Belfast International Airport
BFSNorthern Ireland's largest airport, serving a broad range of UK, European, and transatlantic routes from a single modern terminal.
Belfast International Airport (BFS) is Northern Ireland's largest airport, handling around 6 million passengers a year. Located 15 miles north-west of Belfast city centre near Aldergrove in County Antrim, it operates a single terminal. The airport serves a broad range of UK domestic, European, and transatlantic routes, with easyJet, Ryanair, and Jet2 as the main carriers. Belfast International is the main gateway for passengers travelling to and from Northern Ireland.
The Terminal
Belfast International operates a single terminal that is compact and easy to navigate. Check-in, security, and departures are all clearly signposted. The airside area has a good range of shops and restaurants for a regional airport.
Departures
Check-in desks and bag-drop are on the ground floor. Online check-in is available with most carriers. Security and the airside departure lounge are on the upper level.
Arrivals
Arrivals are on the ground floor. Baggage reclaim is well signposted. The Airport Express 300 bus, taxi rank, and car hire desks are all within a short walk of the arrivals exit.
Airlines serving this airport
Getting to Belfast International Airport
Belfast International is connected to Belfast city centre by the Airport Express 300 bus service.
Airport Express 300
The Airport Express 300 bus runs directly between Belfast International Airport and Belfast city centre (Europa Bus Centre) in around 30–40 minutes. Services run frequently throughout the day and into the night. Tickets can be bought online or on the bus.
30–40 min to city centre · Every 15–30 min · From ~£8 single
Translink Services
Translink operates additional bus services connecting the airport to towns and cities across Northern Ireland. A good option for passengers travelling to destinations outside Belfast.
Various routes across Northern Ireland
Driving & Drop-off
Belfast International Airport is accessed via the M2 motorway and A26. Drop-off charges apply at the terminal. A free set-down area is available on the approach road.
M2 from Belfast · A26 from north · Drop-off charges apply
Parking at Belfast International Airport
Belfast International offers short stay, long stay, and meet and greet parking. Pre-booking is recommended for the best prices.
Short Stay
Car park directly connected to the terminal. Ideal for quick drop-offs and pick-ups. The most expensive option per day.
Long Stay
A short shuttle bus ride from the terminal. Significantly cheaper for trips of more than a day. Pre-book well in advance online.
Meet & Greet
Drive to the terminal, hand your keys to a valet, and collect your car on return. Convenient for families and those with heavy luggage.
Facilities & Lounges
Belfast International's terminal has a solid range of airside dining, retail, and lounge options.
Airport Lounges
The Aspire Lounge is available airside and accepts Priority Pass. Access can be purchased online in advance. The lounge offers complimentary food, drinks, and Wi-Fi.
Dining & Bars
Airside dining includes Wetherspoons, Costa, and a range of grab-and-go options. The selection covers the essentials well for a regional airport.
Shopping
World Duty Free is the main retail anchor airside, alongside Boots and WHSmith. A functional retail offer for a regional airport.
Families & Accessibility
Family security lanes are available. Baby changing facilities are located airside. Assisted travel services can be arranged in advance through the airport or your airline.
Tips for Travelling Through Belfast International
The Airport Express 300 bus is the most convenient public transport option from Belfast city centre. It runs directly from Europa Bus Centre and is frequent enough that you rarely need to book in advance.
Security queues at Belfast International can be long during peak summer departures. Allow at least two hours for short-haul flights.
Belfast International is one of the few regional UK airports with direct transatlantic services to the USA. United Airlines and American Airlines operate seasonal routes to New York and other US cities.
Pre-book parking as far in advance as possible. Belfast International's parking prices rise steeply close to travel dates. Book through the official Belfast International Airport website for the best rates.
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