Belfast International Airport (BFS)
Belfast International Airport (BFS) is the main gateway to Northern Ireland, handling over 6.7 million passengers annually. Located in Aldergrove, about 21 kilometers from Belfast city center, it offers year-round connections to major UK hubs and seasonal flights across Europe.
Whether you’re flying in for business or exploring the region’s stunning landscapes, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know before you land.
Table of Contents
Belfast Airport General Information
IATA Code: BFS
ICAO Code: EGAA
Number of passengers: around 6.7 million annually
How to get from Belfast International Airport to Belfast
BFS Airport is approximately forty minutes by car or public transport. Learn more about how to get to Belfast from Belfast International Airport and back in the text below.
Bus
Passengers arriving at Belfast International Airport (BFS) can easily reach the city center using the Airport Express 300 bus. This service runs every 15–20 minutes, seven days a week, and stops at Templepatrick and Belfast Europa Buscentre, the city’s main transport hub. The journey takes around 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic. The bus stop is located just outside the terminal, and tickets can be purchased at the information desk, directly from the driver, or in advance via the Translink app.
For those heading further afield, the 705X Goldline service offers a direct connection from the airport to Derry/Londonderry, making it easy to travel across Northern Ireland without entering Belfast first.
Taxi
Taxis are available 24/7 outside the arrivals hall at Belfast International Airport. Official airport taxis operate with fixed rates to the city center, and the journey typically takes 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic.
In addition to standard taxis, ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt also operate in Belfast and can pick up at the designated area near the terminal. It’s recommended to check estimated fares and waiting times in advance, especially during peak hours.
Transfer
If you don’t like using public transport and are not a fan of taxis either, consider booking a private transfer, which will wait for you at the airport and take you wherever you need to go. The transfer company will send a professional driver to pick you up. It’s a convenient and comfortable option, especially if you’re traveling with luggage or children – child safety seats can be arranged in advance for added peace of mind.
Car hire
For those of you who would like to reach the city and explore the area on your own, the best option is to rent a car in Belfast airport. In fact, there are several car rental companies there, located in the Arrivals hall, so you can choose among Enterprise/National/Alamo, Budget, Europcar and Hertz. Book your car online and avoid unnecessary, last-minute hassle.
Renting a bus
Larger groups of passengers may consider renting a bus at the airport. However, it is recommended to book it in advance, so the bus rental companies have enough time to advise you on the meeting point and all other information.
Belfast International Airport Airlines
Belfast International Airport (BFS) is served by around 10 airlines, offering both year-round and seasonal flights. Most of them fly to and from various European destinations and airports such as London Luton, London Gatwick, Malaga, and Amsterdam. The airport continues to expand its network, with a focus on low-cost and leisure travel options.
Check out the list of airlines operating at this airport below:
- easyJet
- Jet2.com
- TUI Airways
- Ryanair
- WizzAir
- SunExpress
- Norwegian
- Vueling
- Lufthansa (seasonal/charter)
- Air France (seasonal/charter)
Amenities and services
BFS airport provides a range of amenities and services useful for passengers who are waiting for their flight or a layover.
Below, we’ve assembled a list of available amenities and services.
- Currency exchange office
- ATMs
- Restaurants and bars
- Parking space
- Duty-free shop
- Business Lounge
- Baby change facilities
- WiFi
Accommodation near Belfast International Airport
If you’re looking for available accommodation units and hotels near Belfast Airport, make sure to check out our map below:
Belfast International Airport FAQ
Yes, you can. The Airport Express 300 bus runs late into the evening, and taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber are available 24/7. Even with a late arrival, you’ll have no trouble getting to Belfast city center.
Yes, there are several hotels near the airport, including the Maldron Hotel Belfast International, which is just a short walk from the terminal. It’s ideal for travelers with early departures or overnight layovers.
Yes, there are currency exchange services available in the terminal. ATMs are also on-site if you prefer to withdraw cash directly in British pounds (GBP). Keep in mind that exchange rates and fees may vary, so it’s worth comparing options if you have time.
It’s recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before a short-haul flight and 3 hours before a long-haul flight, especially during busy travel periods.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. You can connect easily by selecting the airport’s network and following the on-screen instructions.
Hello ! My name is Ildiko, I am from Hungary. on Monday, 30.july 2018. i travelled from Belfast International Airport to bus center at 11.50 am, and i left my oneill bag( telefons, papers in it…) near the bus staion..have not been released to you? Thank you for answer: one worried mother
Dear Ildiko,
This is just an informative article about transportation from Belfast Airport, we do not have direct connections with the bus carrier. I suggest to contact the airport directly, they might help You find Your lost bag.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Can I catch the bus at The Europa to return to the airport, and does it need to be pre-paid or reserved?
Dear Marjorie,
Buses from Belfast depart from Europa Buscentre and the ticket can be either bought online or directly from the driver.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Hi. We are flying in from London either Heatrow or Gatwick AirPort. We need a public bus going to the City Center. What time is the last bus going to the City Center?
Dear Reynaldo,
The last bus to depart from Belfast Airport to city centre departs at 00:30, but you can see the rest of the timetable in the blog post.
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
What time last bus from international airport to Antrim train station
Dear Carol,
Bus line 109A operates between Belfast International and Antrim Train Station and the last bus from the airport departs at 19:50.
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
What time is the 1st bus to leave to the airport.
Dear Margaret,
The airport bus timetable is linked in the text under the “Airport shuttle” section.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
there does not appear to be an airport shuttle timetable link in the text. i, too, would be interested to know when the first airport express is in the morning please. i have a 0930 flight on 26 august
Hi Charles,
I recommend checking with the official website of the transportation service or contacting them directly.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team
Hi what bus would I get from Belfast International Airport to the Ramada Hotel in Talbot Street Belfast
Dear Robert,
Bus lines 300 and 300a which depart from the airport, stop near the Ramada Hotel. You should get off at Ulster University Belfast bus stop (from there you have additional 3-minute walk).
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Hi can you get a bus from Belfast city airport to Belfast international?
Dear Andrea,
First you need to take bus line 600 from Belfast City Airport to Europa Buscentre and then transfer to line 300 to get to Belfast International Airport.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Staying at the 1852 hotel, where would I get off the shuttle from airport please?
Dear Sue,
Take bus line 300 from Belfast International to Europa Buscentre. Then walk to Great Victoria Street Train Station (2 mins) and get on a train to Botanic Train Station, get off and walk for another minute to your accommodation.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
How far is it from Belfast train station to where I can get the shuttle bus to the airport.
Dear Mark,
The closest bus stop for the shuttle to the airport is at Europa Buscentre, 16 min walk from Belfast Train Station.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
What time is the first bus from Belfast city centre to Belfast International airport. Thank you.
Dear Hamish,
the first shuttle bus departure from Belfast Europa Buscentre to Belfast International Airport is at 5:30 am.
Best regards,
Maja GBB Team
How far is the City centre bus station from the Jury’s Inn hotel ??
Thank you.
Dear Hamish,
Jurys Inn Belfast is about 2 minutes walk from the Europa Buscentre.
Best regards,
Maja GBB Team
Can I use my OAP Concession card for the journey from the airport to the city centre.
Thank you.
Dear Hamish,
that depends on where you are from. Apparently, OAP concession cards do not cover the entire UK.
We suggest you contact the airport to make sure if your card is valid for Belfast Airport shuttle.
Best regards,
Maja GBB Team
Can I get a return ticket if I am using international airport to come in Belfast and city airport to leave
Dear Catherine,
I’m afraid the return ticket can be used only for the same route.
In order to be sure, you can contact Translink service directly and check if there is such possibility.
Best regards,
Maja GBB Team
Hi what time is the bus from the europa bus station to the international airport for an easy jet flight at 08.35
Dear Grace,
you can check the current bus timetable for the desired date on the link in the “Airport shuttle” section in the text.
Best regards,
Maja, GBB Team
Please, How do I get from belfast international airport to Mary Peter’s track by bus.
Hi Ugo,
the easiest way to get to Mary Peters Track is to first take a bus 300a to Belfast and then switch to a bus 8b to Malone Heights station.
Best,
GBB Team
how do we travel from the airport to newcastle
Hi Kevin,
there are multiple combinations to get to Newcastle. In all cases, you need to go to Belfast first, which is easily done by bus line 300a.
Once in Belfast, you can choose between several bus lines such as no. 215, 515, or 237.
Best,
GBb Team
Can I get a bus from Belfast International Airport to Lwr Ormeau guest house by 11pm
Hi Mari,
the airport shuttle bus operates after 11 pm but it takes you to Europa Buscentre. From there you should consider a taxi since the city buses might not operate that late.
Best,
GBB Team
Going to be staying in Dreams Apts, Donegall Quay.Where is closest bus stop in Belfast for that location please.
Hi Jimmy,
there are several bus stops close to Dreams Apartments. To find the closest one for your specific destination, I recommend using a local public transportation app, checking the official website of the public transport authority in Belfast, or checking with the apartment management.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team
how far is the flint apart.ents from the europa bus centre.
Hi Elizabeth,
Flint Apartments is approximately 2.4 kilometers away from Europa Bus Centre. It would take about 5-10 minutes by car or taxi, depending on traffic conditions, and around 30 minutes if you were to walk between the two locations.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team
Can i get combined ticket from belfast international to Cullybackey
Hi Patrick,
yes, you can. You can purchase these tickets directly from the ticket counter or kiosk at the airport.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team
Where should I get off the bus for Premier Inn Alfred St please?
Hi Anne,
you should get off the bus at either the Bedford Street or Ulster Hall stops. Both stops are just a 1-minute walk from Alfred Street.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team
Returning a rental car to Belfast International but need to get back to Donegal by bus. Can you tell me how to do that?
Hi Patty,
to get from Belfast International Airport to Donegal by bus, take the Airport Express 300 bus to Belfast Europa Buscentre, which runs every 15-30 minutes, and takes 30-40 minutes. From Europa Buscentre, you can take a direct bus operated by Patrick Gallagher Coaches to Donegal, or take a Translink bus to Derry/Londonderry and transfer to a Donegal-bound bus.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team
What time does the last bus in the evening leave from the Europa Bus Station to Belfast International Airport?
Hi Dafydd,
the last bus is part of the Translink Airport Express 300 service. The final departure of the day is at 11:00 PM, and the buses generally run every 30 minutes.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team
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What time does the last bus in the evening leave from the Europa Bus Station to Belfast International Airport?
Hi Dafydd,
the last bus is part of the Translink Airport Express 300 service. The final departure of the day is at 11:00 PM, and the buses generally run every 30 minutes.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team