Local bus services depart from Belfast’s Grand Central Station

Local bus services depart from Belfast’s Grand Central Station

2 July 2025

NEWCASTLE, Downpatrick and Ballynahinch bus services moved to Northern Ireland’s new multi-million pound transport hub yesterday.

The local services now depart from Belfast Grand Central Station coinciding with the start of the summer timetable with the second outboard stop in Adelaide Street.

Translink said it’s pleased that Goldliner and Ulsterbus services to Newcastle, Downpatrick and Ballynahinch, as well as Carryduff, now depart from the new station.

Translink’s acting general manager for bus services, Phillip Woods, said the new service offers customers greater convenience, access to the modern facilities and onward bus and train connections across Northern Ireland, cross-border, and airports services.

He said services moving to Belfast Grand Central Station include the 215, 515 and 516 to Downpatrick, the 237 and 520 services to Newcastle and 652 buses to Ballynahinch via Cairnshill Park and Ride and Carryduff.

 “This is all part of the managed transition to Belfast Grand Central Station, which is already delivering strong performance results and very positive user feedback, with a 96% customer satisfaction rating since it opened last autumn,” he said.

“Passengers can still choose to board in Adelaide Street as it will be the second outbound stop.”

Mr Woods said these services operating their journeys into Belfast will also revert to their previous city centre set down stops at Bedford Street, before travelling on to Belfast Grand Central Station for the final stop.

“We will also operate a special 237a direct service to Newcastle which will travel to Ballynahinch using the M1 bus lanes, offering our customers a faster and more direct service during the evening peak, for greater choice and convenience.”

Mr Woods said the new changes also involve Metro 8 relocating to its former stop at Donegal Square East from Howard Street. Metro 8 will continue to travel along Great Victoria Street and Wellington Place.

He added: “It is easy and quick to buy tickets for Translink services using contactless payments or the mLink mobile ticketing app which offers a range of pre-paid tickets and travel cards. It makes ticket purchase quick, easy and convenient, while supporting our drive towards a more efficient, sustainable public transport network.”  

Passengers are advised to check their journey in advance on the Translink Journey Planner app, website www.translink.co.uk or by phoning the Contact Centre on 028 9066 6630.