What Is Your Preference

[jennyjoan]

I had to visit my friend in hospital in Altnagelvin Derry last Saturday, I went by bus but as it was my first time ever in Derry I thought the journey was very long ie 2 hours stopping and starting here and there.

Next time I go I am going via train and pay a taxi from the station to the hospital - would any of you know would this be quicker. thanks

[vulcan42]

Going by train doesn't seem any quicker, the timetable shows just over 2 hours. I assume you're travelling from Belfast?

[sandyRoe]

I think there's an express bus from Belfast to Derry. It might be a bit quicker.
The trains here are dire.

[jennyjoan]

ok - thanks for that - yes I meant from Belfast vulcan.

Sandy would you know the time of the express for Derry - I have googled but couldn't find anything.

[Buenchico]

The so-called express buses don't seem to help much. The regular 273 service, via Omagh, takes 2h 55m, with the express variation of that route (X273) only going as far as Omagh anyway, soit doesn't help:
http://journeyplanner.translink.co.uk/ext_webpdf_desk/TTB/20180910-132633/nir/20X273y151_TP.pdf

The regular 212 service, via Dungiven, is much faster, taking 1h 50m. The express version, X212, only runs once per day on Saturdays and is just 5 minutes quicker:
http://journeyplanner.translink.co.uk/ext_webpdf_desk/TTB/EFA01__000055c2_TP.pdf

The trains take 2h 12m:
http://www.translink.co.uk/Documents/PDFTimetables/NIRailways/Current/LINE03-Belfast-DerryLondonderry.pdf

[jennyjoan]

thanks for that Chris - spoke with friend's daughter who drives and says it takes an hour and half driving.

When i arrived last Sat friend was very ill and under heavy sedation but tonight daughter has told me she (friend) has come around a little and is speaking and that speaks volumes for me.

They are hoping to get her to Belfast Royal and I'm praying for that.