Translink urges Balmoral Show visitors to plan ahead for smoother travel

Brothers and keen farmers, Adam and Matthew, join Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) operations director, Rhonda Geary as they count down to this year's show and encourage visitors to travel by bus or train, with convenient, reliable and hassle-free services available throughout the event. 

Northern Ireland’s biggest celebration of farming, food and rural life is set to return next week, with thousands expected to descend on the Eikon Exhibition Centre for the 2026 Balmoral Show.

Running from 13–16 May, the annual event is once again expected to draw huge crowds from across Northern Ireland and beyond, bringing together agriculture, livestock, local food, trade exhibitors and family entertainment over four packed days.

With visitor numbers expected to surge throughout the week, Translink is now encouraging people to leave the car at home and make use of dedicated bus and rail services designed to ease congestion and improve access to the showgrounds.

Dedicated shuttle services planned for show week

To help manage the influx of visitors, Translink will operate a special rail timetable alongside a free shuttle bus service running directly between Lisburn Train Station and the Eikon Exhibition Centre.

The shuttle service will begin operating daily from 9am, transporting passengers straight to the showgrounds throughout the event.

The final shuttle bus departing the Balmoral Show will leave at 7pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, with Saturday’s final departure scheduled for 6pm.

Selected Enterprise rail services travelling between Dublin and Belfast Grand Central Station will also make additional stops at Lisburn, offering easier access for visitors travelling from further afield.

The transport plans come as organisers prepare for another major turnout at what remains one of Northern Ireland’s largest annual public events.

Translink says public transport offers stress-free alternative

Farming siblings, Chloe, Sophie, Adam and Matthew, join Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) operations director, Rhonda Geary as they count down to this year's show and encourage visitors to travel by bus or train, with convenient, reliable and hassle-free services available throughout the event.

Mark Glover, Rail Line Supervisor at Translink, said the organisation was preparing for another busy year at the popular agricultural showcase.

“The Balmoral Show remains one of the most popular events in Northern Ireland’s food and agri calendar, attracting thousands of visitors every year from across the region and beyond.

“We are delighted to help the growing number of visitors get there easily with our safe, convenient and sustainable travel options. With regular rail services, frequent shuttle buses and great-value fares, Translink is making it easier than ever for everyone to enjoy a fantastic day out at the show.”

The transport provider is also highlighting a range of discounted ticket offers aimed at families, younger passengers and older travellers attending the event.

Discounted fares available for families and regular passengers

Families travelling together can make use of Translink’s Family & Friends ticket, priced at £24, which offers unlimited day travel across Northern Ireland for up to two adults and four children.

Passengers using Goldliner day return services and NI Railways day returns after 9.30am can also benefit from a 25 per cent discount during the event period.

Meanwhile, yLink card holders will be entitled to half-price travel across services.

Translink has confirmed that contactless payment will be available on all services to help speed up journeys and reduce delays for passengers travelling to and from the show.

People using a 60+ SmartPass or Senior SmartPass can also travel free of charge anywhere in Northern Ireland on Translink bus and rail services.

Travel advice issued ahead of expected crowds

Visitors travelling with prams or mobility equipment are being advised that space on shuttle buses will be limited due to expected passenger demand.

Translink has asked customers bringing prams to ensure they are folded where possible in order to accommodate as many passengers as possible throughout the day.

The organisation is also encouraging visitors to use its Journey Planner app before travelling, allowing passengers to check timetables, fares and live service updates in advance.

The Balmoral Show remains one of the biggest fixtures in Northern Ireland’s events calendar, generating major visitor numbers and significant economic activity each year while showcasing the strength of the region’s agri-food sector.

For more information and journey planning, visit www.translink.co.uk/balmoral-show