Your Guide to Belfast International Airport

Are you flying into or out of Belfast International Airport? Great choice!

Whether you're flying in to explore Northern Ireland or catching your flight home, we've put together a guide with all the information you need to make your time at the airport as easy as can be. With everything from the best transport options down to what shops and restaurants to expect, we've got you covered with out Belfast International Airport Guide.

How many terminals are in Belfast International Airport?

You'll be relieved to know there's only one terminal at Belfast International Airport, so there's no risk of being dropped off at the wrong terminal and running desperately onto the next before you miss your flight. Instead, everything is conveniently in one place.

Then, once you're through security, there are 18 gates, so whilst it's not the biggest airport in the world, it does ensure you have a smooth and simple airport experience.

Where can you fly to from Belfast International?

Don't let the small size of the airport fool you, as the main airport for the city of Belfast, Belfast International offers a wide range of destinations, flying both domestically and internationally.

Domestic destinations include London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow and more. Or, if you're travelling further afield, international destinations include Spain, Italy, France, Germany and more.

There are many trusted airlines serving Belfast International to get you to these destinations, including Ryanair, easyJet, Jet.com and TUI.

Travelling to Belfast International Airport

We imagine that one of the main things you'll be considering when planning your time at the airport is how to get there. Luckily, there are a few different options available. Let's go through them.

Travelling by car

Travelling home to see your friends or family? You might be lucky enough for them to drop you off and pick you up. If so, it's easily done as the drop off and pick up zone is directly across from the terminal gates.

Or, if you are driving yourself, there are 3 parking options available: short term parking, the main car park and also the long-stay car park. However, these car parks are located slightly further away from the airport so plan for additional travel time. Parking costs can also wrack up depending on how long you will be away for, so it is not the most budget friendly option.

Travelling by taxi

Another option is to travel by taxi. Belfast Airport Taxis are the official taxi operator for Belfast International Airport, and are available 24/7 outside the exit gate. This can be a quick and convenient option, however the prices can be quite steep depending on the hour and distance that you are travelling so keep this in mind.

Travelling by bus

For the most budget friendly and straight forward way to travel, consider our 705X express service which runs 24 services per day and connects you directly to/from Belfast International Airport to/from Derry/L'Derry, Dublin City Centre and Dublin Airport. With prices starting from as little as £13/€14, this is by far the cheapest and easiest way to get to the airport and you don't have to skimp on comfort either, as there's plenty of leg room and even free WiFi available.

Our coaches are located at coach park, bay 3 at Belfast International Airport. Tickets are available to buy on board or you can book your ticket online today.

How early to arrive at the airport

Aim to arrive at Belfast International Airport at least 2-3 hours before your flight if you're travelling internationally. If you're travelling domestically, you may get away with a shorter amount of time but we would always say it's better to be safe than sorry.

Also keep in mind that if you're travelling during peak season (May-September), the lines can get pretty long so you may want to leave even more time.

How long does it take to get through security at Belfast International?

Generally speaking, it doesn't take too long to get through security at Belfast International. Plan for roughly 10-20 minutes, although this will likely be longer during the summer months. However, even during that time, it is one of the quicker airports to get through, so it's a great option for stress-free travel.

What shops and restaurants are at the airport?

Once you're through check-in and security, there are plenty of shops, restaurants and cafes to keep you occupied whilst you wait for your flight. Here's some of what you can find:

Shops: Duty-free (of course!), WHSmith, JD Sports, Boots and more.

Food and drink: The Lagan Bar, Caffee Ritazza, Starbucks, Burger King, Hawker Asian Street Food, Northern Quarter Bar and more.

Your journey onwards from Belfast International Airport

Once you've touched down at Belfast International, the world's your oyster! If you're looking to explore more of the island of Ireland, Aircoach has you covered. Our coaches offer services to Derry/L'Derry, Belfast, Dublin and Cork. All running 364 days of the year to get you where you need to go. See our Aircoach bus timetables for more information and start planning for your travels!

And there you have it - a complete guide to navigating Belfast International Airport! We hope this helps you have a stress-free travel experience.