Belfast

Departing from Birmingham Airport

Birmingham is Britain’s second city, so it’s no wonder that the city’s airport is so well equipped. Easy to get to and filled with a fantastic selection of shops and restaurants, you’re sure to enjoy the time before your flight.

Birmingham Airport is very accessible by various modes of transportation. If you’re driving to the airport, you’ll find a choice of car parks, which are all easily accessible from the terminal by foot or via the free shuttle bus. Book a carpark space online in advance and save up to 70%.

If you prefer to take public transport, you will find bus services running directly to the airport and Birmingham International Airport train station. The free Air-Rail link from the station takes you straight into the terminal in less than five minutes.

Packing to go abroad can seem a laborious task and you’re bound to forget something you need for your trip. But not to worry, our selection of shops will cater for any forgotten item.

Last minute health and beauty essentials can be found at Boots, and InMotion will have any electricals you may have missed. If you need to buy a present for someone at the other end, your best bet is World Duty Free for luxury brands at discount prices. There are also beauty and fashion stores to browse before your flight.

Enjoy a delicious meal at one of our cafés, bars or restaurants. Everyone’s favourite Wetherspoon has your much-loved ales and wines, as well as soft drinks and a great food menu. Try one of the burgers at Factory Bar and Kitchen or if you want to grab something a little lighter, or there’s a handful of coffee shops for that much-needed caffeine hit, and even a Burger King.

To find out about our other services, head to our terminal facilities page.

Arriving at Belfast Airport 

Belfast International Airport only has one terminal and is connected to the city centre via the Airport Express 300 that runs every 15 minutes. The journey takes 30-40 minutes and costs £8 for a single or £11 for a return ticket. You can jump on the Airport 300 right outside the airport’s main exit. There's also a taxi rank outside the terminal building if you’d prefer a more direct route to your destination.  

Belfast City is also a small one-terminal airport, connected to the city centre via the Airport Express 600. An adult single ticket costs £2.50. There’s also a taxi rank outside the terminal building as well.

Pre-book your transfer with HolidayTaxis and avoid the queues when you arrive.

What to expect in Belfast

Northern Ireland has its own bank notes, so don’t be surprised when you get money out of the cash machine and your notes look a little more colourful than your usual English ones. While the notes can be spent throughout the UK, you may have some difficulties getting rid of them when you return to Birmingham. It’s probably best to get out enough money for your trip before you fly to Belfast.

The official language of Belfast is English, with Irish and Ulster Scots as regionally recognised languages in Northern Ireland.

Belfast’s climate is warm and temperate, but it rains a lot even during the driest months. So whatever time you visit, make sure you pack your anorak!

Culture in Belfast

Traditionally, Belfast was split between two distinct vibrant cultural communities, simply described as Catholic and Protestant - both of which have made their own contributions to the city's culture. With the segregation between both groups a thing of the past, Belfast has become Northern Ireland’s vibrant, fun and friendly capital.

Home to many galleries, opera houses, museums and movie theatres as well as a great nightlife scene, Belfast is a wonderfully cultural place to explore. Check out Titanic Belfast for an immersive historical experience or HMS Caroline for a piece of WW1 maritime history. For delicious food, visit St George’s Market, one of the city’s oldest attractions and a great place to try first-class local fare.