The Europa Bus Station officially closed its doors at 11.30pm on Saturday, while the first people getting buses from the new location off the Grosvenor Road departed to Dublin and Belfast International Airport from 5am this morning.
The new station will be the largest integrated transport hub on the island of Ireland and will feature retailers such as M&S, Brewdog and Pret a Manger within it – with the hope it becomes a thriving retail centre.
Watch: Sneak preview of huge Belfast Grand Central Station ahead of Sunday opening
However, trains have not yet started running from the site, with Translink previously saying the date for the beginning of rail services will be “before Christmas”.
The first passenger to enter Grand Central Station on Sunday morning was Amir Kumat, who got the bus to Belfast International Airport.
Speaking to BBC NI he said: “When I started my day I never knew I was going to be the first guy … probably I’ll be in the history books.”
The first passenger Amit Kumar at Belfast’s Grand Central Station
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph last week, Translink chief executive Chris Conway said Grand Central will be a game-changer for public transport, while the company, due to the new station, hopes to increase its existing rail service.
Mr Conway said he is looking forward to showing off a “world-class facility”.
He added: “This weekend we will welcome people to Belfast Grand Central Station, and when they come they will see it’s a world-class facility and a game-changer for public transport.
Translink CEO Chris Conway welcomes impending launch of new Belfast station
“People will see the modern features of a modern station and it will open connectivity across Northern Ireland. It will also be a real statement for people when they arrive here and [it will] benefit the economy.
“Everyone we have brought in has been wowed by the scale of it, the information that is displayed, the contactless ticketing, the access everywhere. But we still have much to build and in about a year, when it’s totally complete, it will be amazing. We’re also very excited for the retail coming here.
“We hope it’s a location where people will come for coffee, for lunch, for shopping.”