Dublin to Belfast Rail Journey Times to Fall Below Two Hours by 2028

A €698 million investment in the Enterprise rail service will introduce new trains and reduce journey times between Dublin and Belfast to under two hours by the end of 2028. The project includes eight new intercity Stadler trains that will operate alongside the existing fleet to support up to 16 daily services on the cross-border route.

The current journey covers 180 kilometres and takes up to two and a quarter hours, with stops in Drogheda, Dundalk, Newry and Portadown. The new trains are designed for increased performance and faster acceleration.

The trains will use a tri-mode system capable of operating on electric, diesel and battery power. Operators stated this will enable quieter journeys, reduce emissions and support the line's transition toward full electrification. Each train will have around 400 seats, USB charging points, a dining and bar area, and step-free interiors for improved accessibility.

Passenger numbers on the Enterprise service have grown by 40 percent since it introduced an hourly schedule at the end of 2024. The service, launched in 1947 as a steam route, is operated jointly by Translink and Iarnród Éireann.

The Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive are jointly funding the €698 million project, with €165 million provided through the PeacePlus programme that also involves the UK government and European Union. Plans were presented this week at a ceremony at Belfast Grand Central station.

At the event, officials said the investment will create jobs and improve connectivity between the two cities. They added that further investment in Northern Ireland’s rail network will be announced shortly through the Shared Island Fund. The upgraded service is scheduled to launch by 2028.