Airport Guide to Belfast City (BHD)

Airport Overview

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

George Best Belfast City Airport is a mere 5km (3 miles) from central Belfast, Northern Ireland’s largest city (second only to Dublin in size). The airport was renamed in 2006 in honour of George Best, the legendary footballer from Belfast, who played for Manchester United.

Flights to George Best Belfast City Airport arrive from the UK and major cities in France and Spain. Annually, the airport sees more than three million passengers.

Despite the small size of the airport (a single runway) the airport is well-kept and efficient and staff are friendly. However, the parking here is notoriously expensive so use the public transport options if possible.

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Terminal Transfer

This is a small airport with only one terminal.

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Getting into Town

Train: You can take a shuttle bus to the nearby station at Sydenham, or walk – it’s only about ten minutes away. Trains operate every half hour during the week, and hourly at weekends. The fare to the city centre is £1.40. From there, you can get just about anywhere in Ireland by rail.

Bus: Numerous buses leave from just outside the airport. The Airport Express 600, which runs directly to the city centre, operates approximately every 20 minutes and costs £2 single and £3 return. The No. 3 bus goes from Sydenham Station to City Hall every 20 minutes, or every ten minutes during peak times. The Airporter service operates 11 coaches daily to the city centre, with fares starting at £2.50 one way. You can book a spot in advance.

Taxi: Taxis are available from outside the terminal. The approximate fare to the city centre is £8.

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Car Parking

The airport has short-term and long-term car parks available, although they’re quite expensive. Only the first ten minutes are free in the short-stay car park, then it’s £2 for the first half-hour, and more than double that (£4.50) for anything under an hour. The maximum daily rate is £32. The long-term car park, which is a five to ten-minute walk from the terminal, starts at £20 for the first day.

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Information Desks

The airport information desk is located opposite car hire, on your right as you enter the terminal.

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Airport Facilities

Money and communications: There are several ATMs throughout the terminal. Two are located in the main concourse near the Travelex, and another in the departures lounge. For foreign exchange, the Travelex Bureau de Change is available on the ground floor, close to the arrivals doors. Public telephones are located throughout the terminal.

Luggage: Belfast City Airport is strict about enforcing baggage size and weight restrictions. You can use the gauge near the self-check-in ticket machines to weigh luggage.

Conference and business: There are conference facilities and meeting rooms available at Belfast City Airport. The two conference rooms can seat up to 40 people each, while the two meeting rooms can host eight people each.

Other facilities: There is a children’s play area after the security check point.

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available in the main departures lounge on the first floor and in the conference centre through BT Openzone. You can start a subscription or buy a voucher online for about £6. There are also four Internet kiosks available in the departures lounge.

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