Belfast International Airport guide
Belfast International Airport Terminals and Arrivals
Belfast International Airport has one passenger terminal, and arriving passengers exit into a single arrivals area where taxis, buses and pick-up points are located. Signs direct you from the baggage reclaim to the arrivals hall, so you can find your transport without difficulty. If you are meeting someone, the arrivals hall is where people wait.
The arrivals area is busy at peak flight times, particularly in the evening and during school holidays. Allow a little extra time after you collect your bags, especially if you are travelling with young children or large luggage.
How to Get from Belfast International Airport to Belfast
The main ways to get from Belfast International Airport to Belfast are the Airport Express bus, a metered taxi from the rank, a pre-booked private transfer, or a car you have hired at the airport. Each option suits different budgets, group sizes and schedules.
- Airport Express bus: Translink's Airport Express 300 service runs between the airport and Belfast city centre. Timetables change, so check the latest times with Translink before you travel.
- Taxi from the rank: Licensed taxis wait outside the arrivals hall. The fare depends on the route and traffic, so ask the driver for an estimate before you set off.
- Private transfer: A pre-booked driver can take you directly to your address, with the price confirmed in advance.
- Hire car: Car hire desks operate in the terminal, which suits travellers who plan to explore beyond the city.
Journey times from Belfast International Airport to the city centre depend heavily on traffic, so allow extra time during the morning and evening rush hours.
Belfast International Airport Private Transfer and Taxi
A private transfer from Belfast International Airport gives you a driver waiting for you rather than a queue at the taxi rank. You can check prices or request a quote for your journey on the Vonaride website.
Because flight tracking follows your arrival, your driver can adjust the pick-up time if your flight from BFS is delayed or lands early. Drivers meet you in the arrivals area with a name sign, and they speak English. You receive a fixed price at booking, so there are no surprises for traffic on the way into Belfast. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before pick-up, and waiting time is included, with its length shown before you book.
Arriving in Belfast: What to Know
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and a compact city, so most visitors reach the centre, the Cathedral Quarter and the Titanic Quarter without difficulty. Pounds sterling are used, although many businesses accept cards. Public transport and taxis serve the city centre well, and local buses and taxis operate across the city.
Belfast International Airport is set some way from the centre, so plan your onward travel before you land. If you are staying in a suburb or outside the city, confirm your route with your driver or accommodation in advance.
Facilities and Services at Belfast International Airport
Belfast International Airport offers cafés, shops and places to buy travel essentials, both before and after security. Car parks are available for drivers picking up or dropping off passengers, and the terminal has toilets and accessible facilities. Check the airport's website before you travel for current opening hours and services.
Car hire desks, taxi and bus stops, and pick-up areas are all close to the terminal, making it straightforward to move between transport options.
Ready to plan your Belfast transfer? Check prices or request a quote with Vonaride for your journey from Belfast International Airport, and choose the option that suits your arrival time and group.
Updated November 2, 2026
