Book your private transfer to / from Belfast Airport with Airport Executive

Belfast International Airport (BFS) is Northern Ireland's busiest airport, located approximately 20 miles northwest of Belfast city centre near Aldergrove. It serves as the primary gateway to the region for business travellers, visitors exploring the Causeway Coast and Titanic Quarter, and leisure passengers arriving from across the UK and Europe. Whether you are arriving for a meeting in the city, beginning a tour of the north coast or heading south to Dublin, Airport Executive provides a professional, chauffeur-driven transfer from BFS that is ready and waiting when you land.

We have been providing airport transfers for over 30 years. Every booking includes a meet and greet in the arrivals hall, real-time flight monitoring and a fully licenced, professional chauffeur. Your journey from Belfast International Airport is taken care of from the moment your flight touches down.

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Why Choose Airport Executive for Your Belfast Transfer

Arriving at Belfast International Airport and continuing to your destination across Northern Ireland should be seamless. Airport Executive ensures it is.

• Over 30 years of trusted service. Three decades of professional chauffeur transfers, built on punctuality and discretion.
• Meet and greet on every arrival. Your chauffeur will be waiting in the arrivals hall with a personalised name board. No searching, no negotiating with local taxis outside the terminal.
• Real-time flight monitoring. We track your flight from departure. If it is delayed, your driver adjusts accordingly.
• Fixed, transparent pricing. The price you see when you book is the price you pay. No hidden charges, no meter running.
• A vehicle for every journey. From Economy Saloon to First Class XL, we have the right vehicle for every traveller and group size.
• Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Early morning arrivals, late night departures: we are always available.
• Fully licenced and insured. All chauffeurs are professionally licenced and DBS checked. All vehicles are comprehensively insured.

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Meeting Your Driver at Belfast International Airport

Arrivals

Belfast International Airport operates from a single passenger terminal with arrivals on the lower floor. The process from gate to arrivals hall depends on your departure point.

For domestic arrivals from within the United Kingdom and Common Travel Area flights from the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, no passport control is required. Follow the signs directly to baggage reclaim, collect your luggage and proceed into the arrivals hall. Your Airport Executive chauffeur will be waiting there with a personalised name board, ready to assist with your bags and guide you to your vehicle.

For international arrivals from outside the Common Travel Area, follow the signs through UK Border Control, then proceed to baggage reclaim and through customs before entering the arrivals hall, where your driver will be waiting with a name board.

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Departures

Departures are handled on the upper floor of the terminal. Your Airport Executive chauffeur will drop you at the departures entrance, and Airport Executive recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time. Belfast International Airport has recently opened a new security hall as part of a significant investment programme, and passengers are no longer required to remove liquids or small electronics from their hand luggage at security.

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Airport Extras at Belfast International Airport

Fast Track Security

Belfast International Airport offers its own Premium Security service, which provides access to a dedicated fast track security lane. Passes can be booked directly through the airport's website from as little as £5 per person, with discounts available when booked in advance. The service is available for departing passengers and is a practical option during busier travel periods, particularly on early morning weekend departures.

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Causeway Lounge

Causeway Lounge — Belfast International Airport's only airside lounge, located to the left of the duty-free area opposite Gate 17. The lounge offers a self-serve buffet of light bites and snacks alongside a bar serving freshly ground coffee, specialty teas, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. Free Wi-Fi, television screens and live flight information displays are available throughout. Priority Pass and DragonPass are accepted. Day passes can be pre-booked at £25 per person via LoungePass, or purchased as a walk-in for £30 at the lounge entrance. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 05:00 to 20:00, Saturday 05:00 to 18:00, and Sunday 05:00 to 20:00. The lounge is not open overnight, so passengers travelling on late-evening flights should note that access may not be available.

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Luggage Storage

Luggage storage is available in the arrivals hall of the terminal, operating from 09:00 to 21:00 daily. Charges vary by item size, from around £3 for smaller items to £7 for large suitcases. This is a useful option for passengers who need to leave bags on arrival before their accommodation is ready.

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Shops and Dining

Flax and Soda — a 280-cover casual dining restaurant in the departures lounge celebrating Northern Irish produce, with a menu of regional meats, freshly baked breads, local dairy and a curated selection of craft beers and spirits from across Northern Ireland. One of the most distinctive food offerings at any UK regional airport.

Starbucks — the international coffee chain serving espresso drinks, cold beverages and baked goods throughout the day.

Soul and Grain — a grab-and-go concept offering sandwiches, wraps and snacks for passengers wanting a quick option before boarding.

Burger King — international fast-food chain serving burgers, chicken sandwiches and sides.

Duty Free — the departures hall duty-free store offers fragrances, cosmetics, spirits, confectionery and travel essentials at tax-free prices.

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Timing Tips for Belfast International Airport

Arriving at Belfast

For domestic and Common Travel Area arrivals, allow approximately 20 to 30 minutes from landing to reaching the arrivals hall. No passport control is required for these flights, so the process is simply a walk to baggage reclaim and through the exit.

For international arrivals, allow 30 to 45 minutes from landing. This covers border control, baggage reclaim and customs. Following a recent refurbishment of the immigration hall, wait times have been reduced and most passengers clear arrivals within this window, though peak periods can extend this.

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Departing from Belfast

For all departures, arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time. Check-in and baggage drop services typically close one hour before departure for domestic flights and one and a half hours before for longer international routes. The new security hall, opened in 2025, has significantly improved the departures experience, and passengers no longer need to remove liquids or small electronics from their hand luggage. Premium Security fast track passes are also available from £5 if you prefer a dedicated lane.

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Book Your Belfast Airport Transfer

Reserve your Belfast International Airport transfer online in minutes. Select your vehicle class, confirm your travel details and receive instant confirmation by email. Whether you are heading into Belfast city centre, travelling north to the coast or making the run south to Dublin, Airport Executive has the right vehicle for your journey.

Book your Belfast transfer with Airport Executive today and take the stress out of your arrival or departure.

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Top Attractions Near Belfast International Airport

Titanic Belfast

Built on the original slipways where the RMS Titanic was constructed, Titanic Belfast is the city's most celebrated attraction and one of the world's leading maritime museums. Nine interactive galleries spread across six floors trace the story of the ship from concept through construction to its final voyage, with an underwater cinema, gantry ride and access to the dry dock where Titanic was fitted out. Approximately 22 miles from the airport.

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Cathedral Quarter

Belfast's most vibrant cultural district, the Cathedral Quarter is a compact area of Victorian streets, independent bars and live music venues centred on the restored St Anne's Cathedral. Home to the annual Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, the area is widely regarded as the best place in the city for traditional Irish music, street art and an evening out.

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Ulster Museum

Located in the Botanic Gardens, the Ulster Museum is Northern Ireland's national museum and is free to enter. Collections span art, history, natural science and archaeology, with a particularly strong focus on the history of the island of Ireland, including a significant collection of artefacts from the Spanish Armada wreck on the Ulster coast.

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Botanic Gardens and the Palm House

Adjacent to Queen's University and the Ulster Museum, the Botanic Gardens offer a peaceful green space in the heart of the city. The centrepiece is the Victorian Palm House, a cast-iron and glass glasshouse dating to 1840 and filled with tropical and temperate plants. Free to visit and one of the finest Victorian glasshouses in the UK.

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Crumlin Road Gaol

A formidable Victorian prison that served for over 150 years, Crumlin Road Gaol is now one of Belfast's most popular heritage attractions. Guided tours take visitors through the cells, tunnels and execution chamber, and the site offers an unflinching look at the city's turbulent history from Victorian times through to the Troubles and beyond.

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Cave Hill Country Park

The dramatic basalt escarpment overlooking Belfast from the north, Cave Hill Country Park offers walking trails, panoramic views over the city and Belfast Lough, and the summit of McArt's Fort, an ancient stone fortification perched at the top of the aptly named Napoleon's Nose. Belfast Castle, a Victorian baronial mansion, sits on the lower slopes and is open to visitors.

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Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

The official UK Government residence in Northern Ireland, Hillsborough Castle is a Georgian mansion set within 100 acres of gardens in the village of Hillsborough, approximately 12 miles south of Belfast city centre. Managed by Historic Royal Palaces, the castle hosts royal visits and state occasions and is open to the public for guided tours of its lavishly decorated state rooms and the beautifully kept walled garden and lake walk. A polished and quietly impressive day out, particularly for those with an interest in royal history or heritage gardens.

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Giant's Causeway

A UNESCO World Heritage Site on the north Antrim coast approximately 45 miles from Belfast International Airport, the Giant's Causeway is formed by around 40,000 interlocking hexagonal basalt columns created by ancient volcanic activity. One of the most iconic natural landscapes in the British Isles, the site draws visitors from around the world and is best explored with a half or full day set aside. Airport Executive provides a fixed-fare transfer directly to the causeway and the surrounding area.

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Dark Hedges and Game of Thrones Filming Locations

Northern Ireland served as one of the primary filming locations for Game of Thrones, and numerous sites are accessible within an hour of Belfast International Airport. The Dark Hedges, a dramatic avenue of centuries-old beech trees near Stranocum, is perhaps the most photographed location, while Ballintoy Harbour, Cushendun Caves and Larrybane Head each featured prominently in the series and offer spectacular coastal scenery in their own right.

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The Walled City of Derry/Londonderry

Approximately 57 miles northwest of the airport, Derry is the only remaining completely intact walled city on the island of Ireland and one of the finest examples of a planned Plantation town in Europe. The city walls, the Bogside murals and the Museum of Free Derry give a powerful account of Irish and Northern Irish history, and the city's Cathedral Quarter and waterfront have established it as one of the island's most rewarding destinations.

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Common Routes from Belfast International Airport

Belfast City Centre | ~20 mi | ~35 min | £60

Lisburn | ~18 mi | ~25 min | £60

Bangor, County Down | ~28 mi | ~45 min | £72

Giant's Causeway | ~45 mi | ~1h | £116

Newry | ~47 mi | ~1h | £121

Derry/Londonderry | ~57 mi | ~1h 5m | £146

Dublin City Centre | ~107 mi | ~2h | £274

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Belfast International Airport from Belfast city centre?

Belfast International Airport is approximately 20 miles from Belfast city centre, a drive of around 30 to 35 minutes in normal traffic. The airport is also well placed for access to the wider Northern Ireland road network, with Derry approximately one hour north and the Antrim coast a similar distance.

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Where will my driver meet me at Belfast International Airport?

Your Airport Executive chauffeur will be waiting in the arrivals hall on the lower floor of the terminal, after you have collected your luggage and cleared the exit. Your driver will be holding a name board displaying your name and will assist with your bags from the moment you come through arrivals.

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How long does it take to get through arrivals at Belfast International Airport?

For domestic and Common Travel Area arrivals, allow approximately 20 to 30 minutes from landing to the arrivals hall. For international arrivals requiring passport control, allow 30 to 45 minutes. Following recent improvements to the immigration hall, most passengers clear arrivals within this window, though peak periods can be longer. Your chauffeur monitors your flight in real time and will be waiting whenever you emerge.

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Can Airport Executive take me from Belfast Airport to Dublin?

Yes. Airport Executive provides a fixed-fare chauffeur transfer from Belfast International Airport to Dublin city centre, a journey of approximately 107 miles and around two hours in normal traffic. All fares are fixed and agreed at the time of booking, with no additional charges for the cross-border journey.

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Is there a lounge at Belfast International Airport?

Yes. The Causeway Lounge is Belfast International Airport's only airside lounge, located opposite Gate 17. It accepts Priority Pass and DragonPass, and day passes are available from £25 pre-booked or £30 on the door. The lounge is open from 05:00 daily and closes at 20:00 Monday to Friday and Sunday, and at 18:00 on Saturday. It is not available for late-evening or overnight access.

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Is there fast track security at Belfast International Airport?

Yes. Belfast International Airport offers Premium Security, a fast track service that provides access to a dedicated security lane. Passes start from £5 per person and can be booked in advance through the airport's website. The new security hall opened in 2025 also means passengers no longer need to remove liquids or small electronics from their hand luggage for standard screening.

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How do I book an airport transfer with Airport Executive?

You can book online via the Airport Executive website. Enter your pickup and drop-off locations, select your preferred vehicle class and confirm your travel details. A booking confirmation is sent to you immediately by email.

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Do you monitor my flight?

Yes. Airport Executive monitors every flight in real time. If your flight is delayed, your chauffeur's schedule is updated automatically so you are never left waiting at the airport for a driver who has not been informed of the delay.

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Are your prices fixed?

Yes. Every Airport Executive transfer is priced on a fixed basis. The fare shown at the time of booking is the fare you pay. There are no hidden charges, no penalties for traffic and no surprises at the end of your journey.

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How long will my driver wait for me?

Your chauffeur will wait up to 90 minutes after your scheduled landing time for international arrivals. Because we monitor your flight, your driver will already have adjusted for any delay before it affects your transfer.

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Can I request a child seat?

Yes. Child seats are available on request. Please include your requirements in the notes section when completing your booking.

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