The key towns and cities of Skerries, Drogheda, Dundalk, Newry, Portadown, Lurgan, and Lisburn are situated along the line.

[13][14] The journey covers the full line and takes about two hours, with key stops including Drogheda MacBride, Dundalk Clarke, Newry, and Portadown (Lurgan and Lisburn on Sundays).

Onboard amenities feature free Wi-Fi, a dining car, and both standard and Enterprise Plus accommodations, the latter offering more spacious seating and complimentary refreshments.

[32][33][34] The Navan Branch, managed by Iarnród Éireann, is a railway line in County Meath, Ireland, primarily used for freight services.

The double-track configuration, combined with frequent stops for commuter trains, can lead to delays for faster intercity services.

Drogheda station features a third bay platform used primarily for terminating commuter services from Dublin[37][38][39][25][40][22][excessive citations] At Milepost 59 ½, just north of Dundalk, the ownership and control of the line shift to NI Railways (part of the Translink network), which takes over the operation of the line as it continues north towards Belfast.

[20] From Newry to Belfast, the line continues as double-track, with stations like Portadown playing a significant role in the network.

Approaching City junction, the infrastructure expands to accommodate the higher density of commuter and intercity services converging on Belfast Grand Central.

The newer C4K trains offer increased capacity, ensuring efficient travel within Northern Ireland, but cannot operate across the border.

[46] Additionally, the 29000 Class railcars are used for commuter services from Dundalk and Drogheda to Dublin, providing a journey with seating and power outlets.

[47][22] The Enterprise service, primarily using Mark 3 carriages built by CAF, offers a comfortable and efficient travel experience with modern amenities such as air-conditioning, onboard Wi-Fi, and ergonomic seating.

Notably, the C3K and 22000 Class trains also supplement the Enterprise service at certain times, enhancing the overall capacity and flexibility of the Dublin-Belfast corridor.

[15][48][13] In 1997, a set of new De Dietrich Stock coaches were purchased jointly by Northern Ireland Railways and Iarnród Éireann to operate a revamped Enterprise service along with the new Class 201 locomotives.

By transitioning from diesel to electric trains, the project aims to reduce the carbon footprint and support sustainable development in line with government policies.

Funded by €165 million from the PEACEPLUS Programme, the new trains will reduce journey times to under two hours, improve accessibility, and enhance passenger experience.

[59][60][61] In 2020 the Irish Government confirmed it will be launching a study into an approximately 500 km (310 mi) high-speed railway from Belfast via Dublin to Cork and Limerick,[62] which could cost around €15 billion.

These initiatives are part of a broader €37/£32 billion plan to transform the islands rail network by 2050, focusing on electrification, speed enhancements, and expanded services to promote sustainable travel and regional development.

[64][65] The Dublin–Belfast railway line has been featured in various cultural works, reflecting its significance in connecting two major cities on the island of Ireland.

In literature, the line is depicted in novels such as "The Journey Home" [66]by Dermot Bolger, where it symbolizes the protagonist's return to Dublin.