There are three airports in Northern Ireland. Between them, Belfast International Airport and the George Best Belfast City Airport welcome over 8 million visitors every year. In the north west of Northern Ireland, the City of Derry Airport offers easy access to Derry-Londonderry and beyond.
Belfast International Airport
Belfast International Airport is the larger of the two airports in Belfast. Located around 20 miles from the city centre, there are regular flights both in and out of many European cities and it’s worth remembering that it is less than an hour from London Stansted. Regular bus services are available from the front of the terminal building to Belfast city centre, Lisburn and Derry~Londonderry. Belfast Airport Taxis are available for hire 24/7 outside the right hand door of the airport Exit lobby. There is no direct rail link from the airport to Belfast city.
George Best Belfast City Airport
The Brazilian Pelé once said that George Best was the greatest footballer in the world. Belfast’s second airport, located in the east of the city not far from where Best was born, is named in his honour. George Best Belfast City Airport is small and compact, welcoming daily flights from the UK and from Amsterdam. Its major advantage is its proximity to Belfast city centre and onward travel across Northern Ireland. Taxis from Belfast City Airport to the city run 24/7, with the front of house pick up area reserved for Value Cab. Belfast City Airport is just a five minute hop to and from the city centre, with a designated Airport Express 600 Service every 20 minutes during peak times from the front of the terminal building to Belfast Grand Central Station. The journey only takes around 10 minutes. NI Railways services are available to connect Belfast City Airport with the rest of Northern Ireland. Sydenham rail halt is just a short distance by foot along the Sydenham Bypass from the terminal building and travel is available to either Lanyon Place station or Grand Central Station. For more details check out the Translink website. Pro tip: Purchase a Belfast Visitor Pass for 1, 2 or 3 days and get discounted tours, attractions and Airport Express 600 services to and from the Airport.
City of Derry Airport
City of Derry Airport sits approximately ten kilometres north-east of Derry-Londonderry. It is well connected to the UK with direct flights in and out of London Heathrow, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Birmingham. Ulsterbus operates various scheduled services to and from the airport to the main Bus Depot on Foyle Street in the City centre. Services also operate to and from Limavady. Other Ulsterbus and Translink services from throughout Northern Ireland, including the Maiden City Express from Belfast, terminate in the City’s main bus station at Foyle Street. City Cabs dedicated taxi rank is located immediately in front of the airport terminal. There is no direct rail link available from City of Derry Airport.
Getting here by Ferry
Visitors can also travel to Northern Ireland by ferry with first-class connections from Scotland, England and the Isle of Man.
New, high-speed vessels, enhanced on-board amenities, entertainment and shopping make the car ferry a very attractive way to travel.
For port information, please contact the Port of Larne or Belfast Harbour.
Ferry operators: P&O Irish Sea, Stena Line, Kintyre Express.
Taxi Services
Taxi services in Northern Ireland are a convenient and affordable way to get around. There are many different taxi companies to choose from, so you can find the one that best suits your needs. Some popular taxi companies in Northern Ireland include City Cabs, Value Cabs, fonaCAB, and 365 Taxis. These companies offer a variety of services, including airport transfers and executive cars. You can book online, by phone, or through their apps.
Cross-border services
There are of course good cross-border bus and rail links from the Republic of Ireland.
Ulsterbus works in co-operation with Bus Eireann while NI Railways works very closely with Iarnród Éireann as part of the Enterprise train service between Dublin and Belfast.
For more details on all Translink's services, visit www.translink.co.uk or call their contact centre on (028) 9066 6630.
