Journey times for some Belfast - Dublin trains could be cut to under two hours

Journey times for some trains between Belfast and Dublin could be cut to under two hours as a result of a new £548m investment.

Eight new inter-city trains are due to become available in late 2028 and the aim is to try to speed up the service.

Translink, Northern Ireland's public transport provider, outlined its plans for improvements on Thursday.

A spokesperson said: "With improved acceleration and performance of the fleet and associated infrastructure development, this project will support a target express journey time of under two hours."

The £548m (€698m) cross‑border investment is jointly funded by the Northern Ireland Executive, the Department for Infrastructure and the Irish government's Department of Transport, and supported with €165m (£143m) through a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.

A contract has been signed with Swiss manufacturer Stadler for the new fleet of eight trains, to operate what is known as the Enterprise service.

The current travel time between Belfast's Grand Central Station and Dublin's Connolly Station is more than two hours.

The new trains have been purpose-designed for the cross-border route and have around 400 seats.

Jointly operated by Translink and Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail), the Enterprise service has operated between Belfast and Dublin for almost 80 years.

Although the new trains are due to be delivered to Translink in late 2028, it is likely to be 2030 before they are fully in service.

Translink Chief Executive Chris Conway said: "Today is about turning long‑term ambition into delivery.

"We would like to thank our funders for this investment which will transform the Enterprise experience, delivering a modern, high‑quality journey that puts accessibility, comfort and passengers at the heart of this vital cross‑border service."

A Translink spokesperson said the new Enterprise fleet will be Ireland's first tri‑mode trains, capable of operating on electric, diesel, and battery power.

"This will reduce emissions, enable quieter journeys, and ensure seamless operation as the Belfast–Dublin line transitions toward full electrification," they said.

"The trains will also support expansion to up to 16 services per direction daily, strengthening long-term cross-border economic, cultural and social connectivity."

They will also include:

- Step free entrances to promote accessibility.

- Modern digital information systems, power sockets and USB charging points, improved luggage and bike storage.

- A premium Enterprise Plus section and a large dining and bar area.

The Taoiseach Micheál Martin was joined by First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly for the signing of the contract at the station along with Tanaiste (Irish Deputy PM) Simon Harris.

Martin said: "Acquisition of a new fleet of trains for the Enterprise Service heralds a significant new chapter for cross-border rail connectivity on the island of Ireland"

"The Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor is already home to over 2 million people and the new Enterprise fleet will support the Corridor to become even more connected, prosperous and sustainable in the years ahead," he added.