Getting here is easy

Causeway Coastal Route Belfast Welcome Centre Peace Bridge, Derry

Getting to and around Northern Ireland is really easy. You’re only ever a short hop and skip from walkable cities like Derry and Belfast. Both of which are great launching pads for your onwards travels to anywhere else in Northern Ireland. Though, given just how well connected everywhere is, you could say that about most places here. Car, train, bus, bicycle, they’ll all get you here, no matter where you’re coming from. We’ve put together a wee list of things to help you plan your next giant adventure with ease, as well as how to get around once you’re here. So, what are you waiting for? Go! Go! Go!

A Wee Car Ride Away

Dublin to Belfast

If you’re travelling from Dublin to Belfast, the M1 is your friend. As are the signposts. It’s very hard to go wrong here – just remember that, after you pass Newry, you’re on a dual carriageway for a short stretch. Motorway rules no longer apply, until you re-join it at the Sprucefield roundabout. And you should reach Belfast within two hours. You’ll find tons of affordable parking options waiting for you in Belfast City centre when you arrive. Value Car Parks’ modern car park at Grosvenor Road has 575 parking spaces over 12 levels, an ideal location for shopping trips or evening plans in the city. And what’s more, on-street charged parking in the city centre is free after 6pm Monday to Saturday, and all-day Sunday – handy for grabbing a tasty brunch in any one of the cities delicious cafes.

Getting to Northern Ireland by car is a cinch from any direction. Once you’re here, you’ll find that it’s just as easy to get around too. It’s important to remember that once you drive across the border from The Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland, the road signs, distance and speed are in miles per hour (MPH) rather than kilometres per hour (KPH).

KPH MPH

Mounre Mountains, Co. Down

Mussenden Temple, Causeway Coastal Route

Dublin to Derry

Driving from Dublin to Derry is equally as straightforward. You drive up the M1 and then across Northern Ireland on the A28. It’s as simple as that. You’ll find plenty of affordable parking options when you arrive in the city too. You can enjoy free parking on Sundays there as well. If you forget to bring cash for parking, relax, you can also pay cashless when you download the JustPark App on your phone and follow the easy steps for parking. So buckle up, throw on a couple of your favourite albums, and you’ll be there before you know it.

Your Ticket to Northern Ireland

For those who would rather leave the car keys at home, there’s plenty of easy, accessible travel alternatives like bus and rail available. If you fancy the train, Dublin and Belfast are the key rail hubs, with connections to many more cities and towns. The Enterprise Train from Dublin arrives at Central Station – right across from Belfast’s Waterfront Hall. It’s only a five-minute walk from there to the city centre. If you’d prefer a scenic bus trip, Bus Eireann and Translink operate a joint service that runs from Busáras in Dublin City centre and from Dublin Airport to Belfast. The Dublin Airport service arrives in Glengall Street Belfast, right outside the Europa Hotel. So within a few minutes of arriving you could be…relaxing in the lobby of the Europa Hotel, or having a pint in the Crown Liquor Saloon. Wow, that was quick! There are 21 departures every day and your journey will take approximately two hours. If you want to find information on routes and fares, have a look at www.buseireann.ie. So whether you go by bus or train, sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. You’re on a short break after all.

Help is at Hand

It’s always good to know that help is close at hand whenever you’re away. So, whether you’re looking for advice or information in Belfast, Derry, or anywhere in Northern Ireland for that matter, we’re here to help. We have a network of Visitor Information Centres right across Northern Ireland, so that no matter where you are, you can get the information and advice you need. Our friendly staff love every inch of Northern Ireland and will give you the inside track on all the best attractions, hidden gems, experiences and places to eat all across the region. For further information, call into one of the Visitor Information Centres. You will find a list here: discovernorthernireland.com/planyourtrip. If you’re out on the road, you’ll see signposts for the Visitor Information Centre as you approach each town. Handy that!

Let's get going

See, Northern Ireland is only a wee car, bus or train ride away. For more information and advice on the best routes, latest travel updates, schedules and fares, visit discovernorthernireland.com. Ready when you are!