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Athlone to Belfast from $24: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Athlone, Ireland
to
Belfast, United Kingdom

How to Get from Athlone 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.

$24 by busBest price
184 milesDistance
2h 48m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Athlone 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
Bus
Average Duration
4h  12m
Estimated price
$24-29
Recommended
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
2h  48m
Estimated price
$50-75
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 184 miles
Duration: 2h 48m

See more options

Company
Irish Rail
Train
Average Duration
4h  48m
Estimated price
$31-46
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
5h  10m
Estimated price
$40-62
Company
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
5h  13m
Estimated price
$42-59
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Traveling From Athlone to Belfast

The journey from Athlone to Belfast showcases a shift from the serene, scenic landscapes of the Irish countryside to the vibrant, urban energy of Northern Ireland's capital.

Best Neighbourhoods in Belfast

Belfast offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

Titanic Quarter
• Home to the iconic Titanic Belfast museum.
• Features trendy restaurants and waterfront activities.
Cathedral Quarter
• Known for its vibrant arts and culture scene.
• Bustling nightlife with pubs and music venues.
Queen's Quarter
• Close to Queen's University and botanical gardens.
• Offers quaint cafes and a laid-back vibe.

Best Times To Visit Belfast's Attractions

Timing your visits can enhance your experience at Belfast's top sights.

Titanic Belfast
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for smaller crowds.
Giant's Causeway
Choose weekdays during spring or autumn for fewer visitors.
Botanic Gardens
Go on weekdays, especially in early spring, to enjoy peace and blooms.

Belfast Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Belfast experiences a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and cool summers, making it a destination that welcomes visitors year-round. For the best weather, aim for late spring or early autumn, as pleasant conditions enhance your exploration of the city's attractions.

Dining Recommendation in Belfast

Try the Ulster fry at a local eatery like The Morning Star, where the heartiness of local ingredients creates a vibrant contrast to the more subtle flavors found in Athlone's cuisine. This iconic dish, served in a lively atmosphere, showcases Belfast's rich culinary heritage and unique take on traditional Irish fare.

Athlone - Belfast operators

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

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+353 0 1 844 7118
Website
https://www.aircoach.ie/

Bus from Arcadia SC to Dublin Airport T1

Average Duration
2h 5m
Estimated price
$15-21
Contact phone
+353 1 903 9508
Website
https://www.dublinexpress.ie/

Bus from Dublin Airport T1 to Glengall Street

Average Duration
1h 45m
Estimated price
$9-9
Contact phone
+353 91 564 164
Website
https://www.citylink.ie/

Bus from Arcadia SC to Dublin Airport Zone 11

Average Duration
2h 30m
Estimated price
$14-22
Contact phone
+44 28 9066 6630
Website
https://www.translink.co.uk/

Bus from Dublin Airport to Europa Buscentre

Average Duration
2h 15m
Estimated price
$26-40
Contact phone
+353 1 836 6111
Website
https://www.buseireann.ie/

Bus from Golden Island to Drogheda Bus Station

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
$15-22
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+353 1 836 6222
Website
https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/

Train from Athlone to Dublin Heuston

Average Duration
1h 28m
Estimated price
$13-19

Train from Dublin Connolly to Belfast

Average Duration
2h 13m
Estimated price
$17-25
Contact phone
+44 28 9066 6630
Website
https://www.translink.co.uk/

Train from Drogheda to Lanyon Place

Average Duration
1h 36m
Estimated price
$20-29

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

Traveling between Athlone 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.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Athlone to Belfast spanning a driving distance of 251.1 km. 💶 Experience varying prices ranging from €46 to €69 as you journey through picturesque landscapes towards the vibrant city of Belfast by car. 🛣️ Enjoy a smooth and comfortable 2 hours and 48 minutes drive from Athlone to Belfast, reveling in the freedom and flexibility of exploring at your own pace.
Average price
€46 - €69
🛤️ The total travel time from Athlone to Belfast by train, with all the necessary transfers, is approximately 4 hours and 48 minutes. 💰 Ticket prices for the Athlone to Belfast train route typically range from €28 to €42, providing an affordable transportation option for those looking to explore two beautiful destinations in Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Departure Point
Athlone station
Arrival Point
Belfast station
🚏 The route involves services departing from Arcadia SC in Athlone and arriving at Glengall Street in Belfast, with a stop at Dublin Airport T1 along the way. 💸 The price for this bus journey can vary between €22 to €27, and the total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 4 hours and 12 minutes.
Departure Point
Arcadia SC station
Arrival Point
Glengall Street station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Athlone to Belfast.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Athlone and Belfast is approximately 186.7 km by road. The typical travel time by train from Athlone to Belfast is 4 hours and 56 minutes. Alternatively, taking a bus and then a train would take approximately 5 hours and 46 minutes. If traveling by car, it takes around 2 hours and 48 minutes to reach Athlone from Belfast, while the bus journey from Athlone to Belfast would take approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Athlone to Belfast is by train, which takes approximately 4 hours and 56 minutes and costs between €28 and €41. This mode of transportation offers a reasonable balance between travel time and affordability. Alternatively, if time is of the essence, driving is the quickest option, taking around 2 hours and 48 minutes, but it may be a bit more expensive, with costs ranging from €46 to €69.
The prices for traveling from Athlone to Belfast by train range from €28 to €40. If you choose to take the bus, prices range from €36 to €51.
To travel from Athlone to Belfast without using public transportation, you can rent a car and drive. The driving distance is approximately 251.1 km and it takes around 2 hours and 48 minutes to reach Belfast from Athlone by car. Rental car prices for this journey can vary from €46 to €69.
The best way to travel from Athlone to Belfast without a car is by bus. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes and the ticket price ranges from €32 to €55.
Yes, there is a link between Athlone and Belfast but it is not a direct one. The most convenient way to travel between the two cities is by train, which takes approximately 4 hours and 56 minutes with transfers at Heuston and Dublin Connolly stations. Alternatively, you can also take a bus, which takes around 4 hours and 10 minutes with transfers at Arcadia SC and Dublin Airport T1.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Belfast. With over 719 hotels to choose from, travelers can find a range of prices and amenities to suit their needs. Prices start at €47 per night, ensuring a variety of budget-friendly options.

Trips from Athlone

Trips to Belfast