Good news for families: Belfast City Airport is just 5km from the city center. The journey to your hotel is going to be quick and easy regardless of which transport you choose.
Child car seat rules
UK rules apply: children need a car seat until 12 years old or 135cm tall. Taxis are exempt. For a 10-minute taxi ride, most families are comfortable with the exemption. If you want seats, book a transfer and request them.
Best transport for families
Taxi (simplest)
- Cost: metered — roughly £8-10 at the regulated daytime cap for the 3-mile run
- Time: 10 minutes
- Why: At this distance and price, a taxi is the obvious family choice
- Space: A standard taxi fits a family of 4 with luggage easily
- Reality: The ride is so short that car seat concerns are minimal
Bus
- Cost: Airport Express 600, with reduced child fares — check Translink's journey planner
- Time: 15 minutes
- Works for: Families with manageable luggage and older kids
- Strollers: Go in the luggage area
Train
- Cost: the cheapest option; fare on Translink's journey planner
- Catch: a short walk to Sydenham rail halt from the terminal — doable but not ideal with a stroller and tired kids
Transfer
- Cost: fixed when you book
- When: Only if you need child seats or a specific vehicle
- Honestly: Overkill for a 5km journey
Airport facilities
BHD is small but has the basics:
- Baby changing in terminal washrooms
- Small shop for snacks
- Free Wi-Fi
- No play area (but the journey is so short, kids won't need one)
The Titanic Quarter
If you're visiting Belfast with kids, the Titanic Belfast museum is just 3km from BHD — practically next door, and under 2 miles by road, so the metered fare is about as low as a taxi ride gets. It's one of the best museums in the UK for older children (8+).
Luggage
At 5km and 10 minutes, luggage is barely a consideration. A standard taxi handles a full family's holiday luggage. The bus has under-floor storage. Even the train has space for bags.
| Family size | Best option | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Any family size | Taxi | Metered, ~£8-10 at the cap |
| Budget family | Bus or train | Fares on Translink's journey planner |
| Need car seats | Transfer | Fixed when you book |
Fixed-price private transfer
BHD Belfast City Center
From€55for 2 passengers
Other destinations
Connecting to Belfast International (BFS)
If you need to get between the two Belfast airports (maybe flying in on one, out on the other):
- By road: about 30 km, 30-40 minutes. Long enough that it is usually agreed as a fixed price in advance rather than run on the meter — get a quote.
- Public transport: possible via Grand Central Station and the Airport Express 300, but 90+ minutes with changes — not practical with kids