For the first instalment in our Northern Ireland airport guides, we’re starting with our Guide to George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) – the most convenient airport for Belfast city centre, located just a few miles away in the East of the City.
If you’re looking for a quick in and out airport with minimal travel time to the city, this one definitely ticks that box.
Why Is It Called George Best Airport?
Originally opened in 1938 and long known as Belfast City Airport or just ‘The City’ to locals, the airport was officially renamed George Best Belfast City Airport in 2006 in honour of Northern Ireland’s most famous footballer.
George Best was born and raised in east Belfast and is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, playing for Man United and Northern Ireland.
Location
Sydenham By-Pass, Belfast BT3 9JH
One of the airport’s biggest advantages is its proximity to the city centre, you can be in Belfast in as little as 10 minutes depending on your transport choice.
Belfast City Airport Arrivals/Departures
The arrival hall is small and straightforward, with a single exit and meeting point that opens directly into the main terminal. Departures and arrivals share the same space, one small terminal.
Facilities before security include:
- WHSmith
- Cafe Nero
- Seating area
- Cash machines
- Car hire desks
Once through security, there isn’t much more in terms of choice. You’ll find:
- Duty Free
- Another (more expensive) WHSmith
- A tourist souvenir shop
- Two coffee shops
- A lounge
- Two bars
Everything is expensive. To put it into perspective, we paid £2 more for a pint here than at Gatwick.
Post-security seating is limited, so there’s really no need to arrive excessively early. From entering security to reaching your gate can take just a few minutes.
Getting to/from Belfast City Airport.
Taxi / Uber
I would recommend to use Uber and ask to be collected from the short-stay car park to the right of the terminal.
If Uber isn’t your thing, there is an official taxi rank directly outside the terminal and usually plenty of cars available.Local taxis in Northern Ireland are expensive, and there’s also a £4 airport surcharge added to fares.
✔️ Most convenient
❌ By far the most expensive option
Bus
The Airport Express 600 runs between the airport and Grand Central Station, making a few stops along the way.
- Runs roughly every 30 minutes during peak times
- First bus just after 05:00
- Last bus just before 22:00
- Journey time: around 10 minutes
- Pick-up directly outside the terminal
✔️ Best value for money
❌ Could be waiting for some time for your bus, and if traffic is bad it could take significantly longer.
Train Station
The nearest station is Sydenham, about a 20-minute walk from the terminal. The downside? No shelter, awkward steps, and not ideal if you’re carrying lots of luggage.
If you’d rather not walk, there’s a free shuttle bus:
- Pick-up from the bus shelters to the left of the terminal
- Drops you at the bottom of the railway bridge steps
- Simply lift the phone and someone will be with you
Trains run frequently towards Bangor or Belfast, and tickets can be bought from machines or from the conductor onboard.
✔️ Ideal if staying near Botanic, City Hospital, or along the train line
❌ Will not suit with mobility issues, as there is a large number steps.
Walk it
Yes, it’s possible to walk into Belfast city centre in around an hour. The route is fully paved with only a few roads to cross.
But honestly?
We wouldn’t recommend it. We’ve done it a few times and it’s not a pleasant walk at all.
Car Hire/Driving
We don’t drive, so can’t offer much insight here, but there are around six car hire desks located immediately after arrivals, plus a large long-stay car park on site. The airport is on the Sydenham- by pass which connects to the motorways in Northern Ireland easily enough.
Be Careful!
A quick but important warning: Belfast has two airports.
Double-check that you’re booking flights, transfers, or car hire for Belfast City Airport and not Belfast International Airport. The shuttle bus driver told us how often people mix the two up.
Hotels Near Belfast City Airport
Surprisingly, there are no hotels directly at the airport, likely due to space restrictions. Your best options are:
- Belfast city centre hotels
- Or if feeling flush, The Culloden Estate & Spa, located nearby
Final Thoughts
If you’re travelling into Belfast, George Best Belfast City Airport is without doubt the most convenient option for the city centre.
The downsides?
- Limited flight routes
- Flight restrictions
- Expensive food, drink, and flights
But if location and speed matter most, this airport is hard to beat.
If you have any questions about George Best Belfast City Airport, drop them in the comments and we’ll be happy to help.
Thanks for reading our George Best Belfast City Airport, Guide,
The Lewis Family