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 |
Fixed-price private transfer
BFS Belfast City Center
From€92for 2 passengers
Other destinations
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Are there hotels at Belfast International Airport?
Check the airport's website and the hotels directly for locations and current room rates.