Plan Your Visit

Essential travel logistics for your Northern Ireland adventure

Travel Logistics

Everything you need to know about getting to and around Northern Ireland. From flights and ferries to local transport, we've got you covered for a smooth and enjoyable visit.

✈️ Air Travel

Belfast International Airport (BFS)

Main international gateway serving over 6.7 million passengers annually. Located 19 miles from Belfast city center with 65 destinations across 24 countries.

Major Airlines:

easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair UK, TUI Airways

Popular Routes:

Edinburgh, Manchester, London (Stansted, Gatwick, Luton), Amsterdam, Brussels

Transport to City:

Airport Express 300 Bus: £9.50 (40 mins) | Taxi: £62 (30-45 mins)

Airport Website

George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD)

UK's most punctual airport, just 5 minutes from Belfast city center. Serves 30 routes across UK and Europe with average 6-minute security processing.

Major Airlines:

Aer Lingus Regional, British Airways, easyJet, KLM, Loganair

Focus:

UK domestic and European connections, ideal for onward travel

Transport to City:

Taxi: £16 (10 mins) | Train: From adjacent Sydenham Station

Airport Website

⛴️ Ferry Travel

Stena Line

Major ferry operator offering multiple daily sailings to Northern Ireland from Scotland and England, with modern vessels and car ferry options.

Routes:

• Cairnryan to Belfast: 12 daily sailings (2hrs 15mins)
• Liverpool to Belfast: 4 daily sailings (8hrs)

Prices:

Foot passengers from £32-£42 | Car ferry varies by season

Special Offers:

Kids go free (ages 0-15), 20% discount on car travel

Book with Stena Line

P&O Ferries

Reliable ferry service connecting Scotland to Northern Ireland with frequent sailings and competitive pricing for both foot passengers and vehicles.

Routes:

• Cairnryan to Larne: 29 weekly sailings (2hrs)
• Troon to Larne: Available service

Prices:

Foot passengers: £18-£155 | Car ferry: £79-£256

Frequency:

Up to 178 weekly sailings to Northern Ireland

Book with P&O Ferries

🚌 Local Transport

🚍 Public Transport (Translink)

Comprehensive public transport network covering buses, trains, and rapid transit throughout Northern Ireland.

Services:

• NI Railways (Belfast-Derry, Belfast-Dublin)
• Ulsterbus (Regional services)
• Metro (Belfast city buses)
• Glider (Bus Rapid Transit)

Ticketing:

• iLink Card: £16.50 all-zone daily pass
• dayLink: £3.50 unlimited Belfast travel
• yLink: 50% discount for ages 16-23

🚗 Car Rental

Flexible way to explore Northern Ireland at your own pace with multiple rental companies and convenient airport pickup.

Companies:

Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, National

Requirements:

• Minimum age: 21 years
• Valid license: 1+ years
• International visitors: 4+ years license

Driving Tips:

• Drive on the left side
• Most rentals are manual (book automatic in advance)
• Some companies charge extra for Republic of Ireland travel

🚕 Taxis & Ride-sharing

Convenient point-to-point transport with traditional taxis and modern ride-sharing apps available in major cities.

Ride-sharing:

• Uber (Belfast and Derry)
• FREENOW (pre-booking available)
• Drivers must be registered taxi drivers

Traditional Taxis:

• Available 24/7 in Belfast
• Regulated fares
• Cash and card accepted

🎯 Tourist Transport

Specialized transport options designed for tourists, including sightseeing buses and guided tours.

Hop-on Hop-off Buses:

• Belfast City Sightseeing: 19 stops
• £20-24 per person
• 75-90 minutes full loop
• Starting point: Belfast City Hall

Belfast Bikes:

• 50+ docking stations
• First 30 minutes free
• £6 three-day membership
• £25 annual membership

💡 Quick Reference

Cost Summary

• Airport transfers: £9.50 (bus) to £62 (taxi)
• Ferry travel: £18-£155 (foot passenger)
• Public transport: £3.50 (Belfast day pass)
• Hop-on hop-off tours: £20-24 per person

Booking Websites

• Airports: belfastairport.com, belfastcityairport.com
• Ferries: stenaline.co.uk, poferries.com
• Public transport: translink.co.uk
• Ride-sharing: uber.com

Top Tips

• Book airport transfers in advance for better prices
• Consider ferry travel for scenic approach
• Use public transport for city exploration
• Rent a car for countryside adventures

Understanding Northern Ireland

Before or during your visit, take time to understand Northern Ireland's fascinating history - from ancient Celtic kingdoms to Industrial Revolution glory, through difficult times to today's vibrant peace. Context enriches every experience.

📚

History of Northern Ireland

Our balanced, inclusive guide covers Ulster-Scots heritage, the great migrations, shipbuilding glory, the Troubles, and the journey to peace. Understand the stories behind the places you'll visit and the warm people you'll meet.

Explore Our History