Getting from Belfast International Airport to your destination

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 single and takes 30-40 minutes. Taxis are metered under a regulated maximum tariff, which puts the ride into the city around £25-30 at the cap. A pre-booked transfer is priced when you book. There is no train from this airport.

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.

Airport Express 300 bus (best value) — Runs every 10-15 minutes during the day, taking 30-40 minutes to Belfast Grand Central Station (the city-centre bus and rail hub that replaced the Europa Buscentre in September 2024). Translink prices it at £8.00 adult single and £11.00 for the adult monthly return (child £4.00 and £5.50). Clean, comfortable coaches with luggage space. This is the standard option.

Taxi — Available outside arrivals; the drive takes 25-35 minutes. Taxis in Northern Ireland are metered, and the Department for Infrastructure caps what the meter may charge. Under the maximum tariff in force since 5 December 2023, the standard daytime rate (Rate 1, Mon-Fri 06:00-20:00) is £4.20 for the first mile and £1.86 for each additional mile, so the roughly 12-mile run into Belfast works out at about £25-30 at the cap, before any waiting time in traffic. Evenings and weekends run on higher rates (Rate 2 and Rate 3, £5.10-£6.10 for the first mile and £2.03 per mile after). These are ceilings, not fixed prices — the meter may read less — and the Department reviews them periodically, so treat the figures as the current cap rather than a quote. The airport's own operator displays a list of sample fares in the exit hall — worth a look on your way past.

Pre-booked transfer — Driver meets you in arrivals at a price fixed when you book. Worth it for families, late arrivals, or groups.

Uber — Available in Belfast but less established than in mainland UK cities. The app quotes before you confirm.

Rental car — Available at the airport. Belfast is easy to drive in and parking is cheaper than most UK cities. 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.

The honest version of this table is short, because only one of these numbers is knowable in advance.

Into Belfast (20 km / ~12 miles): Taxis in Northern Ireland are metered, and the Department for Infrastructure caps what the meter may charge. Under the maximum tariff in force since 5 December 2023, the standard daytime rate (Rate 1, Mon-Fri 06:00-20:00) is £4.20 for the first mile and £1.86 for each additional mile, so the roughly 12-mile run into Belfast works out at about £25-30 at the cap, before any waiting time in traffic. Evenings and weekends run on higher rates (Rate 2 and Rate 3, £5.10-£6.10 for the first mile and £2.03 per mile after). These are ceilings, not fixed prices — the meter may read less — and the Department reviews them periodically, so treat the figures as the current cap rather than a quote.

Everywhere else: Derry, the Giant's Causeway, Portrush and Dublin are long runs of 90-170 km. In practice these are arranged as private-hire jobs at a price agreed before you set off, not left to a meter, and a Dublin trip crosses into the Republic where Northern Ireland's tariff does not apply at all. Get a quote from the operator or your transfer provider for the specific journey rather than working from a range on a web page — a 100 km fare is far too sensitive to vehicle, time and route for a printed estimate to be worth anything.

The Airport Express 300 runs until about midnight, with the last bus around 11:45 PM. Check the current Translink timetable for your date. 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. Late-night and weekend journeys run on the higher regulated rates (Rate 2 and Rate 3), so the meter legitimately reads more than it would at midday. A pre-booked transfer is the safest bet for very late arrivals.

The airport terminal stays open while flights are operating. No overnight facilities.

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.

Bus: The Airport Express 300 stop is directly outside the arrivals exit. Look for the blue bus shelters.

Taxi: The official rank is outside arrivals. The fare runs on the meter under the regulated maximum tariff; sample fares are displayed in the exit hall.

Uber: Pick-up from the short-stay car park area.

Pre-booked transfer: Driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign.

• Going to Belfast city center: Airport Express 300 (£8 single, 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 a scheduled coach — check Translink and Aircoach for current services and fares