Airport Guide to Belfast International (BFS)

Airport Overview

Terminal Transfer | Getting into Town | Car Parking | Information Desks | Airport Facilities

Belfast International Airport is situated just 21km (13 miles) northwest of Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital. It’s Ireland’s second-busiest airport, after Dublin. The airport is the gateway to Northern Ireland and Belfast, a city steeped in a rich and once troubled history.

Belfast International Airport was originally named the Aldergrove Airport after a nearby village. In 1983, it became Belfast International Airport. With the passing of the Troubles, Belfast – and Northern Ireland – has been working hard to establish itself as a tourist destination.

One way of making its mark for tourists is by housing popular low-cost carriers such as Thomson Airways, Jet2.com, easyJet, Thomas Cook Airlines and Aer Lingus. Belfast is becoming increasingly popular as a weekend break and cheap flights to Belfast International Airport can be booked on most European carriers, but particularly on the low-cost airlines.

The Guardian/Observer Travel Awards placed Belfast in the top five best cities for a break. Belfast Airport is the ideal gateway to a relaxing and rewarding holiday in Northern Ireland.

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Terminal Transfer

Belfast International has only one airport.

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Getting into Town

Taxis: Taxis are available outside the arrivals hall. Sample taxi fares can be viewed just before the exit. The 25-minute drive to central Belfast costs approximately £28.

Bus: The bus stop is outside the terminal on the lower level. Airbus No. 300 operates between the airport and central Belfast. The Airbus service runs 24 hours per day with buses every 15 minutes during the day and less frequently at night and at the weekend. Tickets prices are £7 one-way and £10 return.

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Car Parking

There are three parking options at the Belfast International Airport. Short stay parking starts at £1 for the first 30 minutes, £2 for 60 minutes and almost £10 for a three-hour stay. The daily rate for the short stay parking lot is £33. The main car park starts at £3.30 for the first hour and goes up to £13 per day. The long-stay car park charges £9 for the first day, £16 for two days and £35 for seven days. Drivers dropping off or picking up passengers should keep £1 handy; this is the cost of parking in the zone for ten minutes.

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Information Desks

Information desks can be found in the arrivals hall on the lower floor of the terminal. Staff members are helpful on issues ranging from onward travel, accommodation to popular local Belfast attractions.

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Airport Facilities

Money and communications: ATMs and currency exchange are available in the terminal.

Luggage: The airport has a lost property office for items misplaced in the terminal. Understandably, due to security concerns the airport does not offer left luggage facilities.

Conference and business: The business lounge has business services such as printing and faxing services available and is open to passengers travelling with any airline on any type of ticket. A small number of memberships are available, individual and corporate. The airport terminal does not have conference facilities, but the Park Plaza Belfast, a two-minute walk from the terminal, has extensive facilities.

Other facilities: The airport is fully accessible for persons with reduced mobility. Baby changing facilities are also available in the terminal.

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi access is available throughout the terminal through service provider BT Openzone.

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