Book flights to Belfast

Belfast is a primary gateway to the north of the island, where a short flight brings travellers to a city defined by its maritime heritage and rapid transformation. It sits at the mouth of the River Lagan, and is a focal point for history and industry.

The city’s architectural identity is visible through the copper dome of Belfast City Hall and the historic cranes of the Harland and Wolff shipyard. Cultural discovery continues in the Cathedral Quarter, where narrow streets house traditional pubs and contemporary galleries, while the Titanic Belfast monument is located at the site of the world's most famous ship construction.

Modern journeys here reveal a destination of contrasts, from the political history of the Falls Road murals to the natural beauty of Cave Hill Country Park. The atmosphere is shaped by a blend of Victorian grandeur and a thriving culinary scene, making it a place of deep historical inquiry and social energy.

High season in Belfast

Belfast experiences its peak energy during the summer months, from June to August, when temperatures typically range between 15°C and 20°C. The extended daylight hours transform the city into a hub of outdoor activity, with locals and visitors populating the terraces of the Cathedral Quarter. When arriving at Belfast City Airport or Belfast International Airport, travellers find a landscape of deep greens and a city that feels open and accessible.

The social rhythm accelerates with major cultural events like the Belfast Mela and various music festivals held in Custom House Square. The Titanic Quarter has a bustling atmosphere as people walk the 2 kilometers under the warm sun. This season is defined by a lively, communal pace where the city’s maritime history and modern culinary scene are best explored on foot.

Low season in Belfast

Belfast adopts a more intimate and atmospheric identity during the low season, particularly from November to March. Temperatures often hover between 3°C and 8°C, bringing crisp air and occasional Atlantic mists that settle over the Harland & Wolff cranes. Landing during these months reveals a city illuminated by glowing streetlights and festive decorations, creating a cozy environment that contrasts with the brisk weather outside.

Life moves indoors as the city’s historic pubs and Victorian-era buildings become the centres of social life. The Belfast Christmas Market at Belfast City Hall is a seasonal staple, drawing crowds with the scent of roasted nuts and mulled cider. While the pace is slower than in summer, the low season has a quiet charm that allows for a more contemplative experience of the city’s galleries and museums.

Two distinct air gateways serve the city, offering travellers a choice between a coastal hub dedicated to short-haul traffic and a larger international facility positioned further inland. This dual-airport system ensures that a flight to Belfast is easily accessible from major hubs across the United Kingdom and Europe.

George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD)

Located only 5 km east of the city centre, George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) sits along the southern shore of Belfast Lough. This single-terminal facility primarily handles domestic routes within the United Kingdom and a selection of short-haul European destinations. It is a major base for regional carriers, making it a highly convenient entry point for business travellers and those arriving on short flights to Belfast.

Upon landing, the journey into the heart of the city is remarkably quick due to the airport's proximity to the urban core. The Airport Express 600 bus service departs from the terminal forecourt every 20 to 30 minutes, reaching the Belfast Europa Buscentre in approximately 15 minutes. For those preferring rail, a shuttle bus connects the terminal to the Sydenham Train Station, where frequent services run to Lanyon Place Station and Belfast Grand Central Station. Taxis are readily available at the ranks outside the arrivals hall, typically reaching central hotels in under 10 minutes.

Belfast International Airport (BFS)

Belfast International Airport (BFS) is the primary long-haul and low-cost gateway for the region, situated roughly 30 km northwest of the city near the town of Crumlin. As the busiest airport in Northern Ireland, it operates from a large, continuous terminal building and is a significant hub for major budget airlines. The facility manages a high volume of international traffic, including seasonal charters and year-round connections to continental Europe.

Travellers arriving here can access the city via the Airport Express 300 bus, which operates a 24-hour service with increased frequency during peak daytime hours. The bus journey to the Belfast Europa Buscentre generally takes between 30 and 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions along the M2 motorway. While there is no direct rail link at this site, licensed taxis operate from the exit of the arrivals hall and they provide door-to-door transport. Car rental desks are located within the main concourse for those planning to explore the surrounding coastal routes or the Antrim countryside.

From the moment your flight descends over the green hills of the Antrim coast, the city reveals a skyline where industrial history meets a modern, creative energy. Belfast greets arrivals with a compact urban core that is easy to navigate, ensuring you can begin exploring its storied streets and harbours shortly after leaving the airport.

Titanic Belfast
This striking aluminium-clad building is located on the very site where the famous ship was built, offering an immersive journey through the city’s maritime soul. The surrounding Titanic Quarter hums with a sense of renewal, blending the echoes of the heavy shipyard industry with contemporary cultural spaces.

St George's Market
The air inside this Victorian-era glass building is thick with the scent of fresh soda bread and local seafood, providing a sensory introduction to the region's flavours. It is a lively social hub where artisans and musicians gather, reflecting the warm, communal spirit that defines the local character.

Cathedral Quarter
Characterized by narrow cobbled alleys and colourful street art, this district is the heartbeat of the city’s nightlife and arts scene. It is the perfect place to find a traditional pub with a roaring fire, where the sound of live folk music often spills out onto the pavement.

Ulster Museum
Set within the lush grounds of the Botanic Gardens, this museum houses a vast collection that spans from ancient Egyptian mummies to modern Irish art. The nearby Palm House, a graceful structure of curved glass and iron, contains an exotic world of tropical plants that feel kilometers away from the urban bustle.

Cave Hill Country Park
For a panoramic view of the city and the sea, a walk up this basaltic hill reveals the landscape that reportedly inspired Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels. From the summit, you can trace the entire curve of Belfast Lough, watching as aircraft bank toward the runway against a backdrop of deep blue water.

The Peace Walls
These towering structures and the murals painted upon them tell the complex story of the city's past with striking visual honesty. Walking along the border between the Falls Road and Shankill Road provides a profound look at how art is used to process history and look toward a shared future.

Comparing schedules and airlines through our search filters is the simplest way to ensure your journey to Belfast starts on the right note. For frequent travellers, eDreams Prime includes additional savings and member benefits that make every discovery more accessible as you prepare for your arrival in this historic city.