Best option from Belfast to Dublin (Ireland): Coach — both the fastest and the cheapest, about 2h 25min, from €12. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 5, 2026): Dublin Express Belfast, AirCoach; main departure point: Belfast Europe Bus Centre.
There are 2 ways to get from Belfast to Dublin (Ireland)
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 5, 2026 for a departure on November 26, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin Express Belfast | Bus | Belfast Europe Bus Centre | €12 | 28 |
| AirCoach | Bus | Belfast Europe Bus Centre | €14 | 16 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
Fares move with the day and how far ahead you book. Reserve online as soon as your dates are fixed to secure the cheapest seats, rather than paying more at the station on the day of travel.
Belfast has more than one transport hub, so look at the departure point on your e-ticket before leaving. Going to the wrong station is the easiest way to miss a coach.
Bank holidays and summer weekends fill coaches quickly and push prices up. If your dates are flexible, travel midweek or outside rush hours for better availability and a calmer journey.
A flight with a stopover can look attractive, but airport transfers, check-in and the connection all add time and stress. Choose it only if it fits a longer onward itinerary.
Download your e-ticket to your phone before you leave, in case mobile data is patchy. Arrive at the stop early, especially with luggage, so you are not rushing to board.
The journey experience
Belfast to Dublin is one of the easiest international hops you can make as an independent traveller: two capital cities on the same island, linked by a straightforward road and a short flight. If you want to know instantly which option suits you, the comparison table on this page puts coach and flight side by side on duration, price range and frequency, so you can decide in seconds.
The coach is the natural choice for most travellers. It runs city centre to city centre, you avoid airport security and baggage rules, and the seats are comfortable enough to read, work or watch the countryside roll by. Coaches also usually offer luggage space and onboard Wi-Fi, which suits backpackers and students. A flight with a stopover exists too, but once you add the transfer to the airport, check-in and the connection, it rarely makes sense unless you are already on a longer itinerary.
The reassuring part: unlike UK trains, coach fares on this route are simple, with no confusing ticket types. Still, prices move with the day and how early you book, so reserve ahead for the cheapest seats, especially around bank holidays and summer weekends when services fill up. Book online, get your e-ticket instantly, and check the departure point on your confirmation before you leave.
Frequently asked questions — Belfast → Dublin (Ireland)
The coach is the cheapest option, with fares from €12 and typically up to €17. A flight with a stopover starts from €53. Prices vary with the day and how early you book, so reserving ahead is the best way to secure the lowest fare.
By coach, the journey takes about 2 h 25 to 2 h 55 depending on traffic and stops. A flight with a stopover takes about 2 h 40 in total. Remember that airport transfers and check-in time are not included in that flight figure.
For most travellers the coach is the better choice: it is cheaper, runs from city centre to city centre and avoids airport security and baggage rules. The flight with a stopover takes about the same time but costs more, so it only suits longer itineraries.
Coaches to Dublin generally leave from Belfast's central coach and rail hub, Europa Buscentre or Glengall Street area, depending on the operator. Always check the departure point on your e-ticket confirmation before you travel, as it can differ between services.
Booking ahead is strongly recommended. Advance fares are usually the cheapest, and services can sell out on bank holidays and summer weekends. Booking online gives you an instant e-ticket, so you avoid queues and the risk of missing out on a seat.
Why visit Dublin (Ireland)?
- ✓ Tour the Guinness Storehouse and enjoy a pint at the Gravity Bar with panoramic views over the city
- ✓ Walk through Trinity College to see the 9th-century Book of Kells and the stunning Long Room library
- ✓ Wander the cobbled lanes of Temple Bar for live traditional Irish music in historic pubs
- ✓ Step inside Kilmainham Gaol to discover the history of Irish independence
- ✓ Take the DART coastal train to Howth for cliff walks, fresh seafood and harbour views
When to visit Dublin (Ireland)?
TEMPERATE OCEANIC CLIMATE
May to September — mildest temperatures, long daylight hours and the lowest chance of heavy rain.
What to do in Dublin (Ireland)?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Dublin (Ireland)?
Allow 2 to 3 days to cover Dublin properly. In 2 days, focus on Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Temple Bar, Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol and St Stephen's Green. A third day lets you add a coastal outing to Howth or Dalkey by DART train. Book Guinness and Kilmainham tickets online in advance, and keep a flexible plan for rain.
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