A complete guide to Belfast's two airports — Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport — and the best ways to transfer into Belfast city centre.
Belfast is served by two airports — Belfast International Airport (BIA/EGAA) and George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD/EGAC). Understanding the differences will help you choose the right airport and the best way to reach Belfast city centre.
Belfast International Airport (BIA) - Also known as Aldergrove Airport - Location: 18 miles northwest of Belfast city centre - Travel time to Belfast: 30–40 minutes by private transfer - Airlines: easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways, Aer Lingus, and others - Routes: Wide range of domestic UK, European, and transatlantic routes
Belfast International is the larger of the two airports and handles the majority of Belfast's passenger traffic. It's particularly useful if you're flying from London Heathrow or on long-haul routes from North America.
George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) - Also known as Sydenham Airport - Location: 3 miles east of Belfast city centre - Travel time to Belfast: 10–15 minutes by private transfer - Airlines: Flybe, Aer Lingus, British Airways, and others - Routes: Mainly domestic UK routes and a limited number of European destinations
Belfast City Airport's key advantage is its location — just 10 minutes from the city centre. It's ideal if you're flying from London City, Heathrow, or other UK regional airports.
Private Transfer vs Public Transport For most visitors, a private airport transfer is the most comfortable and reliable option:
*Belfast International Airport:* - Private transfer: £35 (fixed price), 30–40 minutes, door-to-door - Bus (Airport Express 300): £8.50, 35–60 minutes (traffic dependent), city centre only - Taxi: £40–60, meter-based
*Belfast City Airport:* - Private transfer: £20 (fixed price), 10–15 minutes, door-to-door - Bus (600 Glider): £2.10, 15–25 minutes, city centre only - Taxi: £15–25, meter-based
Why Choose a Private Transfer? 1. Fixed price — you know exactly what you'll pay before you travel 2. Meet & greet — your driver meets you in arrivals with a name board 3. Flight tracking — we monitor your flight for delays at no extra charge 4. Door-to-door — direct to your hotel or address, not just the city centre 5. Luggage help — driver assists with your bags 6. Group travel — cheaper per person for 2+ travellers
Dublin Airport — The Third Option Many visitors to Belfast also consider flying into Dublin Airport, particularly on transatlantic routes. Dublin Airport is 103 miles (1 hour 45 minutes) from Belfast by private transfer — a viable option for many travellers.
Our cross-border private transfer service from Dublin Airport to Belfast is popular with visitors combining Dublin and Northern Ireland.
Booking Your Belfast Airport Transfer Belfast Transfers and Tours provides professional private airport transfers from all three airports serving Belfast. Book online or email Airporttransfersni@gmail.com for a fixed-price quote.