Safer travel guidance for public transport users
Following this guidance when planning or making a journey on public transport, will help you stay safe and protect others by controlling the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). You should not travel if you have tested positive for COVID-19, have coronavirus symptoms or are self-isolating.
Before travelling
Plan your journey and if you can, travel at off-peak times. Your transport provider can advise you when these are, but the peak times are usually between 7.30 am and 9.30 am, and 4.00 pm and 6.00 pm.
Public transport operators are phasing in a return to more frequent services. Before and during your journey, check with your transport operator for the latest travel advice on your route:
For Translink services (Metro, Glider, Ulsterbus, NI Railways and Enterprise), go to Translink’s journey planner on the day you wish to travel or by phoning 028 9066 6630.
You can find useful information at the link below:
You can also find information online about
Operators are free to set their own conditions of carriage and you should check with the operator of the service for the latest travel advice before you travel.
Staying safe on public transport
To help keep yourself, other passengers and transport staff safe:
- you should not travel if you have tested positive for COVID-19, are experiencing coronavirus symptoms or are self-isolating
- walk or cycle for more of your journey - get off a stop early if it’s less busy
- wear a face covering on public transport and in stations
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when coughing or sneezing
- wash or sanitise your hands regularly and do not touch your face
- wait for passengers to get off first before you board making sure to allow room for social distancing
- while waiting for a service to arrive stay outdoors, rather than indoors, where possible
- use contactless payments or pre-paid tickets where possible, for example on Translink services use tickets such as mLink, Smartlink, dayLink or iLink - if you must use cash, try to have the correct change
- leave windows open on public transport, where it is possible and safe to do so, even when it is cold or wet
- treat transport staff with respect and follow their advice
When travelling on public transport be particularly considerate of pregnant women, older people, people with disabilities, or those travelling with children, who may require a seat or extra space.
You can get more information on the latest public health advice on the Public Health Agency website.
Cross-border services
For cross-border coach and Enterprise rail services, get the latest information by checking Translink’s journey planner on the day you wish to travel or by phoning 028 9066 6630.
Before you travel, check with your travel operator for the latest travel advice on your route and whether there are any specific requirements you need to know about. You can find the Irish government's latest public health advice at this link:
International travel
If you are travelling abroad, make sure you check the latest advice for the country you plan travelling to and the requirements for your return at: