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EventsReturn bus travel to Country to Country Festival at SSE Arena Belfast
Country to Country Festival returns to SSE Arena Belfast for three days of live country music, bringing international headline acts and thousands of fans together for one of the biggest music weekends of the year.
SSE Arena Belfast has a capacity of up to 11,200 depending on seating and standing configuration and welcomes more than 800,000 visitors annually. Major festival weekends can create sustained footfall across the city, particularly in the late afternoon and evening.
Dublin Express offers direct bus travel to Belfast via Route 785, arriving at Grand Central Station. From there, you can continue to the arena by taxi, local bus or on foot.
Book your return bus in advance using the journey planner above to secure your travel for your chosen festival day.
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Direct bus travel from Dublin to Belfast
Arrival at central Belfast transport hub
Easy taxi or public transport connection to the arena
No need to navigate unfamiliar city parking
Simple online return booking
Festival weekends often mean heavier traffic and higher demand for taxis near the arena. Allowing extra time for your transfer from Grand Central Station helps ensure a smooth start to your day.
Grand Central Station
Served by Route 785
From Grand Central Station to SSE Arena Belfast:
Walking distance is approximately 1.6 miles or 2,600 metres
Typical walking time is around 31 minutes
Taxi journeys are usually around 5 minutes depending on traffic
Local bus or Glider services also operate from the station area
For festival days with doors opening at 16:15, plan to arrive in Belfast with enough time to allow for your onward transfer and arena security checks.
The festival runs from Fri 13 Mar to Sun 15 Mar 2026. Doors open at 16:15 each day.
Dublin Express Route 785 stops at Grand Central Station in Belfast.
You can walk approximately 31 minutes, take a short taxi journey of around 5 minutes, or use local bus services depending on your preference.
For large scale festival events, it is advisable to arrive well before headline performances to allow time for security checks and arena entry procedures.
Comfortable seating
All Dublin Express buses are designed for a relaxed journey between Dublin and Belfast.
USB charging
Many services include USB charging points. Availability may vary by vehicle.
Luggage space
Small bags can be brought onboard, with additional luggage stored in the hold where available.