Belfast International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (BFS)

How to get to Belfast International Airport

The city centre of Belfast is some distance from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 40 minutes by express bus.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach the city centre of Belfast in about 30-40 minutes, weather permitting.

By Train

There is no direct railway station at the airport: the Airport Express 300 connects to Belfast Grand Central Station, the main railway hub in the city.

By Bus

The Airport Express 300 connects the airport to Belfast Grand Central Station in about 40 minutes, operates 24 hours a day with frequency from 15 minutes (peak hours) to 1 hour (weekends); single ticket 9.50 GBP, return 13.50 GBP.

💡

Tips Purchase the ticket online, at the tourist information desk in the arrivals area, or directly from the driver; the 24/7 service is useful for flights with evening schedules.

Average travel time to BFS

TrainNot available (Airport Express 300 to Grand Central Station)

Shuttle busService available (Airport Express 300, 24/7)

Taxi / Private hire30-40 minutes (£30-40)

Parking near Belfast International Airport

The multi-level parking lot is located next to the terminal.

Rates are in line with the standards of Northern Ireland's primary hub.

How to get to Belfast from BFS

By Train

There is no direct railway station at the airport; the Airport Express 300 connects to Belfast Grand Central Station.

By Bus

The Airport Express 300 connects the airport to Belfast Grand Central Station in about 40 minutes, 24/7; single ticket 9.50 GBP.

By Taxi

A licensed taxi costs approximately 30-40 GBP for a journey of 30-40 minutes.

Need an airport transfer?

Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com

Search airport taxis and shuttles

Car rental at Belfast International Airport

Major car rental companies are represented in the arrivals area.

EU citizens do not need an International Driving Permit: driving license, passport and credit card are sufficient.

Hotels near Belfast International Airport

Belfast International is about 30 km from the centre, at Aldergrove, and there's no real cluster of hotels around the runways: anyone flying from here is almost always better off sleeping in the city and taking the Airport Express 300 bus, which leaves from Europa Buscentre and takes 30-40 minutes. It's worth staying near this terminus for a dawn flight, so as not to risk the first services; with a free evening, the neighbourhoods around the Queen's Quarter offer more choice for dinner than the city centre itself.

Near the airport link

Europa Buscentre and surroundings

The Airport Express 300 bus leaves right from Europa Buscentre and reaches the terminal in 30-40 minutes, with departures every 12-20 minutes on weekdays.

Best for: Dawn departures or late-night returns: the direct bus to the terminal leaves from and arrives here.

Pros

Airport bus terminus a few steps away, handy without a car
Shops, Royal Victoria Hospital and Great Victoria Street station nearby

Cons

The journey to the terminal is still 30-40 minutes
Fewer departures at weekends than on weekdays

Recommended hotels

The Linen Mill Apartment - Pass The Keys Loft in a former linen mill on the edge of the centre, a few minutes' walk from Europa Buscentre and the airport bus terminus. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Neighbourhood

Botanic / Queen's Quarter

From here Europa Buscentre is reached on foot in about 15-20 minutes or by local bus; the 300 to the terminal then takes another 30-40 minutes.

Best for: Those who want to dine away from the city centre proper, among the venues around the university.

Pros

Restaurants and cafés of Botanic Avenue and Dublin Road open late
Lively university area, different from the more touristy atmosphere of the centre

Cons

An extra stretch on foot or a local bus before reaching the airport bus
Livelier during the academic year, quieter in summer

Recommended hotels

City Centre | Queens Uni | Cafes and Restaurants - Pass The Keys Apartment on a side street off Dublin Road, among the restaurants of Botanic and Queen's: a 5-minute walk from both the centre and the university. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Neighbourhood

Ormeau / South Botanic

The neighbourhood is about 5 minutes by car from Europa Buscentre, from where the Airport Express 300 bus leaves for the terminal (30-40 minutes).

Best for: Those travelling in a group who want an independent house, a few minutes' drive from the centre.

Pros

Independent house with its own parking, rare in the central streets
Ormeau Park and Golf Club right opposite, handy for a run or a walk

Cons

A car or taxi is needed to reach Europa Buscentre and the airport bus
Residential area: in the evening there's none of the life of the centre or Botanic Avenue

Recommended hotels

Park House - FOUR star luxury with parking and WI-FI Period house with 5 rooms opposite Ormeau Park, parking for two cars: handy for groups or families driving to the airport. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport is Northern Ireland's principal hub, with numerous connections to Great Britain and Europe.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area offers Irish whiskey, British tea, and luxury products.

Lounges & relaxation

Several VIP lounges are available for business-class passengers.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

The entire terminal area is covered by complimentary Wi-Fi.

Families & Children

Families with children will find play areas and dedicated support in the waiting lounges.

Terminal guide

The single terminal handles heavy traffic to Great Britain and Europe.

Travellers on international flights should allow 2.5 hours advance time.

Map of Belfast International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. How much does the Airport Express 300 from Belfast International to the city center cost?

A single ticket costs 9.50 GBP, a return 13.50 GBP; the service operates 24 hours a day.

Q. Is Belfast International Airport the main airport in Northern Ireland?

Yes, the busiest one, with connections to Great Britain and Europe.

Q. How long is the bus ride to the center of Belfast?

About 40 minutes to Belfast Grand Central Station.

Q. Are Belfast International Airport and Belfast City Airport the same airport?

No, they are two separate airports: Belfast International is the larger one and farther from the center, while Belfast City (George Best) is smaller and closer to the city.