Flights to Belfast
Two airports, fifteen miles apart, with very different journeys into the city. Check which one you booked before you book anything else.
Two airports, and it matters
Booking sites will happily sell you a flight to “Belfast” without making the distinction obvious. It is worth making it yourself.
| Belfast International (BFS) | George Best Belfast City (BHD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | About 18 miles north-west, near Antrim | Three miles east of the city centre |
| Into town | Airport bus, roughly 40 minutes | Bus or taxi, roughly 10–15 minutes |
| Network | The leisure network: sun routes, city breaks, most low-cost carriers | UK domestic and business routes |
| Size | Larger, longer walks, more check-in desks | Small and quick to move through |
Getting from BFS into Belfast
There is a dedicated airport coach to the city centre, running frequently through the day and less so overnight. It is the cheapest option by a distance and drops you near the main transport hub, from where onward trains and buses cover the rest of Northern Ireland.
Taxis wait outside arrivals and cost several times the bus fare, which is still reasonable split between three or four people at one in the morning. Pre-booked private transfer makes sense if you are heading somewhere other than central Belfast.
There is no rail link directly at the airport. The nearest station requires a separate local connection, which for most arrivals is more trouble than the coach.
Onward from Belfast
Belfast is a practical entry point for a lot more than Belfast. Rough driving times from BFS:
| Destination | Typical drive |
|---|---|
| Belfast city centre | 30–40 min |
| Giant’s Causeway | 1h 10m |
| Derry / Londonderry | 1h 20m |
| Newcastle and the Mournes | 1h 15m |
| Dublin | 2h |
That Dublin figure surprises people. For parts of the Republic, flying into Belfast and driving can beat flying into Dublin, particularly if the fare difference is significant. Check your hire agreement allows cross-border driving, because not all of them do.
Landing at BFS
- Passport control: the UK Common Travel Area means arrivals from the Republic of Ireland are treated differently from other international arrivals. Follow the signage rather than the crowd.
- Baggage reclaim is the variable in your arrival time, not the landing slot. Tell whoever is collecting you to wait for a message rather than the arrivals board.
- Car hire desks are in the terminal. See what you need at the desk before you queue.
Frequently asked questions
Which Belfast airport will I fly into?
Check the three-letter code on your booking. BFS is Belfast International, out towards Antrim. BHD is George Best Belfast City, next to the city.
Is there a train to Belfast International?
Not directly from the terminal. The airport coach to the city centre is the practical public transport option.
How long does the bus into Belfast take?
Around forty minutes in normal traffic, longer at rush hour. Services thin out overnight, so check the timetable for a late landing.
Can I drive a hire car from Belfast into the Republic of Ireland?
Usually yes, but it must be permitted in your rental agreement and the insurance must extend across the border. Confirm before you collect the car.