THE SHORT VERSION
Dublin to Belfast at a glance.
- From
- Dublin
- To
- Belfast Belfast City District
- Road distance
- About 166 km
- Straight line
- 140 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~2 h buses take longer
- Return route
- Belfast to Dublin →
- Border
- Ireland → United Kingdom. Passport and visa rules apply
Ready to travel from Dublin to Belfast?
Check live availability, fares and departure times with 12Go.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Dublin
Dublin is the centre of Ireland's coach network. Bus Éireann uses Busáras, the central bus station, while several private operators leave from stops on nearby streets.
- Busáras
Store Street, just south of Connolly station and near O'Connell Street. Bus Éireann routes across Ireland. - City-centre and airport stops
Private coach companies use kerbside stops nearby; many routes also call at Dublin Airport.
Arriving in Belfast
Ask the seller where the service ends in Belfast. A town-name stop can be a bus station some way from the centre, and the last stretch to your accommodation is usually up to you.
Keep the essentials offline
Save your ticket, the exact meeting point and the operator's phone number before you set off. Follow the check-in time on your confirmation.
KEEP GOING
From Belfast, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Belfast
More buses from Dublin
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Dublin from Belfast by road?+
About 166 km by road (140 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Dublin to Belfast take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 2 h by car without stops; bus journeys are usually longer. Check the duration of your chosen departure on 12Go before booking.
Where does the bus leave from in Dublin?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Dublin include Busáras, City-centre and airport stops, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Belfast to Dublin?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Belfast to Dublin guide.
Where does the bus from Dublin arrive in Belfast?+
It depends on the operator. Some services end at the local bus station, others at an office or a stop on the main road. Ask the seller for the drop-off address before you book.
What kind of bus runs from Dublin to Belfast?+
It varies by operator and departure. Routes in this region are served by a mix of sleeper buses, seated coaches and smaller limousine vans. Check the vehicle type, seat layout and luggage allowance for your departure on 12Go before you book.
Can I book the Dublin to Belfast bus online?+
Yes. 12Go lists departures on this route. You choose a date, compare operators and pay online, and the provider issues the ticket. BusConnects doesn't sell tickets itself.
Where can I go next from Belfast by bus?+
Direct buses from Belfast include Manchester, Bradford, Leeds, Luton, Glasgow. See all connections on our Belfast bus page.
Do I need a visa to take the bus from Dublin to Belfast?+
This journey crosses from Ireland into United Kingdom. Check the current entry and visa rules for your nationality before you travel, and keep your passport with you on the bus.
Still deciding? Check today's departures, then book your seat.
Book Dublin → Belfast on 12GoFOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 2026-10-09). Distance: OpenStreetMap data via OSRM (approximate driving distance). Listings change and are not live inventory. Confirm the departure, pickup, price and conditions before paying.
12Go: Dublin to Belfast bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Dublin (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →