Dublin to Belfast on a Saturday - Bus or Train?

iamstop

Anyone make this trip a few times?

I'll be trying to get to Belfast for about 6.

What do you recommend?

Thanks in advance.

Seannew1

iamstop wrote: »

Anyone make this trip a few times?

I'll be trying to get to Belfast for about 6.

What do you recommend?

Thanks in advance.

With the train,I'd recommend getting the 3.20pm train from connolly station,it leaves from platform 2.

Micilin Muc

iamstop wrote: »

Anyone make this trip a few times?

I'll be trying to get to Belfast for about 6.

What do you recommend?

Thanks in advance.

The train is only 15 mins quicker and costs a lot more.

PeteEd

Micilin Muc wrote: »

The train is only 15 mins quicker and costs a lot more.

Booked online today the 15:20 train will only cost 18euro
1 o'clock train costs even less, 10euro, both are single fares.

Take the train over the bus everytime

schemingbohemia

Micilin Muc wrote: »

The train is only 15 mins quicker and costs a lot more.

That depends, the 1320 train to Belfast this Saturday is a tenner, most other trains that day are 18, trains back on Sunday are mostly 18 though there are a couple available for 10, allied to the 20% O2 discount available, check this
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?=68113088&postcount=107

and you could get a return for €16.

KC61

Micilin Muc wrote: »

The train is only 15 mins quicker and costs a lot more.

Not necessarily - both the 1320 and 2050 trains this Saturday are EUR 10 each online one way this Saturday.

All other trains are EUR 18 single online.

Bus Eireann fares are EUR 15 single and EUR 22 return.

Try different trains on www.irishrail.ie to get the best fares.

markpb

Micilin Muc wrote: »

The train is only 15 mins quicker and costs a lot more.

The bus is also less likely to be delayed because someone left a suspicious package outside Lurgan or because of operational difficulties at Bray

BenShermin

This is yet another route where I've given up on the train regardless of the price. Granted the train is a lot more comfy but I got fed up with delays and the usual IÉ form of customer service. Also the bus brings me straight into the centre of the city, Europa bus depot as opposed to a 15 minute walk from Belfast Central railway station. Given the walk from Central railway station both the bus and train end up taking the same amount of time. The fact that the bus runs on the hour 24 hours a day 7 days a week with the same fare at all times is also a great benifit regards flexibilty.

To the OP though, if it's a one off trip and you want to relax over a few beers on the way up or on the way home (flexibility being no issue for you) than book online and relax on the train.

iamstop

Thanks for the feed back lads. I#ll be coming from Portlaoise at an unknown time so I guess I'll decide on the day.
I'll be coming home Sunday.

KC61

BenShermin wrote: »

This is yet another route where I've given up on the train regardless of the price. Granted the train is a lot more comfy but I got fed up with delays and the usual IÉ form of customer service. Also the bus brings me straight into the centre of the city, Europa bus depot as opposed to a 15 minute walk from Belfast Central railway station. Given the walk from Central railway station both the bus and train end up taking the same amount of time. The fact that the bus runs on the hour 24 hours a day 7 days a week with the same fare at all times is also a great benifit regards flexibilty.

To the OP though, if it's a one off trip and you want to relax over a few beers on the way up or on the way home (flexibility being no issue for you) than book online and relax on the train.

Why would you walk from Central Station when there is a free bus to/from the city centre?

Propellerhead

BenShermin wrote: »

This is yet another route where I've given up on the train regardless of the price. Granted the train is a lot more comfy but I got fed up with delays and the usual IÉ form of customer service. Also the bus brings me straight into the centre of the city, Europa bus depot as opposed to a 15 minute walk from Belfast Central railway station. Given the walk from Central railway station both the bus and train end up taking the same amount of time. The fact that the bus runs on the hour 24 hours a day 7 days a week with the same fare at all times is also a great benifit regards flexibilty.

To the OP though, if it's a one off trip and you want to relax over a few beers on the way up or on the way home (flexibility being no issue for you) than book online and relax on the train.

That is the point of the train, greater comfort, ability to move around and have a drink. No points for the bus on that score.

dowlingm

Is it worth OP's while booking the ticket ex Portlaoise?

foggy_lad

For speed reliability and much lower prices get the bus!

mickydoomsux

foggy_lad wrote: »

For speed reliability and much lower prices get the bus!

Other than the reliabiltiy aspect i have to agree. 99% of the time the bus is cheaper and quicker.

foggy_lad

And Irish rail create their own reliability figures with some creative management of the statistics.

mickydoomsux

foggy_lad wrote: »

And Irish rail create their own reliability figures with some creative management of the statistics.

I'm not getting into another pissing match with you again because it won't help this guy get to Belfast.

If cost is an issue get the bus, if not get the train.

mikemac

I do this trip often

Get the bus

foggy_lad

mickydoomsux wrote: »

I'm not getting into another pissing match with you again because it won't help this guy get to Belfast.

If cost is an issue get the bus, if not get the train.

You would only destroy your shoes. And the bus is the better option by far and a few pints if required will be enjoyed a lot more from real glasses in a pub when tin op gets there, the Europa hotel is beside the bus station! All the train has to offer is a few lousy cans of warm lager.

iamstop

I'll be carrying some bulky heavy records and I've go a student card. If that makes a difference.

foggy_lad

iamstop wrote: »

I'll be carrying some bulky heavy records and I've go a student card. If that makes a difference.

if you need to carry the records with you them maybe the train but you will still pay quite a lot more even with a student card, the luggage spaces in busses are quite safe though if you wanted to put your records in there or if the bus is not full you could probably put them on the seat beside you.

KC61

iamstop wrote: »

I'll be carrying some bulky heavy records and I've go a student card. If that makes a difference.

The student return from Dublin to Belfast is EUR 40 on the train.

However, the online adult fares which are heavily discounted could give you a EUR 20 return (EUR 10 each way) which is cheaper than the bus, or otherwise EUR 18 each way depending on which train you choose.

Best bet book online at www.irishrail.ie for Dublin to Belfast.

foggy_lad

KC61 wrote: »

The student return from Dublin to Belfast is EUR 40 on the train.

However, the online adult fares which are heavily discounted could give you a EUR 20 return (EUR 10 each way) which is cheaper than the bus, or otherwise EUR 18 each way depending on which train you choose.

Best bet book online at www.irishrail.ie for Dublin to Belfast.

is it cheaper than the student return on the bus?

Peadar06

KC61 wrote: »

The student return from Dublin to Belfast is EUR 40 on the train.

However, the online adult fares which are heavily discounted could give you a EUR 20 return (EUR 10 each way) which is cheaper than the bus, or otherwise EUR 18 each way depending on which train you choose.

Best bet book online at www.irishrail.ie for Dublin to Belfast.

The student prices are set prices.

Peter

T Corolla

I'd have to give the Enterprise an 8 out of 10 its a comfortable train and is the best customer service I've seen in this country. I've travelled to Belfast a good number of times and its excellent every time. I deduct 2 points for the evening we got stuck in Lurgan when the security alert and I failed to make the last train to Rosslare home.

foggy_lad

T Corolla wrote: »

I'd have to give the Enterprise an 8 out of 10 its a comfortable train and is the best customer service I've seen in this country. I've travelled to Belfast a good number of times and its excellent every time. I deduct 2 points for the evening we got stuck in Lurgan when the security alert and I failed to make the last train to Rosslare home.

the seats are awful though so hard and uncomfortable

T Corolla

foggy_lad wrote: »

the seats are awful though so hard and uncomfortable

They are not and if they are uncomfortable get up and walk around.
The public transport you are happy with is'nt invented yet.

kingshankly

foggy_lad wrote: »

the seats are awful though so hard and uncomfortable

try sitting on the one up front for 2hr 10 min

foggy_lad

kingshankly wrote: »

try sitting on the one up front for 2hr 10 min

pay me what those train drivers get paid and i will gladly sit in their seat!

foggy_lad

T Corolla wrote: »

They are not and if they are uncomfortable get up and walk around.
The public transport you are happy with is'nt invented yet.

i find with rail the commuter services are good but trains can get very dirty in the evenings, intercity is plagued by lack of stock so they run commuter trains long distances which is just wrong! these mk4 carriages are dreary uncomfortable things with hard seat backs and are so out of date when compared to the 29000's which are lovely except for that blue colour and the consistant technical problems

apart from that and the pathetic speeds of trains on the rails and a few minor issues with busses not being up to proper standards for long distance journeys the only issues have been with various staff breaking the law etc so overall i would consider myself to be reasonably satisfied with public transport in ireland

D.L.R.

foggy_lad wrote: »

trains can get very dirty
intercity is plagued by lack of stock
mk4 carriages are dreary uncomfortable things
hard seat backs
so out of date
29000's consistant technical problems
pathetic speeds of trains
busses not being up to proper standards
various staff breaking the law

overall i would consider myself to be reasonably satisfied with public transport in ireland

are you an afghan refugee?

foggy_lad

D.L.R. wrote: »

are you an afghan refugee?

i really meant that i only highlight the bad journeys as there are so many of them it seems, others appear to be even more satisfied than me with shoddy service scowling drivers dirty trains and trams and busses, breakdowns and cancellations etc etc

Cool Mo D

The Dublin-Belfast train doesn't use Mark 4 carriages for one thing, and having travelled on all of irish rail's current rolling stock at one stage or another, the Mark 4, Enterprise and Intercity railcars all have nice, comfortable seats, and are pleasant to sit on, with the Enterprise trains being particularly nice.

If you're going to Belfast, and the train can be got for within 10-20 euros of the bus, I would take the train every time (except around marching season).

kingshankly

foggy_lad wrote: »

i really meant that i only highlight the bad journeys as there are so many of them it seems, others appear to be even more satisfied than me with shoddy service scowling drivers dirty trains and trams and busses, breakdowns and cancellations etc etc

what is meant by scowling drivers

Tragedy

I got the enterprise last Wednesday from Belfast to Dublin

Firstly, translink's customer service was amazing.
Secondly, train was extremely comfortable(although cooooold).
Thirdly, 2hours 10minutes from Belfast to City Centre is great, surely the bus can't do it that fast?

foggy_lad

kingshankly wrote: »

what is meant by scowling drivers

not customer friendly, angry grumbling nasty, the sort that make you wish you were driving a car instead of getting the bus.

bmaxi

One thing that has always struck me travelling on the Enterprise is the difference in attitude between IE and Translink staff. I don't wish to generalise but in my experience Translink staff are much more friendly and certainly more courteous.

markpb

Tragedy wrote: »

Thirdly, 2hours 10minutes from Belfast to City Centre is great, surely the bus can't do it that fast?

1h40 from the Dublin Airport to Belfast Europa four weeks ago. 2h from Dublin Airport to Belfast Europa last Saturday. €20 walk-up return fare each time.

Cool Mo D

markpb wrote: »

1h40 from the Dublin Airport to Belfast Europa four weeks ago. 2h from Dublin Airport to Belfast Europa last Saturday. €20 walk-up return fare each time.

Well the bus is the obvious option if you want to go from Dublin airport - but that's not quite what was asked.

markpb

Cool Mo D wrote: »

Well the bus is the obvious option if you want to go from Dublin airport - but that's not quite what was asked.

I'm only giving the times I know to be true Anyway, getting from busaras to the airport takes about 10-12 minutes so it doesn't affect the overall time very much.

Personally, I'd prefer a bus which is sometimes a little slower but is a) reliable and b) leaves 24 times a day to a train which _might_ be faster if IR don't have problems, Translink don't have problems, there are no suspicious devices on the line and only runs 8 times a day.

schemingbohemia

markpb wrote: »

I'm only giving the times I know to be true Anyway, getting from busaras to the airport takes about 10-12 minutes so it doesn't affect the overall time very much.

Personally, I'd prefer a bus which is sometimes a little slower but is a) reliable and b) leaves 24 times a day to a train which _might_ be faster if IR don't have problems, Translink don't have problems, there are no suspicious devices on the line and only runs 8 times a day.

Sorry but that's pure rubbish that you got from busaras to the airport in that time.

KC61

20/25 minutes is more realistic (even via the port tunnel).

markpb

The last bus I got left Busaras at 8am, got to the airport, boarded about 30 people (with luggage) and left the airport at 8.23am.

DB services which are speed limited double deckers could easily take 25 minutes, coaches are generally faster unless they get stuck in traffic between busaras and the port or inside the airport.

Tragedy

It's 155km from Dublin Airport to Europa. If the speed limit is 100km/h the whole way(which coaches are limited to), the minimum time the bus can take is 1 hour 33minutes.

Are you seriously trying to get us to believe that getting from Airport to M1, the various roundabouts on the A1 and Belfast city centre itself only contribute an extra 7 minutes?

Because I doubt that very much.

I did Knocklyon to Saintfield, Down(178km versus 155 for the Airport Bus) in 1hour 45. I did 120km/h(GPS) on the M50, 130km/h(GPS) on the M1 and 120km/h on the A1(except the 60mph sections).

I honestly can't believe the bus is that fast.

I've done Dublin to Castlecourt(centre of belfast) plenty of times and never done it in under 2hours.

iamstop

Right, thanks a mil for all the info.

In the end I got the train. Yes is was comfortable but it was bloody expensive at €55 for an over night return. I didn't know that you have to book 3 days before your trip if you want to book online!
Plus I never checked the timetable for my return trip so got to the station with over an hour to wait for the next one.

The main factor was the cost. I'll be getting the bus next time. I think there is an Aircoach from town to Belfast.

KC61

iamstop wrote: »

Right, thanks a mil for all the info.

In the end I got the train. Yes is was comfortable but it was bloody expensive at €55 for an over night return. I didn't know that you have to book 3 days before your trip if you want to book online!
Plus I never checked the timetable for my return trip so got to the station with over an hour to wait for the next one.

The main factor was the cost. I'll be getting the bus next time. I think there is an Aircoach from town to Belfast.

You can book up to one hour beforehand online - where are you getting this 3 days from?

You could have travelled Dublin/Belfast by train for far less than that!

Tragedy

KC61 wrote: »

You can book up to one hour beforehand online - where are you getting this 3 days from?

You could have travelled Dublin/Belfast by train for far less than that!

Translink only let you book a minimum of 72hours in advance, and IR won't let you book trips originating in belfast(not sure about return).

Ham'nd'egger

Tragedy wrote: »

Translink only let you book a minimum of 72hours in advance, and IR won't let you book trips originating in belfast(not sure about return).

If you are booking a train trip within the Republic then you can only book with Irish Rail and they allow you to book a seat up to an hour beforehand. Translink allow you to book a non webfare ticket online which gives you up to 48 hours more window; it's still not as flexible as Irish Rail in this regard.

iamstop

KC61 wrote: »

You can book up to one hour beforehand online - where are you getting this 3 days from?

You could have travelled Dublin/Belfast by train for far less than that!

How?

KC61

iamstop wrote: »

How?

By booking online at www.irishrail.ie you could have travelled from Dublin to Belfast return for EUR 36 as I told you at the outset of this thread, or possibly for as low as EUR 20.

KC61

Tragedy wrote: »

Translink only let you book a minimum of 72hours in advance, and IR won't let you book trips originating in belfast(not sure about return).

You can book return journeys from Dublin to Belfast online at www.irishrail.ie, up to one hour before the initial journey from Dublin.

schemingbohemia

iamstop wrote: »

How?

By reading and understanding the advice given by others on this thread and then following it. It's not our fault nor Irish Rail's that you didn't do that.