Belfast International Airport Bus
IATA Code: BFS
ICAO Code: EGAA
Number of passengers: ~ 6 million
You wish to travel to Belfast, but have no idea how to navigate the airport once you get there? Or perhaps you’re coming to Belfast after a long, exciting trip somewhere on the British Isles, and are making your way home via Belfast Airport?
Regardless of the reason for your travel, you may wonder how to find your way around BFS and what to expect. Well, look no further for we have prepared a short guide of Belfast International Airport for you!
Belfast International Airport (BFS) is an airport situated 22 km northwest of Belfast in Northern Ireland. Formerly, the airport’s name was Aldergrove Airport. It is the busiest airport in Northern Ireland and the second busiest on the island of Ireland, after Dublin Airport. In addition, the airport has a single passenger terminal on two floors.
Table of Contents
How to get from Belfast International Airport to Belfast
BFS is about 30 kilometres away from Belfast city centre, approximately forty minutes by car or public transport. Learn more about how to get to Belfast from Belfast International Airport and back in the text below.
Bus
Passengers leaving Belfast International Airport can reach Belfast city centre by taking the airport shuttle bus operated by Airport Express 300.
Airport Express 300 operates every 15 to 20 minutes on weekdays and weekends. The bus stop is located opposite the terminal exit.
- From the airport to Belfast the bus stops at: Templepatrick and Belfast Europa Buscentre
- From Belfast (Europa Buscentre) to the airport the bus stops at Templepatrick and Belfast International Airport
- The journey takes 30 – 40 min, depending on the traffic
- Airport to Belfast: £8.50 (single) £12.50 (return)
- Passengers can buy their ticket at information desks, directly from the driver or buy them online in advance through the official public transport app
Also, passengers travelling to Derry/Londonderry can reach the city from the airport directly. This direct bus service 705X is operated by Aircoach (formerly Airporter). In fact, this bus departs from the main airport bus terminal.
Taxi
The official taxi operator for the Belfast airport is the International Airport Taxi Company; available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can find them outside the terminal building, at the taxi rank (Exit lobby). A list of fares is displayed in the Exit hall of the terminal building.
Furthermore, those who feel more comfortable or, for budgetary reasons, prefer rideshare services, can use Uber’s services to reach their destination.
Transfer
If you don’t like using public transport and are not a fan of taxis either, consider booking a private transfer which will wait for you at the airport and take you to your hotel or wherever you need to go. The transfer company will send a professional driver to pick you up. Additionally, you can even order a child safety seat in case you’re travelling with a child.
Car hire
For those of you who would like to reach the city and explore the area on your own, the best option is to rent a car directly at the airport. In fact, there are several car rental companies there, located in the Arrivals hall, so you can choose among Enterprise/National/Alamo, Budget, Europcar and Hertz. Book your car online.
Renting a bus
Larger groups of passengers may consider renting a bus at the airport. However, it is recommended to book it in advance, so the bus rental companies have enough time to advise you on the meeting point and all other information.
Belfast International Airport Airlines
As of now, four airlines handle flights to and from Belfast Airport. Particularly, most of them fly to and from various European destinations and airports such as London Luton, London Gatwick, Malaga, and Amsterdam. Also, there are flights to the USA, namely to Orlando, Florida.
Check out the list of airlines operating at this airport below:
- easyJet
- Jet2.com
- TUI Airways
- Ryanair
Amenities and services
This airport provides a range of amenities and services which can be useful for passengers that are waiting for their flight or layover.
Below, we’ve assembled a list of available amenities and services.
- Currency exchange office
- ATMs
- Restaurants and bars
- Parking space
- Duty-free shop
- Business Lounge
- Baby change facilities
- WiFi (free up to 2 hours)
Accommodation near Belfast International Airport
If you’re looking for available accommodation units and hotels near Belfast Airport, make sure to check out our map below:
Belfast International Airport FAQ
No, you can catch the airport shuttle operating 7 days a week. However, since it’s the only means of transport from the airport to the city centre, if you miss all of them, taxi or transfer are your only option.
The closest hotel is Maldron, only 2 minutes on foot from the airport. It is ideal for leisure and business and offering full service. Also, a bit further away you can check in at Ballyrobin Country Lodge, a centuries old guest house with 20 rooms decorated in boutique style, with delicious food.
Yes, the airport is only 22 km away from the city centre, so it will take approximately 30 minutes to reach it. But, plan your trip in advance, since you have to rely on the shuttle timetable. Or, you can pay extra for a taxi if you wish to be more flexible.
Yes, you can exchange your money and also pick up some money at the ATM machines at the airport. There are two ICE (International Currency Exchange) bureaus at the airport located in the Landside Departures and International Baggage halls.
There are direct coaches to Derry and Lisburn. However, if you prefer some other destinations, take the shuttle to the Central Station and see the connections between Belfast and other places in Northern Ireland or look them up online on GetByBus.
Hello ! My name is Ildiko, I am from Hungary. on Monday, 30.july 2018. i travelled from Belfast International Airport to bus center at 11.50 am, and i left my oneill bag( telefons, papers in it…) near the bus staion..have not been released to you? Thank you for answer: one worried mother
Dear Ildiko,
This is just an informative article about transportation from Belfast Airport, we do not have direct connections with the bus carrier. I suggest to contact the airport directly, they might help You find Your lost bag.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Can I catch the bus at The Europa to return to the airport, and does it need to be pre-paid or reserved?
Dear Marjorie,
Buses from Belfast depart from Europa Buscentre and the ticket can be either bought online or directly from the driver.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Hi. We are flying in from London either Heatrow or Gatwick AirPort. We need a public bus going to the City Center. What time is the last bus going to the City Center?
Dear Reynaldo,
The last bus to depart from Belfast Airport to city centre departs at 00:30, but you can see the rest of the timetable in the blog post.
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
What time last bus from international airport to Antrim train station
Dear Carol,
Bus line 109A operates between Belfast International and Antrim Train Station and the last bus from the airport departs at 19:50.
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
What time is the 1st bus to leave to the airport.
Dear Margaret,
The airport bus timetable is linked in the text under the “Airport shuttle” section.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
there does not appear to be an airport shuttle timetable link in the text. i, too, would be interested to know when the first airport express is in the morning please. i have a 0930 flight on 26 august
Hi Charles,
I recommend checking with the official website of the transportation service or contacting them directly.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team
Hi what bus would I get from Belfast International Airport to the Ramada Hotel in Talbot Street Belfast
Dear Robert,
Bus lines 300 and 300a which depart from the airport, stop near the Ramada Hotel. You should get off at Ulster University Belfast bus stop (from there you have additional 3-minute walk).
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Hi can you get a bus from Belfast city airport to Belfast international?
Dear Andrea,
First you need to take bus line 600 from Belfast City Airport to Europa Buscentre and then transfer to line 300 to get to Belfast International Airport.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Staying at the 1852 hotel, where would I get off the shuttle from airport please?
Dear Sue,
Take bus line 300 from Belfast International to Europa Buscentre. Then walk to Great Victoria Street Train Station (2 mins) and get on a train to Botanic Train Station, get off and walk for another minute to your accommodation.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
How far is it from Belfast train station to where I can get the shuttle bus to the airport.
Dear Mark,
The closest bus stop for the shuttle to the airport is at Europa Buscentre, 16 min walk from Belfast Train Station.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
What time is the first bus from Belfast city centre to Belfast International airport. Thank you.
Dear Hamish,
the first shuttle bus departure from Belfast Europa Buscentre to Belfast International Airport is at 5:30 am.
Best regards,
Maja GBB Team
How far is the City centre bus station from the Jury’s Inn hotel ??
Thank you.
Dear Hamish,
Jurys Inn Belfast is about 2 minutes walk from the Europa Buscentre.
Best regards,
Maja GBB Team
Can I use my OAP Concession card for the journey from the airport to the city centre.
Thank you.
Dear Hamish,
that depends on where you are from. Apparently, OAP concession cards do not cover the entire UK.
We suggest you contact the airport to make sure if your card is valid for Belfast Airport shuttle.
Best regards,
Maja GBB Team
Can I get a return ticket if I am using international airport to come in Belfast and city airport to leave
Dear Catherine,
I’m afraid the return ticket can be used only for the same route.
In order to be sure, you can contact Translink service directly and check if there is such possibility.
Best regards,
Maja GBB Team
Hi what time is the bus from the europa bus station to the international airport for an easy jet flight at 08.35
Dear Grace,
you can check the current bus timetable for the desired date on the link in the “Airport shuttle” section in the text.
Best regards,
Maja, GBB Team
Please, How do I get from belfast international airport to Mary Peter’s track by bus.
Hi Ugo,
the easiest way to get to Mary Peters Track is to first take a bus 300a to Belfast and then switch to a bus 8b to Malone Heights station.
Best,
GBB Team
how do we travel from the airport to newcastle
Hi Kevin,
there are multiple combinations to get to Newcastle. In all cases, you need to go to Belfast first, which is easily done by bus line 300a.
Once in Belfast, you can choose between several bus lines such as no. 215, 515, or 237.
Best,
GBb Team
Can I get a bus from Belfast International Airport to Lwr Ormeau guest house by 11pm
Hi Mari,
the airport shuttle bus operates after 11 pm but it takes you to Europa Buscentre. From there you should consider a taxi since the city buses might not operate that late.
Best,
GBB Team
Going to be staying in Dreams Apts, Donegall Quay.Where is closest bus stop in Belfast for that location please.
Hi Jimmy,
there are several bus stops close to Dreams Apartments. To find the closest one for your specific destination, I recommend using a local public transportation app, checking the official website of the public transport authority in Belfast, or checking with the apartment management.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team
how far is the flint apart.ents from the europa bus centre.
Hi Elizabeth,
Flint Apartments is approximately 2.4 kilometers away from Europa Bus Centre. It would take about 5-10 minutes by car or taxi, depending on traffic conditions, and around 30 minutes if you were to walk between the two locations.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team
Can i get combined ticket from belfast international to Cullybackey
Hi Patrick,
yes, you can. You can purchase these tickets directly from the ticket counter or kiosk at the airport.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team
Where should I get off the bus for Premier Inn Alfred St please?
Hi Anne,
you should get off the bus at either the Bedford Street or Ulster Hall stops. Both stops are just a 1-minute walk from Alfred Street.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team
Returning a rental car to Belfast International but need to get back to Donegal by bus. Can you tell me how to do that?
Hi Patty,
to get from Belfast International Airport to Donegal by bus, take the Airport Express 300 bus to Belfast Europa Buscentre, which runs every 15-30 minutes, and takes 30-40 minutes. From Europa Buscentre, you can take a direct bus operated by Patrick Gallagher Coaches to Donegal, or take a Translink bus to Derry/Londonderry and transfer to a Donegal-bound bus.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team
What time does the last bus in the evening leave from the Europa Bus Station to Belfast International Airport?
Hi Dafydd,
the last bus is part of the Translink Airport Express 300 service. The final departure of the day is at 11:00 PM, and the buses generally run every 30 minutes.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team
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What time does the last bus in the evening leave from the Europa Bus Station to Belfast International Airport?
Hi Dafydd,
the last bus is part of the Translink Airport Express 300 service. The final departure of the day is at 11:00 PM, and the buses generally run every 30 minutes.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team