How to Book Train Travel From Dublin to Belfast

Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland and the second largest city occupying the Island of Ireland. In Galeic, the city is known as Béal Feirste to mean "mouth of the Farset" indicating its location on the river of the same name. Belfast is a unique blend of the past and the present, being inhabited since the Bronze Age and containing the world's largest dry dock. Train travel from Dublin to Belfast is both fast and easy.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Appropriate visas
• Computer with Internet access to make reservations
• Valid passport

Book Your Train Tickets From Dublin to Belfast

1. Check a map for the best route to Dublin Connelly train station either by car, ARROW Dublin Suburban train services or Intercity train services.

2. Book a train reservation with Intercity or ARROW Dublin Suburban train services to the Dublin Connolly station, if necessary, by visiting the Irish Rail Web site (see Resources).

3. Use the Irish Rail Web site to book your train travel from Dublin Connelly to Belfast Central. Up to 6 direct trains are available per day with a travel time of approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.

4. Check the Irish Rail Web site shortly before departing for the Dublin Connelly station for any updates or news on travel alerts or delays that might affect your travel plans.

5. Know that the Irish Rail Web site often offers a number of discounted fares, including discounts for students and senior citizens.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a copy of the receipt for your online ticket purchase, especially if you plan to pick up your tickets at the station.
• If you need assistance with lodging accommodations, the Belfast Welcome Centre has a service that can book reservations with a hotel, bed and breakfast or a self-catering establishment for you if you call ahead of time.
• Bring your umbrella. Belfast experiences rainfall an average of 200 days per year.
• Tipping, once considered rude, is a now customary in Northern Ireland. Generally, a gratuity of 10 to 15 percent is the rule of thumb. This would include restaurant staff and special services provided by train or other public transporation staff.
• Book train travel from Dublin to Belfast through Rail Europe by visiting the Web site (see Resources) or by calling a North American agent at (888) 382-RAIL.
• Be aware that as of April 2007, Northern Ireland has a smoking ban in effect for all public places, including pubs, restaurants and businesses. Currently, smoking is not allowed on buses or trains and many establishments in the region have implemented the ban prior to the April 2007 deadline.