Overview
Discover Belfast with a cup of tea in hand! Step aboard our beautifully designed Belfast Tea Bus for a unique afternoon tea sightseeing experience. Enjoy freshly prepared sandwiches, scones, cakes and sweet treats while taking in the city's famous landmarks, colourful history and entertaining stories from your live local tour guide.
Highlights
Full Description
Afternoon tea with a view? Welcome aboard the Belfast Tea Bus! Take your seat on our beautifully designed double-decker bus and enjoy a relaxing journey through Belfast, complete with freshly brewed tea, delicious food and entertaining commentary from a live local guide.
As you settle in, we'll serve a selection of freshly prepared finger sandwiches, scones, cakes and sweet treats. Whether you're seated upstairs enjoying elevated views or relaxing on the lower deck, there's plenty to savour as Belfast passes by your window.
Our journey takes you through the heart of the city, exploring the famous Titanic Quarter, the historic Queen's Quarter and Belfast's lively streets. Along the way, admire impressive architecture, discover familiar landmarks and see a different side of Northern Ireland's capital.
What makes our tour particularly special is the person behind the microphone. Our live local guide brings Belfast's extraordinary past and colourful characters to life through fascinating stories, personal insights and a healthy dose of Belfast humour. No pre-recorded commentary here – just genuine local knowledge and plenty of personality.
Planning a birthday celebration, a family outing or an afternoon with friends? Our Belfast Tea Bus experience offers a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time together while discovering the city. It's equally enjoyable for first-time visitors and locals looking to experience their hometown in a different way.
With approximately 75–90 minutes onboard, there's time to enjoy your afternoon tea, admire the sights and listen to the stories that make Belfast such an interesting place.
So, bring your appetite, your curiosity and perhaps a friend or two. We'll provide the tea, the treats and the stories – Belfast will provide the backdrop!
Your seat is waiting! Choose your preferred departure, select your seats and book online in just a few clicks. Instant confirmation and mobile e-tickets make joining us simple.
Explore Our Belfast Tea Bus Route
Discover Belfast's most iconic landmarks while enjoying a delicious afternoon tea.
Tour Pricing
VIP Front Row
Exclusive upper-deck high seating
Adult Ticket
Upper & Lower Deck Seating
Child Ticket
Upper & Lower Deck Seating
All tickets include afternoon tea, sightseeing and live local commentary.
Daily Schedule
Tour duration: Approximately 75–90 minutes. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure.
Meeting & End Point
Departure Location
Public bus stop beside the entrance to Pottinger's Entry, Belfast City Centre.
Tour End Point
Your afternoon tea tour finishes at the same location where your journey began.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to allow time for check-in.
Mobile Tickets Preferred
Planning your Belfast Tea Bus experience? From afternoon tea and VIP seating to departure times, accessibility and gift vouchers, we've answered the questions our guests ask most often.
Discover the Experience
What is the Belfast Tea Bus experience?
Imagine enjoying a lovely afternoon tea
while the sights of Belfast pass by your
window. That's the idea behind our
Belfast Tea Bus
!
Step aboard our specially designed
double-decker bus and discover Belfast
in a completely different way. Enjoy
savoury bites, cakes, scones and freshly
brewed tea while travelling through
the city.
With comfortable seating, beautiful views
and entertaining stories from a local
guide, it's a wonderful experience
for visitors and Belfast locals alike.
What's included with my Belfast Afternoon Tea Bus ticket?
Your ticket brings together afternoon
tea and a guided sightseeing journey
around Belfast.
You'll enjoy a selection of sweet and
savoury treats, refreshments, comfortable
onboard seating and live commentary
from a friendly local guide.
Our tour is designed to be an experience
rather than simply a bus journey,
combining Belfast's famous landmarks
with good food, conversation and
a relaxed atmosphere.
Please check the latest menu and
ticket description for the full list
of inclusions.
Will there be a live tour guide onboard?
Absolutely! One of the highlights
of our experience is the live local
commentary.
Rather than listening to a pre-recorded
audio tour, you'll hear stories and
fascinating insights about Belfast
from someone who knows the city.
Expect local history, interesting
characters, memorable landmarks
and a little Belfast humour along
the way.
We want the commentary to complement
your afternoon tea, leaving plenty
of opportunity to chat, relax
and enjoy the occasion.
How long is the Belfast Afternoon Tea Bus tour?
The experience takes approximately
75 to 90 minutes from departure
to return.
During this time, you'll enjoy
your afternoon tea, sightseeing,
live commentary and scheduled
comfort stops.
Belfast traffic, roadworks and
special events can occasionally
affect the overall journey time,
so please allow a little flexibility
when planning activities afterwards.
Which Belfast landmarks will we see during the tour?
Our sightseeing journey showcases
some of Belfast's most recognisable
streets, districts and historic areas.
The planned route explores Belfast
City Centre and areas such as the
Titanic Quarter, Queen's Quarter,
Stranmillis and the Ormeau Road.
Your guide will introduce you to
the history, people and places
that make the city so interesting.
Occasionally, the route may be
adjusted to avoid traffic,
road closures or major events,
so individual sights cannot
always be guaranteed.
Is the Belfast Tea Bus a hop-on hop-off service?
No. Our Afternoon Tea Bus is a
dedicated sightseeing and dining
experience rather than a regular
hop-on hop-off tourist bus.
Your booking covers one complete
journey, with your afternoon tea
served onboard while we explore Belfast.
We do make designated comfort stops
where guests can use toilet facilities
free of charge, but these are not
intended for independent sightseeing
or extended visits to attractions.
Does the Belfast Tea Bus run in rainy weather?
Of course! We know Belfast isn't
famous for endless sunshine.
Our enclosed double-decker bus
provides a welcoming indoor setting,
so you can enjoy afternoon tea
and sightseeing even when
the weather is less than perfect.
In exceptional circumstances,
severe weather or unsafe road
conditions may require changes
to the service. Guest safety
will always come first.
Departures, Boarding & Facilities
Where does the Belfast Tea Bus depart from?
Our afternoon tea tours leave from
the public bus stop on High Street,
Belfast City Centre, beside the
entrance to Pottinger's Entry.
This convenient central location
is within walking distance of
many Belfast hotels, shops
and visitor attractions.
Your tour also finishes at the
same location on High Street.
Get Directions to Our Tea Bus Departure Point
What are the Belfast Tea Bus departure times?
We operate seven days a week
with two regular daily departures:
Morning departure: 11:00am
Afternoon departure: 1:30pm
Both experiences last approximately
75 to 90 minutes.
We recommend booking ahead,
particularly during weekends,
holidays and busy periods.
Please check availability for
your chosen travel date.
How early should I arrive before the tour?
Please arrive at least 15 minutes
before your booked departure.
This gives our team time to check
your tickets, assist with boarding
and help everyone get comfortable
before we set off.
If you're travelling into Belfast
by car, allow extra time for
traffic and parking.
What if I arrive after the bus has departed?
Our departures operate to a
scheduled timetable, and we cannot
guarantee that late-arriving
passengers will be able to
join the experience.
For this reason, please make
every effort to arrive 15 minutes
before your tour is due to leave.
If you're running late, contact
our team as soon as possible.
Any available alternatives will
depend on the circumstances
and your booking conditions.
Are toilet facilities available during the Belfast Tea Bus tour?
Yes! We've considered this as part
of your sightseeing experience.
We make comfort stops during
the tour where passengers can
use toilet facilities completely
free of charge.
Our team will advise guests
when and where to rejoin the
bus so the journey can continue
smoothly.
We still recommend using the
toilet before boarding where
possible. If you have specific
accessibility requirements
relating to toilet facilities,
please speak with us in advance.
Afternoon Tea, Menu & Dietary Needs
What food is included in the afternoon tea?
Our afternoon tea is inspired
by familiar sweet and savoury
favourites, prepared for you
to enjoy as Belfast passes
by your window.
Depending on the menu, you
can expect a selection of
sandwiches, savoury pastries,
scones with jam and cream,
cakes and other sweet treats.
Some of the items featured on
our sample menu include
chocolate-dipped strawberries,
mini Victoria sponge cakes,
brownies and traditional traybakes.
Our current menu is a trial
selection ahead of the full
rollout and may change.
Please review the latest menu
before booking.
Are hot drinks included with afternoon tea?
Yes, refreshments form part
of the Belfast Tea Bus experience.
Our published sample selection
features traditional breakfast
tea, green tea, peppermint tea,
coffee and decaffeinated options.
Other hot and cold drinks may
also be available depending
on the current menu.
Please check your ticket
inclusions for the drinks
offered on your departure.
Alcoholic drinks are not
included in the tour.
Can vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free guests be accommodated?
We understand that guests
have different dietary needs,
and we'd be happy to discuss
yours before you book.
Vegetarian and selected
dietary alternatives can
be arranged with advance notice.
If you require vegan,
gluten-free or another
specialist menu, please
contact our team to confirm
which options are available.
We cannot promise every
dietary request can be met,
so please have your requirements
confirmed before purchasing tickets.
What if someone in my group has a food allergy?
Please let us know about any
allergies or intolerances
before making your reservation.
Our team can discuss the
available ingredient information
and food preparation arrangements
to help you make an informed choice.
Food may be prepared or handled
in environments where allergens
are present, so we cannot
guarantee an allergen-free
afternoon tea.
Please never assume a menu
item is suitable without
checking with us first.
Can I bring my own food, cake or drinks?
As afternoon tea is already
included with your experience,
we ask guests to discuss
any additional food or
drinks with our team in advance.
If you're organising a
birthday surprise or hoping
to bring a celebration cake,
please contact us before
your tour so we can advise
on the arrangements.
Seating, Families & Accessibility
What's the difference between upper and lower deck seating?
Our double-decker Tea Bus offers
two lovely settings for your
afternoon tea experience.
Lower deck seating provides a
welcoming atmosphere with views
of Belfast closer to street level.
It's also worth considering if
you prefer to avoid the stairs
to the upper deck.
Upstairs, passengers enjoy
an elevated perspective over
the city's streets and landmarks,
with afternoon tea seating
arranged throughout the deck.
Both decks form part of the
same guided sightseeing experience.
What are the Belfast Tea Bus VIP seats?
Looking for the most exclusive
seats in the house?
We have just four VIP places
positioned at the very front
of the upper deck.
These are raised, high-chair-style
seats offering fantastic forward
views as we travel through Belfast.
They're particularly lovely
for couples, special occasions
and guests who want to make
their afternoon tea experience
even more memorable.
With only four VIP seats per
departure, early booking
is strongly recommended.
Can I choose my own seat when booking?
Our detailed seating plans
allow you to explore the
arrangements on both decks,
including the front-row VIP area.
Where seat selection is offered
during booking, you can choose
from the available seating
options for your departure.
If you have a particular
preference or require seating
assistance, please contact
our team before booking.
Can my friends and family sit together?
We know sharing afternoon tea
is more enjoyable when everyone
is seated together.
If you're booking as a group,
we recommend making one reservation
and checking the available
seating arrangements carefully.
Larger parties or guests
requesting a specific layout
should contact us before
purchasing tickets so we can
discuss the available options.
Is the Belfast Tea Bus accessible to wheelchair users?
Yes! Our Belfast Tea Bus
includes an easy-access
wheelchair boarding ramp
and one dedicated wheelchair-accessible
position on the lower deck.
This designated space enables
a guest using a wheelchair
to enjoy afternoon tea and
sightseeing without needing
to transfer into a conventional
passenger seat.
As only one wheelchair position
is available, please contact
our team before booking to
confirm availability and
discuss any assistance needed.
Is the Tea Bus suitable for guests with limited mobility?
We want guests to feel comfortable
and welcome throughout their visit.
If you find stairs challenging,
lower deck seating may be the
more suitable choice, as reaching
the upper deck requires using
a staircase.
Please tell our team about
any mobility or accessibility
requirements before booking
so we can advise on the
available arrangements.
Are children welcome aboard the Belfast Tea Bus?
Absolutely! Our afternoon tea
sightseeing experience is a
lovely family outing and an
exciting way for children to
discover Belfast.
Children under five travel
free of charge, while child
tickets are available for
older children.
Please check the relevant
ticket details and contact
us about seating and catering
requirements for younger children.
Free travel should not be assumed
to include a separate afternoon
tea serving.
All children must be accompanied
by a responsible adult.
Are guide dogs welcome on the Belfast Tea Bus?
Yes, trained guide dogs are welcome
aboard our Belfast Tea Bus.
We'd appreciate you letting
our team know before booking
so we can assist with the
most suitable seating arrangements
and make your visit as comfortable
as possible.
Can I bring a buggy, pushchair or suitcase onboard?
Our bus is specially arranged
for afternoon tea, so space
for larger personal belongings
is limited.
We recommend bringing only
the essentials for your journey.
If you're travelling with
a folded pushchair, buggy
or sizeable luggage, please
check with us before booking
so we can advise on storage.
Booking, Gift Vouchers & Celebrations
How do I book Belfast Tea Bus tickets?
Booking your Belfast afternoon
tea experience is simple.
Choose your preferred travel
date and departure, review
the ticket and seating options,
and complete your reservation
securely online.
Once your reservation is
confirmed, you'll receive
an electronic confirmation
with your ticket information.
Visit Belfast Tea Bus
Do Belfast Tea Bus tickets need to be printed?
No printing necessary!
We accept electronic tickets,
so simply have your booking
confirmation ready on your
mobile phone when you arrive.
We recommend saving your
e-ticket in advance to
make checking in as quick
and easy as possible.
Can I buy a Belfast Tea Bus gift voucher?
Yes! We offer Belfast Tea Bus
gift vouchers, making it easy
to treat someone special to
an afternoon tea sightseeing
experience.
They're a lovely gift idea
for birthdays, anniversaries,
Christmas, Mother's Day
or simply as a surprise
for someone who deserves
a treat.
Please see our gift voucher
options or contact our team
for information about purchasing
and redeeming a voucher.
Can I arrange a birthday, hen party or special celebration?
We'd love to help you celebrate!
Our Belfast Tea Bus makes a
memorable setting for birthdays,
anniversaries, hen parties,
family reunions and get-togethers
with friends.
Enjoy delicious food, city
views and a lively atmosphere
while sharing a special
experience together.
Please get in touch before
booking if you're organising
a larger party or have
particular seating requirements.
Is private hire available for groups or corporate events?
Yes, we welcome enquiries
about private Belfast Tea Bus
experiences.
Whether you're planning a
corporate outing, staff
celebration, private party,
hen gathering or a special
family occasion, our team
can discuss suitable
arrangements with you.
Private hire options,
availability and any
additional requirements
can be confirmed directly
with our booking team.
What is the Belfast Tea Bus cancellation policy?
We understand that travel
arrangements can sometimes
change, so we aim to make
our booking conditions clear.
If you cancel at least
24 hours before your
scheduled departure,
a refund is available
subject to a 20%
administration fee.
Cancellations made within
24 hours of departure
are non-refundable.
Please review the full
booking conditions
before purchasing your tickets.
Can I change my Belfast Tea Bus booking to another date?
Yes. We offer free rescheduling
when at least 24 hours'
notice is provided before
your booked departure.
If you need to move your
afternoon tea experience,
contact our team with your
booking details and preferred
alternative date.
Changes will depend on
availability for the new
departure, so please
get in touch as early
as possible.
What happens if my cruise ship cannot dock in Belfast?
We know cruise visitors
sometimes face unexpected
itinerary changes beyond
their control.
If your cruise ship does
not dock in Belfast,
our published cancellation
policy provides for a
100% refund.
Please contact our team
with your booking information
if your scheduled port
visit is cancelled.
Can I take photographs during the Belfast Tea Bus experience?
Absolutely! There are plenty
of lovely moments worth
capturing during your visit.
Whether it's your afternoon
tea selection, a special
occasion with friends or
Belfast passing outside
the window, feel free
to take photographs
from your seat.
Please be considerate of
other passengers and follow
any safety instructions
from our onboard team.
