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Getting here by air
Flying into Belfast, you’ll either arrive at Belfast International Airport or George Best City Airport.
Belfast International Airport is approximately 20 miles north-west of the city. Flights from London and other UK cities, as well as Europe and the US, land here. Belfast City Airport is just three miles from the centre of town. This is where Aer Lingus, British Airways, KLM and Eastern Airways all fly to and from.
The Airport Express Bus operates from both. The Airport Express 300 will get you from Belfast International Airport to town in about 30-40 minutes. The Airport Express 600 does the trip from George Best City Airport in about 10 minutes.
You’ll find taxis on hand at both airports and, if you take this option, it’s always worth having a chat with your driver. They ooze local knowledge and are always willing to share it with visitors. Besides, it’s amazing what you can learn about a place in the time it takes you to get from A to B.
Getting here by sea
It takes as little as an hour to get you here on a superfast ferry, depending on the sailing.
Stena Line and P&O Ferries operate across the Irish Sea with sailings between Belfast to Cairnryan in Scotland, and between Liverpool and Belfast.
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company runs between Belfast and the Isle of Man.
For any visiting cruise ship passengers, there’s a handy shuttle bus service to and from the port to the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre in the city centre. Or if you prefer you can book a taxi to take you directly to your destination.
Getting to Belfast from Dublin and the Republic of Ireland
It really is just up the road and getting there couldn’t be easier. Though Dublin-Belfast is a popular route, there are links from most of the major cities in the Republic of Ireland to places across Northern Ireland.
By rail
Dublin and Belfast are the key rail hubs, with connections to many more cities and towns. Irish Rail are the Republic’s rail operator. In Northern Ireland, it’s Translink.
Running between Dublin’s Connolly Station and Belfast’s Lanyon Place, the Enterprise train is the fastest and most efficient way of getting there by rail. It’s just two hours to Belfast.
By bus
Bus Eireann and Translink operate a joint service that runs from Busáras in Dublin city centre and from Dublin Airport to Belfast. There are 21 departures every day and your journey will take approximately two hours. If you want to find information on routes and fares, have a look at www.buseireann.ie.
By car
Going by car to Belfast is really a case of ‘upwards and onwards’. Getting there is just the start, then you’re spoilt for choice. Consider heading for the hills and the glorious Mountains of Mourne, or keep on motoring in the direction of stunning coastline on one of the world’s most scenic drives – the Causeway Coastal Route.
So let’s get you there first.
Travelling from Dublin to Belfast, the M1 is your friend. As are the signposts. It’s very hard to go wrong here – just remember that after you pass Newry, you’re on a dual carriageway for a short stretch. Motorway rules no longer apply, until you re-join it at the Sprucefield roundabout. And you should reach your destination – Belfast, that is – within two hours.
The roads are good and well-signposted, so you’re in for an easy and memorable trip.
Getting around Belfast
On foot
In estate-agent speak, Belfast would be described as compact and bijou. Delightfully so if you’re hot-footing it around the city. And that’s really the way to do it.
On two wheels
Hiring a Belfast Bike to get about is a really good option. You can register as a casual user while you’re here. And with 30 docking stations conveniently situated around the city, you’ve the freedom to come and go as you please. Visit www.belfastbikes.co.uk to find out more.
On four wheels
Buses and taxis are easy to navigate and generally on hand when you need them. And, if you haven’t got your own, car hire is simple to organise.
Getting on with your trip
More ‘Buses, Trains and Automobiles’ than ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’, Belfast has great road, rail and bus connections to the rest of Northern Ireland.
