How to Get to the SSE Arena Belfast with Dublin Express
How to Get to the SSE Arena Belfast with Dublin Express
Heading to a concert, ice hockey game, or major event at the SSE Arena Belfast? Dublin Express runs up to 16 services daily from Dublin Airport and Dublin City directly to Belfast, with tickets from just £8.50 one-way. From Belfast Grand Central Station, the SSE Arena in the Titanic Quarter is just a short walk or local bus ride away.
The SSE Arena Belfast is one of Ireland and the UK's largest and busiest indoor arenas, located at 2 Queens Quay, Belfast, BT3 9QQ, on the banks of the River Lagan in the Titanic Quarter. Whether you are travelling from Dublin for a night, flying in from abroad, or making a weekend of it, this page has everything you need to plan your journey from Dublin to the SSE Arena.
Getting from Belfast Grand Central Station to the SSE Arena
All Dublin Express services to Belfast arrive at Grand Central Station on Great Victoria Street in Belfast city centre. From there, the SSE Arena is approximately a 30-minute walk through the city centre and along the River Lagan waterfront, passing Belfast's Albert Clock, Custom House Square, and views of the iconic Harland and Wolff cranes along the way.
If you prefer not to walk, there are several quick onward options from Grand Central Station:
Onward option | Journey to SSE Arena | Info |
Walk via Queen Elizabeth Bridge | Approx. 30 minutes | Scenic riverside route via Albert Clock and Custom House Square. Well signposted. |
G2 Glider (Rapid Transit) | Approx. 8 minutes | Translink G2 Glider service runs frequently from the city centre to the Odyssey stop, right outside the SSE Arena. Board near City Hall. |
Translink Metro Bus (26, 26A, 26B) | Approx. 8 to 10 minutes | Services from Donegall Square West stop near City Hall to the Odyssey stop at the SSE Arena. |
Taxi or rideshare | Approx. 5 to 8 minutes | Taxis available outside Grand Central Station. Recommended for late night return journeys. |
Getting to the SSE Arena Belfast from Dublin Airport
Flying into Dublin Airport and heading to an event at the SSE Arena Belfast? Dublin Express runs direct services from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport to Belfast Grand Central Station, with up to 16 services daily.
Route 785 — Dublin Airport to Belfast Grand Central Station
From: Dublin Airport Terminal 1 (Zone 1) or Terminal 2 (Zone 21)
Arrives at: Grand Central Station, Belfast
Journey time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes on the fastest service
Onward to SSE Arena: 20-minute walk, 8-minute G2 Glider, or 5-minute taxi
Price: From £8.50 one-way
Services: Up to 16 daily
Book Dublin Airport to Belfast →
Getting to the SSE Arena Belfast from Dublin City
Travelling up from Dublin City for an event in Belfast? Dublin Express Route 785 departs from two stops in Dublin city centre and runs directly to Belfast Grand Central Station.
Route 785 — Dublin City to Belfast Grand Central Station
From: Custom House Quay (Stop 135271) or Pearse Street (Stop 345)
Arrives at: Grand Central Station, Belfast
Journey time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes on the fastest service
Onward to SSE Arena: 20-minute walk, 8-minute G2 Glider, or 5-minute taxi
Price: From £8.50 one-way
Services: Up to 16 daily
^Westland Row stop is not wheelchair accessible. The nearest accessible stop is Custom House Quay.
Planning Your Journey — Timing Tips
Events at the SSE Arena typically advise arriving 45 to 60 minutes before doors open, as security queues can be lengthy for major concerts. When travelling by Dublin Express, we recommend factoring in the following:
Allow 30 minutes after arriving at Grand Central Station before the G2 Glider or bus to the SSE Arena (to allow for any service delays or queues at the stop).
The SSE Arena is a cashless venue all purchases inside must be made by card or mobile payment.
Large bags and backpacks are not permitted inside the venue. Check the SSE Arena's bag policy before you travel.
For return journeys, Dublin Express services from Belfast to Dublin run until late evening. Check the timetable for last departure times before your event.
About the SSE Arena Belfast
The SSE Arena Belfast is Northern Ireland's largest indoor entertainment venue, located at 2 Queens Quay, Belfast, BT3 9QQ, in the heart of the award-winning Titanic Quarter on the banks of the River Lagan. Part of the Odyssey Complex alongside W5 science centre and Odyssey Pavilion, the SSE Arena has a capacity of approximately 11,000 and hosts some of the biggest names in music, comedy, sport, and entertainment.
The arena is home to the Belfast Giants ice hockey team, whose games run from September to March, and regularly hosts international touring artists, boxing bouts, family shows, and award ceremonies. Surrounded by Belfast's Titanic Museum, the historic Harland and Wolff cranes, and the vibrant Titanic Quarter waterfront, a trip to the SSE Arena is often combined with a wider Belfast city experience.
For upcoming events, tickets, and venue information, visit ssearenabelfast.com.
Frequently asked questions
Take a Dublin Express bus from Dublin City (Custom House Quay) or Dublin Airport to Belfast Grand Central Station. Services run up to 16 times daily, with tickets from £8.50 one-way. From Grand Central Station, the SSE Arena is a 30-minute walk via the river, or approximately 8 minutes by the G2 Glider rapid transit service to the Odyssey stop. Journey time from Dublin City to Belfast is approximately 2 hours 20 minutes; from Dublin Airport approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
The SSE Arena at 2 Queens Quay is approximately a 30-minute walk from Grand Central Station. The route takes you through the city centre and along the River Lagan waterfront, passing the Albert Clock and Custom House Square. Alternatively, the G2 Glider rapid transit service connects the city centre to the Odyssey stop right outside the arena in approximately 8 minutes, and taxis from Grand Central Station take approximately 5 to 8 minutes.
Take Dublin Express Route 785 from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport directly to Belfast Grand Central Station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. From Grand Central Station, take the G2 Glider (8 minutes) or walk (20 minutes) to the SSE Arena. Tickets from £8.50 one-way. Book here.
The nearest public transport stop to the SSE Arena Belfast is the Odyssey stop, served by the G2 Glider rapid transit and Translink Metro buses 26, 26A, and 26B. These services connect from Belfast city centre, including near City Hall on Donegall Square West, to right outside the SSE Arena in approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Note: Dublin Express drops off at Grand Central Station in the city centre, from where you connect to these local services or walk.
The SSE Arena Belfast is located at 2 Queens Quay, Belfast, BT3 9QQ, in the Titanic Quarter on the east bank of the River Lagan. It is part of the Odyssey Complex, approximately 20 minutes walk from Belfast city centre via Queen Elizabeth Bridge.
Dublin Express bus tickets from Dublin to Belfast start from £8.50 one-way, whether travelling from Dublin City or Dublin Airport. Book online at dublinexpress.ie for the best available fare. Local onward transport from Grand Central Station to the SSE Arena (G2 Glider or Metro bus) is purchased separately from Translink.
Yes. The Odyssey Car Park at the SSE Arena has 1,500 spaces, available on a first-come first-served basis. However, parking fills very quickly on event nights and prices increase significantly. Travelling by Dublin Express bus to Belfast is a stress-free and cost-effective alternative that avoids parking queues entirely.
Dublin Express runs services from Belfast Grand Central Station back to Dublin City and Dublin Airport until late evening. From the SSE Arena, take the G2 Glider or a taxi back to Grand Central Station (approximately 8 to 10 minutes), then board your Dublin Express service. Check the Dublin Express timetable for last departure times before your event so you can plan your return journey in advance.
Yes. Groups of 20 or more travelling from Dublin Airport or Dublin City to Belfast with Dublin Express qualify for a 20% group discount. Complete the group booking form at least 5 working days before your event. For groups of 50 or more, email groupbookings@dublinexpress.ie.
Large bags and backpacks are not permitted inside the SSE Arena Belfast. Small bags are allowed subject to a security search. The SSE Arena is also a cashless venue all food, drink, and merchandise purchases inside must be made by card or mobile payment. Check the SSE Arena Belfast FAQs for the full and most up-to-date bag and entry policy before you travel.
