Belfast City Airport — George Best (BHD)
George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) holds an almost unique distinction in UK aviation: it is the closest major airport to a UK city centre. Situated in Sydenham, East Belfast, it sits just 3 miles from the city core — a 10-minute train ride away. This proximity makes it the preferred airport for business travellers, city visitors and anyone staying in Belfast itself.
The airport handles around 2.7 million passengers per year and operates a single, straightforward terminal. Unlike Belfast International at Aldergrove (BFS), BHD focuses primarily on UK domestic routes and key European business destinations rather than mass-market package holidays. This means a calmer, more streamlined experience for most passengers.
The airport takes its full name from Northern Ireland football legend George Best, born in East Belfast not far from the airport itself. A statue of Best greets passengers in the terminal — a nod to the city's pride in one of football's greatest players.
Single terminal — quick and compact
⚠️ BHD operates strict noise restrictions — no scheduled flights after 21:30. If your flight is late evening, check arrival/departure times carefully.
Most popular routes
One terminal — all under one roof
Belfast City Airport operates a single compact terminal, making it one of the easiest UK airports to navigate. From kerb to gate typically takes 15–25 minutes at normal times. There are no inter-terminal buses or trains — everything is in one building.
A key point for passengers: BHD has noise restrictions meaning no scheduled flights depart after 21:30 or arrive after 21:37. If your itinerary involves late-evening travel, Belfast International (BFS) may be more suitable.
Transport to Belfast City Airport
| Sydenham Train (Translink) | 5-min walk from terminal · Belfast Central 10 min · ~£2.50 |
| Metro Bus (Translink) | ~10 min to city centre · stop outside terminal |
| Taxi to city centre | ~10–15 min · approx £8–12 |
| Rideshare (Uber/Bolt) | Available in Belfast · approx £8–12 |
| Drive from city centre | 3 miles · M3/Airport Road · 10–20 min depending on traffic |
Compare parking options
BHD is compact — all car parks are close to the terminal. Pre-book to save money.
Which airlines fly from Belfast City?
Belfast City Airport FAQs
Belfast City Airport (BHD) is just 3 miles from Belfast city centre — it is the closest major airport to a UK city in the country. By train from Sydenham/Titanic Quarter station (5-minute walk) it takes around 10 minutes to Belfast Central. By taxi it's around 10–15 minutes and costs approximately £8–12.
Yes. Sydenham/Titanic Quarter station is a 5-minute walk from the terminal. Translink trains reach Belfast Central in around 10 minutes for approximately £2.50. This is the fastest and cheapest way into the city centre.
The main carriers are easyJet (largest operator — London Heathrow, Edinburgh, Bristol, Leeds, Birmingham), BA CityFlyer (London Heathrow, Edinburgh — good for LHR connections) and Loganair (Scottish and UK domestic routes). BHD focuses on UK domestic and business routes rather than mass-market package holidays.
BHD (City) is closest to Belfast city centre with a direct train link — ideal for UK domestic routes, business travel and city stays. BFS (International) is 18 miles away but offers far more routes including Ryanair, Wizz Air, Jet2 and TUI holidays. If your airline or route only operates from one airport the choice is made for you — but for London flights, easyJet and BA CityFlyer at BHD beat the slower journey to BFS.
Yes — BHD is in Sydenham on the edge of the Titanic Quarter in East Belfast. The adjacent railway station is even named Sydenham/Titanic Quarter. Titanic Belfast (the museum) is about 2 miles away, easily reached by taxi or a short train ride to Central Station and then a walk.
BHD operates under strict noise restrictions: no scheduled departures after 21:30 and no arrivals after 21:37. This is a result of its proximity to residential Belfast. If you have late evening flights, check carefully — or consider Belfast International (BFS) which has no such curfew.
BHD offers Short Stay (5-minute walk, covered), Long Stay (free shuttle bus, best value for multi-day trips) and Express Drop-Off for quick kerb-side drops. All options are very close to the compact terminal. Pre-booking online saves money versus turning up on the day.
Yes, there is a lounge available airside at BHD. Any passenger can access it for a fee regardless of airline or ticket class. Pre-book online for cheaper rates. Access is also available with Priority Pass and some premium credit cards.