Key Highlights
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Belfast is a main travel hub in Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. It has two key airports.
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The main airports are Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport.
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George Best Belfast City Airport is nearest to the city centre. It is only three miles away.
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Belfast International Airport is bigger. It handles most of the international flights coming into the area.
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Both airports have good transport links to the city centre. You can use bus, coach, or taxi for your journey.
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Which airport you use can depend on where you need to go, which airline you like, and what your budget is.
Introduction
Welcome to your simple travel guide for getting around the airports in Belfast! If you want to visit the capital of Northern Ireland, it is not hard to get there. This guide will give you the important details you need about the two main airports in Belfast. If you are not sure which airport to use, or need to know how to get from the airport to where you are staying, you will find help here. We want to help make your first steps in this great city easy.
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, and there is so much to do and see. With the right information, you can enjoy your time in both Belfast and the rest of Ireland.
Overview of Belfast’s Airports
When you come to Belfast, you can use two main airports. These are Belfast International Airport (BFS) and George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD). Both airports are good and offer different perks for travellers who want to see Northern Ireland.
Your pick between the international airport and the city airport will depend on where you come from, how much you want to spend, and if you need to get to the city fast. We will look at each airport so you can choose what works best for you.
Belfast International Airport
Belfast International Airport, known by the IATA airport code BFS, is the main international airport for those travelling to and from Northern Ireland. This is the busiest airport in the area. It handles the majority of flights, connecting Belfast with a lot of places in Europe and outside of it. The airport is important for both locals and tourists in the United Kingdom.
The international airport sits about 21 miles northwest of Belfast. This means it is a bit further from the city compared to the other airport in Belfast. But, you often get more flight choices and maybe better prices here, especially if you are looking for international travel.
Many airlines work from Belfast International Airport. There is a large base for carriers like Ryanair and easyJet. It is the top airport for travellers who want direct flights to many holiday spots or big cities in Europe.
George Best Belfast City Airport
George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) gets its name from the famous footballer. This city airport is known for how easy it is to use. It sits just three miles from the city centre, which puts it right in the heart of Belfast. This means you get to the airport fast. It’s a good pick for business travellers and people on short trips who do not want to waste time to get to or from the airport.
The city airport is not as big as the international airport in Belfast. It mainly flies to places in the UK and a few other cities in Europe. With it being so close to the city centre, you can be at your hotel in just 10 minutes if you take a car or taxi.
Even though this city airport is smaller, it gives you a smooth travel experience. The short trip from the airport lets you spend more time in Belfast. You get the chance to see more of the city’s things to do. The george best belfast city airport is a great option for people who want the convenience of being near the city centre, even if there are fewer international routes.
Are There Two Airports in Belfast?
Yes, Belfast has two airports that serve the city, and this can be a bit confusing if you are coming for the first time. The capital of Northern Ireland has both Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport. These airports help people get in and out of Belfast, but they are not the same. The international airport and the city airport are different when it comes to size, where they are placed, and the flights they provide.
The biggest difference is in where you find them and what they offer. The city airport sits near residential areas, very close to the middle of Belfast. The main airport, which is Belfast International, is out in the countryside, a lot further from the city centre.
Here is a quick look at how they compare:
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Belfast International Airport (BFS): This is the main airport and is much bigger. You go here for international flights and trips that are longer.
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George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD): This one is smaller and closer to the centre. It mostly handles domestic UK flights and trips that do not go too far.
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Distance: BHD sits just 3 miles from the centre of Belfast. The main airport, BFS, is 21 miles out.
Both airports help the people of Belfast and visitors get in and out of Northern Ireland.
Belfast International Airport Guide
Belfast International Airport (BFS) is the main international airport in Northern Ireland. The airport has a large base for many big airlines. It links Belfast and the wider region of Ireland to the rest of the world. Millions of people use this airport every year.
This guide will give you all the key facts about Belfast International Airport. You will find out about its location and the transport choices you have. Learn about the airlines that fly from the airport and what facilities are there for you on your journey.
Location and Access
Belfast International Airport sits about 21 miles to the northwest of the city centre. While the City Airport is closer, Belfast International is easy to reach because it’s well linked by road. If you drive there, it usually takes from 25 to 45 minutes. This time depends on how busy the traffic is.
There is plenty of parking space at the main airport. You can pick from short-stay, long-stay, or main car parks to fit what you need. For travellers who use public transport of passengers, you have several ways to get in or out of Belfast International Airport.
Here are the main ways to get to the airport:
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Bus: The Airport Express 300 bus goes often between Belfast International Airport and the Belfast city centre.
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Taxi: You will find taxis fast, and they give you a handy and direct ride to the airport.
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Car Rental: You can hire a car at the main airport. Many car companies have desks in the arrivals hall, which is good if you want to drive yourself.
Belfast International Airport is the main airport for northern Ireland and it serves people from both Belfast and other parts of Ireland. It is also easy for people in the area who need to use public transport, car, or taxi.
Airlines and Destinations
Belfast International Airport boasts an impressive list of airlines, providing daily flights to destinations across the United Kingdom and Europe. Major carriers like Ryanair and easyJet have a significant presence, offering a wide range of budget-friendly routes. Other airlines such as Jet2, Wizz Air, and TUI also operate from here, especially for holiday destinations.
Regular flights connect Belfast to major UK cities including London, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. The international network is also strong, with popular routes to cities like Amsterdam, Paris, and various sunny spots in Spain and Portugal. The variety makes it the primary choice for many travellers.
Here is a sample of popular airlines and their typical routes from Belfast International:
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Airline |
Popular Destinations |
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easyJet |
London Gatwick, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, Amsterdam |
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Ryanair |
London Stansted, Edinburgh, Manchester, European sun routes |
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Jet2.com |
Holiday destinations across Europe (seasonal) |
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Wizz Air |
Eastern European cities |
Facilities and Services
Belfast International Airport offers a wide range of amenities to make sure you have a good trip. When you come in through the main entrance, you will find all you need to get ready for your flight. The airport has seen upgrades, such as a new security hall. This area helps make the checks for you and your hand luggage quicker and better.
After you get past security, you can walk around the departure lounge. This space has shops, restaurants, and cafes. You can buy travel items at the last minute, have a meal, or sit down with a coffee. If you have any questions or need help with your baggage, services are there for you.
Key facilities include:
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A mix of shops, with duty-free available.
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Places to eat and drink, such as restaurants, cafes, and bars, for pre-flight treats.
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Currency exchange, baggage help, and executive lounges.
George Best Belfast City Airport Guide
Welcome to your guide to George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD). This city airport is right in the heart of Belfast and is very easy to get to. Many travellers like Belfast City Airport because it is so close to the centre. It is a favourite for people going on business trips or short holidays.
The airport is smaller than some others in the city, so you can get from check-in to your gate without much stress. It is quick and runs smoothly. Let’s talk about why the airport is a good pick. We will look at its good location in the heart of Belfast and some handy routes and things to use at George Best Belfast City Airport.
Proximity to City Centre
George Best Belfast City Airport has one thing that makes it special. The airport is so close to the city centre. It is just three miles from the centre of Belfast. You can get to or from the airport fast, which gives it the quickest airport-to-city transfer. This ease really helps people who want to get their trip started without having to travel far from the city airport.
The airport used to be called Sydenham Airport. It sits among Belfast’s residential areas. Because of that, travel times will be short. You can get to your hotel or your meeting in about 10 to 15 minutes by taxi or car, based on traffic. This means you spend more time seeing Belfast and less time going from the city airport.
It is simple to get to and from Belfast city airport:
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Train: Sydenham railway station is right beside the terminal. The station has a fast and direct link to the city centre.
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Bus: The Airport Express 600 bus often runs to Belfast Europa Buscentre.
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Taxi: A special taxi rank is just outside the terminal building. You can get a taxi and go quickly to where you need.
Airlines and Routes
George Best Belfast City Airport specialises in domestic flights, connecting Northern Ireland with key cities across the UK. It is a hub for flagship carriers like British Airways and Aer Lingus, which operate key routes including the vital connection to London Heathrow. This makes it a popular choice for business travellers and those needing onward international connections.
In addition to major hubs, the airport serves several other UK destinations. Airlines such as Eastern Airways and Loganair provide links to smaller cities like Dundee and regional airports, ensuring comprehensive coverage across Great Britain. While its international route map is smaller than BFS, it does offer some connections, such as flights to Amsterdam with KLM.
Here’s a look at some airlines and where they fly from Belfast City Airport:
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Airline |
Popular Destinations |
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Aer Lingus |
London Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh, Southampton |
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British Airways |
London City, London Heathrow |
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KLM |
Amsterdam |
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Loganair |
Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness |
Terminal Amenities
George Best Belfast City Airport might be small, but it has the amenities you need for a good travel experience. The terminal is new and easy to get around. Every part of the airport, like shops and services, is close and a quick walk from each other. If you drive to the airport, there are many parking spaces, with choices for both short and long stays.
The airport has worked to help people move through it easily. The new security hall is there to make things fast and simple. After you pass through security, you can relax in the departure lounge. There are shops, bars, and places to eat. It feels comfortable, so you can sit and wait for your flight. Signs for baggage services and points for help are clear and easy to find.
Key amenities at the terminal include:
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A range of cafes and restaurants for food and drinks.
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Retail stores including a World Duty Free.
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Executive lounges for a quieter, more premium experience.
Transportation to and from Belfast Airports
Getting to and from Belfast’s airports is easy. There are many good ways for people to travel. You can fly into Belfast International or George Best City Airport. Both have simple routes to the city centre and even more places. The way you go depends on your money, your time, and what you want.
You can use a dedicated airport bus and coach service. There is also the option to take a taxi or use private hire. The public transport of passengers in Belfast is looked after well. We will show you the best ways to travel. This will help you get to your destination without any trouble.
Bus and Coach Services
Taking a bus or coach is one of the most popular and cheap ways to get between the airports and the city centre. Both Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport offer express bus services. These buses run often and are reliable. They are made for travellers who have luggage. These express buses take you right into the centre of Belfast.
At Belfast International Airport, the main airport bus is the Airport Express 300. This service runs up to every 15 minutes during busy times. It will take you straight to the Belfast Europa Buscentre in the city centre. The drive usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
From George Best Belfast City Airport, you can take the Airport Express 600 bus. The 600 runs every 20 to 30 minutes. The journey is shorter and takes about 15 minutes to get you to the same bus station in the city centre.
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Airport Express 300: Links Belfast International Airport to the city centre.
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Airport Express 600: Links Belfast City Airport to the city centre.
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Dublin Connections: Coach services are also available from Belfast International Airport to Dublin Airport.
Taxi and Private Hire Options
If you want the most ease and want someone to pick you up and drop you right where you need to go, the best way is to get a taxi or book a private car. The two airports in Belfast both have taxi pick-up spots right outside the main terminal, so you can get a taxi as soon as you step out. This is a good idea if you have a lot of bags, if you are going with more people, or if you just want to get to your place fast and not stop along the way.
From Belfast International, which is the main airport, getting a taxi to the city centre will take about 30 to 40 minutes. The cost is higher than the bus because of how far it is from the city. If you land at George Best City Airport, you will get to the heart of Belfast much faster and it will often cost less—about 10 to 15 minutes and you are in the city centre.
When you plan to get a taxi, think about the points below:
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Official Taxis: Make sure to get the airport’s approved taxis from the taxi area.
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Pre-booking: You can book a private car early for a set price. This might be less money in some cases.
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Ride-sharing: You will find apps for ride-sharing that work in Belfast and it is another easy way to get where you want.
Conclusion
Belfast has two main airports that give travellers many choices. You can fly from the busy Belfast International Airport or the easy-to-reach George Best Belfast City Airport. Both international airport and city airport are close to the city. Many airlines fly from here, so you can go to lots of places.
Getting to and from Belfast International Airport or Belfast City Airport is simple. There are many ways to travel, like buses, coaches, or taxis. This makes it easy for you to start or end your trip right in Belfast.
Planning a visit to Belfast is now simple. If you want to see what the city has to offer, get in touch with us. We give free help with your travel plans to make your trip easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Belfast airport is best for travel from Great Britain?
Both airports are good choices. Belfast City Airport is easy to get to and it has strong links to London with airlines like British Airways. On the other hand, Belfast International Airport gives you more budget flights from different cities in Great Britain. So, the best airport for you will depend on what you are looking for.
How can I check live flight information for Belfast airports?
To see live flight details, go to the official websites for Belfast International Airport or George Best Belfast City Airport. Both websites show real-time updates about arrivals and departures. You can, also, check the status with your airline on their website or app.
Belfast International Airport (BFS)
George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD)
What are the nearest major airports to Belfast besides its own?
The closest big international airport to Belfast, apart from its own two airports, is Dublin Airport (DUB) in Ireland. It is about 100 miles from Belfast. Another airport in Northern Ireland is the City of Derry Airport (LDY). This airport is around 76 miles away from Belfast.