Book Flights to Belfast, Northern Ireland
Belfast is one of the UK's most exciting and rapidly transforming cities — a once-divided Victorian industrial capital reborn as a vibrant cultural destination. From the world-class Titanic Belfast museum on the original Harland and Wolff shipways, to the Cathedral Quarter's legendary pub and arts scene, the powerful political mural tours documenting the Troubles, and world-famous Game of Thrones filming locations on the spectacular Antrim coast, Belfast offers one of the most layered and authentic city experiences in the British Isles.
Belfast International Airport (BFS) and Belfast City Airport (BHD) connect to UK and European cities, with US travelers primarily routing via Dublin (Aer Lingus, with US pre-clearance) or London Heathrow (British Airways). FareOptic compares all routings to find the best fare to Belfast.
Cheap Flight Deals to Belfast
*All above fares are one way/round trip. Fares incl. all fuel surcharges, taxes & fees and our service fees. Displayed fares are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed at the time of booking. See all booking terms and conditions.
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Why Visit Belfast, Northern Ireland?
Belfast is one of the UK's great revival stories — a former industrial city transformed into a compelling cultural destination, with extraordinary history, world-class attractions, outstanding hospitality, and some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Europe on its doorstep.
Titanic Belfast
World's Largest Titanic ExhibitionTitanic Belfast is Northern Ireland's premier visitor attraction — a striking bow-shaped museum on the slipways where the RMS Titanic was built, housing the world's largest and most immersive Titanic exhibition. Nine interactive galleries trace the ship's construction in Belfast's Harland and Wolff shipyard, its ill-fated maiden voyage, and its afterlife in culture and imagination. The building itself — clad in shimmering aluminum to echo the ship's hull — is an architectural statement.
Practical Note
Book timed entry tickets online in advance — Titanic Belfast is consistently one of the UK's busiest attractions
The Cathedral Quarter
Belfast's Most Vibrant Cultural DistrictThe Cathedral Quarter — clustered around St. Anne's Cathedral in north Belfast — is Belfast's most exciting neighborhood: a dense collection of independent bars, art galleries, music venues, restaurants, and the famous Duke of York pub in a restored alley of Victorian commercial buildings. Black Box performance venue, the MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre), and the annual Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival make this the heart of contemporary Belfast culture.
Evening Activity
The Cathedral Quarter's pubs (particularly the Duke of York, Commercial Court, and McHugh's) are Belfast's best for traditional Irish music
Game of Thrones Filming Locations
Real-Life Westeros in Northern IrelandNorthern Ireland is home to the majority of Game of Thrones filming locations — from the Dark Hedges (the filming location for King's Road, now one of Ireland's most photographed landscapes) to Ballintoy Harbour (Lordsport), Castle Ward (Winterfell), and the Giant's Causeway coast. Organized tours from Belfast cover the principal locations in a day.
Best Tour
A full-day Game of Thrones location tour from Belfast covers 6–8 filming locations including the Dark Hedges and Ballintoy
Giant's Causeway
UNESCO World Heritage Natural WonderThe Giant's Causeway — 95 km north of Belfast on the Antrim coast — is Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site: approximately 40,000 interlocking hexagonal basalt columns formed by an ancient volcanic eruption 60 million years ago. The National Trust visitor centre and coastal path around the columns are outstanding. Combine with the dramatic Antrim Coastal Drive (also known as the Causeway Coastal Route).
Getting There
The Giant's Causeway is easily accessible by public bus from Belfast (Translink Goldline 218X, approximately 2 hours each way)
Murals and Political Tours
Belfast's Powerful Modern HistoryBelfast's Falls Road and Shankill Road murals are among the most powerful outdoor political art installations in the world — vivid, large-scale painted walls documenting the Troubles (Northern Ireland's 1968–1998 conflict) from both Republican/Nationalist and Loyalist/Unionist perspectives. The Peace Wall — the actual barrier that divided Catholic and Protestant communities — can be visited and signed. Black taxi tours by former combatants from both sides offer remarkable, balanced personal perspectives.
Recommended Tour
A black taxi political mural tour from the city centre (approx. £25–35 per person) offers the most insightful perspective
Belfast Castle and Cave Hill
Victorian Castle with City ViewsBelfast Castle — built in 1870 in Scottish Baronial style on the lower slopes of Cave Hill — offers wonderful views over Belfast Lough and the city. Cave Hill (368 meters / 1,200 feet) above the castle is the outline said to have inspired Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels. The hill walk is accessible from the castle grounds and rewards with panoramic Belfast and Belfast Lough views.
Best Walk
The Cave Hill summit walk from Belfast Castle — approximately 3 km return, excellent city and lough views from the top
How to Find Cheap Flights to Belfast
Route via Dublin (DUB) on Aer Lingus for Best US Access
The most practical US–Belfast routing is Aer Lingus via Dublin (DUB). US travelers clear US Customs and Border Protection at Dublin Airport (pre-clearance) before boarding — arriving in the US as a domestic passenger. From Dublin, Belfast is a quick 2-hour drive or 1-hour bus, or connect onto a Belfast-bound Aer Lingus flight.
Route via London on British Airways for US East Coast
British Airways connects London Heathrow (LHR) to Belfast International (BFS) multiple times daily. For US East Coast travelers already transiting London, the LHR–BFS connection is quick and well-scheduled. Note: ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) required for non-UK visitors to the UK.
UK ETA Required for US Citizens from
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is being rolled out for US citizens visiting the United Kingdom — including Northern Ireland. The ETA costs £10 and is obtained online before travel. Always check the UK Home Office website for current ETA requirements before booking flights to Belfast.
Book Belfast Flights 6–10 Weeks Ahead
Belfast is a less competitive transatlantic route than London or Dublin — most US travelers route via those hubs. Booking flights to Dublin (DUB) or London (LHR) then connecting or driving to Belfast provides the most options. For direct Belfast flights from the US (via DUB), book 6–10 weeks ahead for best pricing.
Airlines Flying to Belfast (BFS/BHD)
Aer Lingus
Best US Connection via DublinAer Lingus is the most practical option for US travelers flying to Belfast — operating transatlantic flights from New York JFK, Boston, Chicago, and other US cities to Dublin (DUB), then connecting to Belfast City (BHD) or Belfast International (BFS) on the same Aer Lingus ticket. The key advantage: US pre-clearance at Dublin Airport means you clear US Customs before boarding the transatlantic flight, arriving in the US as a domestic passenger.
Key Routes
New York JFK, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, Hartford — all via Dublin DUB
British Airways
London Heathrow to BelfastBritish Airways connects London Heathrow (LHR) to Belfast International (BFS) and Belfast City (BHD) with multiple daily flights. For US travelers routing via London, BA's extensive transatlantic network (50+ US cities to LHR) makes it a practical connection option for Belfast.
Key Routes
London Heathrow LHR to BFS/BHD — connecting from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Boston, Dallas, Houston, and more
easyJet
Budget UK and European ConnectionseasyJet is the largest budget carrier at Belfast International (BFS) and Belfast City (BHD) — operating the widest range of routes from UK and European cities. From London Gatwick, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol, Bristol, and multiple European airports, easyJet provides affordable connections into Belfast.
Key Routes
London Gatwick, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol, Amsterdam, Paris CDG, Malaga, Alicante, Faro, and other European cities
Ryanair
Budget European Routes to BFSRyanair operates from Belfast International (BFS) to numerous European destinations at low fares — including Dublin, Manchester, London Stansted, and many European cities. Ryanair also operates an extensive network from Dublin (DUB) for travelers connecting from the US via Aer Lingus.
Key Routes
Dublin, Manchester, London Stansted, Alicante, Malaga, Faro, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, and 30+ European cities from BFS
Flybe / Regional Airlines
Domestic UK ConnectionsRegional UK carriers (Loganair, Eastern Airways, and successor operators to Flybe) connect Belfast to Aberdeen, Cardiff, Exeter, Southampton, and other UK regional airports. Useful for travelers traveling from UK regional cities without convenient London connections.
Key Routes
Aberdeen, Inverness, Cardiff, Exeter, Southampton, Isle of Man, and UK regional cities
Things to Do in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Important Information Before You Fly to Belfast
Currency
British Pounds Sterling (GBP) — not Euros
Language
English — Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) / BST (UTC+1) in summer
Country Code
+44 (United Kingdom) — area code 028 for Belfast
Airports
BFS (International, 30 km) and BHD (City, 4 km from centre)
UK ETA Required
Yes — UK Electronic Travel Authorization (£10) for US citizens
Power Plugs
Type G (UK standard) — 230V / 50Hz
Emergency Number
999 (UK) or 112 (EU standard)
Most Popular Airlines
Best Airlines for Domestic & International Routes
Frequently Asked Questions on Travel to Belfast
Everything you need to know about booking cheap flights to Belfast, Northern Ireland
How do I find cheap flights to Belfast?
Most US travelers route to Belfast via Dublin (Aer Lingus — with US pre-clearance) or London Heathrow (British Airways). Compare both routings on FareOptic. Book 6–10 weeks ahead. Note: a UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization, £10) is required for US citizens traveling to Northern Ireland — check current requirements before booking.
What are the airports in Belfast?
Belfast has two airports. Belfast International Airport (IATA: BFS) is the larger of the two — approximately 30 km northwest of the city centre, serving most mainland UK and European routes. George Best Belfast City Airport (IATA: BHD) is 4 km east of the city centre and handles shorter-haul routes. BHD has runway length restrictions limiting aircraft size.
Which airlines fly from the US to Belfast?
No airlines currently operate nonstop US–Belfast flights. The most practical US–Belfast routing is Aer Lingus via Dublin (DUB) — Aer Lingus offers US pre-clearance at Dublin and connects to Belfast on the same ticket. British Airways via London Heathrow (LHR) is the main alternative, connecting to BFS or BHD from London.
Is Belfast in Ireland or the UK?
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland — part of the United Kingdom (UK), not the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland shares the island of Ireland with the Republic but is constitutionally part of the UK. The currency is British Pounds Sterling (GBP), not Euros. No border controls exist between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Do US citizens need a visa or ETA to visit Belfast?
US citizens do not need a traditional visa to visit Northern Ireland (UK). However, the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA, £10) is being phased in for US visitors. Always check the UK Home Office website for current entry requirements before booking. A valid US passport is required. Note: if traveling from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland by land, no border controls currently exist.
What is the best time to visit Belfast?
May–September is the best time to visit Belfast — the longest days, best weather (15–20°C / 59–68°F), and the period when most outdoor attractions and coastal routes are at their most accessible. June–August is peak season with the most tourists. May and September offer good weather with fewer crowds. Belfast is a year-round destination — even winter has the Christmas markets and cathedral atmosphere.
How do I get from Belfast International Airport (BFS) to the city?
The Airport Express 300 bus runs from Belfast International Airport (BFS) to Europa Bus Centre in Belfast city centre — approximately 30–35 minutes, running every 15 minutes. Cost: approximately £8–10. Taxis cost approximately £25–35 and take 25–30 minutes. George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) is 10 minutes by taxi from the city centre.
What currency is used in Belfast?
British Pounds Sterling (GBP) — not Euros. Northern Ireland is part of the UK. Note: some Northern Ireland banks issue their own Northern Irish banknotes (legal tender throughout the UK but sometimes refused in Great Britain). Major credit and debit cards are universally accepted in Belfast.
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