Adelaide Railway Station (Northern Ireland)

Adelaide railway station (also known as Adelaide Halt) is located in the townland of Malone Lower in south Belfast, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Situated just off the Lisburn Road and close to many Queen's University student residences, it serves both local commuters and fans heading to Windsor Park stadium the home of the Northern Ireland national football team.

History

The station was opened by the Great Northern Railway (Ireland) on 1 November 1897 and was originally known as ''Adelaide and Windsor''. In 1935 the name was shortened to Adelaide. The station underwent a refurbishment in 2008 to modernize passenger facilities and improve infrastructure, and it became an unstaffed halt in October 1996.

Location and facilities

In addition to serving the local community of Windsor and Queen's University students, Adelaide Station is a key access point for events held at the nearby Windsor Park stadium. The station is connected to the stadium by a dedicated pedestrian link, ensuring convenient access for visitors.

Maintenance depot

Adjacent to the station are extensive yard facilities which, once busy with freight trains carrying cement, containers, beer, and fertiliser, have since been repurposed. With freight services north of the border ending in the late 1990s and the withdrawal of the 80 Class units in 2005, the yard now functions as a depot for NI Railways’ modern Class 3000 and 4000 DMU trains.

Upgrades

Platform extension (2024)

Originally, the platforms at Adelaide station were designed to accommodate only three-car sets. The upgrade extended each platform to approximately 150 meters, enabling the new six-car, walk-through trains to call at the station. This development has significantly increased passenger capacity while also improving overall accessibility and safety with the installation of upgraded lighting, shelters, and enhanced public realm features. The project was delivered in conjunction with partners such as Charles Brand and Gravis Planning during the Belfast Grand Central enabling works.

Proposed third track

Translink's long-term development plan includes the potential addition of a third track running from the Adelaide depot to Grand Central Station, aimed at increasing capacity. Currently, the track bed alignment is fenced off within the railway boundaries to prevent development and is managed as part of the lineside infrastructure.

Services

Train Services

Mondays to Saturdays there is a half-hourly service towards , or in one direction and to Belfast Grand Central in the other. Extra trains operate at peak times, and the service reduces to hourly operation in the evenings. On Sundays there is an hourly service in each direction. Passengers for Enterprise Services, Bangor, Larne or Derry~Londonderry lines must change at Belfast Grand Central for their connecting services.

Bus Services

Adelaide is situated near the Metro 9 bus route along Lisburn Road, providing access to Belfast City Centre (Bedford Street) and Balmoral. Additionally, Regional Ulsterbus services connect Adelaide to Belfast Grand Central Station, as well as Lisburn, Banbridge, Newry, Portadown, and Armagh. Railway replacement buses also operate from these bus stands.

Gallery

File:Train, Adelaide, Belfast - geograph.org.uk - 3081627.jpg, Bangor bound train in 2012
File:Train, Adelaide, Belfast (4) - geograph.org.uk - 3629527.jpg, Portadown bound class 4000 in 2013
File:Adelaide Train Station and Depot in background.jpg, An Overview of the Dublin-Belfast Mainline with Adelaide station in the foreground with the train maintenance depot at Adelaide in the Background
File:Adelaide NIR Train Station.jpg, The Entrance to Adelaide train station from the Lisburn Road

References

{{UK railway stations

Railway stations in Belfast
Railway stations served by NI Railways
Railway stations in Northern Ireland opened in 1897