Discover Belfast

Flying to Belfast

George Best Belfast City Airport is, as the ‘City’ in its name suggests, the closest airport to the centre of Belfast, at just 10 minutes’ drive away. Flying from London to Belfast BHD is the most convenient way to visit the city, and you’ll be in the best position to make an onward journey to counties Down, Armagh and Antrim. As well as being close to Belfast’s financial hub, the airport is right by the Titanic Quarter. Home to Titanic Belfast, a monumental tourist attraction telling the story of the Titanic, it’s also a newly redeveloped riverside entertainment district. Find out more about flying from London to Belfast’s closest airport below.

Flying from London City Airport to Belfast: Q&A

If it’s your first flying from London City Airport to Belfast, we know you might have some questions. Find out answers to the most common ones here.

How long is the flight from London to Belfast?

It takes 1 hour 30 minutes to fly directly from London City Airport to George Best Belfast Airport. Once you arrive, a taxi ride to the centre of Belfast will take around 10 to 15 minutes. It’s similar to the distance between Central London and LCY: at this end, you can catch the DLR from Bank station to reach the terminal in around 20 minutes. If you’d rather take public transport from Belfast airport, the Airport Express 600 makes trips every 20 minutes directly from the terminal.

How many flights a week are there from London City Airport to Belfast?

There are usually around six flights to Belfast from London City Airport from Monday to Friday, one early on a Saturday morning and three throughout the day on Sundays. Flights throughout the week are scheduled for convenience around business traveller’s timetables – they start early, fly during lunch and in the evening. If you’re planning a city break, the late evening flight on Friday is perfect, with two flights coming back to London on Sunday evening.

What airlines fly most frequently between London City Airport and Belfast?

If you’re flying direct from London City Airport to George Best Belfast Airport, your flight operator will usually be Flybe. KLM and Aer Lingus also fly this route, but they often make scheduled stops in their hub airports.

Practical information about flying from London to Belfast

We highly recommended when flying from London to Belfast that you travel with your passport. While Belfast is part of the UK, you might be asked for evidence of nationality or ID while travelling, and your passport is the best example of this. Local currency is, of course, the pound sterling, though it’s worth knowing that if you end up with any Northern Irish banknotes, it’s best to spend them while you’re in still in Belfast as they might not be accepted in England (banks will usually take them, but they’re technically not obliged to, so it’s safest not to bring any cash back with you).

What to expect in Belfast

A thriving, modern city with plenty of history too, Belfast is an exciting city break destination, as well as an important financial and business centre. Whether you’re visiting for the many galleries and sites of cultural importance, such as the Peace Wall, or you’re planning a weekend of pubs, restaurants and good times, you’ll feel welcome.