Are you looking for ways to get around in Belfast City?
Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a small city that is easy to travel on foot or by bicycle. Belfast also offers a public transit system, which is run by Translink, for individuals who want to explore the city’s outskirts or use it as a base to visit other parts of Northern Ireland.
Buses are the most prevalent mode of public transportation in the city center, and this guide will show you how to make the most out of your bus ride in Belfast, as well as alternative ways to move around this lovely Northern Ireland city.
Things you'll find in this article
Getting Around Belfast: Public Transport
Transport Card and Ticket Offers in Belfast
Belfast offers a variety of options for those who want to save money while using their public transport system. From visitor passes that you can top up to great deals on specific days of the week, these offers also encourage locals and tourists alike to further explore the city.
- Belfast Visitor Pass – Within the Belfast Visitor Pass Zone, the Belfast Visitor Pass entitles you to unrestricted bus and train travel for one, two, or three days. Discounts and special deals are available at attractions and restaurants with the pass.
- Bus Rambler – For only £9.50 for adults and £4.75 for children, Bus Rambler offers unlimited bus travel inside Northern Ireland every Sunday and during major school holidays.
- Friends and Family Ticket – For only £22, you may get unlimited bus and train travel (inside Northern Ireland) for one day for up to 2 adults and 4 children. Each additional child costs £4. Monday through Friday after 9.30 a.m., and every Saturday and Sunday with no time limitations.
- Sunday Day Tracker – On Sunday, you can ride for free on all regular train services in Northern Ireland (£8/£4). There are no time limits.
- iLink (integrated bus and rail travel card) – Adults and children can use it, and it’s excellent if you take the bus and train frequently. iLink can be topped up for a day, week, or month at specified sales shops. For £5, you may buy the Belfast Freedom (1 day). For £16 you can get NI freedom (1 day).
- yLink (16-23-year-olds travelcard) – Get a third off Northern Ireland Translink bus and train services, as well as up to 50% off Enterprise. It’s only £8 for 16-23-year-olds. To purchase a yLink card, go to www.ylinktranslink.co.uk.
- The dayLink travelcard – this one allows you to travel on Metro and Glider for the entire day for £3.50 or £3 after 9.30 a.m. The cost of a cash Day Ticket is £4.20. The cost of a child’s ticket is half that of an adult’s. The cost of a dayLink Travelcard is £1. Purchase tickets online at www.translink.co.uk or any Smartlink agent, Metro Kiosk, Visit Belfast, major Translink station, or Glider Halt.
Belfast Public Transport
Belfast bus network
- Translink Metro – Most Translink Metro routes depart from Donegall Square, just outside Belfast City Hall, so you can see the finest of Belfast. The Metro Kiosk, Donegall Square West, and Visit Belfast all have free Metro timetables that are color-coded for each of the 12 routes.
- Glider – Cross-city services run between east and west Belfast, as well as through the city center to Titanic Quarter.
- Translink Goldline X1/X2A/X5A – Goldline X1/X2A/X5A services run between Belfast Europa Buscentre and Dublin Airport and Dublin city daily. With Translink’s amazing promotional web fares, you may buy online and travel to Dublin Airport.
If you have cash, you can buy single tickets from the driver on board. A one-time use ticket is £2.10, but if you plan to ride the Metro bus frequently during your stay in Belfast, there are travel tickets available (see list of options above) which has discounted fares.
Where to book/buy a ticket: Book your ticket online here.
Northern Ireland Railways
Translink manages a network of trains that connect Belfast to the city’s major suburbs and other Northern Ireland destinations.
Great Victoria Street Station and Lanyon Station are two of Belfast’s major train stations (previously known as Belfast Central Station).
Train ticket price starts at £9 for adults and £5 for students or children. The price still depends on the destination and if you are using a card or pass those entities to discounts.
Where to book/buy a ticket: Book your ticket online here.
By Taxi
Pre-booking a taxi is possible by contacting a local taxi operator. Some taxi companies have smartphone apps that you can use to book a taxi. Some taxi firms offer wheelchair-accessible and seven-seater taxis.
- Taxi Service Value Cabs – Value Cabs is one of Belfast’s most well-known taxi companies, offering both professional taxi services and tourist tours. Vehicles that are wheelchair accessible and seven-seaters are available. Each vehicle has a terminal for accepting debit or credit cards.
Rates vary depending on the day of the week and the hour of the day, but they often start at around £3. The meter should be turned on and these rates should be posted inside the cab. The final cost will be determined by the journey distance.
Car Rental
Daily car rental in Belfast starts at £15 for a two-door car, however, prices vary greatly based on the size, business, and how long ahead of time you reserve.
Drive on the left side of the road and keep in mind that speeds are measured in miles per hour rather than kilometers.
In congested areas, the speed limit is 30 mph, increasing to 70 mph on highways.
Keep an eye on signs everywhere you’re traveling because speed cameras and traffic cops are everywhere. In the front and back seats, seatbelts are required.
Where to Book: Rentalcars.
Bike Rental
There are approximately 30 docking stations throughout Belfast City Centre where you can rent a bike.
Just Eat Belfast Bikes, a public bicycle rental service with 45 docking stations located across the city, is a fantastic alternative.
The first 30 minutes are free, after which you will be charged 0.50 pounds per hour, 1.50 pounds per hour, 3.50 pounds per hour, and so on.
Here are a few well-known bike rental firms that are independently owned and operated.:
Scooter/Motorbike
To rent a scooter or motorcycle, you must be at least 25 years old and have a valid two-wheeler driver’s license. The rental pricing varies a lot, however, the cheapest option is roughly 50 Pounds per day. Listed below are a few companies where you can rent a motorbike:
Walking
Walking is a great alternative if you want to see the sights of Belfast City Centre. The area is compact and most attractions are within walking distance from each other.
Belfast is also a pedestrian-friendly city with wide sidewalks and flat streets. Consider taking a walking tour of Belfast to learn more about the city’s history, culture, and people.
To book your city tour, click here
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 60 countries for the past 12 years. I also lived in 4 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia, Africa and now in Europe. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.