Your driver will meet you at your address in Belfast.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
Trip
You’ll travel in comfort for 2 hours.
Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly
Drop-off
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Dublin.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
In total
166 km2 hours
Questions & Answers about Traveling from Belfast to Dublin
Is there a border check between Dublin and Belfast?
There are no routine border checks between Dublin and Belfast due to the Common Travel Area agreement between the UK and Ireland, which allows for the free movement of people. However, it's always wise to carry identification as checks can be implemented in certain circumstances.
Can I hire a car in Belfast and drop it off in Dublin?
Yes, many car rental companies operating in both Belfast and Dublin offer the option to pick up a car in one city and drop it off in another. This service is particularly convenient for travelers who do not wish to return to their starting point. Be aware that one-way rentals may incur additional fees.
Is it easy to drive from Belfast to Dublin?
Yes, it is relatively easy to drive from Belfast to Dublin, thanks to the well-maintained M1 motorway in Northern Ireland, which becomes the A1, and then the M1 again in the Republic of Ireland. The route is direct and well-signposted, and takes about two hours, depending on traffic. Just be aware of different speed limit units (mph in Northern Ireland and kph in the Republic of Ireland) and potential tolls.
What is the cheapest way to get from Belfast to Dublin?
Typically, the bus is the cheapest way to travel from Belfast to Dublin. Operators like Translink and Bus Eireann provide frequent and direct services between the cities. Buses offer a cost-effective option with multiple departures daily. Prices are generally lower than train tickets, making it an affordable choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Is Dublin or Belfast better for tourists?
Choosing between Dublin and Belfast depends on your interests. Dublin offers rich historical sites like Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse, along with vibrant nightlife and cultural scenes. Belfast, known for its role in the Titanic's history and the stunning Giant's Causeway nearby, offers a deep dive into Northern Ireland's unique heritage and recent history.
Is there a direct train from Dublin to Belfast?
Yes, there is a direct train service between Dublin and Belfast operated by Irish Rail in cooperation with Translink in Northern Ireland. The service runs from Dublin Connolly Station to Belfast Central Station. The journey typically takes around two and a half hours, offering multiple departures daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,600+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
Getting from Belfast to Dublin is a smooth and straightforward journey when you have Daytrip's private car service taking you from door to door. The distance covers approximately 120 miles (around 165 km) and depending on the traffic takes around two hours. Starting from Northern Ireland’s capital Belfast, a city rich in history and culture, the drive takes you through the heart of the Emerald Isle's two countries.
On your way to Dublin, there will be numerous stops waiting for you. Make the most of your private trip by planning your stops beforehand and have a fun road trip like no other. Your first stop can be Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. This 18th-century Georgian country house is a great stop for walking through the elegantly decorated royal rooms with personal objects accrued by the Royal family throughout the years.
You also shouldn’t miss Newgrange, a monumental tomb predating Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. This huge monument is believed to have connections either with a cult of the dead or an astronomical religion.
About Dublin
Arriving from Belfast to Dublin, you’ll find a vibrant city known for its literary history, bustling pubs, and historical buildings like Dublin Castle and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Divided by the River Liffey, the city’s silhouette is made of green parks, cobblestone streets, and historical and modern buildings.
What you heard most about Dublin is probably its literary legacy. It is the birthplace or residence of some of the most influential and renowned writers such as James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, Samuel Beckett, and Oscar Wilde. This literary legacy is celebrated throughout the city, and preserved at the Museum of Literature Ireland and the National Library of Ireland. The social life in Dublin is as dynamic as its cultural scene. It houses the most popular Irish beer Guinness and it is the go-to drink in every pub you’ll visit.
From Belfast to Dublin: travel tips
It is guaranteed that you will have a smooth and laid-back experience traveling from Belfast to Dublin with Daytrip. Still, there are a few things you can do to make sure everything goes perfectly.
Add sightseeing stops
There are many interesting towns, historical sites, and parks on the way to Dublin, so add some stops to your itinerary! If you're a Game of Thrones fan, several scenes were filmed in Tollymore Forest Park. Or for history lovers, Monasterboice, one of the first Christian monasteries in the country is unmissable.
### Pack well for the journey
It’s Ireland, so no matter when you visit, make sure to have a rain jacket with you, and some layering pieces depending on the season you visit the island. Bring good shoes that can withstand the rain as well. Some snacks and tea or coffee to keep you cozy in case it gets cold are also a good idea.
How to Get from Belfast to Dublin
You have several options to get from Belfast to Dublin including train, bus, private car service, or car rental.
### Belfast to Dublin by train
Taking a train ride from Belfast to Dublin is one of the more comfortable options. The journey takes around two and a half hours and is operated mainly by Irish Rail in cooperation with Translink in Northern Ireland.
There are multiple direct trains from Belfast Central Station to Dublin Connolly Station daily. Tickets average $17. The route offers scenic views and comfortable traveling but can be more expensive than bus options. Most importantly, schedules require planning in advance, so check the timetable of the trains here; https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/
### Belfast to Dublin by bus
There are direct buses operated by Translink (Goldline Express Service) and Bus Eireann from Belfast Europa Buscentre to Dublin Busaras, the Central Bus Station. The trip takes around two and a half hours but can change depending on traffic conditions.
The timetable offers a high frequency of buses with multiple departures throughout the day and evening. Buses are generally cheaper than trains with more flexible schedules but also offer less room and comfort. Check their schedule on their websites; https://www.buseireann.ie/ and https://www.translink.co.uk/
### Belfast to Dublin by private car
The most convenient and enjoyable option is traveling in a private car you book with Daytrip. Depending on how big or luxurious you prefer your car to be, the price would range from $347 to $510. But that's for the vehicle, so if you're traveling in a group, prices can be as low as $73 per person.
Your local driver will help you throughout the way with your luggage, the stops you’d like to take, and insider tips. The smooth trip will take around two hours without stopping. But Daytrip sets itself apart from any other travel option by offering sightseeing stops. And when you have the chance to fill the 120 miles (around 165 km) with even more Irish experiences, why wouldn't you?
### Belfast to Dublin by rental car
You can also rent a car and drive from Belfast to Dublin. Your journey would take you around two hours depending on traffic and exact starting/ending points. You would drive via the M1 motorway in Northern Ireland which becomes A1 and then M1 again in the Republic of Ireland.
It is a flexible option in schedule and stops but keep in mind that you will need to consider the costs including rental, fuel, and potential tolls, as well as driving on the left and parking in Dublin.
Things to Do When You Get to Dublin
Leaving your seamless trip from Belfast to Dublin, you’ll arrive in a city that preserves a piece of its history in each of its corners. Make sure you enjoy its historical pubs, libraries, green parks and even hikes.
### Take a sip of Guinness Storehouse
Ireland’s by far the most iconic and famous beer Guinness has a temple in Dublin. At Guinness Storehouse, you can have the ultimate Guinness beer experience. With a history reaching far back to a brewery in the heart of Dublin built in 1759, Guinness is a global brand and taking a tour at Guinness Storehouse is a great way to experience the taste and its history to the fullest.
### Worship the Temple Bar
Dublin's Temple Bar is probably the most visited neighborhood in the city, and for good reason: it's filled with pubs! The most famous is the Temple Bar itself, where there is live traditional Irish music 24/7 and the largest collection of whiskey in the whole of Ireland (quite the feat). The pub is famous for its history dating back to 1840, for holding the largest selection of pub sandwiches in the world as well as its great selection of beers.
But besides the pubs, the Temple Bar neighborhood dates back to the 17th century, so make sure to explore. There's plenty of other things to keep you busy, from vintage shops to the Temple Bar Gallery + Studios.
### Hike the Howth Cliffs
If you haven't experienced the rugged beauty of the Irish coast, hop on a DART (Dublin’s railway network) to Howth. Here, the best nature walk in Dublin showcases mesmerizing coastal views with the immense seascape.
When’s the best time to visit Dublin?
Dublin gets rowdy, so for a calmer and a bit colder scene of Dublin, consider visiting during spring and autumn. The weather is fair, as are prices for accommodation and transportation. If crowds are a definite no-no for you, then avoid St. Patrick’s Day, which is celebrated on the 17th of March.
Travel from Belfast to Dublin from June through August if you’d like to enjoy Dublin in its warmest, most crowded, and busiest. Summer has the warmest weather and most activities, and Temple Bar is perpetually packed. If you want to enjoy some festivals and concerts, summer is definitely the best time to visit Dublin.
If you don’t mind the cold, would like a cheaper holiday, and are happy to drive away the winter gloom at an Irish pub, then winter months from December to March are also good options.
Visit these sights on the way
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
This Georgian manor offers a look into the private lives of the British Royal Family. Her Majesty’s Manor
Tollymore Forest Park
Featured in Game of Thrones, this wonderful woodland is filled with Romantic follies. Follies of Fantasy
Monasterboice
Covering the grounds of an early medieval monastery, this historic cemetery is home to the finest high cross in all of Ireland. Buried on High
Irish Military War Museum
With weapons handling and tank lessons, this museum offers an immersive look at Ireland’s role in both World Wars. Tension Tanks
Newgrange
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most important examples of prehistoric megalithic art in all of Europe. Massive Ancient Art
Drogheda
The former home of the Irish Parliament proudly is the proud home of the national shrine of St. Oliver Plunkett. A Saintly Status
“I used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.”
“We were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, we’d especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.”
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler Daydream20046758137
“We absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. It’s worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. It’s 5 star rating is well deserved.”
“We traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortable”
“Gonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.”
“We were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.”
“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”
“We just had two wonderful Daytrip experiences in Ireland - our first driver, Mick, was a delight! Though we were just traveling from Dublin to Belfast, he regaled us with interesting stories, some history, and a short trip off the highway to see the beautiful high cross at Monasterboice. Our second driver, Joseph, who took us from Belfast to Dublin, was a consummate professional and extremely courteous.
All in all, our Daytrip experience was flexible, personalized, and flawlessly executed. Our drivers were in touch via text and phone, the payment was easy, and when we needed to make small changes, the email crew was exceptional.”
“We decided to hire a car service to take us from Dublin to Belfast for convenience purposes and we were in a bit of a time crunch. DayTrip did a great job, including finding us a driver last minute after we inadvertently booked this for the following week. This was a very smooth trip and our driver, Ravdeep, did a great job. The car was clean, Ravdeep knew where he was going, there was no traffic. We paid a bit more to make a stop at Hillsborough House right outside of Belfast, and Ravdeep was waiting for us when we finished. We got to our hotel right on time. So we were happy with the whole experience and I would recommend this. I would say that the drive is not very scenic and the cost of a private car is not cheap (we took the train on the way back), but worth it in some situations.”
“We booked a trip from Belfast to Dublin because we wanted a relaxing trip back before our return home and we had a stop we wanted to make on the way. Our driver, Ektor, arrived early right out the front door of our accommodations and helped with our heavy baggage! He made a convenient stop for us at a rest area to grab some coffee and use the restroom before our scheduled stop at Monasterboice. It was a beautiful place and we were pleased to learn it was Ektor's first time there as well! We were dropped off right at the front door to our hotel at the airport and, again, he helped us with our bags up the stairs. I would definitely book Daytrip again. It was wonderful to have it be just us and was very comfortable and relaxing prior to our 13 hour flight home!”
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler mtcatsfan
Good to know
Children
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Tips
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Luggage
Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm
Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Payment methods
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.
For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.
Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!
Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.
