Edinburgh to Belfast bus with National Express

Buses from Edinburgh to Belfast

Buses from Edinburgh to Belfast go once or twice a day. The journey from Edinburgh to Belfast takes 7h 20min. There are no changes on this route, however, when you reach the Scottish border the bus will board a ferry, in order to get into Northern Ireland. The journey is a very affordable way to get from Edinburgh to Belfast.

National Express now offers a bus service from Edinburgh to Belfast. Passengers can easily board buses from Edinburgh to Belfast at Edinburgh Bus Station, arriving at Belfast's Europa Bus Centre station or Belfast's Stena Line terminal in 7 hours and 20 minutes. The earliest bus, which is the only daily service which requires two changes, departs from Edinburgh at 6:30 a.m. and arrives in Belfast at 17:20 p.m. Bus tickets purchased for the Edinburgh to Belfast route include the ferry crossing which is provided by Stena Line. Belfast's Europa Bus Centre is located next to Great Victoria Street train station in the city centre, just a stone's throw away from major landmarks and monuments.

Edinburgh to Belfast Bus Time: Daily Departures

Buses from Edinburgh to Belfast change their frequency every day. On some days there are two buses and other days there is only one trip. The number of trips depends on when there is an available ferry for the bus to go over on. The earliest available bus that you can travel on leaves at 11:00 a.m. and arrives in Belfast at 18:20 a.m. The latest bus you can take leaves at 15:00 p.m. and arrives in Belfast at 22:20 p.m. If there are two buses on a specific day, these are the two times that they leave.

How long is the journey by bus from Edinburgh to Belfast?

The journey from Edinburgh to Belfast is a 7h 20min trip. The journey does not require any changes. However, when you get to the sea, the bus will board a ferry, and then proceed to travel across to Belfast. When you reach the Belfast docks, the bus will disembark the ferry, and you will continue on to the bus depot. There are two times you can choose from, either the afternoon bus or the evening bus.

Belfast Restaurant. Source: Shutterstock

What is/are the departure and arrival stations for buses from Edinburgh to Belfast?

Departure Bus Station: Edinburgh Bus Station has many amenities at their depot. You will find ATMs, luggage storage facilities, bathrooms, as well as a café. If you are looking for a shop, the bus station is located right next to St James Shopping Centre, which has a variety of shops in it. The bus station is located in the city centre, and is easily accessible by bus, train, or taxi. The closest train station to Edinburgh Bus Station is Edinburgh Waverley, which is less than half a mile away.

Arrival Bus Station: Belfast Europa Bus Centre has many amenities at their depot. Some of their amenities are ATMs, bathrooms, a kiosk, coffee bar, fast-food restaurant, and an information desk. The bus centre is located less than half a mile from the city centre. It is also close to a main train station – Belfast train station, which is within walking distance. If you are looking for a close shopping centre there is one around the corner from the bus station.

Which bus companies travel from Edinburgh to Belfast?

National Express is the only bus company that operates the route from Edinburgh to Belfast. There are no changes on this route, however, the bus will get on a ferry to cross into Northern Ireland. The fastest route takes 7h 20min, this is also the same time as every available route. The route leaves from Edinburgh Bus Station at either 11:00 a.m. and arrives at 18:20 p.m., or at 15:00 a.m. and arrives at 22:20 p.m.

National Express buses from Edinburgh to Belfast

National Express buses offer services from Edinburgh to Belfast once or twice a day. The buses always go directly from Edinburgh to Belfast.During your journey the bus will get on a ferry, however, during this time you will not need to get off the bus. The ferry trip is not longer than 2h and very soon after you get off the ferry, the bus takes a couple of minutes to reach the bus station. The duration of the journey is always 7h 20min, if there are no delays.

Bus Edinburgh to Belfast: Services on Board

National Express has many services on board their buses. National Express allows you to take two bags of maximum 44 lbs (20 kg) each with you, as well as one piece of hand luggage. Your seat will have plenty of leg room, so there is enough room to stay comfortable and put your hand luggage. If you are travelling on a hot day, don’t worry about it, the bus is fully airconditioned right from your seat. There are USB charging ports by every seat as well, so for your long 7h journey you will be able to charge your phone.

The staff from National Express will be able to assist you if you need help on to the bus, and there is space for wheelchair users. If you want to bring your bike with you, you will need to wrap it and put it in the storage area. If your bike cannot fold, be dismantled, or is not wrapped, unfortunately you cannot bring it with you.

Pets cannot be travelled with on National Express buses, however if you have an assistance dog this is allowed. If you have a push chair, you can also stick this in the storage area, however, it does need to be able to fold.

Belfast University. Source: Shutterstock

How to find cheap bus tickets from Edinburgh to Belfast?

Finding cheap bus tickets to Belfast is a breeze. It is best to book your ticket in advance, as they become more expensive closer to your departure date. The times of the day that the bus leaves may increase the price of the ticket. If you want a cheaper ticket, book your ticket during the middle of the day, as this tends to be a less popular time.

Travelling during the week and not on weekends will also help you save money, as tickets are always cheaper in the middle of the week. If you choose a route that is direct or has limited stops, the ticket might be more expensive. If you have more changes on your route, your ticket will be cheaper. Be flexible with your travel dates is great as well, as some days may be cheaper for reasons one cannot say. The trip from Edinburgh to Belfast is generally not a very busy route, however, if you are travelling during the holiday season the route does get much busier.

To Belfast by bus—travel tips

Belfast is a beautiful city to visit and is Northern Irelands capital city. Belfast is a city filled with attractions both for the family and the single/business traveller. If you are looking for a fun family holiday, Belfast has some amazing attractions; some notable attractions are the Titanic Belfast, Prison Island Belfast, Vertigo Titanic Park, and City Tours Belfast. Belfast has a variety of maritime tourism, such as visiting the HS Caroline, going to the Titanic Memorial Garden, and walking along the Titanic Slipways.

Belfast has a large variety of restaurants that cater to everyone's tastes, some recommended restaurants are, The Bond Yard, Destination HQ, and 44 Hill Street. If you are looking for a great pub or bar to go to at the end of the day, you may want to try Hickson’s Point; a pub that is inspired by one of the first shipbuilders in the city.

Throughout the year Belfast hosts a variety of festivals that take place. A recommended festival is the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon that takes place every year. Belfast is a highly recommended city to visit and you will not be disappointed with your stay.