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 |
Fixed-price private transfer
BFS Belfast City Center
From€94for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €110 per vehicle, about €28 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Other destinations
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
When a private transfer from BFS is the right choice
- You want the price settled before you land: fixed, confirmed in writing, no meter, no night or luggage surcharge at the kerb.
- Three or more people: a 4-seat car to Belfast City Center is from €110, about €28 per person, usually level with or below separate public-transport tickets once you count the walk, the wait and the last mile with bags.
- Flight delays: the driver follows your flight number; 60 minutes of waiting are included, and you can cancel free up to 24 hours before pickup.
BFS → Belfast City Center from €94Fixed price, flight tracked, free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.