Belfast International is 20km from the city, but transport is straightforward and reasonably priced.
Complete price comparison
| Transport | Cost (GBP) | Cost (EUR) | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Express 300 | £8 single / £11 return | ~€9 / €13 | 30-40 min | Most travelers |
| Uber | £25-40 | ~€29-47 | 25-35 min | App users |
| Taxi | £30-45 | ~€35-52 | 25-35 min | Convenience |
| Pre-booked transfer | £40-60 | ~€47-70 | 25-35 min | Families, groups |
Airport Express 300 — solid value
The Airport Express bus is the standard way to get into Belfast. At £8 single (£11 return), it's good value for a 30-40 minute ride. Key points:
- Runs every 10-15 minutes during the day
- Goes to Europa Bus Centre and Great Victoria Street in the city center
- From there, you're a short walk or taxi from most hotels
- Luggage stored underneath the bus
- Contactless payment accepted
- Comfortable coach-style buses
The return ticket (£11) is good for one month, so it covers both your airport journeys.
Taxi pricing
Belfast International Airport taxis typically offer fixed prices rather than using meters:
| Destination | Typical fixed price |
|---|---|
| Belfast city center | £30-40 |
| Titanic Quarter | £33-45 |
| Queen's Quarter | £28-38 |
| East Belfast | £30-42 |
| Lisburn | £20-28 |
| Bangor | £45-60 |
Always agree on the price before getting in. If a driver won't commit to a price, find another.
Cost to destinations beyond Belfast
| Destination | Distance | Taxi | Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derry/Londonderry | 100 km | £90-130 | £90-130 |
| Giant's Causeway | 95 km | £85-120 | £85-120 |
| Portrush | 90 km | £80-110 | £80-115 |
| Enniskillen | 120 km | £100-140 | £100-140 |
| Dublin | 170 km | Not practical | £150-220 |
| Donegal | 160 km | Not practical | £140-200 |
The Dublin question
Many travelers need to get between Belfast International and Dublin. Options:
- Pre-booked transfer: £150-220 (1.5-2 hours direct)
- Bus to Belfast + Enterprise train to Dublin: ~£30-40 total (4+ hours)
- Direct bus service: Check Aircoach for potential direct routes
The transfer is faster but costs 4-5x more. The bus+train combo works but takes half a day.
Our recommendation
The Airport Express at £8 is the smart choice for Belfast city center. It's frequent, comfortable, and takes you right to the heart of the city. Use a taxi or transfer when you have lots of luggage, are traveling late, or heading somewhere beyond Belfast.