phatfree

Hi, we would like to get over to Dublin; I was thinking that we'd take a flight over but was wondering what is the other option, train, ferry etc. How would we do it: train from Edinburgh to the coast, catch the ferry to Belfast?, then take another train to Dublin? Is it scenic and worth it? Is this a viable way of getting to Edinburgh instead of flying.

If I decided to fly, is getting to the airport from Edinburgh to the the airport easy, transport wise. How about the airport to Dublin; is there a train, bus? I'm on a budget and don't want to spend a taxi fare.

thanks for any advice.

MmePerdu

There are ferries from Stranraer (SW of Edinburgh & Glasgow) to Belfast:
http://www.directferries.co.uk/stran...fast_ferry.htm

Getting to Stranraer:
http://www.directferries.co.uk/stranraer.htm

janisj

"<i>How would we do it: train from Edinburgh to the coast, . . .</i>"

Train to Glasgow Queen St. station, walk a couple of blocks to Central Station, train to Stranraer, ferry to Belfast, train to Dublin. Viable? - Not IMO

There is an airport express bus that connects several stops in central Edinburgh to EDI.

MmePerdu

To me it might be a nice option, even as complicated as the description above makes it sound. It depends entirely on one's taste in travel and I love surface means when at all possible. I'd choose that string of instructions over a flight any day and the train between Belfast & Dublin is a nice ride.

I think it just depends on if you have the time and if you like ferries and trains better than airplanes which I do by far. Fun as opposed to not fun. But flying would also very likely be cheaper if that's a factor.

sheri_lp

Aer Lingus. All that other stuff might be "fun", but you'd rather be having fun in Dublin.

MmePerdu

"...you'd rather be having fun in Dublin." sheri_lp

Many such things are highly subjective and so I think it's a good idea to speak for one's self. Maybe you'd rather be in Dublin but I enjoy the getting there every bit as much as the place, if not more. But not generally if I fly. And I suspect I'm not alone in this.

janisj

It would take an entire day and cost more than flying. A LOT depends on how much time you have, your budget, and the weather since I wouldn't want to take the ferry in a storm

Aduchamp1

Oddly enough I just did this Sunday and here is what occured:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...y-168800-2.cfm

phatfree

Thanks very much for your replies. I view getting from one place to another as part of the 'adventure'. However, with luggage in tow,the 2 trains, ferry, and train seem a bit much. I only have just one week in Ireland. With this is mind, it seems more practical to fly.

Thanks all. Appreciate your help.

sheri_lp

Back to the OP's question. There's a bus right at the Dublin airport that can take you into town for 6 Euros.

http://www.dublinbus.ie/Your-Journey...port-Services/

Same thing is available in Edinburgh

http://www.edinburgh-airport-guide.co.uk/transport.html

Tony2phones

"However, with luggage in tow,the 2 trains, ferry, and train seem a bit much"

Please check the small print on Baggage size and Charges before you book the airline.

If you have Luggage then Rail and Sail is straight forward to Belfast from any mainline station in Scotland and then the Bus to Dublin.

http://www.stenaline.ie/ferry/rail-and-sail/

Or spend a couple of days in the North see the Antrim Coast, Derry, The Titanic experience and Black cab Tour. Then pop down here into the Republic.

Rastaguytoday

In checking the Strena line, I found this on their website.

"The Stranraer to Belfast route is no longer in operation as it has been replaced by a new route – Cairnryan to Belfast with the introduction of two new Superfast ships!"

One way takes 2 hours 15 minutes, with a price of 28 pounds.

Cairnryan is close to Stranher, about 5 miles. Train to Stranahan or bus directly from Glasgow.

BigRuss

Why bother? Edinburgh is superior to Dublin so spend the extra day in Edinburgh.

flpab

We took an early morning flight from EDI to DUB. It was an easy bus ride to the airport and a one hour flight. Plenty of buses will take you into town from Dublin airport and I like Dublin better than Edinburgh so enjoy the city.