Translink confirms Bank Holiday timetable changes with rail disruption on Belfast–Dublin line

Passengers across Northern Ireland are being urged to plan ahead for the early May Bank Holiday, as Translink confirms revised bus and rail timetables alongside cross-border rail disruption due to engineering works.

Holiday timetables in place across bus network

Translink has announced that all bus services will operate on holiday or weekend timetables on Monday, 4 May.

This includes Metro, Glider, Ulsterbus and Goldliner services, meaning reduced or altered frequencies compared to a standard weekday schedule.

The changes will affect commuters, day-trippers and anyone relying on public transport across towns and cities including Ballymena and the wider Mid and East Antrim area.

Saturday service for local trains

Local rail services will also operate to a revised schedule, with trains running a Saturday timetable throughout Bank Holiday Monday.

This adjustment means fewer services and different departure times than a typical weekday, potentially impacting regular commuters and those travelling for leisure.

Belfast–Dublin Enterprise services affected by engineering works

Passengers travelling between Belfast and Dublin will face additional disruption over the Bank Holiday weekend due to Irish Rail engineering works.

From Saturday, 2 May through to Monday, 4 May inclusive, rail replacement buses will operate between Drogheda and Dublin Connolly.

A revised train timetable will run between Belfast Grand Central and Drogheda during this period, requiring passengers to transfer between train and bus services to complete their journey.

The changes are expected to increase journey times and require additional planning, particularly for those travelling cross-border for events, holidays or work.

Translink urges passengers to plan ahead

Chris McLean, Translink’s Director of Commercial Operations, encouraged passengers to prepare in advance and take advantage of available travel resources.

“For those planning to travel over the May Bank Holiday weekend, our popular ‘Days Out’ webpage https://www.translink.co.uk/using-translink/days-out is packed with inspiration and provides all the practical information needed to plan the perfect trip,” he said.

He added:

“With our wide range of services and good value tickets available, we’re looking forward to helping more people enjoy safe, reliable and convenient journeys by bus and train over the Bank Holiday period.”

Journey planning advice issued

Passengers are being advised to check timetables and plan their journeys in advance using Translink’s Journey Planner or by visiting www.translink.co.uk.

With timetable changes affecting all services and additional disruption on the Enterprise line, early planning is expected to be essential for avoiding delays and ensuring smooth travel over the Bank Holiday weekend.

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At a glance

• Translink will operate holiday or weekend timetables on Monday, 4 May

• Metro, Glider, Ulsterbus and Goldliner services all affected

• Local trains will run on a Saturday timetable

• Belfast–Dublin Enterprise services disrupted due to engineering works

• Rail replacement buses will run between Drogheda and Dublin Connolly

• Revised train timetable in place between Belfast Grand Central and Drogheda

• Disruption runs from Saturday 2 May to Monday 4 May inclusive

• Passengers urged to plan ahead using Journey Planner or website

• ‘Days Out’ webpage available for travel ideas and planning