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Explore and enjoy with a car hire from Belfast City Airport
With a Belfast car rental, the many sights of Northern Ireland are within reach. From towns and cities to rolling green pasture, wild rock formations to weatherworn castles, there is so much to see—and nothing more than 2.5 hours by road from the capital. Of course, it’s also a very short tour to the border with Ireland, another nation to explore.
Belfast City Airport car hire locations
The George Best Belfast City Airport is the main domestic airport for Northern Ireland. Rental counters are found in the main concourse of the airport, easy to locate for arriving travellers. Just head to the arrivals hall and proceed to the desk of your chosen car hire company.
Be prepared for your car hire Belfast City adventure
Guide to Belfast City Airport
George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) is adjacent to the Port of Belfast and three miles from the city centre. It has a single runway and terminal, and many low-cost airlines (like Easyjet and Loganair) run flights to and from this airport. The city has another larger airport called Belfast International Airport (BFS).
Inside the airport terminal, travellers will find an array of food outlets serving snacks, meals, and coffees. There is also some retail therapy on offer and a pay-per-use lounge which is available to all and able to be booked online. Free unlimited WiFi can be accessed throughout the airport and there is a multi-faith prayer room.
Long and short-term parking is found outside the terminal and can also be booked on the George Best Belfast City Airport's website. Premium car parking is also available for those who prefer a more convenient option. Short-term parking is from £3.50 per hour and long-term from £36 a day. Once you are out of the terminal building, the short-term parking is just a 3-minute walk to your right, while the long-term is the same distance in the opposite direction. Premier Car Park is closest to the terminal building, meaning just a short walk on arrival.
What to know when driving your car hire in Belfast
A rental car from Belfast is a fantastic way to explore—but for a truly enjoyable and memorable journey, you’ll need to stay safe on the roads. We’ve put together top tips to get you started; have fun and stay out of trouble!
In the UK and Ireland, traffic drives on the left. Don’t forget this crucial detail if you’re used to driving on the right! We recommend taking some time on quiet roads to adjust.
Northern Ireland has some narrow roads and lanes to contend with. Drive slowly on these and always be considerate towards other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
The country is no stranger to adverse weather conditions. Drive carefully in rain or snow, and consider whether the type of vehicle you are hiring is appropriate for your plans.
Distances are listed in miles, and speed limits therefore in miles per hour.
You should always have emergency items in the vehicle in case of a remote breakdown: warm clothes, food, water, and a mobile phone.
The legal blood alcohol concentration limit for drivers in the UK is 0.08%.
The default speed limits in the UK are: 70 mph on motorways or dual carriageways, 60 mph on single carriageways, and 30 mph in built-up areas. There are, of course, variations to these limits on some stretches of road—so it is important to always check the posted signs.
Belfast destination ideas
Having grown from its grey industrial roots, Belfast has become a bright, beguiling, and interesting place to visit. The capital of Northern Ireland, it has a fun nightlife and live music scene, rich cultural heritage, and of course, an interesting (if troubled) history that includes a strong connection with the saga of the Titanic. A visit to the Titanic Belfast multimedia museum is a must!
Of course, there are so many other incredible places in Northern Ireland and Ireland you can get to with a Belfast car rental. And with the options of car ferries, even more fantastic destinations open up including the Isle of Man and the many cities of the United Kingdom. For example, you can head to Newcastle in your hire car. Or drive to Edinburgh and enjoy the many cultural highlights of Scotland's capital.
If you’re planning to explore the city and its more immediate surroundings, take a look at our ideas below. All of these wonderful spots are within easy reach of the city when you have your own set of wheels. Happy exploring!
Belfast city centre architecture
Park up your Belfast City Airport car hire in the central city and take a walk around to see the many notable buildings. These include the City Hall, stunning Saint Anne’s Cathedral, the Waterfront Hall, and others. True architecture enthusiasts might like to visit PLACE, a not-for-profit organisation running exhibitions and events promoting the built environment of Belfast.
A short drive north to the outskirts of the city will get you to Belfast Castle.
Titanic Belfast
This impressive visitor experience is dedicated to the story of the ill-fated Titanic, whose construction began in Belfast. It’s a popular multi-media attraction comprising more than 9 interactive and interpretive galleries and a must-visit destination for anyone fascinated by the Titanic.
The Giant’s Causeway
Pick up a car hire at Belfast City Airport and head to this amazing rock formation in a little more than an hour’s drive. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and comprises an expanse of geometric basalt columns covering a large area on the coast at Bushmills. A spectacular bit of landscape with an interesting origin myth—you can find out more at the visitor centre.
Carrickfergus
This large coastal town was once the largest city in the area, and it holds some interesting history including Carrickfergus Castle built in 1177 which is the best-preserved Norman-style castle on the Irish isle. The charming town centre is easily walkable, and it’s just 20 minutes’ drive from Belfast.
Dublin
Less than two hours’ drive from Belfast city centre, Dublin makes a fantastic weekend destination. It’s the capital city of the Republic of Ireland and is packed with wonderful architecture, friendly pubs, and all kinds of fun.
Car hire Belfast City Airport: Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to rent a car at the airport or away from the airport?
Daily rates for car rentals from the airport and elsewhere in the city are very similar. If you are flying into Belfast, renting a car at the airport can save time and money on other ground transportation.
How do I get from Belfast City Airport to the city centre?
George Best Belfast City Airport is just three miles from the city centre. In your rental car, turn right out of the airport onto the A2 and follow it to the turn off for central Belfast.
Please note that this is different from Belfast International Airport, which is located 18 miles from the city centre. It would take around 30 minutes to drive to the centre of town if you take the A57 route then get onto the M2 from Junction 5.
Can I hire a car in Belfast and drive to Dublin?
Yes, you can have Belfast as your pick up location and set Dublin as your drop off point. Many of the rental suppliers at Belfast City Airport will allow you to cross the border for a one-way trip to Dublin or other cities in Ireland.
Can I bring my car across the Irish Border from Belfast City Airport (BHD)?
Yes, many car hire companies with locations in both Northern Ireland and Ireland will allow you to cross the border. Always check the terms and conditions of your chosen car rental provider to see border restrictions and other details.
What choice of cars are there to hire at Belfast City Airport?
The great range of rental cars at Belfast City Airport includes everything from compact hatchbacks and mid-sized sedans to people movers and luxury SUVs. Generally, a car hire in Belfast city includes unlimited mileage.
How do I find the best car hire deals at Belfast City Airport (BHD)?
To find the best car rental deals that suit your plans, enter your travel details into the search fields at the top of the page. You will see a list of possibilities, with prices and features easy to compare. There are also filters that will allow you to narrow down the options according to price, vehicle class and features, size, number of passengers, and more. Booking your car hire Belfast City Airport is so easy and simple with Airport Rentals.
How much is a hire car at Belfast City Airport?
The daily rate for a hire car Belfast City Airport will vary according to the vehicle, the supplier, and the time of year. As an indication, you might expect a rate of as much as GBP£1,000 per day for a high-end luxury vehicle in the height of summer, or GBP£50 per day for a compact car in the off-season.
Which car hire companies operate at Belfast City Airport (BHD)?
You can get a cheap car hire at Belfast City Airport from leading suppliers like Alamo, National, Sixt, Budget, Europcar, Green Motion, Hertz, and Enterprise. These car rental companies have their own counters that are conveniently located in the terminal building.
What do I need to get a car hire at Belfast City Airport (BHD)?
To collect your car rental Belfast City Airport, you'll need a full driving licence. You will also need a valid credit card, and you must present an additional ID like a passport.
What age do I need to be to hire a vehicle in Belfast?
Please note that you need to be at least 21 years old before getting a Belfast Airport car hire. Some companies have a minimum age of 25, and most will apply a ‘young driver surcharge’ if you're under 25. Always check with your chosen car hire company for more details.
