Planes, trains and automobiles…what’s the best way to get around?

Northern Ireland has so much to see and experience, so naturally there is an abundance of public transport and travel options. 

Pick-pockets: While traveling in Northern Ireland is a breeze, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings. Pick-pocketing is a major occurrence, especially in larger cities. Make sure that your bag is zipped up and carried in front of you and that your wallet is tucked away safely. It is also a good idea to keep copies of your passport and essential documents in your dorm or hotel room, just in case. Keep an eye out for yourself and your friends on crowded metro trains and don’t be afraid to make a lot of noise if you see something out of place. Pick-pockets scare easily!

Busses and Walking:

The most inexpensive and convenient travel for getting around the city or taking a day trip would be by bus. Translink runs the two most comprehensive bus networks in Nothern Ireland, Ulsterbus and Metro, both of which are based out of Belfast. Metro operates largely within Belfast and the surrounding suburbs, while Ulsterbus provides services all over Northern Ireland and also to Dublin, in a partnership deal with its counterpart in the Republic of Ireland. It also provides local bus services in many towns and cities all over Northern Ireland including Bangor, Derry/Londonderry, Ballymena, Omagh, Craigavon and Antrim.

For the Metro, a one-day ticket around Belfast will run about £3.50, and if  you are staying for longer than a day trip, look into visitor passes or multi-journey cards. The bus schedules tend to be reliable, and to see timetables and more information, please visit their website here.

To take an Ulsterbus, see their website, as timetables, services, and rates vary and are subject to change.

   

  

Bus and walking tours are available in most cities, and the areas tend to be quite walk-able, particularly in the more popular tourist areas. The CDC warns pedestrian travelers to be alert when crossing streets, especially in countries where motorists drive on the left side of the road, and to walk with a companion or someone from the host country.

Trains:

Trains are another great option for public transport, although they are not as widely run as the bus systems. The NI Railways, also owned by Translink, operates trains on routes that fan out from Belfast. NI Railways jointly runs the Enterprise train service between Belfast and Dublin with Iarnród Éireann, the train provider of the Republic of Ireland. There is no link to the National Rail network of Great Britain. Train travel is generally more expensive than bus travel, but can be faster. For more information on Northern Ireland Railways, please see their website here.

 

Taxis:

Another option to consider are the abundance of taxis available in most cities. Taxis do tend to be more expensive than public transport, especially in larger cities, but are safe and reliable modes of transportation. As noted previously, it is not standard to tip taxi drivers in Ireland, although you are welcome to do so.

Rental Cars:

It is possible to rent a car as an American without needing an international license. However, it is highly discouraged for multiple reasons.

• Vehicles drive on the left side of the road, and are build accordingly. Steering wheels are found on the right side of the car.
• Renting a car is quite expensive, and you could be liable for any number of things going wrong with the vehicle.
• Automatic transmission cars are not common, and are expensive when they are available.
• Fuel, or “petrol” is quite expensive in Europe, and is sold by the litre, not the gallon.
• Speed and mileage is calculated in kilometers, not miles.

Air Travel:

Northern Ireland’s size makes domestic flying unnecessary unless you’re in a hurry, but there are flights between Dublin and Belfast, Cork, Derry, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Shannon and Sligo, as well as a Belfast–Cork service. Most flights within Ireland take around 30 to 50 minutes. Aer Lingus and Aer Árann are Ireland’s only domestic carriers, but check out RyanAir and CityJet as well for flights. RyanAir is one of the most affordable carriers in Ireland, and offer “no-frills” flights throughout Ireland and Europe.

 

  

#CISabroadstaff411: Keep an eye out for promotions and last-minute deals with RyanAir, as they often offer unbeatable rates. 

Ferries:

Ireland being an island, water travel is often a necessity, and some of it’s largest ports exist in Belfast and Derry. Ferries are a great method of travel, and operate across rivers, inlets and loughs, providing useful shortcuts, particularly for cyclists. Prices will vary, depending on your destination and duration, but ferry companies are quite easy to find and book. Ferry connections between Britain and Ireland via the Irish Sea include the routes from Fishguard and Pembroke to Rosslare, Holyhead to Dún Laoghaire, Stranraer to Belfast and Larne, and Cairnryan to Larne. In addition, there are ferries from Rosslare and Cork to France.

Bicycles:

Bicycling is an ideal way to explore the Northern Irish landscape. The distances are quite manageable, and Ireland is a great place for bicycle touring, despite bad road surfaces in places and inclement weather. Hostels, B&Bs, and hotels are abundantly available for touring cyclists who don’t want to deal with the extra weight of a tent and sleeping bag. Bicycles can be transported by bus or train if there’s enough room. The charge varies, but beware that bikes may not be allowed on certain train routes.

To find bicycle rentals and route ideas, check out CycleNI.com. Frommer’s Guide and the Lonely Planet website has and the  lots of great cycling and travel tips, like this one: remember to cycle on the left! 

Crossing International Borders:

Travelling from Northern Ireland to other European countries (including the Republic of Ireland) is considerably easier than travelling from the United States. You will need your United States passport and visa documents, and be sure to research if you will need any additional documentation before visiting another country.