Country Guides > Europe > Northern Ireland

Travel to Northern Ireland

Getting there by Air

There are frequent direct flights to Belfast from London airports as well as other major regional UK airports. Derry/Londonderry is also served. Airlines that serve Northern Ireland from the UK include Flybe (www.flybe.com) and easyJet (www.easyjet.com), which also flies between Belfast and several other European cities. From North America, British Airways (www.britishairways.com) and American Airlines (www.americanairlines.co.uk) currently have a connecting service between New York and Belfast. As elsewhere, flights to Northern Ireland become pricier over major holiday periods.

Note

It’s not obligatory for British nationals to carry a passport when taking a flight between Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK. However, most carriers will insist on some form of ID.

Approximate Flight times

From London to Belfast is 1 hour 15 minutes. From New York to Belfast is 9 hours.

Air passes

The OneWorld Alliance Visit Europe Pass (www.oneworld.com) includes the UK.

Departure tax

None.

Main Airports

George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD)

Handily located close to the Belfast city centre, George Best Belfast City Airport is the smaller of two international airports serving Northern Ireland's capital. Our George Best Belfast City Airport guide provides useful information about the airport, including contact numbers, details of public transport access and recommendations regarding nearby accommodation.

Website: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/united-kingdom/northern-ireland/george-best-belfast-city-airport

Location:

George Best Belfast City Airport is situated 3km (2 miles) east of Belfast.

Belfast International Airport (BFS)

Northern Ireland’s busiest airport, Belfast International Airport is one of two major air hubs serving the country’s capital, Belfast. Our Belfast International Airport guide has all the necessary information relating to the airport, including contact details, public transport options and recommendations for nearby hotels.

Website: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/united-kingdom/northern-ireland/belfast-international-airport

Location:

Belfast International Airport is located 30km (18 miles) northwest of Belfast city centre.

Getting There by Water

Northern Ireland is easily accessible by water. The main ports are Belfast (www.belfast-harbour.co.uk) and Larne (www.portoflarne.co.uk).

Ferry operators

When travelling via Great Britain to Northern Ireland, there is a choice of several services across the Irish Sea; providers include P&O Ferries (tel: +44 1304 863000; www.poferries.com) and Stena Line (tel: +44 8447 707 070; www.stenaline.co.uk).

Getting There by Rail

There is a cross-border rail service from Belfast Central Station, heading south to Dublin, in the Irish Republic, via Newry. The Belfast-Dublin non-stop express takes approximately two hours. For information on timetables for rail services, contact Translink (www.translink.co.uk).

Getting There by Road

Numerous roads cross the border from Ireland into Northern Ireland, the most travelled being the Irish N1/M1 motorway from Dublin, which becomes the A1 road when it reaches the Northern Irish border.