ulsterbus travel card

GUIDE | Ulsterbus services in Belfast

A number of Ulsterbus routes connect Belfast with its various commuter towns and beyond, bridging the gap in areas without rail access. Here is a quick guide to the Ulsterbus services that serve the Belfast area.

What is an Ulsterbus?

The bright blue Ulsterbuses are ubiquitous in Northern Ireland for local bus services in areas outside Belfast. They provide crucial connectivity between towns and their outlying rural areas.

Ulsterbus routes in Belfast

Most Ulsterbus routes serving Belfast serve either the new Grand Central station or the Laganside Bus Centre, where the routes usually terminate. Below are summaries and groupings of Ulsterbus routes that serve both Belfast bus centres. For a full list of Ulsterbus services serving Belfast, please consult Translink’s website .

On 8 September 2024 , the Europa Bus Centre was closed and all Ulsterbus services at Europa were transferred to the new Belfast Grand Central station . There is currently no word on what will happen to bus services at Laganside.

Routes calling at Belfast Grand Central

Routes calling at laganside, how to buy ulsterbus tickets.

Ulsterbus tickets are sold onboard and there also travel cards available for discounted / multi-journey travels. Here are the ways of buying tickets to travel on the Ulsterbus to/from Belfast :

• Paying cash onboard (for Single and Day Return tickets);
• Paying via contactless cards onboard (for Single and Day Return tickets);
• Buying a ticket via Translink’s mLink app (for Single and Day Return tickets); and
• Travelling with a travel card (yLink, iLink, dayLink, Smartlink).

All Ulsterbus tickets must be validated onboard the bus during boarding. Note that Single and Day Return tickets sold onboard are only for that specific Ulsterbus route and not the entire Ulsterbus network .

For cash and card payments onboard, simply tell the driver where you want to go, specify if you need a Single or Day Return ticket, and handover cash or tap your contactless bank card on the reader. Your paper ticket will then be issued to you, although note that no printed tickets will be issued for Single tickets paid for via contactless.

Using Discounted Tickets and Travel Cards on the Ulsterbus

If you’re using an mLink ticket on the app, remember to purchase and activate it before boarding, and to show it to the driver. Note that mLink Ulsterbus tickets are only valid for the selected route .

If you’re using your yLink card for discounted Single or Day Return tickets, tap your yLink card on the reader before paying for the ticket with cash or contactless. You will then receive the paper ticket – check to make sure that the discount has been applied.

If you’re travelling with an iLink, dayLink, or a Smartlink card , tap on the reader to validate it when boarding. A paper receipt will then be issued to confirm that the card is valid for your journey. These travel cards cannot be bought onboard the Ulsterbus .

Frequencies and schedules

Ulsterbus services run strictly on a fixed schedule. These are available on the Translink website and are pasted at bus stops. Note that some services run only on weekdays, or only from Monday to Saturday.

The Ulsterbus is a usable option within Belfast but only if a service coincides with your travel needs. If you’re a tourist, the Ulsterbus can be useful if you’re visiting a place slightly further out of Belfast. Otherwise, it’s likely that you won’t need to use the Ulsterbus in Belfast.

Do note that Ulsterbus services have lower scheduled frequencies than Metro and the Glider , and it can be faster to walk and catch a Glider or a Metro bus than to wait for an Ulsterbus in Belfast. If you’re travelling from outside Belfast to the city, it could be faster to take the train instead if that option is available.

Translink journey planner and service updates

There are 2 ways to plan your journey when using Translink services:

• Using Google Maps (Translink shares live data for its buses and trains with Google); or
• Using Translink’s own journey planner app ( App Store link ), ( Google Play link ).

Service updates for Ulsterbus services are provided by Translink’s Twitter feed . There is also a dedicated Ulsterbus Twitter feed if you want updates for only the blue buses.

How are the Ulsterbuses like?

The Ulsterbus fleet contains a mix of single deck and double decked units, most of which are built by NI-based manufacturer Wrightbus.

All buses are low-floor and have the capability to “ kneel ” to bring the door closer to the kerb to provide easier access when boarding. Most buses are wheelchair-accessible , and the internal layout accommodates wheelchair users. To board an Ulsterbus with a wheelchair, make yourself known to the driver who will then assist you.

Some of the Belfast routes are operated by buses carrying the “Urby” brand. This was initially intended to market newer buses providing higher quality service on key commuter routes to Belfast, generally equipped with WiFi, USB charging ports, and leather seats. These newer buses have now become common across the Ulsterbus fleet across NI and are not exclusive to Urby.

External Links

• Translink website ;
• Timetables page on Translink website (type in your stop name or route number).

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iLink – a new era in smartcard technology for Northern Ireland

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Posted: 22 December 2009 | Catherine Mason, Group Chief Executive, Translink | No comments yet

Translink is the main provider of public transport in Northern Ireland incorporating Metro, NI Railways and Ulsterbus services. Our success is clearest in the growing numbers of passengers travelling on our bus and train services. Over 80 million passenger journeys per year are now made with Translink – a rise of more than eight million in the last four years alone.

Translink aims to provide integrated travel solutions that are attractive, sustainable and good value. We recognise that our bus and rail services enrich the economy, the environment and the life of the community in a sustainable fashion through innovation, service quality and value for money.

Innovative ticketing solutions with a focus on integration, flexibility and convenience play an important role in attracting more passengers onboard our services. In Autumn 2009, we launched iLink – Northern Ireland’s first commercial integrated bus and rail smartcard representing a major step forward in delivering integrated travel solutions for our customers. iLink is the latest development in our long-running strategy to offer innovative smartcard technology that will help deliver more attractive services for our customers.

Translink smartcard products

Translink differs from most other public transport providers in that it not only operates bus and rail services in Northern Ireland but also performs all administration, maintenance and management of smartcards and ticketing systems. Translink first introduced smartcard travel products in the form of concessionary Smartpasses in May 2002. Now, both concessionary Smartpasses and commercial Smartlink cards are used by our customers on all of our bus and rail services and have proved extremely popular.

The Northern Ireland Concessionary Fares Scheme is funded by the government’s Department for Regional Development (DRD) and managed and administered on their behalf by Translink. Over 10 million journeys currently are made on concessionary schemes cards each year in Northern Ireland.

Catherine Mason, Group Chief Executive for Translink (left), was joined by Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland, Antoinette McKeown, to launch the new iLink Smartcard

The first free concessionary Smartpass card types to be introduced in 2002 included: Senior (65+) Smartpass, Blind Smartpass and War Pensioner Smartpass. Later additions included: four new categories of half-fare Smartpasses in 2004 covering passengers with a range of disabilities; introduction of the Republic of Ireland Senior Smartpass in 2007 permitting senior residents of Republic of Ireland to travel free on Translink services within Northern Ireland; and in 2008, free travel was extended to 60-64 year olds within Northern Ireland with the introduction of a 60+ Smartpass. In conjunction with the Northern Ireland government’s Department for Regional Development, Translink currently provides nine different concessionary schemes and card types with over 300,000 live photo-personalised Smartpasses currently in use.

A further 6.5 million journeys are made each year on Translink’s selection of commercial smartcards, branded ‘Smartlink’, which were also first introduced in 2002. This portfolio includes a range of discounted zonal and distance-based multi-journey and period travel Smartlink products for all bus services throughout Northern Ireland.

The multi-journey Smartlink products allow the user to purchase between five and 40 journeys, in multiples of five, at a time. All journeys topped up on a Smartlink card last for 12 months. Each time the user places their card on the driver’s ticket machine, one journey is deducted from the card and the customer receives a ticket receipt advising how far they can travel.

Period travel Smartlink cards allow the user to top-up with one day, one week or one month’s travel to be used for unlimited journeys within a zone.

We are using our Smartlink card products to provide the best value for money travel option for customers by providing the highest level of discount to encourage more people away from cash fares and onto smartcards in order to improve boarding times, offer better convenience, increase safety and remove cash from buses.

Smartcard technology

ESP Systex has been Translink’s supplier of the concessionary Smartpass bureau service and associated card management since 2002. As each photo-personalised Smartpass has an electronic expiry date of five years, Translink and the DRD have reissued over 115,000 passes to date to customers who received cards originally back when the Smartpass scheme was first introduced.

Smartpasses and Smartlink cards are electronically read on Parkeon Wayfarer-supplied bus and rail ticketing equipment, including: bus ETMs, office and agent-based POS machines, portable hand-held ticket machines and rail platform validators.

All non-personalised Smartlink cards are produced by Burrall Infosmart and all Translink smartcards are Wayfarer proprietary format (not ITSO).

iLink – integrated smartcard technology

iLink in use

iLink is the latest Translink smartcard developed with more sophisticated technology and is ideal for customers who use both bus and train services or make cross-zonal journeys regularly. The iLink card can be purchased for unlimited day, weekly or monthly travel on Metro, NI Railways and Ulsterbus services within three specified zones covering all of Northern Ireland.

It is available for both adults and children (5-16 years) and has been designed with a focus on passenger ease of use. iLink cards complement rather than replace Translink’s existing suite of commercial smartcard products.

iLink customer benefits

With integration, flexibility and convenience at the forefront of iLink’s development, customers can enjoy a range of benefits, including:

• No restrictions on the number of journeys you can make within the zone you have purchased
• More convenient, safer, cash-free way to travel
• Speeds up boarding times on buses making overall journey times faster for everyone
• More flexible – iLink cards can be passed to other family members or friends if they are travelling at a different time within the same zone. It also allows the customer the flexibility to select the product which best suits their travelling pattern and be charged an appropriate price
• If a card is lost or stolen it can be ‘hotlisted’ (electronically deactivated) to prevent anyone else from using it fraudulently

Using iLink

iLink is initially purchased at a set charge of £1.50 with an online purchase facility also available. There are three types of card depending on the customer’s preferred zone(s) of travel with a ‘Zone 3 card’ covering travel across all of Northern Ireland. Customers can easily decide on their zonal requirements using an easy-to-read Translink zone map. Validity of each period of travel commences from the first time the card is used on bus or train.

Each card can be topped-up for unlimited day, week or monthly travel on Metro, NI Railways and Ulsterbus services at:

• Any Translink bus or rail station ticket office
• Any of Translink’s 80 designated agents in the Greater Belfast Area
• Both airports in Belfast
• On-bus and on-train (day and weekly top-ups only)

iLink is the latest smartcard developed with more sophisticated technology and is ideal for customers who use both bus and train services

On the bus, customers simply place their iLink card to the target of the ticket machine reader. When the card reads successfully, the machine bleeps once and shows a green light. Bus passengers are issued with a paper ticket showing their boarding stage, limit of travel on that route and expiry date of their card.

On the train, customers simply hand the card to the conductor who will validate it with no ticket receipt produced. Translink iLink platform validators are located at main stations along the NI Railways network to help facilitate each leg of the customer’s journey as they pass through the ticket barrier.

iLink project delivery

Translink undertook a huge exercise to allocate the correct iLink zone to every bus fare stage and every rail station in Northern Ireland. The iLink card is encoded with the correct zonal reference at the time of card issue. Each time the card is validated, the reference on the card is compared to the boarding stage and also calculates the alighting stage (i.e. furthest point within that zone.)

Translink provided all software specifications, administered the necessary fares and ticket type configuration changes, carried out all software testing, produced all marketing literature and advertising, trained all operational and systems support staff and project managed delivery on a day-to-day basis.

Parkeon Wayfarer developed the necessary software for ETM, POS, Hand-held and Platform Validator ticketing equipment as well as the associated back office software for reporting.

Payne Security produced the non-personalised Adult and Child iLink cards for sale to Translink customers.

iLink employee training

A comprehensive training programme was rolled out to ensure employees were fully informed and familiar with iLink, including:

• Bus ETM Training: Driving Instructors trained by Ticketing Systems Department Managers provided training sessions for all Translink bus drivers
• Hand-held ticket machine training: Rail Customer Service Instructors trained all NI Railways conductors and hand-held operators. This was the first time that commercial Smartcards had been issued and topped-up on rail ticket machines
• Bus and Rail POS ticket machine training: Ticketing Systems Department Managers trained all bus and rail ticket office employees on how to issue and top-up cards, ensuring that the correct version is sold for the correct zone
• A simple but comprehensive employee guide booklet was produced to assist with the training programme for all bus and rail operational employees
• Translink’s Contact Centre and Ticketing Systems Department staff also received iLink training to ensure they could deal effectively with customer telephone enquiries

Future developments

iLink is just one example within Translink’s innovative ticketing development programme to offer passengers with convenient cash-free value-for-money travel solutions. Since the launch in early Autumn, we have been encouraged by customer interest and uptake in iLink and look forward to building on its success to develop even more attractive smartcard technology.

In 2010, Translink will launch a new ‘TaxSmart’ card under the HMRC Salary Sacrifice Scheme for employers and their workforce. TaxSmart will give significant Income Tax and National Insurance Contributions savings on annual bus travel to bus users who join the scheme. All TaxSmart cards will be photo-personalised smartcards to allow the card holder to travel mainly to and from their workplace.

Smartcard technology development is an important part of our strategy to successfully meet the needs of our customers and adapt to rapid changes in the environment in which we operate. We remain focused on innovation across all programmes of work including ticketing solutions to help ensure we offer our customers better convenience and flexibility, maximise value for money, improve efficiency levels and provide attractive journey choices.

Related topics Ticketing & Payments

Issue Issue 6 2009

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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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Full details of how much Translink bus and train tickets will cost after fare increase next month

The fare increase will affect the majority of bus and train passengers in Northern Ireland

• 15:12, 25 MAY 2024

Translink has announced a series of fare increases coming into effect next month for bus and rail passengers. Fares on Metro, NI Railways, and Ulsterbus will be revised following a decision by the Department for Infrastructure.

The majority of passengers in Northern Ireland will see fares increase by 6% on bus and 10% on rail, effective from Monday, June 3. The fare rise doe not impact on cross border coach and rail fares.

The fare increase comes ahead of a summer disruption expected with public transport around Northern Ireland, as ten train stations will close between Lisburn and Belfast Lanyon Place for two months, with bus substitutions in place. It's to connect the new Grand Central Station to the railway line.

Read more: Translink announce fare increases for bus and rail passengers

Read more: Translink issues update on roadworks described as 'accident waiting to happen'

We have put together a list of how much tickets on Metro/Glider, Foyle Metro, Ulsterbus/Goldliner, NI Railways, Park and Ride, and Uni-Link will cost after the price rises come into force.

Metro/Glider

Ni railways.

• Maximum Single Fare will increase to £15.50
• Maximum Day Return fare will increase to £24 (£19 on an iLink card)
• Sunday Day Tracker will increase to £10
• iLink Freedom of Northern Ireland day travelcard will increase to £19

Best value tickets for rail travel:

• mLink fares (mobile app) are capped at the respective iLink Zone 4 price
• Travel after 9.30am to save 25% off standard Day Return fares
• Regular commuters can save up to 20% with an aLink annual travelcard
• If you make a regular journey just a few days a week, try a 3 Day Select Ticket
• Check whether an iLink card is better value for your journey (5 zones available) e.g. Freedom of Northern Ireland day travelcard (iLink Zone 4) for £19
• Sunday Day Tracker (unlimited Sunday rail travel) £10

Enterprise fares remain unchanged.

Most Ulsterbus cash singles will increase between 10p and 50p depending on distance with a range of good value returns and Smartlink discounts.

Most Goldliner cash singles will increase between 10p and 50p depending on distance with a range of good value returns and Smartlink discounts.

Coleraine Triangle Service Fares:

Foyle Metro

Airport services.

Airport Express 600 fares from June 3:

Airport Express 300 fares from June 3:

Park and Ride

yLink 50% Discount on Single Tickets (remains unchanged). Best Value Fare: £2.50 yLink on mLink Day Ticket (previously £2.35)

Cross-city Fares Journeys made to/from Queen's University Belfast crossing through the city centre to/from Ulster University, York Street Train Station, Northern Regional College & UU Jordanstown:

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60+ SmartPass and Senior (65+) SmartPass

To apply for a 60+ SmartPass you must be aged between 60 and 64 and permanently resident in Northern Ireland for a minimum of three months. To apply for a Senior (65+) SmartPass you must be aged 65+ and permanently resident in Northern Ireland for a minimum of three months.

How to apply

You can get an application form:

• by calling in person at any manned Translink bus or rail station
• by phoning 028 9066 6630 (applicants who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus can use the textphone number 18001  028 9066 6630) and asking for a form to be posted to you
• by emailing  [email protected]  and asking for the type of application form you require (for example, 60+, Senior 65+, or War Disablement and so on) to be posted to you (provide your name and full address with postcode)

You will never be contacted asking for any bank account details when you're applying for or renewing a SmartPass. 

If you’re applying for the first time, Translink is currently receiving a high volume of requests for application forms. It may take up to four weeks to process applications, which are being done as quickly as possible and in order from the date received.

60+ SmartPass applications

Applications may be made no earlier than six weeks before your 60th birthday. 

Applications can take four to six weeks to process. 

Senior (65+) SmartPass applications

Applications may be made up to four weeks before your 65th birthday, but the SmartPass will only start working on your birthday.

Applications are processed as soon as possible but can take four to six weeks, and your new pass will be posted to you directly.

Proof of age and residency

After filling out your form you must take it, in person, to your nearest Translink bus or rail station along with a countersigned passport-sized photograph and a choice of the following documents to prove your age and residency.

Proof of age:

• driving licence (non-UK driving licences must contain your date of birth)
• passport (non-UK passports must contain your date of birth)
• birth certificate (if name on birth certificate differs from name on application form, then you must provide official documents to support any name change)
• Northern Ireland Electoral ID Card

Proof of residency:

• driving licence (non-UK driving licences must contain your address)
• recent (no more than three months old) utility bill (an electricity, gas or landline telephone bill, but not a mobile phone bill)
• recent (no more than three months old) bank or building society statement

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 (65+) 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.

Renewing your Senior (65+) SmartPass

SmartPasses are only valid for five years. Check the expiry date on the front of your SmartPass to see when it will run out, as it cannot be used to get free travel after this date.

Around three months before each SmartPass expires, pass holders will get a letter explaining how to get a new pass.

If you want further information about renewing your SmartPass, phone Translink on:

• 028 9066 6630 (applicants who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus can use the textphone number 18001 028 9066 6630)

Lost or stolen SmartPass

If your SmartPass is lost or stolen, you should report it to Translink as soon as possible to make sure the card is cancelled and avoid the likelihood of fraudulent use. 

If anyone else tries to use a stolen pass, Translink staff will be alerted.  

Unauthorised use of a SmartPass may result in prosecution.

To get your replacement SmartPass, you should either go to your local Translink bus or rail station, or:

• phone: 028 9066 6630
• email:  [email protected]

Faulty or damaged SmartPass

If your SmartPass is faulty or damaged, you can get a free replacement. 

Go to a Translink bus or rail station and exchange your SmartPass at the ticket office for a ‘Faulty SmartPass Receipt’ ticket. This will provide you with free travel on buses and trains for a seven-day period, during which time a new free replacement pass will be issued. 

Or you can also get a free replacement pass by contacting Translink: 

The ‘Faulty SmartPass Receipt’ ticket is only available at a Translink train or bus station when exchanged for the faulty or damaged pass. 

Using a SmartPass

You can use your 60+ SmartPass and Senior (65+) SmartPass on all Translink scheduled services within Northern Ireland.

Senior (65+) SmartPasses are valid on cross border bus and rail services, and can also be used for free public transport journeys taken entirely within the Republic of Ireland on services run by participating operators.  You can find details on the participating operators on Free travel in Ireland .

In cases of doubt, SmartPass holders are advised to contact operators in Republic of Ireland ahead of travel to establish whether they offer free travel as part of the All Ireland Free Travel Scheme and to find out how passes are verified for travel.

Your SmartPass is also valid on eligible scheduled services operated by other participating operators within the concessionary fares scheme. Details on these operators are available by contacting the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Concessionary Fares team .

Free travel is also available on the Rathlin Island ferry service under the Rathlin Island Ferry Discounted Fares Scheme and Strangford Lough ferry service on showing your SmartPass.

Members of the Rural Community Transport Partnerships can travel free of charge on Dial-a-Lift Scheme services through the Assisted Rural Travel Scheme (ARTS) on showing a valid 60+ or Senior SmartPass. Further information can be found on the Community transport and shopmobility page .

You can also view a leaflet at these links showing you how to use your 60+ SmartPass or Senior (65+) Citizen SmartPass:

• Senior Citizen SmartPass card user guide
• 60+ SmartPass card user guide

The Concessionary Fares Scheme privacy notice is available on the DfI website .

Glider services

You can use your 60+ SmartPass or Senior (65+) SmartPass on all Glider services.

SmartPass users do not need to use Glider ticket vending machines but must tap their card on a validator at the Glider halts before boarding the Glider.

Contact information

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

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10 budget ways to see Belfast: money-saving tips for the capital of Northern Ireland

Aug 4, 2022 • 8 min read

Budget-conscious visitors to Belfast will love these money-saving tips © haoliang / Getty Images

Belfast  hasn’t been immune to the world’s post-pandemic inflation spikes, but it still remains a relatively affordable travel destination by western European standards.

Trendsetting restaurants don’t require breaking the bank, markets and thrift stores offer cheaper shopping alternatives, the city’s compact dimensions invite walking and cycling over public transport, and sightseeing tours can come cheap – if you know where to look. So, here are the top tips and tricks every budget-conscious traveler can use to save some cash when they're visiting Belfast.

House shares and hostel dorms are cheaper than city center hotels

Hotels in central Belfast typically start at around £100 per night, especially in busier seasons, so you can cut back on costs by looking at alternative options. The best-priced Airbnb apartments and rental rooms might put you outside the city center, but given Belfast’s manageable size, this shouldn’t impact the quality of your trip. On the up-and-coming Ormeau Rd or in the suburbs of south Belfast, both of which have walking and public transportation routes into the city, Airbnb’s are often priced at £50–90 per night (especially if you’re happy to share a house with your host).

Belfast’s most popular hostels are within a mile or so radius of the city center and are as cheap as £10 per night for shared dorms. Belfast International Youth Hostel , Global Village , Lagan Backpackers and Botanical Backpackers are all highly rated.

Save cash by picking your airport and airline wisely

Given it’s located on an island, flying remains the cheapest way of getting to Belfast. Boat journeys are available from Great Britain, but only really make sense if you’re bringing a car, in which case one-way tickets usually cost over £100.

Belfast has two airports: one just outside the city center, the other 15 miles to the west in Aldergrove. The former, George Best Belfast City Airport, is more convenient for inbound travelers, but has more of a focus on pricier premium airlines. The latter, Belfast International Airport, is much larger, welcoming flights from further afield and from a diverse range of air carriers. If booked well in advance, return flights from UK cities with easyJet should cost less than £100. Jet2 and Wizz offer competitive prices from European cities, and there are seasonal direct flights with Virgin Atlantic from Orlando, Florida.

Use bikes, transport cards and day tickets for getting around

The Belfast Bikes sharing service offers cheap two-wheeled transport around Belfast’s central districts: 30 minutes for £1, 3-day usage for £6, or £25 for a yearly membership. 

If you do require public transport, however, you’ll save money by purchasing travel cards and multiple-journey tickets. The 3 Day Flexi Ticket can be used on Translink trains between two stations – ideal for those staying outside of Belfast. Belfast Visitor Passes are available at the Belfast Visitor Welcome Centre on Donegall Square North or via booking online . These give tourists unlimited travel privileges on most Metro, NI Railways, Ulsterbus and Glider services, with one-day (£6), two-day (£11), and three-day (£14.50) options.

For longer stays, you can purchase weekly or monthly travel cards also for use on Metro, Glider, NI Railways and Ulsterbus services. Various money-saving travel card options are available, so check the Translink website to find the one best catered to your needs. 

Or explore the city on foot

There’s no better way to cut back on transport costs than by avoiding them altogether. Belfast is built on a fairly flat river basin, so unless you plan on charging up into the surrounding hillsides, spending the day on foot shouldn’t expend too much energy. 

The River Lagan scythes through the city and serves as a guide for walkers: promenades and cycle paths meander alongside its lower reaches, bringing foot traffic from the city center towards south Belfast. If you keep the Lagan in your sights, you’ll be treated to some of Belfast’s most arresting scenery: the Titanic Quarter, where the river meets the sea; the flocks of starlings that sweep across the sky over Albert Bridge at dusk; and the verdant parklands connected to the Lagan Towpath. 

Save on late night taxi fares by staying near nightlife hubs

The base rate of Belfast’s private taxi services saw a recent increase, and while not extortionate, there are ways to avoid the extra expense. If partying into the wee hours is going to feature heavily during your visit, you can avoid costly taxis with a budget hotel within walking distance of the city’s nightlife hubs. ETAP Hotel Belfast has a competitive pricing range, while the Holiday Inn is often cheaper than its city-center competitors. The smart Wellington Park Hotel is another decent option, handily located in south Belfast and known for its generous seasonal offers. Belfast is also much safer than it was a few decades back, so walking home shouldn’t pose much of a risk, especially if you’re in a group.  

Save 50% on food with First Table

Money-conscious foodies should take note of First Table , a restaurant discovery platform that shaves 50% off the cost of diners' meals if they book the first table of service at participating restaurants. Coppi , a cicchetti (Italian tapas) restaurant in the collonaded St Anne’s Square; Buba , a quirky Mediterranean food and cocktail spot; and Home , a city-center bistro that celebrates local ingredients, all feature on the list. The deal is currently applicable for groups of two to four people, but does not apply to drinks.

Make use of happy hours

Happy hours aren’t particularly common in Belfast, but several bars dotted around the city lure in punters with unique deals. On Monday to Thursday at Franklins Sports Bar all beers are £2 until the first goal is scored on the big screen. The Perch Rooftop Bar runs a happy hour from 5pm to 7pm, Monday through Thursday, including a two-cocktails-for-£12 deal. The Revolucion de Cuba bar and cantina runs a similar deal daily. And don’t miss out on a weekend session in Rita’s , a plush bar offering £15 bottles of prosecco all day on Sundays.

Bargain hunt at the markets

From vintage clothing to vinyl CDs, items shaded by nostalgia have seen a boom in popularity in recent years. Unfortunately, prices have often boomed in lock-step with the fad – but if you’ve a keen eye for a bargain, Belfast’s markets and thrifty haunts are worth a look. 

Set within a squat, red-brick Victorian building, St George’s Market (open Friday through Sunday) combines a vintage feast of artwork, bric-a-brac trinkets and snazzy garments with new-wave food stalls and locally produced handicrafts. The Belfast Continental Christmas Market, selling food and produce from the European mainland, is seasonal and a little pricer, but most of the food and drinks on offer are reasonable if visitors exercise restraint – plus, its location on the doorstep of Belfast City Hall sets the scene for a gorgeous after-dark stroll. Octopus’s Garden is more thrift shop than market, but has an eclectic mix of retro outfits and vinyl LPs, and has been known to do occasional 50-percent-off-all-items sales.

For the best deals head to the flea market just outside Belfast in Nutt’s Corner. With around 300 stalls and car boot pitches operating every Sunday, thrifty shoppers should set aside a half a day to fully explore the treasure trove of second-hand goods and fresh produce on sale. 

Make use of affordable city tours

Belfast’s turbulent history saw it evolve from an 18th-century trading town to a Victorian-era industrial titan before it was consumed by the dark days of the Troubles and sectarian strife in the late 1900s. These intermingling forces have layered Belfast with historical complexity – even confounding locals at times – so there is much to be gained by experiencing the story of Belfast via guided tour. 

The Belfast Free Walking Tour – at 11am and 2.30pm every Friday and Saturday – is technically free, though guides also accept donations if you feel the service merits one. On the sojourn, you'll visit some of Belfast's most historic sites, including the Titanic Quarter, the tilted Albert Clock, and Belfast’s Baroque-domed City Hall. 

If you’d rather see the city on wheels, consider the guided Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour at £18 per head (family deals are also available). The extensive open-top bus tour highlights 19 iconic Belfast locations and is accessible from any of the public stops in the city.  

Cheap things to do in Belfast for around £10

Due to inflation, activities for less than £10 (a tenner) are becoming fewer and further between. But there are a few options around Belfast that might appeal to budget-conscious travelers. 

The first stone of the Romanesque St Anne’s Cathedral was laid in 1899, and it remains a significant place of worship within the Church of Ireland Christian denomination. If you want to admire the cathedral’s rounded arches, intricate stained-glass mosaics and vaulted prayer hall from within, it'll only cost you a fiver (£5). 

Closing in 1996 after 150 years of detaining convicts, the Crumlin Road Gaol has been renovated to educate visitors on its gloomy past. For £10.80 (if booked online), you can wander through its cavernous tunnels, peek into its once-infamous cells, and feel the palpable weight of its cold and brooding intensity.  

For more kid-friendly budget excursions, head to Pirates Adventure Golf and the adjacent Dundonald International Ice Bowl. Themed around seafaring bounty hunters, shipwrecked brigantines, and palm-fringed beaches, the adventure golf course is a great sunny afternoon activity – and only costs between £2 and £7.50 for 18 holes. A visit to the Olympic-sized ice rink next door is £7 per head, with public skating sessions daily. Or you can send younger kids into Indiana Land, a jungle-inspired indoor play area with a freefall slide and ball pits, from £4.50 per child.

Guide to average daily costs

Hostel room:  £10–15 per night Basic room for two:  £100–150 per night Self-catering apartment or Airbnb:  £50–100 per night Public transportation ticket:  £6 for one day, £11 for two days, £14.50 for three days Coffee:  £2–3 Sandwich:  £5–7 Dinner for two: £40–100 Beer/pint at the bar:  £4.50

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Apply for a new national championship PCard or Travel Card

Sep 11, 2024 | News

Procurement Services has partnered with JPMorgan Chase to offer a limited edition PCard and Travel Card that celebrates the football team’s 2023 National Championship. 

Why use a PCard or Travel Card?

There are many benefits to using a PCard or Travel Card for business and travel-related expenses—both for you and U-M. Using a PCard or Travel Card:

• Provides a more secure form of payment, with the ability to track issues and address any improper or fraudulent charges with the support of JP Morgan Chase
• Eliminates the need for employees to use personal resources and seek reimbursement for U-M business purchases
• Makes submitting expense reports easier, with most expense information pre-populated and already attached to your user profile
• Eliminates the risk of taxation on late-submitted expenses
• Offers faster, simpler payment to suppliers (vs. a purchase order and invoice)
• Provides more accurate data reporting

Who should apply for a PCard or Travel Card?

Employees should apply for a PCard if they are making purchases on behalf of their department, are submitting reimbursements for hosting, supplies, and/or travel for business purposes. While all employees with a regular, active appointment are eligible to apply for a PCard or Travel Card, please check with your department, as it may have specific guidelines on who can apply for a PCard or Travel Card.

Examples of appropriate PCard purchases:

• Travel expenses (e.g., hotel, ground transportation, baggage fees, gas for rental vehicles, train fare, car rental, conference fees and travel parking)
• Conference fees
• Memberships, dues, and subscriptions
• Office supplies (not including furniture)

You can find the detailed steps, including links to training, resources, and the application form on our website . 

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The Busiest Travel Days Around Thanksgiving

Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.

Thanksgiving week draws major airport crowds, so it can be a brutal time to travel. And in 2024, the number of passengers screened in U.S. airports has already reached all-time highs multiple times. Because the Sunday after Thanksgiving is usually the busiest airport day of the entire year, it’s likely the 2024 Thanksgiving week will also break records.

But some days within Thanksgiving week are significantly busier at airports than others. If you can be flexible with scheduling, you’ll save money and avoid chaos.

The best and worst days to fly around Thanksgiving

NerdWallet analyzed checkpoint travel numbers from 2021 to 2023 provided by the Transportation Security Administration, which tracks the number of passengers screened daily at U.S. airport checkpoints.

For the period from the Thursday before to the Thursday after Thanksgiving, the data shows that the Sunday after Thanksgiving is the most crowded day to fly. Meanwhile, the least crowded travel day at airports during that time period is Thanksgiving Day.

Here are the three least-crowded days to travel both before and after Thanksgiving, ranked from least to most crowded. Because they're less crowded and likely less expensive, it makes them some of the best days to fly around Thanksgiving.

Pre-holiday:

Saturday before (least crowded).

Monday before.

Thursday before.

Post-holiday:

Wednesday after (least crowded).

Tuesday after.

Black Friday.

Why flying the Sunday after Thanksgiving is so terrible

The Sunday after Thanksgiving is pretty much the worst day of the year to fly. In 2021, 2022 and 2023 it was the busiest single day of the entire year at U.S. airports, based on TSA passenger data.

Last year, more than 2.9 million people crossed through U.S. airport security checkpoints on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Compare that to Thanksgiving Day, when just 1.5 million people (slightly more than half of Sunday's figures) were at an airport.

The smarter, cheaper Thanksgiving weekend itinerary

If you work a standard Monday to Friday workweek with two days off for the holiday, then leaving Wednesday after work and flying home on Sunday can make sense. Most people following this schedule to avoid taking extra time off. But this itinerary could cost you more money, because the busiest days to fly are usually the most expensive, too.

So how can you choose a better Thanksgiving travel itinerary to save money? Avoid the Wednesday to Sunday itinerary and try these travel days instead.

Travel on Thanksgiving Day

Across travel days for the week before and after Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Day was the lowest-traffic day every year in our analysis. Book the first flight out for the day — a practice NerdWallet recommends anyway to reduce your odds of a flight delay — and you might even land in time for Thanksgiving dinner.

Stay longer

Consider extending your trip. The Wednesday after Thanksgiving is, on average, the least busy day to travel post-holiday, among the days we looked at in our analysis. Especially if you can work remotely , you might be able to avoid taking vacation days, despite the longer trip.

Fly on Black Friday

If you must travel during the weekend, consider having Thanksgiving dinner at your own home, then flying somewhere on Black Friday, which is the third-least crowded day to fly on average. Look at it as a great way to not only avoid airport crowds but also retail crowds since you won’t be out shopping.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

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Every day's a School Day

We get smarter with every journey that reduces our carbon emissions.

We operate dedicated school services along with scheduled bus and rail services to schools across Northern Ireland.

From next month, services will be moved in phases to Grand Central Station with buses operating from the Europa Buscentre to move over first on Sunday 8th September followed by rail operations.

This will mean changes to some school services. For more information, see the table below or use our School Services Route Finder .

Translink U16 Travel ID Card

Translink is working with digital ID experts Yoti to introduce a new FREE digital travelcard for school students aged 13 and over.

As well as offering reduced fares on all Translink bus and rail services, there are some great reasons to get your digital travelcard:

• It is safe and secure
• It cannot be lost or stolen – you can always download the Yoti app to your phone
• It is easy to use – simply open the Yoti app and show your travelcard to the driver or conductor on any Translink bus or train
• By using a digital travelcard, you can reduce paper waste

New Term - Tap to Travel to School

Translink and the Education Authority (EA) have announced they will be issuing new bus and rail smartcards for eligible school pupils and further education students for their home to school or college journeys, with important changes taking effect from September 2024.

In advance of the new school term, new smartcards will be issued and pupils and FE students will be required to electronically validate their new smartcards on each journey. This is done by tapping the card on a Translink ticket machine, reader, or gate.

This development aims to enhance the overall safety and effectiveness of bus and rail travel for schoolchildren and FE students across Northern Ireland. Not only does this streamline the boarding process, but it also helps young people with their independence while highlighting the key environmental and health benefits of using public transport, including reduced carbon emissions, reduced road congestion, cleaner air and active travel.

Each smartcard will contain the pupil's name, boarding and alighting location, and the name of their school. There are no changes to the duty of care requirements, and any pupil who forgets or loses their smartcard, will still be allowed to travel.

Timetable Update

September 2024 timetables for dedicated school services and scheduled bus and rail services are now available. If you are not sure what services operate to your school use our school services route finder

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Enter your school name or nearby stop to get a list of services and their routes to/from that school. 

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If you know the school service number, you can simply download a timetable

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Got a question about our school services and what we are doing to prepare for the new school year? 

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yLink is a smartcard for all 16-23 years olds using Translink services within Northern Ireland. You get 50% off Translink bus and rail travel* in Northern Ireland and up to 50% off Enterprise for up to 8 years – and the card is FREE!

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The quicker and easier way to travel with Translink. Buy, receive & use your tickets via your mobile. You can buy your Weekly, Monthly, 3 Day Flexi and new 1 Day Peak and 1 Day Off-Peak tickets using your mobile phone. 

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You can buy your day, weekly or monthly travel card for the new school term and your first top-up online now.

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Bus and Rail Pupils - Pass Validity Conditions

This ticket is valid for one journey in each direction until 6.30pm between the validity dates shown on the front, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and School Holidays. The forward journey must be made before noon.

Bus and Rail Further Education College Students - Pass Validity Conditions

This ticket is valid for one journey in each direction until 21.30pm between the validity dates shown on the front, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and School Holidays. The forward journey must be made before noon.