Belfast International Airport

Belfast International Airport is Northern Ireland's busiest airport and one of the country's main international gateways. Located around 18 miles north-west of Belfast City Centre near Aldergrove, it serves domestic, European and international destinations, making it a popular choice for business trips, family holidays, city breaks and long-haul travel.

For travellers, Belfast International Airport brings together everything needed for a smooth journey, from check-in, baggage drop and security to restaurants, cafés, bars, shops, lounges, parking and onward transport. Whether you're catching an early morning flight, arriving late at night, collecting family and friends or beginning a longer holiday, it's worth checking your flight, allowing enough time for security and planning your journey before setting off.

Terminal Information & Airport Facilities

Belfast International Airport operates from a single passenger terminal, making it straightforward to navigate. The terminal is arranged over two levels, with departures primarily on the upper floor and arrivals on the lower floor. Check-in, security, baggage reclaim and passenger services are all located within the same building, helping travellers move easily from arrival to departure. Always check your airline's guidance before travelling, as check-in desks and departure gates may vary.

In recent years the airport has invested heavily in improving the passenger experience, including a modern security hall, upgraded departure facilities, enhanced duty-free shopping and improved public areas. New security technology also allows passengers to leave liquids (up to 2 litres) and electronics inside their hand luggage, helping make the security process quicker and more convenient.

Inside the terminal, passengers will find a wide range of facilities designed to make travelling easier, including:

Free Wi-Fi

Check-in desks and baggage drop

Modern security screening

Currency exchange and cash machines

Restaurants, cafés and grab-and-go food

Coffee shops, bars and airport lounge

Duty-free shopping and travel essentials

Family facilities and baby-changing areas

Accessibility support and special assistance

Tourist information and customer services

Baggage services and lost property

Car hire, taxis, buses and coach connections

Whether you're travelling for business, heading away on holiday, flying with children or simply meeting arriving passengers, the airport is designed to provide the facilities most travellers need before and after their flight.

Airlines, Routes & Destinations

Belfast International Airport offers flights to destinations across the UK, Europe and a growing number of international holiday locations. Travellers can choose from regular domestic services, popular European city breaks, Mediterranean sunshine destinations, ski resorts and seasonal holiday routes throughout the year.

Airlines and destinations can change throughout the year, particularly during the summer and winter seasons, so it's always worth checking the latest flight information directly with your airline or Belfast International Airport before booking or travelling. This is especially important during school holidays, bank holidays and other busy travel periods when schedules may be updated.

Transport to & from Belfast International Airport

Belfast International Airport is well connected to Belfast City Centre and destinations across Northern Ireland by bus, coach, taxi, private hire and road links. While there is no railway station at the airport itself, regular bus and coach services provide straightforward connections into Belfast and beyond, making it easy for both local residents and visitors to continue their journey. (belfastairport.com)

Bus & Coach — Frequent airport bus and coach services connect Belfast International Airport with Belfast Grand Central Station, as well as towns and cities across Northern Ireland.

Taxi & Private Hire — Official taxi services are available outside the terminal, providing direct transport to Belfast City Centre, surrounding towns and popular visitor destinations.

Car Hire — Several car hire companies operate from the airport, making it convenient for visitors exploring Belfast, the Causeway Coast, the Mourne Mountains and the rest of Northern Ireland.

Driving — The airport is easily reached via the A57 and is well connected to the M2 motorway, offering straightforward road access from Belfast and the wider motorway network.

Hotel Transfers — Some nearby airport hotels provide shuttle services or can arrange local taxi transfers. Check directly with your accommodation before travelling.

Whether you're heading into Belfast for a short break or exploring further afield, planning your onward transport before you travel can help make your journey quicker and more convenient.

Getting to Belfast & Beyond

Belfast International Airport sits around 30 minutes from Belfast City Centre, making it an excellent starting point for exploring Northern Ireland. Whether you're visiting for business, a weekend city break or a longer touring holiday, the airport offers easy access to many of the country's most popular destinations.

Many visitors travel directly into Belfast City Centre for its restaurants, hotels, shopping, nightlife and visitor attractions. From there, it's easy to continue to areas including the Titanic Quarter, Cathedral Quarter and Queen's Quarter, while Belfast Grand Central Station provides rail and coach connections across Northern Ireland and to Dublin.

Beyond the city, Belfast International Airport is also a convenient gateway to the Causeway Coast, the Glens of Antrim, the Mourne Mountains, the Sperrins and many of Northern Ireland's scenic coastal routes, making it a popular arrival point for road trips and touring holidays.

Parking at Belfast International Airport

Belfast International Airport offers a range of parking options to suit everything from short visits and passenger drop-offs to longer holidays and business travel. Pre-booking parking is recommended wherever possible, particularly during school holidays, bank holidays and peak summer travel periods.

Short Stay Parking — Best for pick-ups, drop-offs and short visits.

Long Stay Parking — Suited to holidays and longer trips.

Premium Parking — Closer to the terminal for quicker access.

Pick-Up & Drop-Off — Dedicated areas for short passenger stops.

Accessible Parking — Blue Badge spaces with accessible terminal routes.

Parking prices, availability and access arrangements can change throughout the year, so it's always worth checking the latest information and booking in advance where possible.

Eat, Drink & Shop at Belfast International Airport

Belfast International Airport offers a selection of places to eat, drink and shop before and after security, giving passengers plenty of choice whether they're grabbing breakfast before an early flight, enjoying a meal before departure or picking up last-minute travel essentials.

Eat — Cafés, restaurants, hot meals, sandwiches, pastries, snacks and grab-and-go food.

Drink — Coffee shops, bars, soft drinks, wines, beers and places to relax before boarding.

Shop — Duty-free shopping, travel essentials, gifts, books, fashion, beauty products, and accessories.

The range of food, drink and shopping available may vary depending on the time of day and your departure gate, so passengers travelling very early in the morning or late at night should check opening hours before relying on a particular outlet.

Hotels Near Belfast International Airport

Hotels near Belfast International Airport are a popular choice for early morning departures, late-night arrivals, business trips, family holidays and park-and-fly stays. Many travellers choose to stay close to the airport the night before flying or after landing, especially when travelling with children, lots of luggage or onward travel plans.

Accommodation near the airport includes hotels within walking distance, short taxi journeys and properties offering convenient access to the main road network. Many also provide dining facilities, family rooms, business services and parking options for guests.

Airport Hotels — Ideal for early departures and late arrivals.

Park & Fly Packages — Combine overnight stays with airport parking.

Family Rooms — Extra space for families travelling together.

Business Hotels — Convenient for work trips and overnight stays.

Hotels with Dining — Restaurants and bars on-site.

Shuttle Services — Some hotels offer airport transfers.

Check directly with our hotel partners for the latest availability, parking options, shuttle services and the best available rates before booking.

Lounges & Passenger Services

Belfast International Airport offers a range of services designed to make travelling more comfortable and convenient. Whether you're flying for business, heading off on holiday or simply want a quieter place to relax before boarding, there are several options available before your flight.

Airport Lounge — Relax with complimentary food, drinks and Wi-Fi.

Fast Track Security — Speed up your journey through security.

Special Assistance — Pre-bookable support for passengers who need extra help.

Free Wi-Fi — Stay connected throughout the terminal.

Charging Points — Keep phones, tablets and laptops powered.

Family Facilities — Baby-changing areas and family-friendly amenities.

Availability can vary depending on your airline, flight time and passenger demand, so booking in advance is recommended where possible.

Tips for a Smooth Journey

A little planning can help make travelling through Belfast International Airport quicker and less stressful, particularly during busy holiday periods.

Check your airline and flight details before travelling.

Arrive in plenty of time for check-in and security.

Use online check-in where available.

Pre-book airport parking if you're driving.

Check live flight updates before leaving home.

Keep passports and travel documents easy to access.

Prepare liquids and electronics before security if required.

Allow extra time during school holidays and peak travel periods.

Plan your onward transport before you arrive.

Confirm hotel parking or shuttle arrangements in advance.

For early morning departures, late-night arrivals or family holidays, booking parking, accommodation or lounge access before you travel can help make your journey even smoother.

Contact Information for Belfast International Airport

Website: www.belfastairport.com

Telephone: +44 (0)28 9448 4848

Address:

Belfast International Airport

Airport Road

Belfast

BT29 4AB