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About Belfast International Airport

Belfast International Airport is located at Aldergrove in County Antrim, in the province of Ulster and within the Antrim and Newtownabbey district, around 21 kilometres northwest of Belfast city centre. Opened to modern civil air traffic in 1963, the airport is operated by Belfast International Airport Limited under the ownership of VINCI Airports. As Northern Ireland's principal airport, it plays a central role in regional connectivity, supporting business travel, tourism, freight activity and access to flight tickets for passengers across the wider Belfast area.

The airport operates from a single passenger terminal with clearly separated flows for domestic flights and international flights, including dedicated arrivals, baggage reclaim, security, retail, food and beverage, car parking, lounge and special assistance facilities. Its infrastructure includes two runways and a terminal designed to handle several million passengers a year, with recent traffic at around 6 million to 7 million passengers annually. Demand is typically steady on UK routes throughout the year, while leisure traffic rises strongly in spring and summer as holiday services to Europe and sun destinations increase.

Airlines operating from Belfast International Airport include easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2.com, TUI and selected seasonal or charter operators. Key direct domestic destinations include London Gatwick, London Luton, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Bristol, Edinburgh and Glasgow, while popular international flights serve cities and holiday markets such as Amsterdam, Paris, Krakow, Alicante, Malaga, Faro, Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Antalya and Dalaman. Overall demand is supported by a balanced mix of visiting friends and relatives, city breaks, outbound leisure travel and essential UK connectivity.

Belfast International Airport to Belfast City Center Transport

Belfast International Airport offers several transport options to Belfast city center, including public buses, airport coach services, taxis, car rental, and private transfers. Journey times are usually around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic and the chosen service.

Bus

Public bus and coach services depart from the front of Belfast International Airport terminal and connect the airport with Belfast city center and other parts of Northern Ireland. The average journey time to central Belfast is about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

• Airport Express 300: direct service between Belfast International Airport and Belfast city center.
• Ulsterbus 109A: connects the airport with Lisburn, Antrim Buscentre, and onward transport links.

Airport Shuttle

There is no Havas or Havabus branded shuttle service at Belfast International Airport. The main airport shuttle-style option is the regular Airport Express 300 coach, which runs between the terminal and central Belfast. The average journey time is approximately 30 to 40 minutes.

• Belfast Grand Central Station: convenient for city center hotels and onward bus or rail travel.
• Europa Buscentre area: useful for central Belfast connections.
• Templepatrick: available on selected airport coach routes.

Taxi

Taxis are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from the official taxi rank outside the terminal. A taxi from Belfast International Airport to Belfast city center usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

• Official airport taxis are located outside the airport exit lobby.
• Taxi fares are typically displayed or confirmed before travel.
• Taxis are a convenient option for late arrivals, heavy luggage, or direct hotel drop-off.

Car Rental

Car rental is available at Belfast International Airport, with several rental companies operating offices in or near the arrivals area. This is a practical choice for travelers planning to explore Belfast, the Causeway Coast, or wider Northern Ireland by road.

• Rental desks are generally located in the arrivals hall or airport car rental area.
• Vehicles can usually be picked up shortly after leaving the terminal.
• Advance booking is recommended for the best vehicle choice and rates.

Transfer

A private airport transfer offers a pre-booked, door-to-door journey from Belfast International Airport to a hotel, apartment, office, or other address in Belfast city center. The average journey time is usually around 30 to 40 minutes.

• Recommended for families, groups, business travelers, or passengers arriving late at night.
• Drivers can meet passengers at arrivals with a name sign.
• Booking in advance helps secure the vehicle type, pickup time, and fixed price.