Year Long Late Night Bus Pilot Announced Following Successful Campaign From Three BIDs, Purple Flag and Night Czar

Over the last 18 months, Linen Quarter BID, as Chair of the Purple Flag Steering Group, has worked alongside the Belfast City Centre Night Czar and the other BIDs to collectively lead the campaign for year-round late night transport provision, including co-ordinating a business petition with 1000+ signatories and commissioning research into the positive economic impact the service could have, alongside DfE and TNI.

We’re delighted that our 18 month campaign has led to a £650,000 investment to pilot a new late night weekend service over 12 months beginning November 28th. More info below

Extend Belfast Nights Out with Translink’s New Year-Round Late-Night Transport Pilot

Translink is set to light up Belfast’s festive season with the return of its popular late-night bus and train services.

Starting Friday 28th November 2025, this year’s initiative marks the start of a significant new year-round bus pilot scheme backed by the NI Executive.

Building on the success of previous Christmas initiatives, the extended late-night services will operate every Friday and Saturday night.

Together with additional festive rail services, Translink aims to support the seasonal celebrations and help build Belfast’s vibrant night-time economy, enhance safety for evening travellers, and encourage sustainable travel choices.

Headlines:

• Metro Services: Operating from midnight until 2am every Friday and Saturday (Year Long pilot)
• Ulsterbus: Later departing services from Belfast to towns and cities across Northern Ireland (Year Long pilot)
• Rail Services: Additional capacity across all lines on Friday and Saturday nights (Christmas Period only)
• Service Details at the bottom of this article 

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said:

“This initiative marks the start of a significant new year-round bus pilot scheme which will introduce reliable late-night transport across Belfast. As well as improving connectivity, it will also ensure people are able to return home safely after work or enjoying an evening of shopping or socialising.

“The cross-Executive funding for this pilot scheme reflects our determination to work together to do everything we can to boost our thriving night-time economy.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said:

“I am pleased the Executive has been able to support this pilot scheme which will make it easier for people to travel home after work, social events, or late-night shopping.

“Our public transport network is hugely important in supporting our vibrant night-time economy as well as ensuring a safer, more connected city for everyone, and these new services will enhance accessibility and support local businesses to increase their evening trade.”

Chris McCracken, MD Linen Quarter BID and Chair of Belfast’s Purple Flag Partnership said:

“The Purple Flag partnership have been campaigning for late night transport since 2020, so we are delighted to welcome the introduction of the pilot scheme, made possible through the NI Executive and City Council. Belfast’s Night Time Economy is worth around £800m, but our consumer surveys consistently show that lack of late night transport is the number one barrier to participation. This new service will be safe and sustainable, facilitating a vibrant night out of tens of thousands of customers, and boosting the city economy by up to £2.5m.”

Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, commented:

“We’re grateful for the support of the NI Executive, Belfast City Council and our city partners in helping us deliver the year-long pilot to bus services.  Together we’re energising the city’s nightlife while offering a greener, safer way to travel.”

Revellers are encouraged to plan ahead using the Translink journey planner to get familiar with the new routes on offer. Timetables are available below and full details are also available on the Translink website at www.translink.co.uk/latenightservices 

Notes:

• In addition to the bus pilot commencing on Friday 28^th November, there will be additional rail services for the four weekends to Christmas starting on Friday 28^th Nov / Saturday 29^th Nov and running until Friday 19^th / Saturday 20^th Dec. These will only operate for the festive period.

• Standard fares apply and all half fare and full fare concession passes will be accepted as normal.
• Timetables and routes can be viewed in the images below