Translink Airport Express 600 · ~10 min to Grand Central
Where they are
One map, pinned from each airport’s published coordinates.
Category scores
Overall is the published weighted sum. A highlighted score is ahead; a tie stays plain.
Ease of use
25% · Wayfinding, security wait, and layout.
BFS8.5
BHD9.0+0.5
Comfort & amenities
20% · Seating, Wi-Fi, cleanliness, and quiet.
BFS7.5
BHD7.5
Food & retail
15% · Food and retail quality and variety.
Best for
BFS
Northern Ireland leisure trips on easyJet, Jet2 or RyanairPriority Pass travellers using Causeway Lounge near gates 16–17Passengers who want CT security (2 L liquids stay in the bag)
Watch out for
BFS
No rail in the terminal — budget Airport Express 300 or a taxiFarther from the centre than George Best Belfast City (BHD)Causeway Lounge is small; walk-ups are turned away when full
Amenities and tips
BFS
Translink Airport Express 300Causeway LoungeCT Security HallAirside water fountains
BFS · VINCI-owned Aldergrove gateway with one easy terminal, CT security that allows up to 2 L liquids in-bag, Causeway Lounge on Priority Pass, and Translink Airport Express 300 to Belfast Grand Central — no rail at the terminal, and do not confuse with BHD.
BHD · Harbour-side city airport three miles from centre — one tiny terminal, CT security (2 L liquids in-bag), Aspire Lounge by Gate 4, and Translink 600 to Grand Central in about 10 minutes. Short runway and evening schedule window limit long-haul and late flights; do not confuse with BFS at Aldergrove.
BFS7.0+0.5
BHD6.5
Ground access
15% · Transit, taxi, and parking to the city.
BFS7.0
BHD9.0+2.0
Reliability
15% · Delays, cancellations, and weather resilience.
BFS7.5+1.0
BHD6.5
Lounges
10% · Worth-it density and access quality.
BFS7.3+0.3
BHD7.0
BHD
City-centre stays and UK/ROI/near-Europe hops on Aer Lingus, BA, easyJet or KLMPriority Pass travellers using Aspire Lounge upstairs by Gate 4Anyone who wants bus-to-downtown in ~10 minutes instead of the Aldergrove run
BHD
Evening planning-agreement window — scheduled flying wraps mid-evening; delayed arrivals only exceptionally toward 23:59Sydenham rail footbridge has steps — prefer Airport Express 600 or a taxi with heavy bags or reduced mobilityEasy to book the wrong Belfast airport — BFS is the bigger leisure field at Aldergrove
Free airport Wi-Fi
Belfast Airport Taxis rank
Airport Express 300 to Grand Central — no terminal rail
Translink 300 is the default city link; mLink lists adult single £8 / monthly return £11.
CT lanes — up to 2 L liquids can stay in the bag
Gen-3 Security Hall; Premium Security is the paid dedicated lane (book online).
Causeway Lounge by gates 16–17 is the Priority Pass room
Sole lounge; PP / paid / DragonPass paths; max stay typically 2 hours on PP.
