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Platform validators are available at all NI Railways stations. Use them to scan your ticket or Smartcard before you board the train.

At staffed stations

If you have a Smartcard or barcode ticket, use the platform validator at the station entrance before boarding.

Scan or tap:

  • NI Railways paper barcode tickets
  • mLink app barcode tickets
  • iLink Smartcards
  • aLink Smartcards
  • EA SmartPasses (Rail Pupil and Rail FE)
  • Belfast Visitor Passes (within the Belfast zone)

At non-staffed stations

If you have a Smartcard, use the platform validator at the station entrance before boarding.

Tap:

  • iLink Smartcards
  • aLink Smartcards
  • EA SmartPasses (Rail Pupil and Rail FE)
  • Belfast Visitor Passes (within the Belfast zone)

Ticket checks on board

Your ticket or Smartcard may still be checked by the conductor during your journey.

Senior and concession SmartPasses

The following SmartPasses cannot be used with platform validators:

  • Senior SmartPass
  • 60+ SmartPass
  • Blind Person's SmartPass
  • War Pensioner's SmartPass
  • RoI Senior SmartPass
  • Half Fare SmartPass

If you use one of these passes, print a paper ticket with a barcode from a station ticket machine.

At staffed stations, scan the barcode on the platform validator before boarding.

If you cannot print your ticket at the station, a conductor can print one for you on the train.

Looking ahead

Platform validators are part of our new ticketing system. They will help prepare for future Tap On Tap Off travel using contactless bank cards.