Belfast Bus Tour Map Guide: Every Stop Explained

Understanding the route map is the key to maximizing your Hop-On Hop-Off experience. The Belfast route is designed to connect the four corners of the city—North, South, East, and West—into one seamless loop.

The Route Overview

The standard Red Route covers approximately 19-23 stops (depending on the season) and takes about 90 minutes to complete if you don't hop off.

The route is circular, meaning you can start and finish at any stop, though everyday operations are centered around High Street / City Hall.

Zone 1: The City Centre & Titanic Quarter (Stops 1-5)

This is where most visitors begin. It's the hub of retail, history, and maritime heritage.

• Stop 1: High Street / Carroll's Gift Shop: The official starting point. Located near the Albert Clock, this is the best place to swap your voucher for a ticket.
• Stop 2: SSE Arena / Odyssey Pavilion: Cross the river to the entertainment district. Here you'll find W5 (Science Centre) and the cinema.
• Stop 3: Titanic Quarter: The big one. This stop serves Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic.
• Stop 4: HMS Caroline & Titanic Dock: A little further down the road, servicing the WWI cruiser and the pump house.
• Stop 5: Parliament Buildings (Stormont): Note: Some tours do a specific loop out here. This is the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly. The grand mile-long driveway is spectacular.

Zone 2: The Markets & University (Stops 6-9)

Leaving the industrial east, the bus heads south towards the academic and cultural heart of the city.

• Stop 6: St. George's Market: The Victorian covered market. Essential for foodies on weekends.
• Stop 7: Great Victoria Street: home to the Europa Hotel (famous for being the most bombed hotel in Europe) and the Crown Liquor Saloon (a National Trust pub).
• Stop 8: Dublin Road: The "Golden Mile" of restaurants and bars.
• Stop 9: Queen's University: The stunning Lanyon Building. Access to the Botanic Gardens and Ulster Museum.

Zone 3: The West & Peace Walls (Stops 10-14)

The tour takes a somber but fascinating turn as it enters West Belfast to explore the political history.

• Stop 10: Eglantine Avenue: Just off the Lisburn Road, famous for high-end shopping.
• Stop 11: Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich: The hub of Irish language and culture on the Falls Road.
• Stop 12: Falls Road International Wall: The Republican heartland. You will see murals dedicated to calm and global varying causes.
• Stop 13: The Peace Wall: The interface between the Falls and Shankill. You can often hop off here to sign the wall.
• Stop 14: Shankill Road (Spectrum Centre): The Loyalist heartland. Famous for murals depicting the Royal Family and UVF history.

Zone 4: The North & The Gaol (Stops 15-19)

Heading north, the route covers Victorian history and architecture.

• Stop 15: Crumlin Road Gaol: Ideally located opposite the derelict Courthouse. A major visitor attraction.
• Stop 16: Belfast Castle (Antrim Road): This stop is closer to the bottom of the hill, requiring a walk or shuttle, but offers access to the Cave Hill Country Park.
• Stop 17: Clifton Street: The oldest charitable institution in Belfast (Clifton House).
• Stop 18: St. Anne's Cathedral: The Cathedral Quarter stop. Perfect for dropping off in the evening for dinner.
• Stop 19: Donegall Place: Back to the start, right beside the City Hall.

How to Use the Map

Download the PDF version on your phone or grab a paper copy from the driver.

Pro Tip: Circle your "Must-See" stops before you board. If you want to see Titanic, the Gaol, and the Wall, you need to budget your time.

Connectivity

The map also shows connecting transport links:

• Central Station (Lanyon Place): Near Stop 5/6.
• Europa Bus Centre: Stop 7.
• Cruise Terminal: Shuttles usually drop off at Stop 1 (City Hall).

With this map in hand (or on screen), you can navigate Belfast's complex geography with ease.