Dublin to Belfast Journey Time Cut to Two Hours with €700 Million Investment
Travel between Dublin and Belfast will soon be significantly faster thanks to an investment of nearly €700 million. By 2028, new trains are set to launch, increasing service frequency and modernizing onboard amenities, reducing travel time on the cross-border Enterprise route to under two hours.
By the end of the year, eight new Stadler intercity trains will be introduced, allowing for up to 16 daily services between the two capitals of Ireland.
The plans were unveiled at a ceremony at Belfast Grand Central station, attended by Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin and Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O’Neill.
A New Era for Cross-Border Rail
Currently, the journey between Dublin and Belfast, spanning 180 km, takes up to two hours and 15 minutes with stops in Drogheda, Dundalk, Newry, and Portadown. The new goal is to reduce travel time to under two hours through enhanced performance and faster trains.
The Enterprise route, opened in 1947, has seen a 40% increase in passenger numbers following the introduction of hourly services from late 2024.
Read this article in full and everything else in Telegram, ad-free
Open in TelegramThanks, I just want to finish reading here
Jointly operated by Translink and Iarnród Éireann, the new trains will operate in three modes: electric, diesel, and battery, ensuring quieter journeys and reduced emissions, moving towards full electrification of the line.
The new trains will feature around 400 seats, USB charging ports, a dining area, a bar, and fully accessible cabins to enhance accessibility.
The €698 million investment is co-funded by the governments of Ireland and Northern Ireland, with €165 million coming from the PeacePlus program, which also involves the UK government and the European Union.
At the launch ceremony, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin stated that the new agreement "opens an important new chapter in the development of cross-border rail transport on the island of Ireland," creating jobs and making travel between the two cities more convenient. He also confirmed that new investments in Northern Ireland's rail network through the Shared Island fund will be announced soon.
