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Travelling to Belfast: Your Guide to Reaching Queen's Student Accommodation

Planning your journey to Queen's? PG student Madhurya provides a comprehensive guide to your travel options from the airport to student accommodation.

Three students outside the Treehouse

Embarking on your journey to Belfast is an exciting step towards your academic endeavours at Queen's University. However, navigating through a new city can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding the right transportation to reach your accommodation. Fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various options available, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transition to your new home away from home.

Check out our airport arrival guide!

Bus Options

From Belfast International Airport

If you're flying into Belfast International Airport, here's how you can make your way to Queen's student accommodation: This would cost £8.50 one way.

For Elms BT9, Willow Walk, Grant House, 76 Malone Road, or Guthrie House:

  • Take bus number 300 from the airport to Belfast City Centre (Belfast Queen Street).
  • Transfer to buses 8B or 8C towards Malone - Erinvale route.
  • Disembark at the Elms BT9 Village stop, a brief 5-minute walk from your accommodation.
  • Approximate travel time: 45 min + 10 min.

For Elms BT1, Swanston House, and John Bell House:

  • Take bus number 300 from the airport to Belfast City Centre (Belfast Queen Street).
  • From there, it's a convenient 5-minute stroll to each of these locations.
  • Approximate travel time : 45 min.

Metro bus by City Hall

Apply for a yLink travel card for discounted fares with Translink

To access Elms BT2:

  • Take the same bus from the airport and disembark at the Great Mall stop (Europa Mall).
  • A brisk 5-minute walk will take you to Elms BT2.
  • Approximate travel time: 50 min.

For Mount Charles:

  • Take bus number 300 from the airport to Belfast City Centre (Belfast Queen Street)
  • Transfer to buses 8A, 8B, 8D, U1, or U2 and alight at the Upper Crescent bus stop.
  • Your accommodation is just a 2 to 3-minute walk from there.
  • Approximate travel time: 45 min + 10 min.

From Belfast City Airport (George Best Belfast City Airport)

For travellers arriving at Belfast City Airport, the journey to Queen's student accommodation follows a similar route and this would cost £2.70 one way.

For Elms BT9, Willow Walk, Grant House, 76 Malone Road, or Guthrie House:

  • Take Airport Bus 600 to Belfast City Center (Belfast Queen Street).
  • Transfer to buses 8B or 8C towards City Centre - Malone - Erinvale.
  • Disembark at the Elms BT9 Village stop, a brief 5-minute walk from your accommodation.
  • Approximate travel time: 15 min + 10 min.

For Elms BT1, Swanston House, and John Bell House:

  • Take Airport Bus 600 to Belfast City Centre (Belfast Queen Street).
  • From there, it's a convenient 5-minute walk to each of these locations.
  • Approximate travel time: 15 min

Find out more about Queen's Accommodation options

To access Elms BT2:

  • Take the same bus from the airport and disembark at the Great Mall stop (Europa Mall).
  • Walk for about 5 minutes to reach Elms BT2.
  • Approximate travel time: 20 min

For Mount Charles:

  • Take Airport Bus 600 to Belfast City Centre (Belfast Queen Street).
  • Transfer to buses 8A, 8B, 8D, U1, or U2 and alight at the Upper Crescent bus stop.
  • Approximate travel time: 15 min + 10 min

From Dublin Airport (Ireland)

For travellers landing at Dublin Airport and heading to Belfast, here's how to plan your journey:

  • Take a bus from Dublin Airport to Belfast Europa Mall or City Centre.
  • Utilise Translink services from Belfast Europa bus stop to reach your accommodation, following the same instructions as mentioned above.
  • Approximate travel time: 120 to 150 min

Train

  • From Belfast International Airport - No train options.
  • From City Airport - Sydenham Rail Halt (Adjacent to Belfast City Airport).

For an alternative option, travellers can also consider the train route from City Airport.

NI Railways train

Plan your journey

Sydenham Rail Halt:

For Elms BT9, Willow Walk, Grant House, 76 Malone Road, or Guthrie House:

  • Upon arrival at Europa Train Station, transfer to buses 8B or 8C towards Malone - Erinvale.
  • Disembark at the Elms BT9 Village stop, a brief 5-minute walk from your accommodation.
  • Approximate travel time: 10 min + 10 min

For Elms BT1, Swanston House, and John Bell House:

  • Upon arrival at Europa Train Station, From there, it's a convenient 10-minute stroll to each of these locations.
  • Approximate travel time: 10 min

To access Elms BT2:

  • Upon arrival at Europa Train Station, a brisk 5-minute walk will take you directly to Elms BT2
  • Approximate travel time: 10 min

For Mount Charles:

  • Upon arrival at Europa Train Station, transfer to buses 8A, 8B, 8D, U1, or U2 and alight at the Upper Crescent bus stop.
  • Approximate travel time: 10 min + 10 min
  • Dublin and Belfast - No train services.

Taxi Options

If you prefer the convenience of a taxi, there are several reputable options available in Belfast:

You can book via the app or also call them for booking.

  • FonaCAB: Visit FonaCAB's website to book your taxi online or download their app. They accept both cash and card payments. Approximate travel time: 15 min
  • Value Cabs: Another reliable choice is Value Cabs. You can book through their website, app, or by calling their hotline. They accept both cash and card payments as well. Approximate travel time: 15 min
  • Uber: For those familiar with Uber, the service is also available in Belfast. Simply download the Uber app and book your ride. Cash and card payments are accepted. When booking a taxi, ensure you know the location of your accommodation. Prices may vary depending on factors such as the size of the car, location, and time of day.

GPS app in an Uber

Save time by taking a taxi to your accommodation

On average, expect to pay under £18 for Elms BT1, BT2, Swanston House, and John Bell House, and under £25 for Mount Charles, Elms BT9, Willow Walk, Grant House, 76 Malone Road, or Guthrie House from City airport. If it's from an international airport it would cost at least £45-70 approximately. Approximate travel time: 15 min from city airport and 50 min from international airport.

Furthermore, during student admission periods, the university offers support through ambassadors stationed at the airports. These ambassadors are there to welcome new international students to Belfast and ensure a smooth start to their student journey.

As part of the New International Students Airport Welcome programme, the university schedules meet and greet days to provide a warm welcome to incoming students. For additional details and assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to the admissions team via email. They are dedicated to helping you navigate your arrival process seamlessly and will gladly assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.

With these detailed instructions, navigating your way to Queen's student accommodation in Belfast should be a breeze. Safe travels, and remember, don't hesitate to seek assistance along the way! Your exciting academic journey awaits.

Find out more

Queen's Accommodation

Getting to Belfast

Study MSc Business Analytics at Queen's

India: Admissions Guide

Madhurya Jagadeesh

MSc Business Analytics | Postgraduate Student | India

I am a dedicated Business and Data Analyst with a strong academic foundation and a history in various analytical roles. My educational journey includes a Master of Science in Business Analytics from Queen's University Belfast and a Bachelor of Engineering in Information Science & Engineering. 

 Madhurya Jagadeesh
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