The fastest route from Derry to Dublin takes about 2 hours 50 minutes by car, 5 hours 11 minutes by train with a transfer in Belfast, and 3 hours 40 minutes by direct bus.
Can you get a train from Derry to Dublin?
No, you cannot get a direct train from Derry to Dublin.
You’ll need to hop off in Belfast first—either at Lanyon Place or Belfast City Centre. Then grab another train to complete the trip. The whole adventure takes about 5 hours 11 minutes. Book through Translink or Irish Rail to lock in schedules and fares without last-minute scrambling.
Is there a direct bus from Dublin to Derry?
Yes, there is a direct bus from Dublin to Derry.
Translink’s Expressway service makes the run up to four times a day, straight from Dublin Busáras to Derry’s Foyle Buscentre. The ride clocks in at roughly 3 hours 40 minutes. If you’re traveling on a weekend, snag your ticket online ahead of time—those seats fill up fast.
How much is the bus from Derry to Dublin Airport?
A Translink bus from Derry to Dublin Airport costs €10 to €12.
You’ve got five daily departures to choose from. McGinley Coach Travel also runs two services on the same route. Expect the journey to last about 3 hours 40 minutes. Grab your ticket at the station or book online via the Translink website—whichever works best for you.
How much is the train from Belfast to Derry?
One-way train tickets from Belfast to Derry start at €16.
The Enterprise service runs every hour, and the trip takes about 2 hours. Fares creep up the closer you book to departure, so lock in your seat early. Demand spikes on weekdays, so don’t wait until the last minute. Check Translink for the latest schedules and availability.
Do I need a visa to go to Belfast from Dublin?
Yes, you need a UK visa to travel from Dublin to Belfast.
Northern Ireland sits in the UK, so standard visitor visa rules apply. If your itinerary includes both Ireland and Northern Ireland, double-check whether you’ll need an Irish visa too. Pop over to the UK government visa checker before you finalize plans—better safe than sorry.
How much is Dublin bus?
Adult Leap Card fares for Dublin Bus range from €1.55 (stages 1–3) to €2.50 (over 13 stages).
| Fare Type | Stages 1–3 | Stages 4–13 | Over 13 Stages | Xpresso |
| Adult Leap | €1.55 | €2.25 | €2.50 | €3.00 |
| Adult Cash | €2.15 | €3.00 | €3.30 | €3.80 |
Leap Cards save you money every time. If you’re paying cash, bring exact change—no change given. These fares are current as of 2026, but always confirm on Dublin Bus before you ride.
How much is the bus from Belfast to Dublin Airport?
Translink buses from Belfast to Dublin Airport cost €9 to €11.
Translink runs an hourly shuttle from Belfast Europa Bus Centre straight to Dublin Airport (Terminal 1 & 2). Aircoach competes with a service every two hours. The trip lasts about 2 hours. Tickets are sold onboard or online—whichever’s easier for you.
How much is the bus from Belfast to Dublin?
The cheapest bus fare from Belfast to Dublin is about $11.62.
| Attribute | Value |
| Cheapest Fare | $11.62 |
| Distance | 87.3 miles |
| Operators | Translink, Aircoach |
Both companies run multiple trips daily. The journey usually takes 2 hours. Book online early to lock in the lowest fares—prices climb as departure nears.
Where does the Translink bus stop at Dublin Airport?
Translink buses stop at Zone 14 in the Dublin Airport Bus Park.
That’s a dedicated spot close to both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Follow the signs for “Bus Park” once you land. The Dublin Airport website has a real-time map if you’re unsure where to go.
How much is the bus from Derry to Belfast?
Concord Coach Lines charges about $48.50 for a one-way bus ticket from Derry to Belfast.
Services run daily with multiple departures. The trip takes roughly 2 hours 15 minutes. Buy tickets at the station or online via the Concord website—whatever fits your schedule best.
Is there a direct train from Belfast to Dublin?
No, there are no direct trains from Belfast to Dublin.
Every train requires a transfer somewhere along the way—usually at Dublin Connolly or another station. On weekdays, expect one morning train with a connection in Drogheda. Schedules shift often, so verify on Irish Rail before you head to the station.
How much is the train from Belfast to Dublin return?
An Adult Day Return from Belfast to Dublin costs €20.50.
| Ticket Type | Belfast to Dublin |
| Adult Single | €9.00–€19.00 |
| Adult Day Return | €20.50 |
| Adult Open Return | €25.50 |
Prices depend on class and how early you book. Open returns give you flexibility on travel dates. Snag your ticket online via Translink or Irish Rail to guarantee a seat.
How much does a taxi cost from Dublin to Belfast?
A standard taxi from Dublin to Belfast costs about €250 and takes 100 minutes.
| Option | Price | Duration |
| Taxi | €250 | 100 min |
| Welcome Pickups | €410 | 100 min |
| Bus | €30 | 120 min |
Border crossings and traffic can drag out the trip. Confirm pickup and drop-off spots ahead of time—especially if you’re using a ride-hailing service.
Can I go to Northern Ireland without a visa?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit Northern Ireland for short stays.
Your U.S. passport just needs six months’ validity beyond your planned departure. If you’re staying longer than 90 days or plan to work, check the rules again. The U.S. State Department updates entry requirements regularly.
Do I need a Covid test to fly from England to Northern Ireland?
No, as of 2026, you do not need a COVID-19 test to fly from England to Northern Ireland.
Rules can flip fast, so check the NI Direct government website before you fly. You might still need a passenger locator form—it all depends on where you’re coming from and your travel history.
Edited and fact-checked by the MeridianFacts editorial team.