Derry Chamber welcomes Translink’s confirmation  of an expanded schedule of late-night bus and train services for the North West region, giving residents, students, and visitors more convenient and sustainable ways to enjoy our city’s first-class seasonal events and local businesses.

Running from Friday 28 November to Saturday 20 December, the enhanced timetable will include:

  • 11:10pm rail service from Belfast to Derry~Londonderry on Friday and Saturday nights
  • 11:30pm rail service from the North West Transport Hub to Coleraine on Friday and Saturday nights
  • 11:00pm Ulsterbus 98 service from Foyle Street, Derry to Strabane
  • Late-night 212 Goldliner services between Derry and Belfast, departing Foyle Street at 11:00pm and from Belfast Grand Central Station at 12:15am and 1:15am
  • A range of later Foyle Metro services throughout the week

These extra services will help more people make the most of the North West’s Christmas celebrations, supporting local retailers, restaurants and hospitality venues while promoting greener travel options.

Beyond the festive season, the initiative marks a positive step as part of wider efforts to enhance public transport and connectivity across the North West, a key focus identified by the Ulster University Magee Taskforce.

The Taskforce’s Report and Action Plan (December 2024) highlights the importance of investment in transport infrastructure in supporting university expansion and regional growth. This pilot scheme of late-night services represents what could be a tangible first step towards this, and achieving a more connected, sustainable, and inclusive transport network – one that supports both the local night-time economy today and the region’s long-term development tomorrow.

It is crucial that key stakeholders continue to work together to help lay the groundwork for a stronger, better-connected North West – where students, residents, and businesses can all benefit from improved connectivity and investment in our region’s future.

Find Derry/Londonderry Routes here.