If you dont mind staying a little outside of Belfast there are some unique eco-stays but if you prefer more traditional accommodations here are some places we either looked at ourselves or had recommended to us by fellow travelers. On Achilll Island, view remains of a 5000 year old human settlement and deserted villages. The bus and rail operator announced last week that a 'special train' would be available for fans to use to travel to Croke Park for Derry's game against Galway on July 9. There are coach specials leaving Foyle Street in Derry~Londonderry, Dungiven and Maghera to Dublin. Traveling today. Lady Bruce of Downhill dug the first sod on Friday 31st August 1877, at Macfin. Bus Dublin Belfast Dublin Cork Cork Dublin Dublin Galway Galway Dublin The Belfast City Sightseeing Tour is a good one because the on-board guides are brilliantly knowledgeable and will keep you both entertained and educated. Aside from the walls, this historic city also boasts a beautiful setting and architecture and a thriving arts and culture scene. The earliest departure is at 08:20 in the morning, and the last departure from Belfast is at 21:20 which arrives into Londonderry at 23:22. It also often has good live music. Home / Is the Belfast-Derry/Londonderry train no quicker than it was during Victorian times?, > Is the Belfast-Derry/Londonderry train no quicker than it was during Victorian times?, 6 July 2022 Belfast is fast becoming a player in the foodie scene as there has been a surge of world-class cuisine and hip new eateries popping up in the past few years. The spooky holiday of Halloween is actually descended from the ancient Irish festival of Samhain and Derry celebrates in a big way. For example, some providers may only run early morning routes on weekdays, when people are traveling to work. View the preserved medieval city walls in Derry encircling the city with its four original gates. Includes Brexit, the Irish border, passports, Good Friday Agreement. BBC News - Lobbying call to secure funds for Belfast to Derry rail route Calls for it to be safeguarded. Alternatively, Aircoach operates a bus from Dublin Airport to Belfast, Glengall Street hourly. The line was officially opened by Lady Bruce on Wednesday 18th February 1880. The city of Belfast is divided into quarters and each section has its own unique character and flavor. Translink announced the route last week, with adult return tickets costing 32.50, but rail campaign group Into the West has launched a petition for the route to begin and end in Derry itself. The service departs Londonderry at 21:38 at night, which arrives into Belfast at 23:39. I've written to Translink to raise these concerns and urge them to extend this service to Derry.While a bus is available from Derry, train offers a more comfortable and accessible journey for many. guides. Signalling on the line from Great Victoria Street to Slaught level crossing (just south of Ballymena station) is controlled by the Belfast Central control terminal. From Derry~Londonderry you can pick up the 234 Goldline from (timetable here) the Foyle Street bus station or the new Train station on the . The lush Botanic Gardens and Victoria Park feature frequently, as does Belfast's tallest building, the riverside, 82m (282ft) Obel Tower which Paul Spector stands atop of during one memorable . To travel from Derry to Belfast by train, please read the following information. 3 minute read. Its also worth visiting for the view from the top looking over the citys rooftops. If you have the time to stretch into five or more nights you should consider spending a night about halfway in a town like Ballintoy. Let us do the legwork for you, and you can just sit back and enjoy your trip. They have many stately homes, manor houses and castles in their collection and in fact you could plan a full tour around Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland staying in their selected properties. Book your tickets step by step as explained. There have been some very famous names at the Brandywell over the years. I am particularly excited about the castles and landmarks. By proceeding, you accept the use of cookies in accordance with our. Mr Bradley was reacting to the decision by Translink to repeatedly divert rail services away from Derry in favour of Portrush throughout the summer season. Trains run hourly between Londonderry and Belfast. The village is picturesque and charming in its own right but the main attraction here is the Bushmills Distillery. Re: Bus from train station to city centre Saw this in an older post but not sure if it's still accurate. No accommodation found at selected location for today. Ryanair has announced a new flight route operating from Belfast International Airport as part of its Summer '23 schedule. There are different options to choose from when traveling between Derry and Belfast. The journey time is 5 hours. Ballintoy is a charming small coastal village with a picturesque fishing harbor which offers a perfect taste of Irish rural life. We work with more than 100 partners to offer you the best prices on the market. A company spokesperson said they would look at requirements for the return journey as the week goes on. Speaking to Derry News he said: It is continually diverting some of the rail services which normally run between Derry and Belfast, to run instead from Belfast to Portrush. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. . You'll drive our Derry-Londonderry between Derry-Londonderry and Belfast City, issue tickets and drop people off at their destinations. Iconic Media is Ireland's largest independently owned regional newspaper and media group, with an unrivalled audience in print, online and mobile. 2nd Class (Standard): Rows of four seats (2+2) No reservation required, buy a ticket at the station, ticket purchase unavailable online. [6] Castlerock tunnel is 668 yards (611m) long and is the longest operational railway tunnel in Northern Ireland. If you like the idea of a romantic getaway that makes you feel like youve stepped back in time and emerged as royalty (without the huge price tag) then you must take a look at Irelands Blue Book. The temple was built in 1785 and was inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, Italy. Tickets cost 14-21 and the journey takes 2h 3m. [citation needed] After passing through a short opening trains pass through the shorter Downhill tunnel which is 301 yards (275m) in length.[7]. Bushmills is a picturesque town and a good choice for an overnight stay on this itinerary. There you find exact schedules and ticket prices for all operators in England, Scotland and Wales. Cars abandoned at entrance to Cornshell Fields. Ideally, you would spend two nights in Belfast, either split (one at the start and one at the finish) or both together at the beginning. This is just one way that we generate an income with our business which allows us to continue providing great travel tips, guides and stories. Guided tour is the only way to see the inside of the infamous Victorian Crumlin Gaol. special services to major events. Londonderry to Queen s University Belfast, Londonderry to Belfast City Hospital Station, Londonderry to Holiday Inn Belfast an IHG Hotel, Londonderry to Cullybackey 48 56 Ballymena Road, Londonderry to Ballymena Northern Ireland, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel Dalkey to Belfast. There are lots of accommodation options in Belfast with a full range of prices and as it is a relatively small city its easy to get around however to be most central we would suggest staying in the Central, Cathedral or Queens Quarters. There you change to a train in direction of Belfast. Again be prepared to wait a bit if you want that perfect shot with no people in the way. As well as demanding the change in start and end point, the petition calls on Translink to ensure the train stops at Bellarena and Coleraine en route to Dublin. Find prices and information on the official Britrail Rail Pass here. "It will never cease to amaze me that the @Translink_NI train to Derry doesn't stop at Derry Airporteven though it passes over the end of the runway tarmac. You can start your journey in Derry at stations such as . The menu is full of fresh, seasonal ingredients used to create a modern take on traditional Irish fare. If for some reason you dont have the time to visit the actual museum still try to go to the Titanic Quarter to view the impressive metal building that locals nicknamed The Iceberg. If you want to take the train to Derry, City Hospital station is about 300m away. Just remember that driving in Ireland requires some adjustment if you are not used to driving on the left side and along very narrow country roads. Others include Portstewart Strand, Downhill Beach and Castle Ward. The Belfast-Derry railway line (called Derry ~ Londonderry line with NI Railways [1] ) runs from Belfast to Londonderry Derry in Northern Ireland.This line consists mainly of single track from just under Mossley West station up to Londonderry Waterside station with venues in Antrim, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine and Castle. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays; use the search form on this page to search for a specific travel date. Try for a window seat. If youre a Game of Thrones Fan you will know the Dark Hedges as The Kings Road. The Rathmullan House is not right in Derry, its actually in Donegal County Ireland but its close enough to make it a romantic home base and is our top pick to end this trip. On Sundays services from Great Victoria Street to Derry operate every two hours from Derry to Belfast and vice versa. There are connections per day, with the first departure at and the last at . Bus ticket prices start . IN PICTURES: Faces in the crowd at Croke Park, "It is absurd that Translink think Derry supporters will accept a Special train service that goes nowhere near their county.". The effect can be significant. Take some time between bar stops to explore the alleyways and crannies painted with bright and fanciful murals. Subscribing will allow you access to all of our premium content and archived articles. Travel from Derry (United Kingdom) to Belfast (United Kingdom) by train (99km): schedule and information to the train connection. Trainline provides a very comfortable booking system for train tickets in several countries. However, as always every word and opinion in this article is 100% our own. Reggie reggieweems@comcast.net. Belfast to Portadown to Newry All lines offer a combination of express services and trains that stop at each halt and station, with up to seven trains operating per hour at peak times on. It means Derry moves up four places on the previous year, overtaking key commuter stations like Antrim, Lurgan, Carrickfergus and Portrush. 15% discountIf you are travelling more than one route in the UK, the BritrailPass is a very good value option. Number 8 The Town House . The journey, both then and now, follows around 95 miles of rail track. To continue reading this article for FREE,please kindly register and/or log in. They are known as the home of traditional Irish music and are housed in one of the oldest buildings in Belfast. Conor Murphy is just great. A trip of 70 miles takes 2 hours 20 minutes. Yet despite that, passenger numbers from the city continue to grow. It will take you more or less to complete this journey. All services run direct with no transfers required, and take on average 2h 2m. Here are 50 things to know about traveling to Ireland. Using a bus from Belfast International Airport to Derry is admittedly your least convenient transfer option. Derry City. According to timetables from July 1900, the quickest time for a train to get from Derry/Londonderry to Belfast was 2hrs 55mins. This was the view of Steve Bradley who chairs the Into the West Rail Lobby group, which has been campaigning for the upgrading of Derry's train services since 2004. Of course, sometimes there are as well other travel routes possible. Travel from Derry (United Kingdom) to Belfast (United Kingdom) by train (99km): schedule and information to the train connection. The Edwardian Hotel was built in 1899 and is a stylish blend of luxury and contemporary decor and amenities. Be sure to try the chowder and the shellfish dishes that are taken from their very own shellfish beds in Carlingford Lough. We often like to start a visit to a new to us city with a Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour because it gives a great overview and helps us decide where we want to spend our time. The first train Monday to Saturday begins at Coleraine and weekends begins from Coleraine. The Queens Quarter is home to the Queens University and Botanical Gardens. Following the signalling upgrade in 2016, the line north of Coleraine is no longer controlled by electric token, instead being centralised in the Coleraine signal box. In Belfast you change trains to Dublin. However, please take our advice and dont look at this road trip as just a checklist of must-sees. Answer 1 of 10: Have relatives landing at 12.15 flight to belfast city airport ..does anyone know the best way to get to derry where we can pick them up travelling with a 4 yr old..the simplest way please we stuck for time that why we want to pick them up in derry. Where does the Londonderry to Belfast train arrive? As a Qualified Bus Driver you will be earning a starting rate of 12.00 per hour and you will be employed to a full time permanent post. Drive via spectacular scenery to picture-perfect Donegal Castle built in the 15th century. bus and train services. The actual driving time taking the route we suggest is just under four hours but of course, with stops, it will be at least double that. Its definitely possible but it will leave you feeling rushed and wanting more Northern Ireland sights. "We are operating a number of transport options to the GAA all Ireland football semi-final in Dublin on Saturday," they said. Other future plans for the Derry line include the reinstatement of the double line from Antrim to Ballymena, and the doubling of the track from Monkstown to Templepatrick. To get from Belfast to Londonderry, you can take the direct train, which takes 2 hours. Into the West has also sought a meeting with Infrastructure Minister John ODowd in order to raise the issue. "It makes no sense to offer a special train to Derry supporters that goes nowhere near County Derry and which stops in Lurgan, Portadown and Newry instead. We always start our search on Hotels Combined as this site shows pricing from all of the other booking sites giving you a good comparison. Tip: Book in advance online and arrive early morning or late afternoon to avoid a wait. Travel from Belfast (United Kingdom) to Derry (United Kingdom) by train (99km): schedule and information to the train connection. When not on the go Sarah enjoys time in her sometimes home of Vancouver. The Muddlers Club was a secret society 200 years ago but now its the name of a much-respected eatery in Dublins Cathedral Quarter. Virail will show you both all direct routes and any connecting services which you can take to get from Derry to Belfast. Northern Ireland may be small in size but its a giant among destinations in the United Kingdom for natural beauty, historic sights, and delicious food and drinks. Trains Belfast to Derry | Choose your time and price | Virail Trains Belfast to Derry: Times, Prices and Tickets 1 Passenger Search accommodation with Booking.com Our partners The best way to find and compare tickets for trains, buses, carpools and planes. The best price for this journey is . Coleraine has a bascule bridge for the railway over the navigable River Bann. Want to know about travelling from Londonderry to Belfast? The Translink Airport Express 300 bus service runs between the airport and Belfast City Centre. Deservedly popular for well priced, fresh, seafood dishes that are deliciously simple. Thanks for sharing. However, while the overall route may be similar, one thing has changed a lot: the number of stops. You can enter and explore what is left of the castle for a fee but its worth a stop even if you dont go inside to view such an iconic image. . Driving a car in Ireland, rather than taking a bus tour, gives you the flexibility and independence to discover Irelands true magic, off the beaten path and in your own time. There is a train service every few hours from Londonderry to Belfast. Congratulations to the authors. A stop in a pub is a must when you visit Northern Ireland and this spectacular example of a Victorian Gin House is a favorite of locals, tourists and even visiting celebrities. Routes Frequently Travelled Routes In Northern Ireland National BUY TICKETS HERE International Northern ireland travel routes No results found. As we said before having a car gives you the opportunity to really explore and discover your own new favorite spots. If you are in Belfast on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday dont miss a trip to St Georges Market. There is also the Yardbird upstairs for great roast chicken. What often compounds the issue is that passengers are invariably left to wait for the next train approximately one hour later.. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . From Belfast and Derry-Londonderry. Following the complete withdrawal of the NIR Class 80 and NIR Class 450 trains, the line is now served by a combination of NIR Class 3000 and NIR Class 4000 diesel multiple units. If you have questions about the route from Derry to Belfast, please ask in our forum. Derry is ranked as Northern Ireland's 9th busiest rail station in 2021 to 2022, up from 17th place in only five years. They have actually never been breached earning Derry the nickname of the Maiden City. We have put together a list of the most frequently asked questions from our users such as: What is the cheapest mode of transport?, What is the quickest option?, How much do tickets usually cost? It's like it's built to fail." On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. All services run direct with no transfers required, and take on average 2h 2m. The company provided a range of later departures for bus and train services right across the network, St Mary's student, Kaycee Deery, received a Highly Commended Award from the judges for her project, Subscribe or register today to discover more from DonegalLive.ie. For the latest travel status, please check the official page for United Kingdom. Includes paramilitaries, peace lines, and life after the Troubles. Weekday and Saturday services on the line run hourly from Great Victoria Street in Belfast to Londonderry and vice versa (except weekdays last train from Derry will terminate Lanyon Place). Born in England, Sarah developed her wanderlust at a young age as she traveled around Europe with her parents. Following this suggested itinerary you will be taking the 120-mile Causeway Coastal Route between Belfast and Derry, Northern Ireland. The average train between Londonderry and Belfast takes 2h 2m and the fastest train takes 1h 57m.