A taxi from Belfast International to Belfast city centre is typically around £25 to £40 by metered saloon, taking 25 to 35 minutes depending on the time of day. The rank is immediately outside Arrivals, to the right of the exit lobby, and it is staffed 24/7. Uber operates in Belfast but cannot collect you here. Prices checked August 2026.
The rank and the airport firms
The on-site taxi rank sits directly outside the Arrivals exit lobby, on your right as you leave, and it runs around the clock. Belfast's two large licensed private-hire firms both serve the airport: fonaCAB (028 9033 3333), the long-standing on-airport presence at BFS, and Value Cabs (028 9080 9080). You can walk up and take a car from the rank, or pre-book. For an early or late flight, pre-booking is worth it because a driver is held for you and you avoid any wait when arrivals bunch up.
Metered and quoted fares
Fares into Belfast are generally metered, and a standard saloon to the city centre usually lands around £25 to £40, higher on evenings and at weekends. Larger vehicles, estates and executive cars cost more. The airport does not publish a fixed fare, so treat wider ranges quoted by third-party guides as indicative and confirm the price when you book. A pre-booked, agreed fare removes the guesswork on a late-night arrival.
Typical fares to the city and beyond
The Belfast city-centre range below is the figure most sources agree on. Every other destination is indicative and should be confirmed with the operator when you book, because BFS is a fair distance from some of these places and fares vary with time of day.
| Destination | Driving time | Indicative taxi fare (saloon) |
|---|---|---|
| Belfast city centre | 30 to 40 min | £25 to £40 |
| Antrim town | 10 to 15 min | £12 to £20 |
| Lisburn | 25 to 30 min | £30 to £45 |
| Titanic Quarter (Belfast) | 35 to 40 min | £30 to £45 |
| Belfast City Airport (BHD) | 35 to 45 min | £35 to £50 |
For the full list of destinations, distances and driving times, see the popular routes page.
Uber, Bolt and ride-hailing
This is the point that catches people out. Uber operates in Belfast, but you cannot request an Uber pick-up at Belfast International Airport, it only supports drop-offs to the airport, not collections from it. In Northern Ireland, Uber connects you to licensed private-hire drivers rather than the model used elsewhere. Bolt and FreeNow airport pick-up at BFS is not confirmed. In practice, arrivals should use the rank or the Airport Express 300 coach, not a ride-hailing app.
When a taxi beats the alternatives
If you are two or more people with luggage, a taxi often costs about the same per head as the coach once you have paid separate fares, and it takes you to the door rather than a city-centre stop. It is also the straightforward choice if your flight lands at an awkward hour, although the 300 coach runs overnight too. If you are travelling solo and light, the cheaper option is on the public transport page, where the Airport Express 300 starts at around £8. If someone is dropping you off by car instead, compare the drop-off charges first, because the forecourt is paid.
Taxi FAQs
How much is a taxi from Belfast International to the city centre? Roughly £25 to £40 by metered saloon, with a journey of 25 to 35 minutes. Evenings and weekends run higher, and larger vehicles cost more.
Where is the taxi rank at Belfast International? Immediately outside the Arrivals exit lobby, to the right as you leave the terminal. It is staffed 24/7.
Can I get an Uber from Belfast International Airport? No. Uber can drop you at the airport but cannot collect you from it. Use the taxi rank (fonaCAB or Value Cabs) or the Airport Express 300 coach instead.
Can I use a child car seat in an airport taxi? Yes, pre-book with fonaCAB or Value Cabs and request child seats when booking, subject to availability.
More: Overview, Public transport, Parking, Drop-off, Routes, FAQs.
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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.