Belfast International Airport Car Hire | 2026 Guide

Why Hire a Car at Belfast International Airport?

Belfast International Airport (IATA: BFS) is Northern Ireland's largest airport, handling over 6 million passengers annually — roughly 10th busiest in the UK. It's the main hub for anyone visiting Belfast, the Antrim Coast, or using Northern Ireland as a base to explore the Republic of Ireland.

Unlike Belfast City Airport (George Best Belfast City Airport, LDA), which sits 4 miles from the city centre, Belfast International is 13 miles north-west of Belfast in County Antrim. That distance makes a hire car not just convenient — it becomes essential for getting anywhere efficiently.

Key fact: The airport sits adjacent to the M2 motorway, which connects directly to Belfast's city centre in roughly 20 minutes. For the Antrim Coast Road, Giant's Causeway, and Causeway Coastal Route, you'll need a car from the airport — public transport options are limited and infrequent outside Belfast.

Car Hire Suppliers at Belfast International Airport

All major suppliers operate from Belfast International. The on-site car rental village is a short walk from the terminal — follow the clearly signposted walkway from arrivals, approximately 200 metres.

The car rental village operates from around 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. Outside these hours, out-of-hours collection can be arranged in advance — you'll be directed to a key safe and given instructions by email.

Tip: Enterprise typically has the shortest queues at Belfast International, particularly on weekday mornings. If you're landing late evening, Europcar and Hertz also offer extended hours by prior arrangement.

The Collection Process — What to Expect

For a smooth Belfast International car hire collection:

1. After landing: Follow signs for "Car Rental" — the car rental village is a single-level building immediately outside the terminal.
2. At the counter: Present your driving licence, passport, and booking confirmation. UK licences are accepted without additional documentation. If you're visiting from the Republic of Ireland or another country, an International Driving Permit may be required alongside your national licence.
3. Deposit: A pre-authorisation hold of approximately £150–£250 is placed on your card at collection. This is released within 5–10 working days of return, depending on your bank.
4. Vehicle issue: You're directed to the relevant bay number. Do a full walk-around before leaving the lot — note any existing damage on the collection form and photograph it.
5. Exit: The car rental village exit leads directly onto the A26 (Mourne Coast route) heading north, or the M2 southbound toward Belfast city centre.

2026 update: Belfast International trialled a self-service kiosk system in late 2025. At peak summer 2026, kiosks are operating at Hertz and Europcar — look for the "Quick Collect" signs. Pre-booked customers with good driving records can complete vehicle selection on screen and collect keys without queuing at the counter.

Driving from Belfast International — Key Routes

Belfast City Centre (20 minutes, M2)

Distance: approximately 13 miles (21 km). Head south on the M2 — it's a straightforward run. The M2 becomes the A12 (Westlink) and then Duke Street into the city. Parking tip: On-street parking in Belfast city centre is metered and limited. Use the Q-Park (city centre) or Belfast City Hall car park for all-day rates.

Giant's Causeway and the Causeway Coastal Route (1 hour 20 minutes)

This is the drive that makes having a car non-negotiable. Take the M2 north, then A44/A29 to the coast road:

• Carrickfergus: 30 minutes — historic castle, good first stop
• Cushendun: 1 hour — turn off for the Murloc Bay walk (30 minutes return)
• Giant's Causeway: 1 hour 20 minutes — National Trust car park, £13–£18 for all-day parking

The Antrim Coast Road (A2): From Larne to Coleraine, this is one of Europe's most scenic coastal drives. Allow 2.5 hours minimum for the coast road itself, including stops. Don't rush it.

Dublin (3 hours via Newry and the M1)

Crossing the border into the Republic of Ireland is straightforward by car — no border checks. You'll need to notify your hire company in advance as some rental agreements restrict cross-border travel. Additional insurance may be required — typically £15–£25 for the full journey. The M1 is motorway all the way from Belfast to Dublin.

Note on tolls: There's a toll on the M1 in the Republic of Ireland (near Dublin) — approximately €3.10. The Belfast–Dublin route is otherwise toll-free on the Northern Ireland side.

Derry/Londonderry (1 hour 45 minutes, A6)

The A6 has been upgraded in sections but some single-carriageway stretches remain between Belfast and Derry. Allow extra time in winter — conditions on the Sperrin Mountains can be challenging. The route passes through Maghera and Dungiven with limited fuel stops.

Driving Rules in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland follows UK driving rules, which differ in several ways from the Republic of Ireland:

Speed camera awareness: Northern Ireland uses safety cameras operated by PSNI and local councils. These are marked but not always obvious. Average speed cameras are used on the A6 upgrade — do not speed through these zones.

Road quality: Major routes (M1, M2, A1, A2) are in excellent condition. Secondary roads in rural areas — particularly in Fermanagh and Tyrone — can be narrow, single-track with passing places. Use the "farm vehicle" protocol: pull into passing places on your left, don't block the road.

Fuel Policy

All major suppliers at Belfast International operate a full-to-full fuel policy:

• You receive the car with a full tank
• Return it full and you pay nothing extra
• Return it less than full and you'll be charged the supplier's internal rate (typically £1.65–£1.85 per litre — significantly above pump price)
• Recommendation: Fill up at the M2 service stations near Belfast before returning — supermarket fuel is roughly £1.35–£1.42 per litre, versus the £1.65–£1.85 supplier rate

Diesel vs petrol: Diesel cars are common in Northern Ireland. Always confirm fuel type before taking the car — misfuelling is not covered by standard insurance and causes serious damage.

Insurance and Excess — What You Need to Know

When hiring at Belfast International, the standard Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) typically comes with an excess of £500–£1,500 depending on the vehicle class and supplier. For 2026:

• CDW/LDW: Usually included in the base rate but with excess
• Super CDW / Excess Waiver: Sold at the counter — typically £15–£28 per day. Eliminates the excess entirely.
• Theft protection: Included in most full-protection packages but verify
• Personal accident insurance: Optional — check if your travel insurance already covers this

** Windscreen and tyre damage** are typically excluded from standard CDW. Read the rental agreement carefully before signing.

Parking at Belfast International Airport

If you're dropping off a hire car and then flying, the short-stay car park is directly opposite the terminal (2-minute walk) — the most convenient option. Rates in 2026:

• Up to 1 hour: £4.50
• Up to 4 hours: £9.00
• Up to 24 hours: £16.00
• Pre-book online: up to 40% cheaper

The long-stay car park is further out with a shuttle bus — use it for trips of 3 days or more. Pre-booking is strongly recommended during summer peak (June–August) and for any early-morning flight departures.

One-Way Rentals — Belfast International

One-way rentals from Belfast International are widely available:

• To Belfast City Airport (LDA): Typically £15–£30 surcharge, subject to availability
• To Dublin Airport (DUB): Often £30–£60 surcharge — some suppliers charge more for cross-border one-ways into the Republic
• To other UK cities (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester): Available through major suppliers with advance booking — one-way fees typically £50–£150 depending on distance

Always check the supplier's cross-border policy before booking. Some economy car categories have geographic restrictions.

What Other Travellers Report — Editorial Review Summary

Based on aggregated traveller feedback at Belfast International Airport car hire:

• Queue times are shortest before 9:00 AM and after 2:00 PM — peak is mid-morning
• Vehicle availability is generally good in summer but book well ahead for July/August — Northern Ireland tourism has surged since the世紀
• Deposit returns can take up to 10 working days from some suppliers — Budget in particular has had reports of slower releases
• GPS units cost £10–£15 per day extra — Google Maps works fine in Northern Ireland as long as you have data; consider an eSIM for reliable coverage in rural areas
• Child seats must be pre-booked — typically £6–£10 per day per seat

How This Compares to Belfast City Airport

Belfast City Airport (LDA) is closer to central Belfast but has significantly fewer car hire options — primarily local operators rather than the international chains. Prices at Belfast International are typically 15–25% cheaper for equivalent vehicle categories, and the range of vehicles is wider. Unless you're staying right in the city centre and won't need a car, Belfast International offers substantially better value.

FAQ

How far is Belfast International Airport from Belfast city centre?

Approximately 13 miles (21 km). By car via the M2, it's around 20 minutes. By bus (Metro 109), it's approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Can I drive to Dublin from Belfast International with a hire car?

Yes, but you need to inform the rental company — cross-border travel requires notification and may incur a surcharge of £15–£60. Additional insurance is typically required for Republic of Ireland travel. The drive takes approximately 3 hours via the M1.

Is there a toll road between Belfast and Dublin?

There is a toll on the M1 in the Republic of Ireland near Dublin (approximately €3.10). Northern Ireland roads are toll-free.

What is the speed limit on motorways in Northern Ireland?

70 mph on motorways (M1, M2), 60 mph on dual carriageways, 30 mph in built-up areas, and 60 mph on single carriageways unless signposted otherwise.

Can I return my hire car outside normal hours?

Yes — most major suppliers at Belfast International offer after-hours return. You park in the designated bay, leave the keys in the drop box, and photo-document the return. Contact your supplier before drop-off to arrange.

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Northern Ireland?

UK and Republic of Ireland licences are accepted without an IDP. Drivers from other countries should check with their rental company — an IDP is often required for licences not in English.

Is it easy to drive to Giant's Causeway from Belfast International?

Yes — it's approximately 70 miles (110 km) and takes around 1 hour 20 minutes via the A44/A29 and A2 coastal road. The Antrim Coast Road is well-signposted and in good condition.

What is the deposit amount for car hire at Belfast International?

Expect a pre-authorisation hold of £150–£250 on your card, released within 5–10 working days after return. The exact amount depends on vehicle class and supplier.