Quick, checked answers to the questions people ask most about Belfast International, from the cheapest route into Belfast to parking, drop-off, lounges and the constant confusion with Belfast City Airport. Prices checked August 2026.
Getting to and from
How do I get from Belfast International Airport to the city centre? Take the Airport Express 300 coach, about 40 minutes and around £8 single, or a taxi, 25 to 35 minutes and roughly £25 to £40. There is no train. See the taxis page and the public transport page for the full breakdown.
What is the cheapest way into Belfast from BFS? The Airport Express 300 coach, at about £8 for an adult single and around £4 for a child.
Is there a train at Belfast International Airport? No. There is no rail link at all. The nearest station is Antrim, about 5 miles away, which you would reach by taxi or coach first.
How far is Belfast International from the city centre? About 18 miles, or 28 km, north-west, a 30 to 40 minute drive down the A57 and M2.
How long does the Airport Express 300 take? Around 40 minutes to Belfast Grand Central Station.
Does the airport bus run overnight? Yes. The 300 is effectively a 24-hour service, with departures around 03:40, 04:40 and 05:40 from the airport, which suits the airport's heavy early-morning flight schedule.
Where does the airport bus drop you in Belfast? At Belfast Grand Central Station, the terminus since 8 September 2024, not the old Europa Buscentre that older guides still mention.
Where does the Airport Express 300 stop along the way? Intermediate stops include Templepatrick Park and Ride, Ulster University Belfast and CastleCourt.
How do I buy an Airport Express 300 ticket? On board from the driver, at the airport's ticket vending machine, at the Belfast information desk, online, or through the Translink mLink app.
How much is a taxi from Belfast International to the city? Roughly £25 to £40 by metered saloon, depending on the time of day, with evenings and weekends typically higher. Full detail is on the taxis page.
Is there Uber at Belfast International Airport? Uber operates in Belfast but cannot pick you up at the airport, it only supports drop-offs to BFS. Use the 24-hour taxi rank instead.
Where is the rideshare pickup zone at Belfast International? Any arranged pickup, whether a pre-booked private hire or a friend collecting you, uses the forecourt pick-up area beside the short-stay car park.
Is Belfast International the same as Belfast City Airport? No. BFS, at Aldergrove, is about 18 miles from the centre, while George Best Belfast City (BHD) is only about 4 miles out. The two airports are around 22 miles apart, and mixing them up is the most common airport-booking mistake in Belfast.
Parking and drop-off
How much is drop-off at BFS? From about £5 at the forecourt, rising as stays get longer, up to as much as around £60 for a full hour. Full detail is on the drop-off page.
What's the cheapest parking at Belfast International? The Long Stay car park, reported at around £63 for 5 days when pre-booked online with a discount. See the parking page for the full comparison.
Do Blue Badge holders get free parking? Yes, 30 minutes free in the Short Stay car park.
How do I avoid the drop-off charge? Use the Long Stay car park's free window of about 10 minutes instead of the paid forecourt, which means roughly 100 metres more to walk.
Is it cheaper to pre-book parking? Yes. Pre-booking any of the car parks online through belfastairport.com is consistently cheaper than paying the turn-up rate at the gate.
Is there a Main or Multi-Storey car park? Yes, for passengers who want to park closer to the terminal, though the exact daily rate is not published centrally, so confirm it on the airport's website before you travel.
At the airport
How early should I arrive for my flight? About 2 hours before short-haul departures and 3 hours before long-haul, since transatlantic check-in desks open earlier. See the facilities page for more on security and lounges.
What are the security wait times at BFS? Typically under 15 to 20 minutes. The security hall opened in 2025 means you no longer remove liquids or electronics from your bag.
Has Belfast International scrapped the 100ml liquid rule? Yes. CT scanners in the new security hall allow liquids, gels and aerosols up to 2 litres to stay in your bag.
Is there Fast Track security at Belfast International? Yes, from about £5 per person, bought separately from lounge access.
Can I sleep overnight in the terminal? Landside is open 24 hours with padded seating, but there are no dedicated rest zones, and airside closes overnight, roughly 23:00 to 04:00.
Is there a lounge at BFS? Yes, the Causeway Lounge airside, £27.50 for an adult and £15 for a child, open roughly 05:00 to 20:00. More detail is on the facilities page.
Is there left luggage or lockers at BFS? No. Luggage storage and lockers are not available anywhere at the airport, so plan around this for a long layover or early arrival.
Is there a prayer or quiet room? Yes, a multi-faith quiet room near check-in, though it has been temporarily closed at times, so check locally.
Is there free WiFi at BFS? Yes, free "BFS Free WiFi" for up to 2 hours.
Is there a Changing Places toilet at Belfast International? Yes, to the right of Gate 18 in the departures area.
Practical questions
Who operates Belfast International Airport? VINCI Airports, which is also running a £100m, multi-year redevelopment programme at the airport.
How many passengers use Belfast International Airport? About 6.68 million in 2025, its second-busiest year ever, marginally below the 2024 record of 6.75 million.
Can I hire a car at Belfast International? Yes, car hire desks are on site in the terminal, including Avis, Enterprise, Europcar and Hertz.
Is there a hotel at Belfast International? Yes, the Maldron Hotel Belfast International Airport is a short walk from the terminal, so no shuttle transfer is needed.
Can I bring a child car seat in a taxi? Yes, pre-book with fonaCAB or Value Cabs and request a child seat when booking, subject to availability.
Where do I pick up a pre-booked taxi at Belfast International? Pre-booked drivers commonly meet passengers at the information desk in the Arrivals hall.
Is airside open all night at Belfast International? No. Landside is open 24 hours, but airside typically closes overnight, roughly 23:00 to 04:00.
More: Overview, Taxis, Public transport, Parking, Drop-off, Routes, Facilities.
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Last verified August 2026 by the Belfast Airport Guide editorial team. Prices and timetables change, so confirm the specifics on the official Belfast International Airport website before you travel.