Belfast Grand Central Station opened in September and October 2024, marking a significant milestone in Northern Ireland’s public transport development. Established by Translink, the 250 million GBP project replaced the ageing Europa Buscentre and Great Victoria Street railway station with a single, state-of-the-art integrated hub. Over the past year, the station has already proven to be a transformative success.
Designed to handle up to 20 million passenger journeys per year, Belfast Grand Central Station is now the largest integrated transport facility on the island of Ireland. The complex features eight railway platforms and 26 bus stands, bringing together regional, national and cross-border services under one roof for the first time.
Passenger feedback has praised the station’s spacious concourse, clear signage and high accessibility standards. Meanwhile, the inclusion of modern retail outlets, improved waiting areas, and sustainable design features reflects a strong emphasis on passenger comfort and environmental responsibility.
Boost to Passenger Numbers and Connectivity
Bus operations at the new station began in September 2024, while rail services followed in October 2024. Translink has since reported a clear increase in ridership, with the station welcoming over 8 million people in its first year. Notably, more than 4 million additional journeys were made across the wider public transport network in this year, demonstrating a significant modal shift.
Commuters have welcomed the improved connections between Belfast, Dublin, Lisburn and Derry~Londonderry, as well as the ease of interchange between local Metro, Ulsterbus, and NI Railways services.
The hub has also encouraged greater use of public transport over private cars, supporting the Northern Ireland Executive’s climate and sustainability goals. Translink estimates that the integration achieved through Grand Central Station removes thousands of car journeys from Belfast’s city centre each week.
Translink has reported a 96 percent user satisfaction rating in the station’s first year.
Economic and Urban Regeneration
Belfast Grand Central Station is a cornerstone of the wider Weavers Cross regeneration initiative. This 20-acre transport-led urban development is designed to revitalise the area around Great Victoria Street. New offices, residential units and public spaces are also in planning stages, with local businesses reporting a noticeable uplift in footfall since the station’s opening.
This economic momentum has reaffirmed Belfast’s status as a modern, connected city capable of attracting investment and tourism.
With positive public response and growing passenger volumes, Belfast Grand Central Station is widely regarded as one of Northern Ireland’s most successful infrastructure projects in recent decades. Its early success demonstrates how integrated transport design can deliver environmental, social and economic benefits in equal measure.
