Travelling to Belfast

Northern Ireland has three airports, sea crossings from England and Scotland, and a direct rail link from Dublin. If you are travelling from further afield, you can fly direct to Belfast from over 20 European cities and a number of North American locations. 

For the most up-to-date information on travelling to Northern Ireland after Brexit, go to www.gov.uk/guidance/visiting-the-uk-after-brexit.

Local Covid restrictions and guidance continue to change. To get the latest government regulations and guidance for Northern Ireland, and how it may impact on your visit to Belfast, please go to NI Direct. We’ve provided some helpful links for visitors to Belfast below to help you plan your visit.



By Air

George Best Belfast City Airport

Belfast City Airport is just three miles from Belfast City Centre. Aer Lingus, British Airways, KLM and Eastern Airways all fly to and from Belfast City Airport.

The Translink Airport Express 600 bus service runs between the airport and Belfast City Centre.

Belfast International Airport

Belfast International Airport is a 30 minute drive from Belfast City Centre. EasyJet, Ryanair, Jet2,  and Wizz  all fly to and from Belfast International Airport.

The Translink Airport Express 300 bus service runs between the airport and Belfast City Centre.

By Sea

 From Scotland, England and Isle of Man

  • Stena Line (travelling from Liverpool and Cairnryan)

Belfast is easily accessed by sea, with crossings from both Scotland and England. Travel by super-fast ferries with journey times from just 1 hour.

By Rail

From Dublin and Republic of Ireland

Irish Rail operates services from towns and cities across the Republic of Ireland to Dublin’s Connolly Station, where you can then catch a connecting train to Belfast.

The Enterprise Train service (provided jointly by Translink and Irish Rail), from Dublin’s Connolly Station to Lanyon Station (previously known as Belfast Central Station), runs eight times daily (five times on Sundays) and takes 2 hours 15 minutes. Book in advance at www.irishrail.ie for the best value fares.

The Enterprise ticket includes free onward rail travel from Lanyon Station (previously known as Belfast Central Station) to Titanic Quarter Station (train stop for the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction) as well as a free Metro Bus Service from Lanyon Station (previously known as Belfast Central Station) to the city centre (Belfast City Hall area).

By Bus

From Dublin and Republic of Ireland

From Dublin, the X1 bus service (provided jointly by Translink and Bus Eireann) operates from Dublin Busáras (in Dublin city centre) and Dublin Airport to Belfast, with 21 departures every day.

The journey time from Dublin to Belfast is approximately 2 hours.

For more information on routes and fares, visit www.buseireann.ie.


By Road

From Dublin

Starting out at 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 from Dublin) leave the motorway and follow signs for City Centre onto the B38.