Book cheap flights to Belfast

A flight into the industrial heart of Northern Ireland reveals a city defined by its resilient spirit and deep maritime roots. As a major cultural hub positioned along the River Lagan, this destination serves as a primary gateway for those eager to explore the rugged coastlines and historical landscapes of the north.

The urban fabric is woven with landmarks that narrate a complex history, from the towering yellow cranes of Samson and Goliath to the glass-fronted Titanic Belfast museum situated in the Titanic Quarter. Visitors often gravitate towards the grand Belfast City Hall, a masterpiece of Edwardian Baroque Revival architecture, or find themselves wandering through the Cathedral Quarter, where cobblestone streets are lined with colourful murals and the historic St Anne’s Cathedral.

This city balances its storied past with a modern energy, offering a journey filled with diverse culinary experiences and a world-class arts scene. Whether exploring the botanical treasures of the Palm House or the traditional atmosphere of the Victorian-era St George’s Market, the character of the city remains one of warmth and constant discovery.

The high season in Belfast

The summer months in Belfast bring a noticeable shift in energy as daylight lingers well into the evening, often until 22:00. With temperatures typically hovering between 17°C and 20°C, the city sheds its industrial exterior to reveal lush green spaces and bustling outdoor terraces. Visitors landing at Belfast City Airport or Belfast International Airport during this window are greeted by a maritime climate that, while occasionally unpredictable, encourages long walks through the Titanic Quarter and the botanical gardens.

This period is defined by a packed cultural calendar, highlighted by the Belfast Mela and various music festivals that take over the city’s parks. The social pace accelerates as locals and tourists alike flock to the Cathedral Quarter, where the narrow cobbled streets hum with live music and conversation. The atmosphere is one of collective celebration, making the most of the mild weather before the Atlantic breezes begin to sharpen in the later months.

The low season in Belfast

As autumn transitions into winter, Belfast takes on a more intimate and atmospheric character. The temperature often drops to between 3°C and 7°C, and the frequent mist rolling off Cave Hill lends the Victorian architecture a dramatic, moody aesthetic. Upon arrival, the crisp air and early sunsets at 16:00 signal a move towards indoor warmth, with the city’s historic pubs and grand libraries becoming the primary social hubs.

The low season is anchored by the Belfast Christmas Market, which transforms the grounds of the Belfast City Hall into a glowing village of wooden chalets. While the pace of life slows down compared to the summer peak, the cultural scene remains robust with the Belfast International Arts Festival drawing crowds to indoor venues. It is a time for fire-lit evenings and hearty culinary experiences, offering a sense of cosiness that defines the city’s winter identity.

Two distinct air gateways serve the capital of Northern Ireland, providing travellers with a choice between a coastal facility near the suburbs and a larger international hub located further inland. Whether you are arriving on a short-hop domestic service or a long-haul flight to Belfast, both airports offer established transit links that connect the terminals directly to the heart of the city.

George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD)

Situated just 5 km east of the city centre, the George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) occupies a prime location along the Belfast Lough shoreline. This single-terminal airport primarily handles domestic traffic from across the United Kingdom and a select number of European destinations, serving as a significant base for Aer Lingus and British Airways. Because of its proximity to the metropolitan core, it is a preferred choice for business travellers and those looking for the fastest possible transition from the runway to their accommodation.

The journey into the city is remarkably quick, typically taking between 10 and 15 minutes by road. The Airport Express 600 bus service departs from the terminal forecourt every 20 to 30 minutes, terminating at the Belfast Grand Central Station. For those preferring rail, a shuttle bus links the terminal to the Sydenham Train Station, where frequent services run to Lanyon Place Station and Belfast Grand Central Station. Taxis are also readily available at the rank outside the main entrance, providing a direct door-to-door service to the Cathedral Quarter or the Titanic Quarter.

Belfast International Airport (BFS)

Located approximately 20 km north-west of the city near the town of Crumlin, Belfast International Airport (BFS) serves as the primary gateway for global traffic and low-cost carriers. As the busiest airport in the region, it hosts a high volume of flights to Belfast operated by easyJet, Ryanair, and Jet2.com, featuring an extensive network of year-round and seasonal routes. The facility consists of a large, integrated terminal building equipped to handle long-haul narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, making it the central hub for international arrivals.

Travellers landing here can reach the city centre in roughly 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The most common public transport option is the Airport Express 300 bus, which operates a 24-hour service and runs frequently throughout the day, arriving at Belfast Grand Central Station. While there is no direct rail link to this airport, taxis and private hire vehicles are situated immediately outside the arrivals hall, offering a convenient alternative for groups or those travelling with heavy luggage. The airport’s position near the M2 motorway also ensures straightforward road access for those heading towards the northern coastal regions or the west of the province.

Compact enough to cross on foot, Belfast lines up shipyard heritage, Victorian market halls and hillside lookouts a short distance from the city centre.

• Titanic Belfast: Situated in the heart of the Titanic Quarter, this well-known aluminium-clad building stands on the very slipways where the famous ocean liner was constructed. The jagged architecture mimics the hull of a ship, housing immersive galleries that trace the city’s maritime soul and its global shipbuilding legacy.
• St George’s Market: Stepping into this Victorian red-brick masterpiece on a weekend morning reveals a sensory explosion of local life, from the scent of fresh soda bread to the sounds of live acoustic music. It remains one of the oldest attractions in the city, acting as a bustling social hub where local artisans and food producers gather under a soaring glass roof.
• The Cathedral Quarter: Characterised by narrow cobblestone alleys and colourful street art, this district serves as the cultural heartbeat of the city. It is the best place to experience the warmth of a traditional tavern or discover hidden galleries tucked away in historic warehouses.
• Ulster Museum: Located within the lush borders of the Botanic Gardens, this institution offers a deep dive into everything from ancient Egyptian archaeology to the complex modern history of the region. The building itself is an architectural marvel, seamlessly blending a brutalist extension with the original neoclassical structure.
• Cave Hill Country Park: For those seeking a panoramic view of the skyline and the Irish Sea, a hike to McArt’s Fort offers a perspective that inspired Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels. The silhouette of the hill, known locally as Napoleon’s Nose, dominates the horizon and provides a rugged escape just minutes from the urban centre.
• Belfast City Hall: This Edwardian Baroque Revival landmark defines the city centre with its massive copper dome and Portland stone facade. The surrounding lawns are a focal point for public life, offering a grand architectural welcome to anyone strolling through the civic heart of the city.

Trips to Ireland’s north begin with a well-timed search, and securing your passage to Belfast is no exception provided the right tools are close to hand. Let your departure dates move a little and buy your airfare early, and the handiest routes soon become clear to the heart of Northern Ireland. If you fly regularly, Opodo Prime provides a straightforward route to extra value and benefits shaped around you, ensuring every flight feels like the start of something special.