Located just five km from Belfast City Centre, George Best Belfast City Airport is a key transit hub in Northern Ireland.
It’s one of the busier airports in Ireland, welcoming around 1.6 million passengers in 2022.
Opened in 1983, it’s a single runway airport that was renamed in 2006 in honor of Belfast-born footballer George Best.
Some quick need-to-knows about Belfast City Airport
Although a visit to Belfast City Airport is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
Belfast City Airport is located just out past Titanic Belfast. It’s a very handy bus or taxi ride from the city centre, making it an arguably better arrival point than Belfast International Airport.
2. Parking
There’s long and short stay parking at Belfast City Airport. As is the case with every busy airport, it’s worth booking in advance during peak travel times, like summer.
3. Amenities
There’s plenty of places to eat and drink here, from La Piazza and The Artisan to Starbucks and Caffé Nero.
4. Airlines
Aer Lingus Regional, British Airways, easyJet, KLM, Loganair and Lufthansa all fly in/out of Belfast City Airport.
5. Road trips starting here
We have countless road trip itineraries that use Belfast City as a starting point. You can choose itineraries that use only public transport or ones that use a car. Find them all here.
What to know about arriving in/leaving from Belfast City Airport
If you’re flying into/leaving Belfast City Airport for the first time, there’ll be no real surprises.
Here’s a handful of things to be aware of in advance of your visit.
Check-in
Check-in times vary between airlines, but generally, passengers are advised to arrive at least 2 hours before their flight’s scheduled departure time.
It’s always worth double-checking what your airline advises.
Immigration and customs
The airport has facilities to handle both domestic and international flights, with efficient passport control and customs processes.
Transportation
Belfast City Airport is well-served by public transport, including the Airport Express 600 service which links the airport with the city center. Taxis and car hire options are also readily available.
Luggage Services
The airport provides luggage trolleys and has a lost property department for items misplaced within the airport.
A brief history of Belfast City Airport
George Best Belfast City Airport was originally established as Belfast Harbour Airport in 1937.
It saw extensive use during World War II. When the war ended, it underwent a series of expansions and improvements.
The airport’s importance continued to grow, and it underwent a major redevelopment in the early 2000s.
In 2006, the airport was renamed in honour of the celebrated footballer, George Best.
Today, it continues to be an essential transportation hub, serving over a million passengers annually.
Things to do near Belfast City Airport
Photos via Shutterstock
One of the beauties of Belfast Harbour Airport is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Belfast.
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Belfast Harbour Airport.
1. Titanic Belfast
The award-winning Titanic Belfast is located on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard where the RMS Titanic was built.
2. St. George’s Market
One of Belfast’s oldest attractions, St. George’s Market offers a variety of food, craft, and antique stalls.
3. Belfast Castle
Set in Cave Hill Country Park, Belfast Castle offers panoramic views of the city. There are several trails to tackle here.
4. Crumlin Road Gaol
The 19th-century Crumlin Road Gaol is now a fascinating museum that provides insight into Belfast’s past.
FAQs about Belfast City Airport
We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Which of the Belfast airports is better to fly into?’ to ‘What is there to see nearby?’.
In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.
How early should I arrive at Belfast City Airport before my flight?
It is advised to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time. Always take not of what your airline advises.
Are there dining options in Belfast City Airport?
There’s plenty of places to eat and drink here, from La Piazza and The Artisan to Starbucks and Caffé Nero.
Can I rent a car at Belfast City Airport?
Yes, a number of car rental companies operate from the airport, providing a wide selection of vehicles for hire.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.