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.
DUB7.7
BHD9.0+1.3
Comfort & amenities
20% · Seating, Wi-Fi, cleanliness, and quiet.
DUB7.2
BHD7.5+0.3
Food & retail
Best for
DUB
U.S. Preclearance on most direct transatlantic flightsC3 security (liquids stay in the bag, up to 2 litres)Coach links to the city from €9 online
Watch out for
DUB
No rail — coaches and metered taxis onlyT2 security peaks 05:00–12:00 for U.S. banksLiffey Priority Pass often caps 11:00–15:00; 51st & Green closes at 17:00
DUB · Ireland’s hub with U.S. Preclearance, C3 security and four rebuilt lounges — still no train, and T2 mornings can snarl.
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.
15% · Food and retail quality and variety.
DUB7.0+0.5
BHD6.5
Ground access
15% · Transit, taxi, and parking to the city.
DUB7.6
BHD9.0+1.4
Reliability
15% · Delays, cancellations, and weather resilience.
DUB7.1+0.6
BHD6.5
Lounges
10% · Worth-it density and access quality.
DUB7.1+0.1
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
Shopping
2 hours short-haul, 3 hours long-haul
Airport advice; add more with bags, groups, or a U.S. departure.
T2 for Aer Lingus and the U.S. carriers
T1 is Ryanair and most others. Confirm on the day.
Liquids can stay in the bag
C3 scanners: up to 2 litres per container; no baggie.
