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 | Metered; ~£25-30 at the regulated cap | Fixed when you book |
| 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 |
Fixed-price private transfer
BFS Belfast City Center
From€90for 2 passengers
Other destinations
Belfast International taxis
The taxi setup at BFS is more regulated than it looks. Northern Ireland taxis run on meters, and the Department for Infrastructure caps what those meters may charge. Under the maximum tariff in force since 5 December 2023, Rate 1 (Mon-Fri 06:00-20:00) is £4.20 for the first mile and £1.86 for each additional mile — about £25-30 at the cap for the ~12 miles into Belfast, before waiting time. Rate 2 (weekday nights) and Rate 3 (weekends) are higher.
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 airport's taxi operator displays sample fares in the exit hall
- 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 — taxis available, and Rate 1 is the cheapest band
- Going straight to a Belfast hotel — simple, quick journey
- Solo or couple — the metered fare is reasonable split two ways
- You want no advance booking — just join the rank
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
A metered taxi into the city sits around £25-30 at the daytime cap; a transfer is whatever you agree when you book, and is normally somewhat more. The gap at BFS is smaller than at most airports. What the extra buys:
- Guaranteed availability (important at night, when Rate 2 and Rate 3 also push the meter up)
- 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 single 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).