By Jane Hardy
Belfast is a city which is easy to navigate by road, rail, bus, water and even air. We have many options for getting around, not just within the county but further afield too. Read on for ways to get around Belfast.
Getting here
There are two airports, sea crossings from Scotland and England and a direct rail link from Dublin. If you’re coming from further afield, you can fly direct to Belfast from dozens of European cities and a number of North American locations. And once you arrive, you’ll find it’s just as easy to get around as it was getting here.
By air
Belfast is easily accessible by air
George Best Belfast City Airport
The airport is situated just three miles from Belfast city centre. Go to belfastcityairport.com for flight information. The Airport Express 600 bus service runs from the airport terminal to the city centre every 20 minutes (05.30-22.05) Monday to Friday. Go to translink.co.uk for services on Saturdays and Sundays.
Belfast International Airport
Belfast International Airport is 30 minutes drive via the M2 motorway. Flight information is at belfastairport.com.
The Airport Express 300 service operates between the airport and Belfast city centre every 15 minutes Monday to Friday, every 20 minutes on Saturday and every 30 minutes on Sunday. This service operates 24 hours a day however night services are less frequent. Please check translink.co.uk for services during off peak times and weekends. Please check translink.co.uk for services during off peak times and weekends.
By sea
Belfast is easily accessed by sea with crossings from both Scotland and England. Travel by state of the art superfast ferries with journey times from just two hours and 15 minutes. Operators and travel times vary. Please check out Stena Line, P&O Irish Sea and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for travel options.
By rail
An Enterprise service runs eight times daily (five times on Sundays) from Belfast to Dublin. The journey time is about two hours. Tel: 028 9066 6630, translink.co.uk.
By bus
There’s a great network of transport options available here
Dublin Airport Express Coach Service operates to Dublin Airport, with a journey time of approximately two hours. Tel: 028 9066 6630, translink.co.uk.
Travel by road from Dublin
Starting out from Dublin Airport, the M1 motorway is well signposted for Belfast; this is a toll road and there is one Toll Plaza approximately 31 km from Dublin Airport.
Continue on this motorway signposted for Belfast. Just after passing the city of Newry the road becomes a dual carriageway (A1) and motorway regulations fall away. At the Sprucefield roundabout (approximately 137 km from Dublin Airport) the A1 joins the M1 motorway (signposted The North, Belfast). Once within the Greater Belfast area the signs will display as city centre. At Grosvenor Road junction (approximately 152 km) leave the motorway and follow signs city centre onto the B38.
Getting around
Belfast is compact and easy to navigate, so getting around the city is easy on foot, bike or by taxi. However, if you want to wander a little further afield then there is a network of transport options which will get you to your desired destination.
For all the latest information on getting around, visit visitbelfast.com. And if you need further information during your visit, call in to the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, Donegall Square, or call on 028 9024 6609.
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