# Belfast Airport Transfer Guide (BFS)

本文件提供中文说明与当前英文指南原文。详细机场内容为英文，并非经过核实的完整中文翻译；请以实时预订流程确认价格、可用性及服务条款。

Belfast International (BFS/Aldergrove) to Belfast city centre: Airport Express 300 fares, the regulated NI taxi tariff, and honest transport advice.

**Airport:** BFS
**City:** Belfast
**Country:** United Kingdom
**URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bfs
**Last updated:** 2026-10-17

Prices and transport schedules in this editorial guide are indicative. Confirm current public transport fares with the operator. Current transfer prices, availability and terms are shown in the live booking flow.

## Main Guide

### Quick answer

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.

### What actually happens after landing

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.

### Transport options explained honestly

**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.

### Realistic pricing expectations

**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.

### Late night arrivals

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.

### Families and luggage

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.

### Where you meet the driver

**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.

### Decision helper

- **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

## Summary

## Sources (checked 2026-10-17)

- Airport Express 300 adult single £8.00, child £4.00, monthly return £11.00 (Translink ticket types): https://www.translink.co.uk/our-apps/mlink-ticketing-app/ticket-types
- Northern Ireland maximum taxi fares, Rates 1-3, effective 5 December 2023: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/news/maximum-taxi-fares-increase
- Translink airport ticket machines (including Belfast Grand Central) and the airLink rail add-on for bus 109A: https://www.translink.co.uk/using-translink/airport-services
- Child car seat rule, 12 years or 135cm: https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Is there a train from Belfast International Airport?**
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. The Airport Express 300 coach is the direct public transport option into the city.

**Q: What's the difference between Belfast's two airports?**
Belfast International (BFS) and Belfast City (BHD/George Best) are separate airports. Check which one your flight uses.

**Q: How much is a taxi from Belfast International Airport?**
Taxis here are metered, not fixed-price, and the meter is capped by the Department for Infrastructure. Since 5 December 2023 Rate 1 (Mon-Fri 06:00-20:00) is an initial charge of £3.20, about £4.20 for the first mile and £1.86 per mile after; Rates 2 and 3 are higher. Check the current tariff before you travel.

**Q: Can I get from Belfast International to Dublin?**
Yes, but not by metered taxi: the journey crosses into the Republic of Ireland, where Northern Ireland's taxi tariff does not apply. A pre-booked transfer covers it at a price agreed when you book. Check Translink for scheduled coach services and fares.

**Q: What currency does Northern Ireland use?**
Northern Ireland uses British pounds sterling (GBP/£), not euros.

## 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 is what to plan for when you land after dark.

## What is available at night

| Transport | Notes |
|---|---|
| Airport Express 300 | Check the Translink timetable for the last departure on your date; adult single £8.00 |
| Taxi | Metered; evening and weekend bands apply |
| Pre-booked transfer | Meet-and-greet if included in your booking; fixed when you book |

## The Airport Express at night

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. If your flight is late, confirm the last departure before you rely on the bus, and have a taxi or pre-booked transfer as the fallback.

## Taxis at night

Late-night fares are **legitimately higher than daytime**, and that is not a driver improvising: the Department for Infrastructure's maximum tariff has separate night and weekend bands. 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. The meter applies, capped at those rates; you are not expected to negotiate.

## Pre-booked transfer for late arrivals

For a late arrival, a pre-booked transfer is a predictable option because the price is fixed:
- Ask whether the booking includes flight tracking, so you know what happens if you are delayed
- A driver waits at arrivals with your name (if included in your booking)
- The price is fixed when you book
- No relying on the rank at midnight

## If you need to wait until morning

Check the airport's own website for what is open overnight and for nearby hotels, and confirm rates directly with the hotel.

## Sources (checked 2026-10-17)

- Airport Express 300 adult single £8.00, child £4.00, monthly return £11.00 (Translink ticket types): https://www.translink.co.uk/our-apps/mlink-ticketing-app/ticket-types
- Northern Ireland maximum taxi fares, Rates 1-3, effective 5 December 2023: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/news/maximum-taxi-fares-increase

**Q: Does the airport bus run after midnight?**
Check the Translink timetable for the last Airport Express 300 departure on your date. If you land after it, you need a taxi or a pre-booked transfer.

**Q: Are there taxis at Belfast International at 1 AM?**
Availability can vary late at night. Pre-booking a transfer removes that risk, and the fare at night runs on the higher regulated rates if you do take a metered taxi.

**Q: Are there hotels at Belfast International Airport?**
Check the airport's website and the hotels directly for locations and current room rates.

## Taxi vs private transfer from Belfast International Airport
**URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bfs/taxi-vs-transfer

Here is when a metered taxi and when a pre-booked transfer makes more sense from Belfast International.

## Side-by-side comparison

| Factor | Taxi | Private Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| **Cost to city center** | Metered, under the regulated maximum tariff | Fixed when you book |
| **Booking** | Not needed | Required |
| **Meet & greet** | No | Yes, in arrivals |
| **Child seats** | Do not assume | On request |
| **Payment** | At the end of the ride | Pre-paid online |

## Belfast International taxis

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.

What this means in practice:
- The fare is **metered**, so you do not have to negotiate one
- The tariff is a **ceiling**, not a fixed price: the meter can read less
- The caps are reviewed periodically, so check the current tariff rather than trusting a figure you read online

## When a taxi works well

- **Daytime arrival**, when Rate 1 is the cheapest band
- **Going straight to a Belfast hotel**
- **Solo or couple**, where the metered fare is split two ways
- **You want no advance booking**

## When a transfer is better

- **Late night arrival**: pickup arranged in advance (confirm meet-and-greet in your booking)
- **Going to Derry, the Giant's Causeway or beyond**: a long trip at a fixed price
- **Family with car seat needs**: request seats at booking
- **Large group**: book a specific vehicle in advance
- **Going to Dublin**: a journey that crosses into the Republic of Ireland is best pre-booked

## The price gap

A metered taxi is whatever the meter reads up to the cap; a transfer is whatever you agree when you book. What the extra buys:
- A vehicle arranged in advance, which matters at night when Rate 2 and Rate 3 also push the meter up
- Meet & greet service, if included in the booking
- Flight tracking, if included in the booking
- Pre-arranged payment

## Don't forget the bus

For budget-conscious travellers going to the city centre, the **Airport Express 300 at £8.00 adult single** (Translink mLink ticket page) is the public-transport option. The taxi vs transfer choice matters when you specifically need a car (late night, lots of luggage, destination not on the bus route).

## Sources (checked 2026-10-17)

- Airport Express 300 adult single £8.00, child £4.00, monthly return £11.00 (Translink ticket types): https://www.translink.co.uk/our-apps/mlink-ticketing-app/ticket-types
- Northern Ireland maximum taxi fares, Rates 1-3, effective 5 December 2023: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/news/maximum-taxi-fares-increase

**Q: Do Belfast International Airport taxis use meters?**
Yes. 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) is an initial charge of £3.20, about £4.20 for the first mile and £1.86 per mile after, with higher rates at night and at weekends. The caps are reviewed periodically, so check the current tariff before you travel.

**Q: Are there enough taxis at Belfast International?**
Availability can be limited late at night or for very early flights. If your flight arrives after midnight, pre-book a transfer to be safe.

**Q: Can I get a transfer from Belfast International to the Giant's Causeway?**
Yes. Because it is a long run, it is arranged at a price agreed when you book rather than left to the meter, so get a quote for your specific journey. Some services offer day-trip packages that include waiting time.

## 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 that the airport has no rail station of its own.

## UK child car seat rules

UK government guidance says children must normally use a child car seat until they are **12 years old or 135cm tall**, whichever comes first. If you need a seat for the transfer, ask for it when you book and confirm it before travel; do not assume a taxi from the rank will have one.

## Best transport for families

### Pre-booked transfer (recommended for families)
- **Cost:** fixed when you book; sedans and minivans priced separately
- **Why:** child seats can be requested at booking, door-to-door, luggage help
- **Best for:** families with young children and lots of luggage

### Airport Express 300
- **Cost:** £8.00 adult single, £4.00 child single (Translink mLink ticket types)
- **Works for:** families with older kids and manageable luggage
- **Downside:** you will still need to get from the city centre drop-off to your hotel

### Taxi
- **Cost:** metered under the regulated maximum tariff (see below)
- **Good for:** smaller families
- **Child seats:** do not assume one will be available

## Taxi tariff

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.

## 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's best-known family sights, such as the Giant's Causeway and the Antrim coast, are spread out, so a rental car or a pre-arranged driver gives you the most flexibility.

## Sources (checked 2026-10-17)

- Airport Express 300 adult single £8.00, child £4.00, monthly return £11.00 (Translink ticket types): https://www.translink.co.uk/our-apps/mlink-ticketing-app/ticket-types
- Northern Ireland maximum taxi fares, Rates 1-3, effective 5 December 2023: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/news/maximum-taxi-fares-increase
- Child car seat rule, 12 years or 135cm: https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules

**Q: Do Belfast airport taxis have child car seats?**
Do not assume so. A taxi from the rank is not something you can reserve a child seat on in advance. If you need car seats, book a private transfer and request them specifically.

**Q: Is the airport bus OK with kids?**
The Airport Express 300 is a coach service with child fares (£4.00 single on Translink's ticket page). The main inconvenience is getting from the city centre drop-off to your specific hotel.

**Q: Should we rent a car for Northern Ireland with kids?**
If you plan to visit the Giant's Causeway, the Antrim coast, or other attractions beyond Belfast, a rental car gives you flexibility, since the best sights are spread out.

## 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 Airport is north-west of the city, and getting into Belfast is straightforward. Here is what each option costs.

## Complete price comparison

| Transport | Cost | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Express 300 | £8.00 adult single / £11.00 adult monthly return (Translink mLink ticket page) | Check the Translink timetable | Public-transport users |
| Taxi | Metered, capped by the Northern Ireland maximum tariff | Depends on traffic | Convenience |
| Ride-hailing apps | Quoted in the app before you confirm | Depends on traffic | App users |
| Pre-booked transfer | Fixed price quoted at booking | Depends on traffic | Families, groups |

## Airport Express 300

The Airport Express 300 is the standard public-transport link into Belfast. Translink's mLink ticket page lists **£8.00 for an adult single** and **£11.00 for an adult monthly return** (child fares £4.00 and £5.50). A single is valid on the Airport Express 300 between the airport and Belfast city centre, and the monthly return is delivered to your phone in the mLink app as two single tickets. Key points:

- Services run to **Belfast Grand Central Station**, the bus and rail hub that replaced the Europa Buscentre, which Translink says has closed
- From there, you're a short walk or taxi from most hotels
- Translink ticket machines at the airport and at Grand Central sell tickets for airport services
- Other sales channels may show different prices, so check the current timetable and fares on Translink's site or app before you travel, as they change from time to time

## Taxi pricing

Taxis in Northern Ireland are **metered**, not fixed-price, and the Department for Infrastructure sets the maximum fares. The current maximum tariff has applied since 5 December 2023:

| Rate | When | Initial charge | First mile (approx.) | Each additional mile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate 1 | Mon-Fri 06:00-20:00 | £3.20 | £4.20 | £1.86 |
| Rate 2 | Mon-Thu 20:00-06:00 | £4.00 | £5.10 | £2.03 |
| Rate 3 | Fri 20:00 - Mon 06:00 (and specified days) | £5.00 | £6.10 | £2.03 |

There are separate higher Christmas and New Year rates. These are maximums; drivers may charge less, and the Department reviews the tariff periodically, so treat this as a guide rather than a quote. The tariff does not give a fare for a specific journey from the airport.

## Cost to destinations beyond Belfast

Derry, the Giant's Causeway, Portrush, Enniskillen, Dublin and Donegal are long runs. They are usually arranged privately at a price agreed before departure, and anything into the Republic (Dublin, Donegal) is outside Northern Ireland's tariff entirely. Ask the operator or your transfer provider to quote your specific journey. We are not printing estimates for these: the real number depends too much on vehicle, time and route for a range to mean anything.

## The Dublin question

Many travelers need to get between Belfast International and Dublin. Options:
- **Pre-booked transfer:** direct, with the price fixed when you book
- **Airport Express 300 to Belfast Grand Central + train to Dublin:** cheaper, but you change at Grand Central
- **Direct coach:** check Translink and Aircoach for current routes

Compare the transfer quote with the bus and train combination, which involves a change at Grand Central.

## Our recommendation

The **Airport Express** (£8.00 adult single on Translink's mLink ticket page) is the public-transport option for Belfast city centre. It drops you at Grand Central Station in the heart of the city. Use a taxi or transfer when you have lots of luggage, are traveling late, or heading somewhere beyond Belfast.

## Sources (checked 2026-10-17)

- Airport Express 300 adult single £8.00 and monthly return £11.00 (child £4.00 / £5.50): https://www.translink.co.uk/our-apps/mlink-ticketing-app/ticket-types
- Airport ticket machines at the airport and Belfast Grand Central: https://www.translink.co.uk/using-translink/airport-services
- Europa Buscentre closed, services operate from Belfast Grand Central: https://www.translink.co.uk/using-translink/station-finder/stationguide/europabuscentre
- Taxi maximum fares (Rate 1/2/3, in force 5 December 2023): https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/news/maximum-taxi-fares-increase

**Q: How do I pay for the Airport Express 300?**
Translink sells Airport Express 300 tickets in its **mLink** app, and ticket machines at the airport and at Belfast Grand Central sell tickets for airport services. On Translink's mLink ticket page an adult single is £8.00 and an adult monthly return is £11.00; other sales channels may show different prices.

**Q: Do Belfast taxis accept cards?**
Payment options vary by driver and company, so ask before you start the journey.

**Q: Is it cheaper to fly into Belfast International or Belfast City?**
Compare the whole trip rather than the flight alone: the fare for each airport plus the ground transport at each end. Belfast City Airport (BHD) is closer to the city centre, so its ground leg is shorter, but check flight prices for both airports.

**Q: How much does it cost to get from Belfast International Airport to the city centre?**
The Airport Express 300 bus is £8.00 for an adult single on Translink's mLink ticket page and runs to Belfast Grand Central Station. Taxis are metered under the Department for Infrastructure maximum tariff (Rate 1: about £4.20 for the first mile, then £1.86 per mile), so the fare depends on distance, time of day and traffic.

## Published Guide Pages

- https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bfs
- https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bfs/late-night
- https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bfs/taxi-vs-transfer
- https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bfs/family-and-kids
- https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bfs/cost-to-city

## Booking and Support

Search: https://www.airporttransferportal.com/search?airport=BFS
Airport Transfer Portal is a marketplace; local operators fulfil the transfer. Availability depends on the route, travel date and eligible operator.
Phone: +44 20 4538 9927 — UK office hours (London local time).
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Published by Airport Transfer Portal (airporttransferportal.com), operated by Funny Tourism Ltd.