How to Get from Belfast International Airport to the City Centre
Belfast International to the city centre: the direct bus, taxis, transfers and car hire compared, written from living in the city.
Landing at Belfast International Airport and wondering how to reach the city centre? There's quite a few reliable options, including a direct bus, taxis and private transfers, as well as car hire. Here's everything you need to know to get from BFS to Belfast city centre smoothly from someone who lives in Belfast!
First things first: Belfast has two airports. You're at Belfast International (BFS), which is about 30km northwest of the city centre. The other one, George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD), is much closer to town but handles different routes. Now that's sorted, let's get you into Belfast.
Airport Express Bus at Belfast International Airport BFS
The Best Ways to Get from Belfast International to Belfast City Centre
Airport Express 300: The Most Popular Option
The Airport Express 300 bus is your best bet for a direct journey to Belfast city centre (Grand Central Station). It's reliable, runs frequently, and stops at key locations throughout the city. If I'm not driving, this is the option I pick.
Key details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Journey time | 45-55 minutes to Europa Buscentre |
| Frequency | Every 20-30 minutes during peak times |
| Cost | £9 single, £14 return (adult fares) |
| Operating hours | Approximately 05:00 to 23:30 |
The 300 makes several stops in the city centre, ending at Grand Central Station, Belfast's big central transport hub, where you can connect to local buses, trains (including to Dublin) and taxis. If you're staying near the Cathedral Quarter or Titanic Quarter, you'll want to hop off at Castle Street or Donegall Square and walk or take a local bus.
The Translink ticket machine at BFS
You can buy tickets from the driver (cash or contactless), or at the ticket machine at the bus stop (right outside the terminal building, and it's very easy to find. You could download the Translink mLink app for slightly cheaper fares (more information here) and to avoid fumbling with change when you've just landed.
Service 600: The Budget Alternative
If you're not in a rush and want to save a couple of pounds, Service 600 offers a slower but cheaper route to Belfast. It takes about 70 minutes, runs every 30-60 minutes and costs about £6.50. It follows a different path, and would be good for anyone heading to Antrim or Ballymena.
Taxi: Door-to-Door Convenience
A taxi from Belfast International to the city centre is straightforward, though you'll pay for the convenience.
The taxi rank is directly outside the arrivals hall, you can't miss it. All licensed taxis have meters and you'll pay around £35-45 to the city centre, depending on your final destination. A taxi can be good value if you have a group or have heavy luggage (particularly if there's more than 2 of you).
- Journey time: 35-45 minutes (depending on traffic and destination)
- Cost: £35-45 to city centre locations
Arrivals area at BFS Belfast International Airport
Car Hire at BFS
Belfast International has car hire desks from all major companies (Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, Budget), and if you're planning to explore Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland, hiring a car gives you the best level of flexibility. Compare pricing with Discover Cars or Expedia Cars.
The 30-40 minute route to Belfast is straightforward - follow signs for the A57, then join the M2 motorway towards Belfast. Expect parking to cost at least £1.50-2.50 per hour. Some Belfast hotels might offer overnight deals starting around £20 a night.
Practical Tips for Your Journey
- Timing: if you travel during Belfast's rush hours (7.30-9am or 5-6.30pm), expect the Airport Express to take up to an hour.
- Currency: you'll need sterling for any purchases in the North.
- Wi-fi: there's fast free wi-fi at the airport, so map your route or finalise accommodation before you walk outside!
- Luggage: the bus will accommodate standard checked suitcases, but at very busy times the racks can get full.
Getting Around Belfast Once You Arrive
Belfast city centre is compact and very walkable. Most attractions, restaurants, and hotels are within easy walking distance of the main bus stops. If you're still deciding where to stay in Belfast, the city centre areas near Great Victoria Street or around City Hall put you within walking distance of most attractions.
For longer journeys within Belfast, the city has good local bus services, and taxis are readily available. If you need to leave from Belfast City Airport (BHD), there's decent public transport and taxis too.
Some visitors bypass Belfast on a trip to Northern Ireland, but they should consider it an excellent base for exploring the North, from day trips
The city centre is compact, friendly, and makes an excellent base for exploring Northern Ireland. Belfast has our famous North of Ireland craic waiting for you - you just need to get there first!