Dublin-to-Belfast rail route gets €698M upgrade with hybrid trains by 2030
A major upgrade is coming to the Dublin-to-Belfast rail route. Iarnród Éireann and Northern Ireland Railways have ordered eight new FLIRT trains from Stadler, marking the manufacturer’s first contract in Ireland. The €698 million project aims to transform cross-border travel by 2030. The new FLIRT trains will run on a diesel-electric-battery hybrid system. Once fully operational, up to 16 services per day will operate in each direction. The project promises faster journeys, with travel times reduced to under two hours.
Funding for the scheme includes €165 million in EU grants. Beyond the trains themselves, the investment covers infrastructure improvements and operational support. Stadler will also provide technical assistance, spare parts, and crew training to ensure smooth operations.
The upgraded route is set to enhance passenger comfort and increase daily services. The first trains are expected to enter service in 2030, replacing older stock and modernising the cross-border connection. The €698 million project will deliver faster, more frequent trains between Dublin and Belfast. With EU backing and Stadler’s hybrid technology, the route is poised for significant improvements. Daily services will nearly double, and journey times will drop below two hours once the fleet is fully active.
