., with buses departing throughout the night at of frequency of around every couple of hours. However, the first bus that may be useful for commuters reaching Belfast from Dublin is at approximately 6:30 a.m. After this departure, the buses run very frequently throughout the day. The last bus that departs from Dublin is at around 10:30 p.m., but the buses then continue after midnight and throughout the night.
Most of the bus journeys between Dublin and Belfast take around 2h 20min, however some of the buses that depart at busier times, like at peak morning and evening commuter times, take slightly longer, on average around 2h 30min. The bus journey from Dublin to Belfast is a direct service, so you do not have to make any changes.
Departure bus station: Dublin City Center. The departure station for this journey depends on your chosen provider. If you are traveling with Aircoach, the bus station you will depart from is located on O’Connell Street, opposite the Gresham Hotel. The station is within the city center and only a short walk away from the main train station, Connolly. This is a bus stop rather than a bus station, so you will not find facilities at the stop itself, but as you are in the city center you will be surrounded by shops, restaurants, and other useful facilities. If you are traveling from Dublin to Belfast with Translink, you will depart from the Busaras Bus Station, which is also located directly in the city center. The main difference is here you will find facilities within the station itself, like a newsagent, bookshop, and a snack bar. The station also has an information desk where you can find information about your journey, as well as general tourist information.
Arrival bus station: Belfast Europa Bus Center. Your destination bus stop will be Belfast Europa Bus Center, which is located around a 7min walk from the city center. Both Aircoach and Translink buses arrive at this station. If you are looking to continue your journey, the bus station is located around a 20min walk from Belfast’s main train station, Lanyon Place. You can also take a taxi, which will take you around 8min. At Belfast Europa you will find a lot of useful facilities, including shops, cafés and an information desk. You can also directly access a shopping mall from inside the bus station.
There are two main providers that offer direct bus transportation from Dublin to Belfast, Aircoach and Translink. The journey time is very similar with both providers, as is the price and frequency, with both companies offering the route frequently throughout the day. Your chosen provider will probably end up coming down to the one that offers the most convenient departure time to fit in with your plans.
Aircoach buses from Dublin to Belfast operate hourly throughout the peak hours of the day and around every 2h during the early morning and late evening, then slightly less frequently throughout the night. The first Aircoach bus departs Dublin at around 1:30 a.m. and the last bus of the day departs at around 10:30 p.m. Between the hours of around 12:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., you will find hourly departures. All Aircoach buses between these destinations are direct and take around 2h 20min to cover a distance of around 103 miles (165 km).
When traveling on buses between Dublin and Belfast with Translink, your journey time will be around 2h 20min, however journey times for buses that depart at peak hours, such as their bus that departs at around 6:30 p.m. will take you a slightly longer time of around 2h 30min. Translink buses between these two locations are frequent, departing every hour throughout the day. However, Translink buses do not run at night, with the last bus of the day departing just after midnight, at around 12:15 a.m. and the first bus leaving at 7:15 a.m.
Aircoach provide several useful services on board their buses from Dublin to Belfast, including free Wi-Fi throughout the journey and charging points. This bus service does not offer any First-Class seats, but all standard tickets include reclining chairs. Each passenger is allowed to bring two pieces of luggage on board the bus. Aircoach buses from Dublin to Belfast are fully accessible for wheelchair users, however once you have booked your ticket through Omio, it is always best to contact the Aircoach customer service team at least 24h in advance if your require additional accessibility assistance. Currently you can not bring mobility scooters on board Aircoach buses. If you are traveling to Belfast with Translink, you will also only find one standard ticket type available, with no First-Class seating offered on board this service. All passengers may bring luggage on board the bus with a maximum weight of 55 lbs (25 kg). Buggies or strollers for young children can be brought on the bus free of charge, provided they are foldable and there is a suitable space available. Similarly, bicycles are permitted on board if they are foldable and there is a suitable space available, unfolded bikes are not permitted on this service. You are allowed to bring your pet on board Translink buses from Dublin to Belfast, as long as it is small and inoffensive, however this is at your own risk and the animal must be kept under control and on a lead or in a suitable container throughout the journey. All Translink bus services are accessible for wheelchair users.
There are several ways you can find cheap or discounted bus tickets from Dublin to Belfast if you are prepared. One great way to save money is by booking your ticket in advance. With Omio it is easy to view prices across various dates, so if you are able to be flexible with your travel dates, you may be able to save money by traveling on a certain day that is less popular with other travelers. Furthermore, you can find cheaper fares by traveling on less popular services, such as the buses that depart throughout the night to Belfast.
The capital of Northern Ireland is a popular tourist destination, with friendly locals and a wide variety of historical sights and entertainment options. We recommend visiting the Crumlin Road Gaol museum, a former prison with tons of history – book a guided tour to find out the impact this building has had on life in Belfast today. For a taste of Belfast, visit St. George’s Market, where you can find around 300 traders, selling food, art, and other local produce. If you want to enjoy panoramic views of Belfast, or escape the hustle and bustle of the city, visit Cave Hill. The climb is not for beginners, but from the top you can enjoy a unique view of Belfast.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dublin to Belfast by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Belfast, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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