National transport options to Belfast from Dublin

fidero

Hi guys,
Can any of you tell me what are my options as regards national transport to travel from Dublin to Belfast next day return?
Would I be right to say that rail is the usual exorbitant price?
Bus Éireann only seems to go as far as Newry & the Goldline won't allow me buy a ticket from Dublin to Belfast only vice versa.
Is there private alternatives? Do they go all the way to Belfast?

Thanks,
Fi.

Defiler Of The Coffin

Both Bus Eireann and Translink operate the Dublin-Belfast route. You will be able to get a return ticket at either Busaras or the Europa. I always found the bus handier (2 and a half hour journey) but sometimes there are offers on the train tickets.

fidero

Hi Defiler,
That's a pity, I would have preferred buying it online. Do you remember what it cost for the ticket?

Thanks,
Fi.

Defiler Of The Coffin

fidero wrote: »

Hi Defiler,
That's a pity, I would have preferred buying it online. Do you remember what it cost for the ticket?

Thanks,
Fi.

Well it's about £20 return when buying in Belfast so I'd imagine it's approximately the same from Busaras. Don't worry about not being able to buy online, I travel that route regularly and never had a problem getting a seat.

fidero

Hi Defiler,
I ain't too worried about not been able to buy online it's just that ya get a further discount with BÉ but not an option in this case.

Thanks once again,
Fiachra.

cdsb46

fidero wrote: »

Hi Defiler,
I ain't too worried about not been able to buy online it's just that ya get a further discount with BÉ but not an option in this case.

Thanks once again,
Fiachra.

BÉ doesn't offer the online ticket system as its something to do with Ulster bus not being able to read the tickets, took the bus from Busaras and it was 25€ return and it was less than two hours as they don't stop in Newry or Banbridge unless requested....they also don't seem to stick to the speed limit :P

fidero

Hi guys,
The price was as said. I felt that the bus drivers were really unfriendly!! I would nearly suspect the guy on the way up was showing some racism. Very relieved to be back!!!

Go raibh míle,
Fi.

Isotonik

I think the bus is the better option all round really. I've used the Enterprise between Central and Connolly many times but half the time it's just unreliable. If they're not rioting in Lurgan and blocking the line then the train is always breaking down.

strangel00p

Anyone know where the bus stop in belfast is for the bus to dublin. trying to find it on google street view. thank you.

Defiler Of The Coffin

strangel00p wrote: »

Anyone know where the bus stop in belfast is for the bus to dublin. trying to find it on google street view. thank you.

Look for the Europa hotel. Practically the same building. Look for the door with 'Great Northern Mall' above (not obvious on Streetview but it's there)

strangel00p

Defiler Of The Coffin wrote: »

Look for the Europa hotel. Practically the same building. Look for the door with 'Great Northern Mall' above (not obvious on Streetview but it's there)

thanks!:)

technocrat

Aircoach is a good option too used it twice in the last month.
Journey time is 1hr 40mins from the airport add another 20mins for Dublin city centre.

BeardySi

They back running again then? Thought I saw one going by the other day, but it was gone when I took a second look....

technocrat

Treadhead wrote: »

They back running again then? Thought I saw one going by the other day, but it was gone when I took a second look....

Yeah and it's an express service this time motorway all the way.