Belfast to Dublin airport

leskerr

DAK..

The cheapest way to get a family of four from Belfast to Dublin airport (and back 2 weeks later) with a pile of luggage?

I've done it before when I've had a larger car, but had to downsize as my daughter is now learning to drive. My new car is not big enough.

I was thinking of one-way car hire (even better hourly), however any companies I checked had £100+ surcharge for the drop-off in different country.

TIA

Les

Fergus

Ulsterbus have a service to and from Dublin Airport. It has been years since I used it. The bus dropped us right at the doors of the terminal. However it is a long journey as it is not (or at least then was not) an express service and we had quite a few stops at towns on the way. Also I have no idea of the cost.

andyman_4

I've used both Ulsterbus and Aircoach.

https://www.translink.co.uk

https://www.aircoach.ie

Both have ok services, but need to leave time to call in the towns on the way. I would say Ulsterbus is quicker, because the time i went on Aircoach the driver was very slow.

Ulsterbus reduced their prices to compete with Aircoach, and are now much cheaper than Aircoach.

Aircoach was 20Euro single or 30Euro return.

http://www.translink.co.uk/20040806Goldline200.asp
Ulsterbus (belfast - Dublin) Service 200 Fares:

Day Return Fare : Belfast–Dublin : £14.50
Period Return : £17.90 Adult (valid for 1 month) Children £10.80;
Student £14.50
Free Cross-Border Travel for Concession Pass Holders

Aircoach is pricier and slower, but much more spacious and comfy (there was only one other person on the bus we got), but like anyone going to an airport - you just want get there as quickly and as cheaply as possible.

Another tip if going by Ulsterbus - Buy a return ticket in Belfast, cos it works out cheaper than buying any tickets (or anything) in Dublin.

professor_2

DAK..

The cheapest way to get a family of four from Belfast to Dublin airport (and back 2 weeks later) with a pile of luggage?

I've done it before when I've had a larger car, but had to downsize as my daughter is now learning to drive. My new car is not big enough.

I was thinking of one-way car hire (even better hourly), however any companies I checked had £100+ surcharge for the drop-off in different country.

TIA

Les

Budget car hire have places at both airports, ask them if they have any cars to be returned to dublin. It's a long shot but it's got to be worth a shot. Doesn't get you home again though unless your really lucky. If that happens I'd buy a lottery ticket  north and south.

The other option is to buy a banger with some remaining MOT and TAX after the trip sell it again, you should get back what you paid. Perhaps someone on the forum knows of a suitable car for sale?

Do you have any friends or relatives who would be prepared to swap cars for two weeks. A free vallet and a buch of flowers as a thank-you should be less expensive than your other options.

Final tip draw straws for the unlucky one or two who will have to get the train, bus, whatever and the rest go in the car.

Best of luck.

SnowyOwl_2

Hi Les

What about getting a roof rack, or one of those hard black plastic container things and strap some luggage on up top? I believe Halfords do them, they might even be reduced since it's so off season.

Where are you going on your holidays anyway? I am dead jealous, could do with a break, preferably a one way ticket...

Snowy Owl

SnowyOwl_2

Doh, had another idea just as I hit "post"!

Maybe you could cajole a friend/neighbour/relative into giving a passenger and a few suitcases a lift down then return to do a pick up on the promise of some lovely duty frees and the petrol money? Maybe that person who you're thinking of approaching re a car swap? (Don't forget to fill up once you're over the border!)


Snowy Owl

leskerr

Thanks Snowy Owl, both very valid. Probably only need extra space coming back, as we travel out light, so one trip for someone might be enough.

Another angle would be a trailer box similar to the dog carrier's that attach to a towbar - I'll start another thread on it though.

We're going to Florida - Continental Airways via New York to Orlando. Just wish CA had started there Belfast/New York flights sooner. We go every other year, so maybe next time will be easier.

Thanks

Les

andyman_4

Don't mean to scare you but a Continental flight from Belfast to New York comes out over twice expensive as a Continental flight from Dublin to New York.

I tested it by say going out on 15th June and coming back on 17th June.

The Dublin option came out at $744.79 all in and the Belfast flight came out at $1621.57 all in.

Aer lingus from 118Euro each way is hard to beat.

Have a good holiday, if you are packing light on the the outward flight you might have room for some of us in your suitcase.
;D

D.A.

Could you not just get a taxi (or taxis) from your house to the bus station, and then the bus to Dublin? Fair enough, it may be slightly slower, but it'd be a lot less hassle than any of your other options.

mark2311

We did exactly the same trip last year. Just got family to take us down then pick us up. I'm sure it wasn't the most pleasant experience for the people leaving us down but we enjoyed ouselves anyway. Just wish we could go back this year

davyl

What about the train?
Taxi from Dublin to airport is something like 15 euro.
My parents do it, although both being pensioners makes the train journey very cheap!