Getting from Belfast International Airport to your destination

Belfast International Airport (BFS, also known as Aldergrove) is outside Belfast city centre. The Airport Express 300 coach costs £8.00 adult single on Translink's mLink ticket page. Taxis are metered under a regulated maximum tariff (Rate 1 starts at £3.20 initial charge, about £4.20 for the first mile and £1.86 per additional mile). A pre-booked transfer is priced when you book. The airport has no rail station of its own.

BFS is a single-terminal airport with a straightforward layout. After landing you clear border control, collect bags and enter the arrivals hall, where ground transport is signed.

Important: Belfast has two airports, Belfast International (BFS) and Belfast City (BHD/George Best). Make sure you know which one you are flying into.

Airport Express 300 coach — The Airport Express 300 is Translink's airport coach to Belfast city centre. On Translink's ticket page the adult single is £8.00 (child £4.00) and the adult monthly return is £11.00 (child £5.50); fares can change, so check before you travel. Check the Translink timetable for the first and last departure on your date. Translink also sells tickets from airport ticket machines, including one at Belfast Grand Central Station.

Taxi — Available at the airport. Northern Ireland taxis are metered, and the Department for Infrastructure sets the maximum fares. Since 5 December 2023: Rate 1 (Mon-Fri 06:00-20:00) has an initial charge of £3.20, about £4.20 for the first mile and £1.86 for each additional mile; Rate 2 (Mon-Thu 20:00-06:00) has an initial charge of £4.00, about £5.10 for the first mile and £2.03 per additional mile; Rate 3 (Fri 20:00 to Mon 06:00 and specified days) has an initial charge of £5.00, about £6.10 for the first mile and £2.03 per additional mile. These are maximums, not fixed prices, and drivers may charge less. The Department's page shows no later change, but check the current fare card before you travel.

Pre-booked transfer — Driver meets you in arrivals at a price fixed when you book, if meet-and-greet is included in your booking. Worth it for families, late arrivals, or groups.

Rental car — Available for exploring Northern Ireland.

Train — The airport has no rail station of its own. Translink sells an airLink add-on (£2.20) for rail passengers continuing to Belfast International on bus 109A from specific northern stations.

Into Belfast: Northern Ireland taxis are metered, and the Department for Infrastructure sets the maximum fares. Since 5 December 2023: Rate 1 (Mon-Fri 06:00-20:00) has an initial charge of £3.20, about £4.20 for the first mile and £1.86 for each additional mile; Rate 2 (Mon-Thu 20:00-06:00) has an initial charge of £4.00, about £5.10 for the first mile and £2.03 per additional mile; Rate 3 (Fri 20:00 to Mon 06:00 and specified days) has an initial charge of £5.00, about £6.10 for the first mile and £2.03 per additional mile. These are maximums, not fixed prices, and drivers may charge less. The Department's page shows no later change, but check the current fare card before you travel.

Everywhere else: Derry, the Giant's Causeway, Portrush and Dublin are long runs. In practice these are arranged as private-hire jobs at a price agreed before you set off, not left to a meter, and a journey to Dublin crosses into the Republic where Northern Ireland's tariff does not apply. Get a quote from your transfer provider for the specific journey.

Check the Translink timetable for the last Airport Express 300 departure on your date. After that, taxis and pre-booked transfers are your options. Late-night and weekend journeys run on the higher regulated rates (Rate 2: Mon-Thu 20:00-06:00; Rate 3: Fri 20:00 to Mon 06:00), so the meter legitimately reads more than it would at midday. A pre-booked transfer is an alternative for very late arrivals, with a price fixed at booking.

With kids and a stroller the coach is workable but not ideal; a taxi or pre-booked minivan transfer is easier. For larger families, pre-book a minivan transfer.

UK government guidance says children must normally use a child car seat until 12 years or 135cm, whichever comes first. Ask for a seat when you book a transfer, and do not assume a taxi will have one.

Bus: follow the signs for the Airport Express 300 outside arrivals.

Taxi: the fare runs on the meter under the regulated maximum tariff.

Pre-booked transfer: your booking confirmation states where the driver meets you, usually with a name sign.

• Going to Belfast city center: Airport Express 300 (£8.00 single)
• Going to Derry or the Causeway Coast: Pre-booked transfer or rental car
• Family with kids and luggage: Taxi or pre-booked transfer
• Late night: Taxi or pre-booked transfer
• Planning to explore Northern Ireland: Rental car
• Budget priority: compare the Airport Express coach fare with the other options
• Going to Dublin: Pre-booked transfer; check Translink for scheduled coach services