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Public Transportation

Getting Around Belfast: Guide to Public Transportation

 William Murphy/Flickr ( CC BY-SA 2.0 )

The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is a relatively compact city that is easy to navigate on foot or bicycle. For those who want to explore the further corners of the city or use Belfast as a base to reach other parts of Northern Ireland, the city also has a public transportation system managed by Translink.

Locals tend to rely on cars to get around Belfast, but it is not necessarily worth it to rent a car if you plan to stick to the downtown area. Dealing with traffic and parking tend to outweigh the perks of having a car for a short time in the city.

Within the city center, buses are the most common form of public transportation, and this guide will show you how to get the most out of riding the bus in Belfast. Plus, find tips on using Northern Ireland’s train system, getting to and from the airport, and the best ways to navigate the city to save time and money.

How to Use Metro Buses in Belfast

The public bus service in Belfast is known as Translink Metro. However, don’t let the name fool you into thinking there is a subway service in the city; “metro” refers only to the above-ground buses. The bright, pink-colored buses are both single and double-decker. If you plan to travel outside of the Belfast area, these buses are managed by Ulsterbus .

The Metro buses run regularly and the most central bus stops can be found at the Europa bus station. The buses follow 12 different routes, and the Translink website has a modern journey planner to help you find the best travel options.

The standard cost of a one-time use ticket is 2.10 pounds, but there are travel passes available if you plan to take the Metro bus regularly during your time in Belfast. Some options for tickets include:

• Metro City Zone: 2.10 pounds
• Metro Daylink (for unlimited day travel): 3 pounds off-peak / 3.50 pounds at peak
• Metro Weekly Travel Smartcards: 15 pounds
• Metro Monthly Travel Smartcards: 55 pounds

You can purchase single tickets on board from the driver if you have cash. If you prefer to buy tickets ahead of time or want to purchase a travel card, the best places to purchase these in the city center are from the Metro Kiosk in Donegall Square West or at Visit Belfast Centre in Donegall Square North.

Most of the buses in Northern Ireland are accessible, but Translink provides a full accessibility guide to assist you in planning your trip.

You can use the trip planner on the Translink website to map your route and check the timetables for expected arrivals and departures. The website also has more information about purchasing tickets online whenever possible.

Taking Northern Ireland Railways

Belfast is also served by a series of trains which are managed by Translink , and which run to the major city suburbs and other Northern Ireland destinations. If you plan to take the train between Northern Ireland and Dublin, you will need to check the timetables and service information of Enterprise Train – a joint venture between Translink and Irish Rail. The trains depart every two hours.

Airport Shuttles

While Dublin is the busier airport, Belfast has its own transit hub known as the Belfast International Airport (BFS). The airport is located about 20 miles outside of the city but is well connected by the Airport Express 300 bu s. The buses leave every 15 minutes during peak hours and operate 7 days a week. Timetables can be found on the Translink website, and tickets can be purchased for 8 pounds (single) or 11.50 pounds (return).

If you prefer to take a taxi, you can book ahead by calling the Belfast International Airport Taxi Company (+44 (0)28 9448 4353). Taxis are also almost always available in the official taxi rank outside. The fares will be according to the meter, and a sample list of current fares is always posted inside the airport terminal.

The much smaller George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) is located just over a mile from the city center. It is served by regular Metro bus connections and tickets cost 2.60 pounds for the eight-minute journey. If you prefer to take the train, walk over the footbridge to Sydenham train station and take the next train to Belfast Central Station. Tickets are 2 pounds and can be purchased from machines inside the station.

If you plan to travel to Belfast from Dublin Airport , there are direct buses that depart the Irish capital for Northern Ireland. There is no need to travel into the Dublin City center to catch the bus to Belfast, simply check the timetables and find the best connection leaving directly from the airport. You can purchase your tickets on board, and the coaches are equipped with WiFi to help you pass the hour as you head north.

Bike Sharing in Belfast

Belfast has a bike-sharing program managed by Belfast Bikes that offers bicycles to rent at 30 different points throughout the city. Biking is a popular way to move about the city, and prices are very reasonable, with registration ranging from 6 pounds for three days to 25 pounds for an annual subscription. After that, the first 30 minutes are free and just one pound per hour after that.

Taking a Taxi in Belfast

There are four types of taxis that operate within the Belfast City Center, and the rules that govern where and when they can pick up passengers depends on if the cab has an A, B, C or D license. All official taxis are clearly marked, but the best way to get a cab is to find a taxi rank or call a reputable company to reserve a taxi at a specific place and time. Many taxis are prohibited from stopping when hailed, though these rules are relaxed between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m.

Rates depend on the day of the week, and the hour of the day but usually start around 3 pounds. These rates should be clearly displayed inside the taxi, and the meter should be turned on. The final price will depend on the distance traveled.

Tips for Getting Around Belfast

Most of the main attractions in the center of Belfast are walkable, and it may be faster to go on foot, or hop on a bike share, rather than waiting for the bus. Buses are really best used if you plan to head out to the suburbs and neighborhoods outside of the downtown area, or when you plan to take the bus from Belfast to another part of Northern Ireland.

For shorter journeys, taxis are available at some taxi ranks downtown. However, some classes of taxis cannot be hailed within the city center. To be sure of getting where you need to go, you can also call ahead to book a taxi. One of the most popular companies is Value Cabs (+44 (028) 90809080).

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Belfast Visitor Pass

• United Kingdom

PROJECT INFO

See belfast for less with the belfast visitor pass.

The Belfast Visitor Pass is just the ticket to save you time and money when visiting the City. With FREE unlimited travel on all Metro, NI Railways and Ulsterbus services within greater Belfast and over 90 fantastic offers and discounts on entry to visitor attractions, tours, eating out and shopping the Belfast Visitor Pass is the hassle-free way to explore Belfast and its key attractions!

Available for one, two and three days you can get out and about and explore more of our vibrant, lively city. From just £6.50 per adult and £4 per child, day-trippers and visitors can enjoy unlimited bus and train travel across the city as well as savings of up to 55% on some of Belfast’s top attractions and tours.

Other City Cards

Getting Around Belfast: Public Transport

Categories Antrim , Travel Guides

Are you looking for ways to get around in Belfast City ?

Belfast , the capital of Northern Ireland , is a small city that is easy to travel on foot or by bicycle. Belfast also offers a public transit system, which is run by Translink, for individuals who want to explore the city’s outskirts or use it as a base to visit other parts of Northern Ireland.

Buses are the most prevalent mode of public transportation in the city center, and this guide will show you how to make the most out of your bus ride in Belfast, as well as alternative ways to move around this lovely Northern Ireland city.

Things you'll find in this article

Transport Card and Ticket Offers in Belfast

Belfast bus network, northern ireland railways, bike rental, scooter/motorbike.

• Walking 

Belfast offers a variety of options for those who want to save money while using their public transport system. From visitor passes that you can top up to great deals on specific days of the week, these offers also encourage locals and tourists alike to further explore the city. 

• Belfast Visitor Pass – Within the Belfast Visitor Pass Zone, the Belfast Visitor Pass entitles you to unrestricted bus and train travel for one, two, or three days. Discounts and special deals are available at attractions and restaurants with the pass.  
• Bus Rambler – For only £9.50 for adults and £4.75 for children, Bus Rambler offers unlimited bus travel inside Northern Ireland every Sunday and during major school holidays .  
• Friends and Family Ticket – For only £22, you may get unlimited bus and train travel (inside Northern Ireland) for one day for up to 2 adults and 4 children. Each additional child costs £4. Monday through Friday after 9.30 a.m., and every Saturday and Sunday with no time limitations.  
• Sunday Day Tracker – On Sunday, you can ride for free on all regular train services in Northern Ireland (£8/£4). There are no time limits.  
• iLink (integrated bus and rail travel card) – Adults and children can use it, and it’s excellent if you take the bus and train frequently. iLink can be topped up for a day, week, or month at specified sales shops. For £5, you may buy the Belfast Freedom (1 day). For £16 you can get NI freedom (1 day).  
• yLink (16-23-year-olds travelcard) – Get a third off Northern Ireland Translink bus and train services, as well as up to 50% off Enterprise. It’s only £8 for 16-23-year-olds. To purchase a yLink card, go to www.ylinktranslink.co.uk.  
• The dayLink travelcard – this one allows you to travel on Metro and Glider for the entire day for £3.50 or £3 after 9.30 a.m. The cost of a cash Day Ticket is £4.20. The cost of a child’s ticket is half that of an adult’s. The cost of a dayLink Travelcard is £1. Purchase tickets online at www.translink.co.uk or any Smartlink agent, Metro Kiosk, Visit Belfast, major Translink station, or Glider Halt.

Belfast Public Transport

• Translink Metro – Most Translink Metro routes depart from Donegall Square, just outside Belfast City Hall, so you can see the finest of Belfast. The Metro Kiosk, Donegall Square West, and Visit Belfast all have free Metro timetables that are color-coded for each of the 12 routes.  
• Glider – Cross-city services run between east and west Belfast, as well as through the city center to Titanic Quarter.  
• Translink Goldline X1/X2A/X5A – Goldline X1/X2A/X5A services run between Belfast Europa Buscentre and Dublin Airport and Dublin city daily. With Translink’s amazing promotional web fares, you may buy online and travel to Dublin Airport .

If you have cash, you can buy single tickets from the driver on board. A one-time use ticket is £2.10, but if you plan to ride the Metro bus frequently during your stay in Belfast, there are travel tickets available (see list of options above) which has discounted fares. 

Where to book/buy a ticket: Book your ticket online here. 

Translink manages a network of trains that connect Belfast to the city’s major suburbs and other Northern Ireland destinations. 

Great Victoria Street Station and Lanyon Station are two of Belfast’s major train stations (previously known as Belfast Central Station).

Train ticket price starts at £9 for adults and £5 for students or children. The price still depends on the destination and if you are using a card or pass those entities to discounts.

Pre-booking a taxi is possible by contacting a local taxi operator. Some taxi companies have smartphone apps that you can use to book a taxi. Some taxi firms offer wheelchair-accessible and seven-seater taxis.

• Taxi Service Value Cabs   – Value Cabs is one of Belfast’s most well-known taxi companies, offering both professional taxi services and tourist tours. Vehicles that are wheelchair accessible and seven-seaters are available. Each vehicle has a terminal for accepting debit or credit cards.

Rates vary depending on the day of the week and the hour of the day, but they often start at around £3. The meter should be turned on and these rates should be posted inside the cab. The final cost will be determined by the journey distance.

Car R ental

Daily car rental in Belfast starts at £15 for a two-door car, however, prices vary greatly based on the size, business, and how long ahead of time you reserve.

Drive on the left side of the road and keep in mind that speeds are measured in miles per hour rather than kilometers.

In congested areas, the speed limit is 30 mph, increasing to 70 mph on highways.

Keep an eye on signs everywhere you’re traveling because speed cameras and traffic cops are everywhere. In the front and back seats, seatbelts are required.

Where to Book: Rentalcars.

There are approximately 30 docking stations throughout Belfast City Centre where you can rent a bike.

Just Eat Belfast Bikes, a public bicycle rental service with 45 docking stations located across the city, is a fantastic alternative.

The first 30 minutes are free, after which you will be charged 0.50 pounds per hour, 1.50 pounds per hour, 3.50 pounds per hour, and so on.

Here are a few well-known bike rental firms that are independently owned and operated.: 

• Visit Belfast
• Belfast Bikes
• Belfast City Bike Tour 

To rent a scooter or motorcycle, you must be at least 25 years old and have a valid two-wheeler driver’s license. The rental pricing varies a lot, however, the cheapest option is roughly 50 Pounds per day. Listed below are a few companies where you can rent a motorbike: 

• Celtic Rider
• Motorcycle Rental
• Phillip McCallen

Walking  

Walking is a great alternative if you want to see the sights of Belfast City Centre. The area is compact and most attractions are within walking distance from each other. 

Belfast is also a  pedestrian-friendly city with wide sidewalks and flat streets. Consider taking a walking tour of Belfast to learn more about the city’s history, culture, and people.

Buy your ticket online here.

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries for the past 8 years. I also lived in 3 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia to Africa. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.

• Free Travel Pass

Contact Information

The Free Travel Scheme is administered by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) and all queries about the scheme should be directed to the Department by emailing [email protected] or calling 071 915 7100.

More details on the Free Travel Scheme can be found on their website.

About the Free Travel Pass 

The Free Travel Pass allows holders to travel free of charge on public transport services in Ireland including Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead Ireland, Iarnród Éireann, Luas, TFI Local Link and Kilkenny Services operated by City Direct. The Free Travel Pass is also accepted by many commercial bus services.

You can find a full list of all operators and routes where the Free Travel Pass is accepted on gov.ie .

If you are using a PSC Free Travel Card, please hold the card to the validator until you hear a beep or see the green light.

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Free and concessionary bus and rail travel

If you're aged 60 or over, or you have a disability, you may be entitled to concessionary travel on bus and railway journeys within Northern Ireland. Translink and some other transport operators also offer half fare travel for children and young people up until 30 June following their 16th birthday.

Free travel for those fleeing domestic abuse

Free travel on bus or rail is available if you have refuge or emergency accommodation through Women’s Aid or the NI Housing Executive.  

You can find details on the following page:

• Domestic violence and abuse

Concessionary fares (bus passes) in Northern Ireland

The following concessions are provided on eligible scheduled services operated by Translink and other participating operators:

Free travel for:

• everyone aged 60 and over
• people who are registered blind
• war disablement pensioners

Half fare travel for people:

• who get the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• who have had a driving licence refused or revoked on medical grounds
• who have a recognised learning disability
• who are partially-sighted (sight impaired)

To be eligible for any of the above concessions, you must apply for and receive a concessionary travel card, called a SmartPass.

Getting the care component of PIP by itself does not make you eligible for a SmartPass.

You can get details below of eligibility and how to apply on the following pages:

• 60+/Senior SmartPass
• Blind SmartPass
• War Disablement SmartPass
• Half Fare SmartPass - Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Half Fare SmartPass - Learning Disability
• Half Fare SmartPass - Partially Sighted
• Half Fare SmartPass - Driving Licence Refused

SmartPass holders can use their card on all Glider services, with Half Fare SmartPass holders receiving full fare discount on this service.

All Ireland Free Travel Scheme for senior citizens

Senior citizens are eligible for free travel on public transport throughout the island of Ireland.

Senior citizens resident in Northern Ireland can get all Ireland free travel at the age of 65.

Senior citizens resident in the Republic of Ireland can get all Ireland free travel at the age of 66.

The 60+ SmartPass does not entitle the holder to all Ireland travel.

Note to 60+ SmartPass holders who will turn 65 shortly

Your 60+ SmartPass is programmed to run out at the end of the calendar month in which you become 65.

If you have applied for a Senior SmartPass, it will not be sent to you until near the end of the month in which you become 65.

As free all Ireland and cross-border travel is only available to holders of a Senior (65+) SmartPass, you may have to wait up to three weeks following your 65th birthday before you can make use of this benefit.

Contact information

If you have any queries, contact Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Concessionary Fares .

More useful links

• Rail travel
• Motoring, travel and transport for people with disabilities
• Travel information for people with reduced mobility
• Republic of Ireland Senior Citizen SmartPass for travelling in NI

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Call 0800 587 2750  Email  [email protected]

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Call 0800 587 0912  Email [email protected]

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Call 0800 587 1377

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Contact your local Jobs & Benefits office

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Call 0800 587 0932

If your query is about another benefit, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

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If you can’t find the information you’re looking for in the  Coronavirus (COVID-19) section , then for queries about:

• Restrictions or regulations —  contact the Department of Health
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If your query is about another topic, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

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• Driver licensing and tests, MOT and vehicle testing contact the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA), Northern Ireland

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For queries or advice about Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), including parking tickets and bus lane PCNs, email  [email protected]

For queries or advice about pensions, contact the  Northern Ireland Pension Centre .

If you wish to report a problem with a road or street you can do so online in this section .

If you wish to check on a problem or fault you have already reported, contact DfI Roads .

For queries or advice about historical, social or cultural records relating to Northern Ireland, use the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) enquiry service .

For queries or advice about rates, email [email protected]

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If you have a question about a government service or policy, you should contact the relevant government organisation directly .  We don't have access to information about you.

Translink reveals start date for contactless payment & announces new ticketing system

"It will be one of the largest integrated ticketing systems outside of London in the UK."

• 17:50, 26 JAN 2022

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A new ticketing system for public transport will be rolled out across Northern Ireland this year.

It means customers using buses, coaches, and trains will be able to tap on with a debit card using contactless. The new system will first begin in March on Metro services, before being rolled out to all Translink services over the next 12 months.

After working as a simple contactless system, it will then move into a London style of ticketing where customers will be able to tap on and tap off as they board and alight from services.

There will also be a daily and weekly capping system in place to make sure customers are receiving the best fares possible.

On Wednesday evening, the public transport operator announced that contactless payments are now available onboard Metro U2 Uni-Link and Service 600 to George Best Belfast City Airport.

Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Evening Extra, Translink's Chris Conway said he hopes these changes will "help us to improve the customer experience using public transport."

He said: "We're bringing in a new ticketing system starting in March on Belfast Metro, then over the next 12 months right across our services. That will be contactless, starting off it will just be simple where you buy your ticket using conactless.

"Then it will move to a London style, what we call account based ticketing, where you just tap on and tap off, you don't need to worry about where your journey is you just tap on and tap off on the train, Metro, Ulsterbus, Goldline or rail network and it will automatically work out your fare in the background. You'll be able to tap a debit card, but we will also have a Translink card you'll be able to load up if you prefer.

"We'll have a capping system so if you do a certain amount of journeys, you won't be charged any more on that day. There will be a daily and weekly capping system to make sure people are getting the best value fares as well.

"It will be one of the largest integrated ticketing systems outside of London in the UK. This will be a big advantage and make it much easier for people to use public transport."

It was also announced today that Translink will move to a phased return of its pre-pandemic timetables from Monday.

Mr Conway continued: “These new timetables will see frequency returning to more normal levels on Metro from next Monday, January 31, and from Monday, February 7, on NI Railways.

“Ulsterbus services will see phased frequency enhancements start to be introduced from Monday February 7 in line with passenger demand.”

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• Most Recent

CONTACTLESS PAYMENT

Tap into something new!

Translink’s graduated rollout of a service-wide Future Ticketing Programme will transform public transport in Northern Ireland.

The latest stage of these exciting plans is the phased roll out of contactless payments available onboard Ulsterbus services. This follows the successful roll out of contactless payments now being available on board Ulsterbus services that operate out of

• Newtownabbey 
• Bangor 
• Europa Buscentre 
• Derry~Londonderry
• Newtownards

Contactless payments are a quick, easy and secure way to pay for your travel - simply tap with your contactless credit/debit card, or smart device where you see the contactless symbol on the driver’s ticket machine reader.

Metro Services

Metro contactless fare options.

• 1st Journey: £2.20
• 2nd Journey: £1.50
• 3+ Journeys: FREE
• Daily Price Capped at £3.70

Ulsterbus Services

To buy your bus ticket for a friend or family member(s), please tell the driver what paper ticket(s) you wish to purchase BEFORE you tap your card or smart device on the reader where you see the contactless symbol. This is currently being rolled-out to Ulsterbus locations on a phased basis.

Ulsterbus Citystopper services within the Metro operating area: Both of the above Metro and Ulsterbus contactless payment options are available onboard.

For more information on our contactless payment options, please refer to our FAQs below. Keep an eye out on our social media channels and onboard Ulsterbus to find out when contactless comes to your area!

NI Railways

Check your journeys and payments.

You can view your customer account online to check your journeys and contactless payments made using your credit/debit card. 

Contactless Payment FAQs offer more details about making contactless payments onboard, fares information, troubleshooting payment issues and much more. 

Search Contactless Payment FAQs

These Conditions set out your rights, restrictions on those rights, and obligations as a customer of Translink.

More on Contactless Payment conditions of use