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Using Our Services and Products

TICKETS AND TRAVEL CARDS

The easiest and quickest way to purchase tickets is to download the free mLink mobile ticketing app. mLink is also a contactless method that limits contact between our staff and passengers.

Pre-paid tickets and travel cards are available online or on the mLink ticketing app. If buying on board please use contactless when possible.

You can also pay as you go by paying on board bus services, at stations or from train conductors (when no Translink employee is available at train station). Tickets can also be purchased at ticket vending machines before you board for Glider services. This will normally be the standard fare although some special offer discounts are available. 

We have a range of pre-pay travel cards designed to save you money and offer convenience. Many of the travel cards are available to buy online and offer significant cost savings on the standard fare.

Buy now
Plan your journey now to see what tickets and fares are available to buy now online.
Plan your journey

3 Day Flexi Ticket

Available on train services – unlimited travel on any 3 days out of 7 between two chosen rail stations within Northern Ireland. Available to purchase on mLink app, at stations or from a conductor. Ideal if you want the flexibility to travel any 3 days of the week. More on mLink

Our Travel Cards

We try to offer the best value for our customers. Travel cards are great for saving money and time.

  • Day, Weekly and Monthly Travel Card - Buy a daily, weekly or monthly travel card to save on Metro, Glider and Ulsterbus Town services. Find Out More about Day, Weekly and Monthly travel card

  • Multi Journey - Smartlink You can pre-purchase up to 40 pre loaded journeys for all bus services and save on every journey. Find out more about multi journey travel cards

  • yLink  If you are lucky enough to be between 16-23 apply for a FREE Ylink card and you can enjoy a massive 50% off travel on all bus and rail services within Northern Ireland. Find Out More about yLink

  • Under 16 Digital Travelcard  Translink is working with digital ID experts Yoti to introduce a free digital travelcard for school students aged 13 and over. Learn more about the Under 16 Digital Travelcard

  • iLink  Available to buy online, our integrated ilink travel cards offer fantastic value for money with unlimited day, weekly and monthly bus and rail travel within specified zones across Northern Ireland. Find Out More about iLink

  • aLink   The alink is an annual travel card available for your selected scheduled bus or rail commute and gives you FREE, unlimited use of scheduled bus and train services at weekends. Find Out More about annual travel cards

  • 24+   Like it says on the tin! Discounted rail travel for aged 24+. (if you're a full time student!) - 1/3 off! From 01 September 2020 until further notice you can get a free 24+ Student Railcard! Find Out More about 24 plus travel

  • Belfast Visitor Pass   1,2 or 3 days travel within Belfast with lots of little extras from our business partners. Buy Now

  • Concession    Half Fare and free travel concession passes available for eligible users includes, 60+ and Senior SmartPasses. Find out more about concession passes 

Smart cards are available to buy online. Please allow 72 hours for postal products. You may want to check out our mLink ticketing app for mobile tickets.

Buy On Board

Travel cards not for you? Paying on board or in station might be the more convenient way for you to travel. Check out our special offers as promotional discounts are often available.

Paying on board for bus travel is cash for most services. 

Using Glider services - you need to buy your ticket before you board at the ticket vending machine (TVM). TVM's are at every Glider halt and you can pay by cash or card.

Check Your Fare
Smartlink Agents
Agent list is correct at time of publishing. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all details are correct, Translink accepts no responsibility for changes to the agent listing, or changes to the address details of any agent.
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Insufficient Change

You will be given a card if you have tendered a large banknote and the bus driver has insufficient change available. Translink bus drivers have been instructed to adhere to the following Company procedure:

  • The driver has issued you with a valid ticket for your journey and collected the banknote.

  • If the driver acquires change along the route you will receive your change before disembarking, if not the driver will obtain the correct change at the bus station.

  • If you are not travelling to a bus station where change can be obtained, please provide the driver with your name and details of where you would like to collect your change (Metro passengers can collect at Metro Short Strand Depot or at a chosen Metro location).

Delay Repay

NI Railways operates a Delay-Repay scheme which represents a fairer way to compensate our passengers across the local network when things go wrong. More about delay-repay scheme

Fare Evasion

Fare evasion is a criminal offence that could lead to a court appearance and a fine of up to £1000. More about fare evasion

Useful Links

You can also use the following links to plan a journey, find a timetable, or find more information about accessibility onboard Translink bus and rail services. If you have been unable to find the information you need or have any feedback, you can also contact us;