Belfast International Airport is situated just 13 miles (21km) northwest of Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital. It’s Ireland’s second-busiest airport, after Dublin. The airport is the gateway to Northern Ireland and Belfast, a city steeped in a rich and once troubled history.
Belfast International Airport was originally named the Aldergrove Airport after a nearby village. In 1983, it became Belfast International Airport. With the passing of the Troubles, Belfast – and Northern Ireland – has been working hard to establish itself as a tourist destination.
One way of making its mark for tourists is by housing popular low-cost carriers such as Thomson Airways, Jet2.com, easyJet, Thomas Cook Airlines and Aer Lingus. Belfast is becoming increasingly popular as a weekend break and cheap flights to Belfast International Airport can be booked on most European carriers, but particularly on the low-cost airlines.
The Guardian/Observer Travel Awards placed Belfast in the top five best cities for a break. Belfast Airport is the ideal gateway to a relaxing and rewarding holiday in Northern Ireland.
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<div class="rxbodyfield">There is only one terminal.</div>
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Taxi: Taxis are available outside the arrivals hall. Sample taxi fares can be viewed just before the exit. The 25-minute drive to central Belfast costs approximately £28.
Bus: The bus stop is outside the terminal on the lower level. Airbus No. 300 operates between the airport and central Belfast. The Airbus service runs 24 hours per day with buses every 15 minutes during the day and less frequently at night and at the weekend. Tickets prices are £7 one-way and £10 return.
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There are three parking options at the Belfast International Airport. Short stay parking starts at £1 for the first 30 minutes, £2 for 60 minutes and almost £10 for a three-hour stay. The daily rate for the short stay parking lot is £33. The main car park starts at £3.30 for the first hour and goes up to £13 per day. The long-stay car park charges £9 for the first day, £16 for two days and £35 for seven days. Drivers dropping off or picking up passengers should keep £1 handy; this is the cost of parking in the zone for 10 minutes.
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Money and communications: ATMs and currency exchange are available in the terminal.
Luggage: The airport has a lost property office for items misplaced in the terminal. Understandably, due to security concerns the airport does not offer left luggage facilities.
Conference and business: The business lounge has business services such as printing and faxing services available and is open to passengers travelling with any airline on any type of ticket. A small number of memberships are available, individual and corporate. The airport terminal does not have conference facilities, but the Park Plaza Belfast, a two-minute walk from the terminal, has extensive facilities.
Other facilities: The airport is fully accessible for persons with reduced mobility. Baby changing facilities are also available in the terminal.
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi access is available throughout the terminal through service provider BT Openzone.
Shopping: One of the best ways to round off a weekend break (or longer holiday) in Belfast is with some retail therapy. Belfast International Airport has a number of great shopping opportunities on offer. The duty-free shop is well stocked with liquor (including all the top Irish whiskies), perfume, clothing, jewellery and many other items. Other popular shops at the airport include Boots, great for last-minute toiletries and medicines, and WH Smith. The Irish Quarter, in the departures lounge, is a great place to look for last-minute gifts and souvenirs with that particular Irish feel to them. Leprechauns, pots of gold and the Guinness logo feature strongly.
Food and drink: The airport is well-stocked with food and drink options ranging from the mandatory Starbucks and Burger King outlets to specialty coffees and sweet treats from Café Ritazza. The Lagan Bar is a typical Irish sports bar and a popular place for a final pint before jetting off.
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The Fitzwilliam International Hotel (tel: +44 (0)28 9442 7000; website:
www.fitzwilliaminternational.com) is situated within walking distance of the main passenger terminal. The Dunadry Hotel and Country Club (tel: +44 (0)28 9443 4343) is a short drive from the airport and provides meeting rooms and conference facilities. Details of other hotels in the surrounding area can be obtained by contacting the Belfast Welcome Centre (tel: +44 (0)28 9024 6609), which also provides a booking service for a small fee.
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