Northern Ireland is part of Great Britain. However, the rail network in Northern Ireland is not part of the National Rail network of Great Britain. Regular passenger services are operated by Northern Ireland Railways (NIR) a subsidiary of Translink – the company that manages all public transport in the country. Train travel in Northern Ireland is possible between Belfast and Bangor, Larne Harbour, Portrush and Derry-Londonerry. There is an international train from Belfast to Dublin.
Last updated: 10.02.2024
In 1839 the first railway in present-day Northern Ireland was opened. The 12 km long railway line connected Belfast and Lisburn. The line was built to 1880 mm gauge, but in 1847 was converted to Irish gauge 1600 mm.
In 1852 the railway line Dublin – Belfast was completed.
In the mid-20th century the total length of railway lines in Northern Ireland was 1,450 km. In the 1960s and 1970s, many railway lines were closed.
In 1967 the Northern Ireland Railways company was created.
Train travel in Northern Ireland – regular services
Trains in Northern Ireland are clean, punctual and run frequently on weekdays. The maximum speed is 90 km/h. At the beginning of the 21st century, the Northern Ireland Railways Company purchased new trains manufactured by CAF.
The Class 3000 diesel multiple units are capable of speeds of up to 145 km/h (90 mph) and have 201 seats. There are two toilets in each train.
The Class 4000 diesel multiple units entered service in 2011. It has more seats than Class 3000, but only one toilet in each train.
Useful websites:
Translink – official website, search engine, offers, additional information
There are several deals available to help you travel around Northern Ireland on a budget. The best offer for tourists in my opinion is the ILink Travel Card – integrated smartcard provides unlimited day travel by bus and rail travel within specified zones across Northern Ireland. There are ILink Travel Cards for week and month, but the day card is most popular among tourists.
Public transport in Northern Ireland is divided into five zones. You can buy a card valid in one zone, two, three, four or all five zones. The price depends on how many zones the card is valid in.
Translink – more information about the ILink Travel Card.
Notevorthy is also the Belfast Visitor Pass. It is the very good ticket to get around Belfast & enjoy all the city has to offer.
Translink – more information about the Belfast Visitor Pass.
The Enterprise trains connect Belfast and Dublin in Republic of Ireland.
Train travel in Northern Ireland – heritage railways
There are only three heritage railways and vintage trains in Northern Ireland. I shortly described most important heritage railways. The list does not include short routes of miniature railways.
Downpatrick & County Down Railway – a vintage train between Downpatrick and Inch Abbey on a route approximately 2.5 kilometers long and 1,600 mm gauge. The one-way journey takes only 10 minutes. Trains are usually hauled by a steam locomotive. Some items of the rolling stock are interesting, for example the NIR RB003 rail bus prototype produced in 1981. Fares include access to the museum, carriage gallery, and all other public areas of the railway.
Downpatrick & County Down Railway – official website
Giant’s Causeway & Bushmills Railway – most famous heritage railway in Northern Ireland. A narrow gauge railway (914 mm) connecting Bushmills with the Giant’s Causeway. The 3.2-kilometer long line is known for its beautiful views. Bushmills is home to the oldest whiskey factory that can be visited. The ticket price includes a tasting, and in the shop at the distillery you can buy a special, twelve-year-old type of Bushmills.
Peatlands Express Train – typical park railway (probably former a peat railway) running around Peatlands Park. A train ride and a walk along the walking paths allow tourists to see rare species of insects and plants. The narrow gauge route is approximately one and a half kilometers long. The train is hauled by a diesel locomotive. The park is located in Derryhubbert near Dungannon.
Related articles:
Train travel in Great Britain
Train travel in Ireland
Train travel in Scotland
Train travel in Wales
Railways in Europe by country
