Belfast: By Bus

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By Bus

Northern Ireland's main bus company, Ulsterbus, runs direct service between Dublin and Belfast. Queries about Ulsterbus service, or any other bus and rail transportation in Northern Ireland, can be answered by the national central reservation center, Translink. The republic's Bus Éireann runs direct services to Belfast from Dublin. Buses arrive at and depart from Belfast's Europa Buscentre; the ride takes three hours. Buses to Belfast also run from London and from Birmingham, making the Stranraer ferry crossing.

You can take advantage of frequent and inexpensive Ulsterbus links between all Northern Ireland towns. In Belfast, the Europa Buscentre is just behind the Europa Hotel. The Laganside Buscentre is around the corner from Belfast's Albert Clock Tower and about 1 km ( 1/2 mi) from Central Station.

Bus Depot

Europa Central Buscentre (Great Victoria St., Golden Mile, Belfast. 028/9066-6630). Laganside Buscentre (Oxford St., Central District, Belfast. 028/9066-6630).

Bus Lines

Bus Éireann (01/836-6111 in Dublin. www.buseireann.ie). Translink (028/9066-6630. www.translink.co.uk).

Fares

If you want to tour the north by bus, contact Translink: a Freedom of Northern Ireland Ticket allows unlimited travel on bus or train (£14 per day, £34 for 3 days, and £50 per week). An Irish Rover bus ticket from Ulsterbus covers Ireland, north and south, and costs £48 for 3 days, £109 for 8, and £156 for 15. An Emerald Card (bus and rail) costs £157 for 8 days and £271 for 15 days.