# Belfast Airport Transfer Guide (BFS) Practical guide to getting from Belfast International Airport (BFS/Aldergrove) to Belfast city center. Real pricing and honest transport advice. **Airport:** BFS **City:** Belfast **Country:** United Kingdom **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bfs **Last updated:** 2026-03-26 --- ## Main Guide ### Quick answer Belfast International Airport (BFS, also known as Aldergrove) is **20km northwest of Belfast city center**, and the trip takes about **30 minutes**. The **Airport Express 300 bus** costs **£8** and takes 30-40 minutes. Taxis cost **£30-45** (~€35-52). A pre-booked transfer runs **£40-60** (~€47-70). There is **no train** from this airport. 👉 AirportTransferPortal offers fixed-price transfers on this route, which removes uncertainty on arrival. --- ### What actually happens after landing BFS is a medium-sized airport — one terminal, straightforward layout. After landing, you'll clear immigration (UK border control — you need a passport even from Ireland), collect bags, and enter the arrivals hall. The terminal is simple and well-signed. The main hall has car rental desks, an ATM, and basic shops. Ground transport is right outside the door. **Important:** Belfast has TWO airports. Belfast International (BFS) is the larger one, 20km from the city. Belfast City Airport (BHD/George Best) is much closer at 5km. Make sure you know which one you're flying into. --- ### Transport options explained honestly **Airport Express 300 bus (best value)** — Runs every 10-15 minutes during the day, taking 30-40 minutes to Belfast Europa Bus Centre (city center). Costs **£8 single, £11 return**. Clean, comfortable coaches with luggage space. This is the standard option. **Taxi** — Available outside arrivals. Fares to Belfast city center are **£30-45**, typically agreed in advance (Belfast airport taxis often quote a fixed price rather than using a meter). The drive takes 25-35 minutes. **Pre-booked transfer** — Driver meets you in arrivals, fixed price **£40-60**. Worth it for families, late arrivals, or groups. **Uber** — Available in Belfast but less established than in mainland UK cities. Typical fare: £25-40. **Rental car** — Available at the airport. Belfast is easy to drive in and parking is cheaper than most UK cities (£5-10/day in the city center). A car is useful if you're exploring Northern Ireland. **There is no train from BFS.** The airport has no rail connection. The bus is the public transport option. --- ### Realistic pricing expectations | Destination | Distance | Taxi estimate | Transfer estimate | |---|---|---|---| | Belfast city center | 20 km | £30-45 / ~€35-52 | £40-60 / ~€47-70 | | Titanic Quarter | 22 km | £33-48 / ~€38-56 | £42-63 / ~€49-73 | | Derry/Londonderry | 100 km | £90-130 / ~€105-151 | £90-130 / ~€105-151 | | Giant's Causeway | 95 km | £85-120 / ~€99-140 | £85-120 / ~€99-140 | | Dublin | 170 km | Not practical | £150-220 / ~€175-256 | | Portrush/Portstewart | 90 km | £80-110 / ~€93-128 | £80-115 / ~€93-134 | --- ### Late night arrivals The Airport Express 300 runs until about **midnight**, with the last bus around 11:45 PM. After that, taxis and pre-booked transfers are your options. Taxis are available at the airport around the clock, though the supply is thinner after midnight. A pre-booked transfer is the safest bet for very late arrivals. The airport terminal stays open while flights are operating. No overnight facilities. --- ### Families and luggage The Airport Express bus has under-floor luggage storage, so it handles suitcases well. With kids and a stroller, it's manageable but not ideal. Belfast taxis are standard sedans — they'll fit a family of 4 with 2-3 bags. For larger families, pre-book a minivan transfer. Child car seats follow UK law (required until 12 years or 135cm). Taxis are exempt. Transfers can provide seats on request. --- ### Where you meet the driver **Bus:** The Airport Express 300 stop is directly outside the arrivals exit. Look for the blue bus shelters. **Taxi:** Official taxis are outside arrivals. Agree on a price before getting in. **Uber:** Pick-up from the short-stay car park area. **Pre-booked transfer:** Driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign. --- ### Decision helper - **Going to Belfast city center:** Airport Express 300 (£8, reliable, frequent) - **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 (after midnight):** Taxi or pre-booked transfer - **Planning to explore Northern Ireland:** Rental car - **Budget priority:** Airport Express bus - **Going to Dublin:** Pre-booked transfer or Aircoach (check if running) 👉 This is the lowest-friction option after a long flight. --- ### Summary --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: Is there a train from Belfast International Airport?** No. Belfast International Airport has **no rail connection**. The Airport Express 300 bus is the main public transport option. Belfast City Airport (BHD) has a rail connection, but it's a different airport. **Q: What's the difference between Belfast's two airports?** **Belfast International (BFS)** is larger, 20km from the city, and handles most international and budget flights. **Belfast City (BHD/George Best)** is smaller, just 5km from the city center, and handles mainly UK domestic flights. Check which one your flight uses. **Q: How much is a taxi from Belfast International Airport?** Expect to pay **£30-45** (~€35-52) to Belfast city center. Most airport taxis quote a **fixed price** rather than using a meter. Agree on the price before getting in. **Q: Can I get from Belfast International to Dublin?** Yes. A pre-booked transfer costs about **£150-220** and takes 1.5-2 hours. You can also take the Airport Express to Belfast, then a bus or train to Dublin (about 4 hours total, ~£20-30). Some direct bus services may operate — check Aircoach or Translink. **Q: What currency does Northern Ireland use?** Northern Ireland uses **British Pounds Sterling (GBP/£)**, not Euros. Some businesses near the border accept Euros, but at poor exchange rates. Use ATMs for GBP cash. --- ## Additional Guides ### Late night arrival at Belfast International Airport — what are your options? **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bfs/late-night Belfast International handles some late flights, especially budget airlines. Here's what's available when you land after dark. ## What's available at night | Transport | Available? | Last service | Cost | |---|---|---|---| | Airport Express 300 | Until ~midnight | Last bus ~11:45 PM | £8 | | Taxi | Yes, 24/7 | Usually available | £30-48 | | Pre-booked transfer | Yes | Driver waiting | £40-60 | | Uber | Unreliable at night | — | £28-42 | ## The last Airport Express The Airport Express 300 runs until approximately **11:45 PM** (last departure). If your flight lands before 11 PM, you should make the last bus. Check the current Translink timetable for exact times. After the last bus, there's no public transport from BFS to Belfast. ## Taxis at night Taxis are usually available at BFS after late flights, but the supply is smaller than during the day. On a busy Friday night with multiple delayed flights, you might wait 15-20 minutes. Late-night fares are similar to daytime: **£30-48** to Belfast city center. Some drivers may try to charge a premium after midnight — agree on the price before getting in. ## Pre-booked transfer — recommended for late arrivals For flights arriving after 10 PM, a pre-booked transfer is the most reliable option: - Driver tracks your flight — there if you're delayed - Waiting at arrivals with your name - Fixed price — no late-night premium surprises - No waiting in a potentially empty taxi rank The cost (£40-60) is only £10-15 more than a taxi, and the certainty is valuable at midnight. ## Safety Belfast International Airport is safe and the route into Belfast (A26/M2) is a well-lit dual carriageway. Belfast city center at night is generally safe, with busy entertainment districts around the Cathedral Quarter. ## If you need to wait until morning The airport has limited overnight facilities: - The terminal stays open while flights operate but may close in the early hours - No sleeping pods or airport hotel inside the terminal - **Park Plaza Belfast International Airport** is nearby but requires a taxi - **Maldron Hotel Belfast International** — walking distance from terminal If you have a very late arrival and early morning connection, these nearby hotels (from **£60-100/night**) are your best option. --- ### Taxi vs private transfer from Belfast International Airport **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bfs/taxi-vs-transfer Both options get you into Belfast in about 30 minutes. Here's when each makes more sense. ## Side-by-side comparison | Factor | Taxi | Private Transfer | |---|---|---| | **Cost to city center** | £30-45 (fixed quote) | £40-60 (fixed) | | **Wait time** | 0-10 min | 0 min (driver waiting) | | **Booking** | Not needed | Required | | **Meet & greet** | No | Yes — in arrivals | | **Vehicle** | Standard sedan | Sedan or executive | | **Child seats** | Not available | On request | | **Payment** | Cash or card (varies) | Pre-paid online | ## Belfast International taxis The taxi setup at BFS works differently from most UK airports. Rather than a metered system, drivers typically quote a **fixed price** for your journey. This is somewhere between the organized London system and a completely unregulated one. Most drivers are honest and the prices are reasonable (£30-45 to the city). However: - Always **agree on the price before getting in** - If a price seems high, try another driver - Official taxis should have clear identification ## When a taxi works well - **Daytime arrival** — taxis available, competitive pricing - **Going straight to a Belfast hotel** — simple, quick journey - **Solo or couple** — the price is reasonable for two - **You're comfortable negotiating** a fixed price ## When a transfer is better - **Late night arrival** — guaranteed driver waiting - **Going to Derry, Giant's Causeway, or beyond** — long trip, fixed price, professional driver - **Family with car seat needs** — taxis don't have them - **Large group** — can book specific vehicle in advance - **First time in Northern Ireland** — less stress, English-speaking driver who knows the area - **Going to Dublin** — definitely pre-book for this 170km journey ## The price gap The difference between a taxi (£30-45) and a transfer (£40-60) is about £10-15. This is a smaller gap than at most airports. What the extra money buys: - Guaranteed availability (important at night) - Meet & greet service - Flight tracking for delays - Pre-arranged payment For short trips to Belfast city center, a taxi is fine. For longer journeys or late arrivals, the transfer premium is worth it. ## Don't forget the bus For budget-conscious travelers going to Belfast city center, the **Airport Express 300 at £8** is hard to beat. The taxi vs. transfer debate only matters when you specifically need a car (late night, lots of luggage, destination not on the bus route). --- ### Getting from Belfast International Airport with kids and family **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bfs/family-and-kids Belfast International is a manageable airport for families. The main consideration is the 20km distance to the city and the lack of rail connection. ## UK child car seat rules (apply in Northern Ireland) Same rules as the rest of the UK: children must use a car seat until **12 years old or 135cm tall**. Licensed taxis are exempt but private transfers can provide seats. ## Best transport for families ### Pre-booked transfer (recommended for families) - **Cost:** £40-60 sedan, £55-80 minivan - **Why:** Child seats available, door-to-door, luggage help - **Best for:** Families with young children and lots of luggage ### Airport Express 300 - **Cost:** £8 per adult, reduced for children - **Time:** 30-40 minutes - **Works for:** Families with older kids and manageable luggage - **Strollers:** Can be stored underneath - **Downside:** You'll need to get from Europa Bus Centre to your hotel ### Taxi - **Cost:** £30-45 fixed price - **Good for:** Smaller families - **Space:** Standard sedan — 2 adults + 2 kids + 2-3 bags - **No child seats** available ## Airport facilities BFS has basic but adequate family amenities: - **Baby changing rooms** in arrivals - **WH Smith** for snacks and essentials - **ATM** for cash - **Free Wi-Fi** - **Limited food options** after arrivals — get snacks before landing ## Luggage reality | Family size | Luggage | Best transport | |---|---|---| | 2 adults + 1 child | 2 bags + stroller | Taxi or bus | | 2 adults + 2 children | 3 bags + stroller | Taxi or transfer | | 2 adults + 3+ children | 4+ bags + gear | Minivan transfer | ## Family road trips from Belfast Northern Ireland is compact and great for family road trips. If you're renting a car: | Destination | Distance from BFS | Drive time | Good for kids? | |---|---|---|---| | Belfast city (Titanic) | 22 km | 30 min | Yes — Titanic museum is excellent | | Giant's Causeway | 95 km | 75 min | Yes — must-see natural wonder | | Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge | 100 km | 80 min | Yes (age 5+) | | Newcastle (Mourne Mountains) | 75 km | 60 min | Yes — beach and mountains | | Enniskillen (Fermanagh Lakelands) | 120 km | 90 min | Yes — lakes and castles | --- ### How much does it cost to get from Belfast International Airport to the city? **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bfs/cost-to-city 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. --- ## Check before you land 👉 This route is actively served by AirportTransferPortal with fixed-price booking available before arrival. Check real vehicles and prices before your flight. Booking takes a few minutes and ensures someone is waiting when you arrive. --- ## Operational Note This guide reflects real operational conditions, pricing ranges, and traveler experience at Belfast (BFS). Transfer availability is supported by AirportTransferPortal's verified supplier network. --- ## Attribution Published by AirportTransferPortal (airporttransferportal.com), a global airport transfer marketplace operated by Funny Tourism Ltd.