Car Rental at Belfast International Airport

Airport travel guide

An up-and-coming destination, Belfast is undoubtedly one of the most interesting cities in the United Kingdom. That being said, no visit to Northern Ireland is complete without exploring its fascinating nature and history, so the capital can also be used as a hub for shorter and longer-distance trips around this unique part of the UK. These are four of the best day trips from Belfast:

• The Mourne Mountains. Located in the very southeast of Northern Ireland, the Mourne Mountains is a lovely area. Those looking to reach a milestone can climb Slieve Donard — the highest mountain in Northern Ireland — and enjoy the view of the Irish Sea below. There are also many hiking trails that take you through valleys, along the Mourne Wall and past Celtic sites that date back millennia. Newcastle, the main town of the area, is only about an hour’s drive south of Belfast.
• Derry. The second city of Northern Ireland has plenty to offer in terms of architecture, history, and character. Derry is best known for the 17th-century city walls that survive intact to this day; many of Derry's landmarks like St. Columb’s Cathedral are located inside the walled city. Other attractions include the Bogside area and the museum of Free Derry which attempts to explain the recent and still very fresh and sensitive Northern Irish conflict (The Troubles), the Peace Bridge, and the 6th-century Grianan Fort. The drive between Belfast and Derry takes about 90 minutes.
• Bangor. Although some treat it as a suburb of Belfast, the coastal town of Bangor is much more than that, and you could do worse than spend a relaxing day exploring it. A former resort, it is known for its beautiful Marina, but also a number of city beaches, Bangor Abbey, North Downs Museum of local history, and the Copeland Bird Observatory which’s on a nearby island which you can reach with a boat from the Donaghadee Port (it’s not possible to take a car along on this trip, though). The drive between Bangor and Belfast takes only about 30 minutes.
• Armagh. Known as the capital of both the Anglican and the Catholic churches of Northern Ireland, Armagh is known for its religious and social importance and, naturally, its many beautiful churches. There are other attractions, too, not least the County Museum documenting local folklore and art, as well as the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. A car trip southwest of Belfast takes only about 50 minutes.

Top international routes

• London
• Edinburgh
• Manchester
• Liverpool
• Birmingham
• Palma de Mallorca
• Bristol
• Glasgow

Main airlines

easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, TUI, Eastern Airways

Terminals

The single airport terminal serves all domestic and international flights.

Location

Belfast International Airport is about 21 km (13 mi) northwest of downtown Belfast. Motorways A57, M2, and A12 are the main roads connecting the airport to the city. Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, is just 180 km (112 mi) from Belfast International Airport.

Most popular types of rental car

• Small cars - from $42 per day
• Medium cars - from $48 per day
• SUVs - from $48 per day
• Large cars - from $52 per day
• Premium cars - from $103 per day
• Station wagons - from $508 per day
• Vans - from $66 per day

Car rental desks

Most are located in the arrivals hall.

Services and facilities

You’ll find coffee shops, bars, and full-service restaurants. Food Village is located post-security and hosts many fast food restaurants. There are many shops, including newsstands, a bookstore, and duty-free outlets for passengers leaving the EU. Belfast International Airport also has ATMs, two currency exchanges, a pharmacy, baby changing facilities, a children’s play room, a contemplation room, and an observation deck. The airport facilities are well equipped for travelers with reduced mobility, and there are porters ready to assist with baggage. Some airport staff are trained in basic sign language. You can find more information on the airport's official website.

Nearest gas station

Emo Express gas station, located at Airport Road, Aldergrove, Crumlin BT29 4ZR, can be reached in about three minutes and is open 24/7. There are many other gas stations near the airport and on the way to Belfast.

Popular one-way rentals

• Dublin (180 km / 112 mi)
• Edinburgh (301 km / 187 mi)
• Galway (380 km / 236 mi)