Compare cheap car hire at Belfast City Airport with desk locations, pickup details, driving routes and prices.
Belfast City Airport (George Best Belfast City Airport – BHD) is the closest airport to Belfast city centre, located just 5km away. It’s a compact, efficient airport and one of the easiest places in the UK and Ireland to pick up a rental car.
If you want to get on the road quickly after landing, this is a much simpler option than larger airports.
Exactly Where to Find the Car Hire Desks
Everything at Belfast City Airport is within a very short walking distance.
- Car hire desks are located inside the arrivals hall
- They are positioned directly opposite or beside the main exit
- All providers are grouped together in one area
You’ll typically reach them within a minute or two of leaving baggage reclaim.
Where You Collect the Car
Once you’ve completed your booking:
- Vehicles are collected from the car rental parking area directly outside the terminal
- This is located just across the forecourt
- No shuttle bus is required
This is one of the quickest airport pickups you’ll find.
Airport maps and facilities can be checked on the official Belfast City Airport website.
Direct Flights from Ireland
Belfast City Airport has strong domestic connections within the island of Ireland.
- Dublin → Belfast City (Aer Lingus Regional)
Flight time is around 50 minutes.
Car Hire Companies at Belfast City Airport
You’ll find a good range of major providers despite the airport’s size.
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- Europcar
- Enterprise
- Sixt
All operate on-site with vehicles located directly outside.
Typical Car Hire Prices
| Season | Small Car | Mid-size | Larger Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | £25 – £50 | £50 – £85 | £85 – £130 |
| Spring | £35 – £70 | £70 – £110 | £110 – £170 |
| Summer | £60 – £110 | £110 – £170 | £170 – £240 |
| Autumn | £40 – £80 | £80 – £130 | £130 – £200 |
Choosing the Right Car
The surrounding region is easy to drive, so most vehicles will suit.
- Small cars – ideal for city driving
- Family cars – better for longer trips
- Estate cars – useful for luggage and touring
- People carriers – suitable for groups
You won’t need anything specialised unless travelling with a larger group.
Driving from Belfast City Airport
The airport is exceptionally well located for quick access to Belfast and beyond.
- Belfast city centre – about 10 minutes
- Titanic Quarter – around 5 minutes
- Bangor – roughly 25 minutes
- Giant’s Causeway – about 1 hour 20 minutes
The A2 provides a direct route into the city centre and along the coast.
If you are comparing entry points, you may also consider Belfast International Airport depending on your route.
Driving in Belfast and Northern Ireland
Driving is on the left-hand side of the road, with speed limits in miles per hour.
Roads are generally well maintained, though traffic can be busy in central Belfast during peak times.
Once outside the city, driving becomes much more relaxed and scenic.
For travel information, see Discover Northern Ireland.
Where a Car is Most Useful
A car is particularly useful for exploring beyond Belfast.
- Causeway Coastal Route – one of the best drives in Europe
- Mourne Mountains – walking and scenery
- Ards Peninsula – quieter coastal routes
- Donegal – accessible via the border
Public transport is limited in many of these areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Belfast City Airport?
They are located inside the arrivals hall near the main exit.
Where do I collect the car?
From the car rental parking area directly outside the terminal.
Are there direct flights from Dublin?
Yes, regular flights operate between Dublin and Belfast City Airport.
Is this airport easy for car hire?
Yes, it’s one of the simplest and quickest airports for pickup.
Do I need a credit card?
Yes, most rental providers require one.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, though manual vehicles are more common.
Is driving in Belfast difficult?
No, but traffic can be busy in the city centre.
Can I rent a 7 Seater at Belfast City Airport?
Yes, though availability depends on demand.
Are there toll roads?
No, Northern Ireland does not have toll roads.
Which side of the road do you drive on?
On the left-hand side.
