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This guide explains:

• The two Translink apps used in Northern Ireland
• Which app is for paying, and which is for timetables
• The Leap Card app for travelling in the Republic of Ireland

Quick Guide: Which App Do I Need?

Northern Ireland (¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ and beyond)

• Planning your journey? - Translink Journey Planner
• Buying tickets? - Translink NI App

Republic of Ireland (Dublin and other cities)

Paying for public transport? - Card + Leap Card App

1. Translink NI App - Buying and Using Tickets

This is the app you use to pay for travel. The Translink NI app lets you buy and store tickets for:

• Metro buses in ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ
• Ulsterbus and Goldliner coaches
• NI Railways

Your phone becomes your ticket - no cash or paper needed.

Translink railways train

How to Buy a Ticket Using the Translink NI App

1. Download Translink NI from the App Store or Google Play
2. Open the app and create an account (or continue as a guest)
3. Tap Buy Tickets on the home screen
4. Choose your transport type (bus or train)
5. Select the ticket you need (single, return, day, or multi-journey)
6. Pay using your debit/credit card or mobile payment
7. Your ticket appears in the app - show it to the driver or inspector when travelling

Easy, quick, and cash-free!

2. Translink Journey Planner - Timetables and Route Planning

This app is for planning your journey, not paying. The Translink Journey Planner helps you figure out:

• When the next bus or train is due
• Where to catch it
• Which route is best
• How long the journey will take

It’s especially useful during your first few weeks in ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ.

Journey planner app

How to Plan a Journey Using the Journey Planner App

1. Download Translink Journey Planner
2. Open the app and enter your starting point
3. Enter your destination
4. Choose whether you want to leave now or at a later time
5. View the suggested routes, departure times, and connections
6. Pick the option that works best for you

Important: You cannot buy tickets in this app, it’s only for information.

3. Leap Card App: Travelling in the Republic of Ireland

If you plan to travel south of the border - for example to Dublin, Cork, or Galway - you’ll need a Leap Card. The Leap Card is the main public transport payment system in the Republic of Ireland.

What Can You Use a Leap Card For?

• Dublin Bus
• Luas trams
• DART and commuter trains
• Bus Éireann
• City buses in many Irish cities

You tap the physical card when boarding, similar to other contactless systems.

The Luas

How to Use the Leap Card App

1. Download the Leap Card app
2. Create an account
3. Add your physical Leap Card to the app
4. Check your balance at any time
5. Top up your card using a bank card
6. View recent journeys and payments

Student discounts: Some student fares require extra verification, so check early if you plan to use it regularly.

Final Tips for Queen’s Students

Northern Ireland:

• Use Translink Journey Planner to check routes & times
• Use Translink NI to buy and show tickets

Republic of Ireland:

• Use a Leap Card (with the Leap Card app to manage it)
• Keep your phone charged if using mobile tickets
• Always activate your ticket before boarding
  

The DART

Ready to Explore!

Once you’ve downloaded these apps, travelling to class, into the city, or across the island becomes much simpler. They’re especially helpful if you’re new to ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ or new to public transport in general.

Find out more

Student life in ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ

Information for commuter students

Ciara Murphy MEd Inclusion and Special Educational Needs | Postgraduate Student | Ireland My name is Ciara Murphy, I am a postgrad student in Queen's furthering my studies to enable me to become the best teacher I can be.  Coming to Queen's was a goal of mine and even on my first day when I was getting my student card, I had such a moment of "Wow, I can't believe I am here". I hope this blog helps anyone coming from ROI to NI, I would advise getting your NIN, NI Sim and Monzo account asap and that will have you set up and finding your feet a lot quicker than you know.