George Best Belfast City Airport: where to stay, areas and…

George Best Belfast City Airport is just 5 km from the centre, on the east bank of the Lagan: the Airport Express 600 bus reaches Europa Buscentre in 10-13 minutes, so here the choice between airport and city is less clear-cut than elsewhere. Those with a flight before 6 can stay in the Ballymacarret neighbourhood, right opposite the runway; those wanting a proper evening out go for the Cathedral Quarter or the university Queen's Quarter, both a few minutes by bus or taxi from the terminal.

Ballymacarret

Neighbourhood · The neighbourhood is on the bank of the Lagan opposite the runway, a few minutes by taxi from the terminal; no direct bus, a car or taxi is needed.

Best for: Departures before 6 or late-night returns, when a few minutes by taxi from the terminal count.

Pros

Just a few minutes by taxi from the terminal, handy with very early or very late flights
Quiet residential neighbourhood, away from the traffic of the centre

Cons

No direct bus to the terminal: car or taxi only
Few venues nearby: for dinner you go into the centre

Recommended hotels in this area

Titanic View Penthouse: Apartment in Ballymacarret, on the bank of the Lagan opposite the runway: handy by taxi for those flying very early or arriving at night.

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Cathedral Quarter

City centre · The Airport Express 600 bus links Europa Buscentre to the terminal in 10-13 minutes; from Cathedral Quarter the stop is a few minutes' walk away.

Best for: Those who want bars, restaurants and evening life on foot, with the bus to the terminal just steps away.

Pros

The liveliest district in the city in the evening, among bars and restaurants
Airport bus a few minutes' walk away, departures every 30 minutes

Cons

Noisy weekends and evenings near the district's venues
No night bus service: after 21.25 a taxi is needed

Recommended hotels in this area

The Foundry: A 20-room boutique hotel that opened in 2024 on the site of the historic Harp Bar, with a bar and restaurant on the ground floor: one of the few proper hotels in the Cathedral Quarter.

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Queen's Quarter

Neighbourhood · From Queen's Quarter, Europa Buscentre is reached in a few minutes by local bus or on foot in about 20 minutes, then another 10-13 minutes with the Airport Express 600.

Best for: Those who want to stay a few days, among the cafés and restaurants around the university.

Pros

Cafés and restaurants of the Queen's Quarter open late, unlike the city centre proper
Botanic Gardens and Ulster Museum a few minutes' walk away

Cons

One extra bus change compared with sleeping near Europa Buscentre
A livelier area during university term time, quieter in summer

Recommended hotels in this area

CityGo Apartments Queens: Apartments on Eglantine Avenue, in the heart of the Queen's Quarter: a few minutes' walk from Botanic Gardens and Ulster Museum.
Beautiful B&B On The Park: B&B on Ravenhill Avenue, a two-minute walk from Ormeau Park: breakfast with local produce and an owner who recommends restaurants in the area.

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