Belfast Layover Guide (BFS)

What are you looking for in BFS?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Belfast Airport (BFS) is an international airport located near Antrim, Northern Ireland. It’s situated about 21 km (13 miles) from downtown Belfast. The airport officially opened in 1983. Belfast is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland, known for its rich industrial heritage and vibrant culture. It offers visitors a mix of historical landmarks, lively music scenes, and access to the scenic landscapes of the Causeway Coast and Glens.

Can you leave Belfast Airport (BFS) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes, you may exit Belfast International (BFS) during a layover provided you have valid UK entry clearance and sufficient transfer time. Nationals from visa-exempt countries can apply for an Electronic Visa Waiver or Standard Visitor visa in advance. Others require a UK Visitor or Transit visa. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Titanic Belfast Discover the roots of the RMS Titanic in this interactive museum located on the original shipyard site, featuring dramatic immersive galleries, artifacts, and ship replicas that trace its epic story. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: From Belfast City Airport take the 600 Airlink bus to City Hall, then a 10-minute walk. / Official site)
• Belfast City Hall Admire the grand Edwardian Baroque exterior and explore world-class free historical exhibitions inside this iconic landmark situated in the heart of Belfast, while relaxing amidst beautiful gardens, fountains, and memorials. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: 600 Airlink bus to City Hall, then a 5-minute walk.)
• St George’s Market Experience vibrant local culture at this bustling covered market featuring artisanal crafts, fresh produce, live music, and street food stalls, perfect for sampling regional delicacies and mingling with friendly vendors. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: 600 Airlink bus to City Hall, then a 5-minute walk.)
• Ulster Museum Browse diverse collections spanning archaeology, fine art, and natural history within this modern museum nestled in scenic Botanic Gardens, offering engaging exhibits and innovative interactive displays suitable for all ages. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (20 minutes).)
• Botanic Gardens Stroll through these lush historic Victorian gardens featuring rare palms, a tropical glasshouse, ornamental flowerbeds, and shaded seating; a peaceful urban oasis ideal for leisurely walks, picnics, or photography sessions. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi (20 minutes).)
• The Crown Liquor Saloon Step into this meticulously restored Victorian gin palace, indulge in traditional ales or cocktails behind ornate mahogany bars, admire intricate mosaics, and soak up lively atmosphere in an authentic Belfast pub. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: 600 Airlink bus to City Hall, then a 5-minute walk.)
• Black Taxi Mural Tour Embark on an eye-opening tour of vibrant political murals aboard iconic black taxis, guided by knowledgeable local drivers who share rich narratives about Belfast’s troubled past and resilient community spirit. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (20 minutes).)
• Crumlin Road Gaol Explore this historic Victorian prison with renowned engaging guided tours through preserved cells, execution chamber, and underground tunnels, offering vivid macabre insights into Northern Ireland’s penal history and famous inmates. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (25 minutes). / Official site)

Things to Do in Belfast Airport (BFS)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
The Causeway Lounge offers a serene escape beyond security, with comfortable seating, departure screens and a self-serve buffet of snacks and hot drinks. A complimentary bar serves soft drinks, tea, coffee or alcoholic beverages. Open daily to eligible passengers, it provides a quiet environment for up to two hours before departure. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Maldron Hotel Belfast International sits a two-minute walk from the terminal via a covered link. It features 107 contemporary rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi and on-site parking. Guests enjoy 24-hour reception, breakfast service and easy access to Northern Ireland’s attractions. Ideal for early flights or overnight stays. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Belfast International lacks dedicated sleep pods or rest zones; however, seating areas in the departure lounge offer windowed views and some padded benches. A multi-faith quiet room in arrivals provides a calm retreat for contemplation. For longer rests, nearby hotels or city accommodations are recommended.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free airport Wi-Fi is available throughout the passenger terminal. Simply connect to “BIA Wi-Fi” and register for up to two hours of secure, complimentary access. Coverage spans shops, lounges and boarding gates, enabling social media updates, online check-ins and flight monitoring before you board.

SIM/eSIM Card: The airport does not operate a dedicated SIM kiosk, but WHSmith and Aelia Duty Free stock international SIM cards in departures. Alternatively, eSIM plans can be arranged pre-departure via mobile providers. For longer stays, city-center operators offer wider plan selection and local rates. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official Belfast Airport Taxis operate outside the exit doors 24/7. All vehicles are airport-approved and fares to central Belfast are displayed in the terminal. Journeys to the city center take about 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. Pre-booked airport transfers are also available online.

Train: There is no direct rail link at the airport. The nearest station is Antrim, 10 km away, served by Translink rail services to Belfast, Lisburn and Derry. A connecting bus (Ulsterbus 109A) links the terminal with Antrim station. (more info)

Bus: Translink’s Metro route 300 express runs to Belfast city center 24 hours a day, every 15 minutes at peak times. Ulsterbus 109A provides connections to Lisburn, Antrim and beyond, with add-on “Airlink” tickets valid on both bus and train segments. (more info)

Shuttle: Park & Fly’s free shuttle links the off-site long-stay car park and terminal every 10–15 minutes, 24/7. Maldron Hotel offers a covered walkway rather than a shuttle service. For group transfers, private coach shuttle services can be pre-booked through local operators.

Car rentals: Major car hire firms (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Enterprise and Budget) have desks in the arrivals hall. Vehicles are located onsite, with key drop boxes for after-hours returns. Pre-booking guarantees availability; walk-up rentals depend on current fleet levels and seasonality. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Four on-site car parks serve different needs: Short Stay (terminal walking distance), Main (covered walk), Long Stay (courtesy bus) and Park & Fly (off-site with free shuttle). Pre-booking secures best rates; pay-on‐arrival options are available at pay stations. Accessible bays and electric vehicle charging are provided.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Belfast International Airport does not offer luggage storage lockers. Trolleys are available free of charge. Lost property enquiries are handled by OCS Lost Property (arrivals hall, Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00). For luggage storage, city-center services near transport hubs are recommended. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Belfast Airport (BFS) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks