Travel Information
Travel Information
- Visitor Map of Belfast
- Visit Belfast Guide
- Visa Information
- More downloadable guides can be found here.
Getting here
Queen's University is located in the city of Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland.
It is a 15-minute walk from Belfast city centre, served by regular connecting bus services.
The main University campus is the size of a small town, situated within three designated conservation areas, making walking or cycling around the area a very pleasant experience. Within walking distance of Queen’s are numerous shops, cafes and restaurants, Botanic Gardens, the Ulster Museum, the Grand Opera House and the Lyric Theatre, the Physical Education Centre and many other useful facilities.
View a map of the Queen's campus
Travelling to Belfast
Travel to and from Belfast is remarkably easy and efficient. There are many inexpensive flights connecting Belfast with most major UK cities, especially London and a range of European cities. Plus there are extensive ferry, bus and train connections.
Air
There are two airports serving Belfast:
- George Best Belfast City Airport is just two miles from the city centre, served by a frequent Ulsterbus Airport Express 600 bus service to the city centre and its main bus and rail stations.
- Belfast International Airport is nineteen miles from Belfast at Aldergrove. The Ulsterbus Airport Expres 300 service connects with the city centre.
Additionally, Dublin International Airport, located approximately 100 miles to the south, provides connections to airports throughout Europe and further afield. The Ulsterbus Goldline Express 200 service travels between Belfast and the airport, with a journey time of a little over two hours.
Sea
Fast ferry services including Stena Line and P&O Ferries make multiple daily crossings from Northern Ireland to ports in Scotland and England:
- Belfast Port is located approximately one mile from the city centre and can be reached by bus, taxi or on foot.
- Larne Port lies approximately 20 miles east of Belfast, with bus and rail connections.
Coach
The following companies provide long-distance services to Belfast, including cross-channel routes and Belfast-Dublin:
- Ulsterbus (Northern Ireland and Irish services)
- Bus Eireann (UK and Irish services)
- National Express (UK and Irish services)
Rail
Rail connections are available from both the UK and Dublin.
- Irish Rail
- Network Rail: Travel information from UK
- NI Railways: Belfast-Dublin Enterprise service
Road
Within Northern Ireland, the road network is good. Motorway sections leave Belfast to the north (M2), the west (M1) and the east (M3). A city ring road, the Westlink makes it easy to navigate Belfast's traffic system. A good road link connects Belfast with Dublin in the Irish Republic to the south.
The main campus is easily and quickly reached from the city centre. View maps of Belfast and the surrounding area.
Bus
Local bus services within Belfast are provided by Translink Metro services. Long-distance express services across Northern Ireland are operated by Translink Ulsterbus.
Note: All Northern Ireland bus and rail services (NI Railways, Ulsterbus and Metro) are operated by Translink. For all timetable enquiries and further travel information, phone 028 90 66 66 30 (7am–8pm weekdays, Sat–Sun 8am–6pm) or view timetables and/or the journey planner.
Taxi
Taxis are relatively cheap and easily available. London-style metered cabs operate from airports and railway stations: private cabs are plentiful and can be booked by telephone. Not all private taxis have meters, so it is advisable to agree a fare before setting out.
Bicycle
The University campus is easily reached from the city centre (1.5 km) and most student accommodation including the Queen's Elms Village.
Bringing a bicycle on public transport: all ferries accept bicycles, usually free of charge. Train services will usually accept bicycles; often a small surcharge is made. Coach services are generally less willing to carry bicycles, although it is often discretionary; check first. The policy of airlines varies a lot, so again enquire before travelling.
The road system can be busy in and around Belfast, although pleasant cycling can be found on the Lagan Towpath (to Lisburn) and in the surrounding countryside.
Bicycle hire is available in Belfast - check with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
Foot
A fifteen-minute walk from the city centre brings you to the University campus.
Parking at the University
Parking space at the University is limited and at a premium. It is advisable to make alternative arrangements or find on-street parking in the local area.
However, if you require access to the campus by car because of a mobility restriction or disability, please contact the disability services officer in advance of your visit to arrange access.
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