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Edinburgh to Belfast from $39: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
to
Belfast, United Kingdom

How to Get from Edinburgh to Belfast: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$39 by busBest price
230.1 kmDistance
1h 56m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Edinburgh to Belfast with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
2h  32m
Estimated price
$63-208
Recommended
Company
Megabus / Translink
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
8h  33m
Estimated price
$39-58
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 230.1 km
Duration: 1h 56m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
ScotRail / Translink / Stena Line
Train
Bus
Drive
Average Duration
8h  47m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
various
Drive
Drive
Average Duration
4h  45m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
ScotRail / Translink
Train
Bus
Average Duration
8h  8m
Estimated price
$47-81
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  14m
Estimated price
$48-220
Company
various
Drive
Plane
Average Duration
1h  56m
Estimated price
$73-205
Company
various
Drive
Plane
Average Duration
2h  42m
Estimated price
$113-157

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $62 $62 $63 $63 $63 $62 $62
Fly $34 $34 $34 $35 $40 $35 $36

Traveling From Edinburgh to Belfast

The journey from Edinburgh to Belfast offers a striking contrast between Edinburgh's historic architecture and vibrant festivals, and Belfast's rich industrial heritage paired with a lively cultural scene.

Best Neighbourhoods in Belfast

Belfast’s neighborhoods each offer distinct charm and attractions for visitors.

Cathedral Quarter
• Home to vibrant street art and galleries.
• Known for its lively pubs and eateries.
Titanic Quarter
• Features the iconic Titanic Belfast museum.
• Offers stunning waterfront views and walking paths.
Botanic Gardens
• Houses beautiful botanical gardens and the Ulster Museum.
• Ideal for a leisurely stroll or picnic.

Best Times To Visit Belfast's Attractions

Optimizing your visit to Belfast’s attractions can enhance your experience.

Titanic Belfast
Visit early in the morning on weekdays for fewer crowds.
Botanic Gardens
Afternoons in spring and summer showcase vibrant blooms and fewer visitors.
Crumlin Road Gaol
Late afternoon tours during weekdays provide a quieter, more personal experience.

Belfast Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Belfast experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild temperatures and frequent rainfall throughout the year. Spring and early autumn typically provide the best weather for outdoor activities, allowing you to enjoy the city's stunning parks and waterfront.

Dining Recommendation in Belfast

Be sure to try the iconic Irish stew at The Crown Liquor Saloon, a traditional pub that boasts a vibrant atmosphere and showcases local ingredients in a rich, hearty dish. This contrasts with Edinburgh's culinary focus by emphasizing rustic flavors and the energetic charm of Belfast's social dining scene.

Edinburgh - Belfast operators

Explore transport companies operating between Edinburgh and Belfast, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane Show flights
Website
aerlingus.com

Plane from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Belfast City Airport (BHD)

Average Duration
55m
Estimated price
$45-200

Plane from Glasgow (GLA) to Belfast City (BHD)

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$45-180
Website
easyjet.com

Plane from Edinburgh (EDI) to Belfast (Aldergrove) (BFS)

Average Duration
54m
Estimated price
$30-190

Plane from Glasgow (GLA) to Belfast City (BHD)

Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
$45-350

Plane from Glasgow (GLA) to Belfast (Aldergrove) (BFS)

Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
$80-130
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+44 28 9066 6630
Website
translink.co.uk

Bus from Glasgow Buchanan to Belfast Europa Bus Centre

Average Duration
6h 10m
Estimated price
$30-45

Bus from Glasgow Buchanan to Cairnryan Stena Terminal

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
$23-35
Contact phone
+44 20 3001 6970
Website
uk.megabus.com

Bus from Edinburgh Bus Station to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station

Average Duration
1h 23m
Estimated price
$11-16
Train
Contact phone
+44 344 811 0141
Website
scotrail.co.uk

Train from Edinburgh to Glasgow Queen Street

Average Duration
51m
Estimated price
$17-40
Ferry
Contact phone
+44 844 770 7070
Website
stenaline.co.uk

Ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast

Average Duration
2h 15m
Estimated price
0-0

Edinburgh to Belfast: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Edinburgh and Belfast offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train journey from Edinburgh to Belfast, you will likely travel on services operated by either Translink or ScotRail, with the latter providing connections to ferry services. Onboard catering options are typically limited; however, you may find a snack bar on some routes offering coffee, light snacks, and soft drinks. It’s a good idea to grab a meal before boarding or bring your own, especially for longer segments involving ferry crossing.
• The train services on this route usually offer standard Economy Class seating and may include First Class cabins for a more comfortable experience, which provides additional legroom, quieter environments, and complimentary refreshments depending on the service. It's advisable to book early, especially for First Class, to secure the best seats.
• When traveling to Belfast, the main operators are Translink (translink.co.uk) and ScotRail (scotrail.co.uk). Check their websites for the latest schedule and ticket booking options. Upon arrival at Belfast Central Station, you can store luggage at a left luggage service, and restrooms are available. For the fastest route to city center, catch the Metro service; Metro bus number 12 directly connects the station to various central locations, running every 10-15 minutes.
🛫 Enjoy a quick and convenient journey from Edinburgh to Belfast by taking a direct flight that only lasts 55 minutes. Aer Lingus provides flights from Edinburgh Airport to Belfast City Airport. 🌍 Cover the distance of 2 hours and 32 minutes between these two vibrant cities while comfortably traveling through the skies. 💸 The cost of a flight between Edinburgh and Belfast can range from £50 to £164, offering options to suit different budgets.
Departure Point
Edinburgh Airport
Arrival Point
Belfast City Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Check in online for your flight with Aer Lingus to save time at Edinburgh Airport; the boarding process can get busy, especially during peak travel times.
• Upon arrival at Belfast City Airport, follow the signs to the 'Ground Transportation' area where you can easily find taxis and shuttles; expect the taxi fare to the city center to be around £10-£15, with a journey time of approximately 15 minutes.
• If you're considering dining options on your Aer Lingus flight, refer to their inflight menu before boarding to make your meal choice easier; you can check the current menus on their website: aerlingus.com
🚌 Although there is no direct bus from Edinburgh station to Belfast, travelers can take a bus from Edinburgh Bus Station to Glasgow Buchanan before transferring to reach Belfast Europa Bus Centre. The journey, with transfers, typically lasts around 8 hours and 33 minutes. 💰 The prices for a bus ticket between Belfast and Edinburgh can vary from £31 to £46, providing an affordable and flexible option for those looking to explore both charming destinations. Plan ahead to enjoy a scenic journey and discover the beauty of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Departure Point
Edinburgh Bus Station
Arrival Point
Belfast Europa Bus Centre station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Purchase your tickets in advance from Megabus UK or National Express to secure the best prices and ensure availability, especially during peak travel times; both can be found at megabus.com and nationalexpress.com
• When arriving at Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station, make sure to check the departure screens for your connecting bus to Belfast, as different companies operate out of designated stands (Hannon Coach departs from Stance 55 for Belfast).
• Upon arriving at Belfast Europa Bus Centre, you will find a well-connected transport hub; take note of the nearby facilities including cafes and taxi services, and download the Belfast public transport app for easy navigation to your next destination, which can be found at translink.co.uk

Trips from Edinburgh

Trips to Belfast