TRYING TO FIND THE BEST BELFAST AIRPORT TO DERRY TRANSFERS?
I’ve got you covered!
I have done the journey from both Belfast Airports to Derry at least 10+ times in the last year.
I have also travelled from Dublin and Belfast city centre to Derry and I always find it easier from the airport, especially Belfast International.
All your transport links are in one place so there is none of this walking miles and reading confusing signs to find it!
But which is the best way to get there for you?
Each way to travel has its pros and cons depending on what kind of journey you want.
The bus is the best for solo travellers whereas a taxi is better value for groups. But value for money is not the only thing you need to consider.
To help you out, let’s explore the best ways to get to Londonderry (Derry). No matter your budget or timeframe, we will find the perfect way for you!
The Belfast Airport To Derry Transfers: Quick Guide
I know what it’s like to be in a hurry and you just want to get to the good stuff, so let’s jump straight in!
Journey Time- 1-3 Hours depending on your transport choice
🏆By Car– Hertz is the Overall best car option from both airports. Driving is also the quickest way to reach Derry (about 1 hour). If you want to compare more options, use Discover Cars
🚕 By Taxi– Will take around an hour and works out cheaper if you book in advance. This option is best for groups or if you are in a hurry!
GETTRANSFER.com has the most accurate rates and is great if you are travelling as a large group.
Airport Transfer.Com is better for a tailor-made experience and free cancellation!
🚌 Bus– Great for solo travellers and is how I usually get to Derry. The Aircoach goes directly from Belfast International but not the City Airport. It only goes every 2 hours so plan in advance!
🚞 Train– This is the slowest way to reach Derry and may include some changes or extra travel time.
The Best Places To Stay In Derry (I have stayed in them both!):
😍 Maldron Hotel Derry– This is where I try to stay every time unless it’s fully booked. It is right by the City Walls, really central and the staff have always done their best to help and accommodate with things like early check-in.
✅ Da Vinci’s Hotel Derry– I loved staying here and the bar is a great place to watch live music and have a drink. It is a 20-minute walk into Derry though but you can order a taxi at reception.
Top Experience-BOOK THIS Derry Walls Private Walking Tour 🤩
I got recommended this by a Taxi driver in Derry and I’m so glad I did it. There is no better way to understand and learn about Derry than by a local!
Other Important Information:
Car Rental Documents You Need – Passport, Valid Drivers License, Credit or Debit Card (preferably Credit)
Best Time To Visit– Halloween and Christmas are incredible here. But June is better for the weather and fewer crowds. (Use this winter packing guide to help you)
Are There 2 Airports In Belfast?
Be careful when you are booking your flights for your city trip because there are two Airports in Belfast!
You have Belfast International Airport and Belfast City Airport.
You need to be super careful when flying with EasyJet because often you will see a cheap flight but you will be flying into one Belfast Airport and leaving from another!
Try and avoid this if you can because unless it fits into your travel plans, it’s hard work.
I always find the best Airport to fly into for travelling to Derry is Belfast International. It’s slightly closer and the Aircoach bus to Derry doesn’t stop at Belfast City Airport.
What Are The Best Ways To Get To Derry From Belfast Airport?
By Car Rental
Renting a car to reach Derry from either Belfast Airports is the quickest and most convenient way to get there.
The 1 Hour & 10-ish drive is pretty stunning too. You will even pass The Ponderosa which is Ireland’s highest pub!
You can get a hire car for around £10 a day but the price can differ depending on rental length, vehicle type and the time of year. I always recommend booking your rental in advance so you get the best price.
🤩 For the best rates and car options, I highly recommend using Discover Cars For BOTH AIRPORTS
From Belfast International Airport:
The Car Rental offices are right by baggage claim so are easy to find once you get off the plane. I’m always impressed by how quickly they get people on the road and the lines to get served are never long.
There are plenty of options for you to pick from, but these are the two most popular and highly rated options to consider:
🏆HERTZ– is the Overall Best Option with amazing reviews and unlimited mileage!
👆 It is one of the cheapest options too which always helps. However, on some options you need to pay in full before you arrive so keep this in mind.
Their opening hours are 7:00 AM- 22:30/23:59 so if you think you will arrive after this, email them before you book.
🚨 IF YOU DON’T WANT TO PAY IN FULL BEFORE YOU ARRIVE, BOOK WITH ENTERPRISE!
They also have glowing reviews and your rental includes roadside assistance if you need it. This is so handy if you get stuck (but take some essentials with you). You will also get unlimited mileage as well but just note their fuel policy is “same to same”.
Just be aware their office closes at 9 PM most nights!
From Belfast City Airport:
Just like Belfast’s other airport, you will find plenty of car hire options here. These are the top options you should consider booking because of their service and affordability:
🏆SIXT– is the most popular car rental from Belfast City Airport with amazing reviews and friendly service!
👆 Praised for its no-fuss and no-messing-around approach, SIXT is a fantastic option. With no hidden fees or costs, they just want to get you on the road ASAP.
The staff here make the rental experience so much better. They never pressure you to add insurance or any other extras which is rare. They also make the drop-off process as quick as possible so you won’t be stressing about missing your flight.
🤩HERTZ– A great option if you want an affordable rental but have lots of options
They go for the personal touch and will have all your documents ready as soon as you land!
Thanks to their friendly staff and quick service, they have so many repeat customers. I know many people who will only use HERTZ when needing a car in Belfast because they love the service so much.
By Taxi
I remember when I first got a taxi in Belfast and I was so surprised at how cheap it was compared to Wales. I even put it to the test and got a Taxi to Derry and it blew my mind how I travelled further than my departure Airports and still paid less.
It is one of the quickest ways to get to Derry, taking just over an hour. It is even quicker if you pre-book it, you just wheel your luggage out and go!
It is also the most comfortable way to travel as you get there quicker, but don’t have the stress of driving!
However, I will note that this is the best option if you are travelling in a group or as a couple. Your bus tickets will add up and may end up costing more than a taxi in the end.
If you are a solo traveller and don’t mind adding 30 minutes or so to your journey, getting the bus is better value for money.
From Belfast International Airport:
Getting a taxi to Derry from Belfast International is fairly easy as you will find the rank outside arrivals. However, if you do not pre-book one then you may be left with little choice and more expensive rates.
I always recommend comparing transfer options before my trip so you can save costs and guarantee transport- this is always a good idea in the summer months!
To help you out, here are some of the best ways to compare your taxi transfer to Londonderry:
✔️ 60 Minutes free waiting time if you are delayed
✔️ Zero hidden costs
✔️ Usually cheaper than a normal taxi
✔️ Options for all you can even arrange a bus for 50 people!
✔️ Free Cancellation & money back guarantee
✔️ Zero hidden costs
✔️ Can compare multiple options
✔️ The service is tailor-made for YOU!
From Belfast City Airport:
Just like at Belfast International, you will find a taxi rank outside the terminal building so you will not struggle to leave the airport. However, it pays to book your transfer in advance.
Not only will it allow you to compare options but it will also leave you with the best rates possible and no surprises at the end of your journey!
Here are the most popular companies to compare transfers from Belfast City Airport to Derry:
✅ GETTRANSFER.COM (usually the cheaper option)
✅ Airport Transfer.Com (has tailor-made services)
Getting A Taxi FAQs
How much is a taxi from Belfast Airport to Derry?
This can differ depending on whether you have booked in advance, transport type etc. However, you are typically looking at paying around £110.
Is there a taxi rank at Belfast Airport?
There is a taxi rank at both Airports in Belfast. Just walk outside the Terminal and you will find both Taxi ranks there.
Do you tip cab drivers in Belfast?
You can, but you don’t have to. Most people tend to round up their fare to the nearest pound and it is always appreciated!
By Bus
This is how I usually travel if I don’t need a car for my trip or if I want to keep costs low. The bus journey takes under 2 hours and is a great way to admire the views without the stress of driving.
From Belfast International Airport:
AirCoach bus Route 705X will take you directly to Derry from the airport. Just walk out of the terminal building, turn right and walk 2 minutes and you will see a bus shelter, this is the stop.
I have got the bus from here at least 8 times and it has ALWAYS been on time. This is why I think this is one of the best Belfast airport to Derry transfers even though it isn’t the fastest!
There are 2 stops when you get to Derry, the first is a park and ride outside the City. The stop you will need to get into the city centre is FOYLESIDE. When you get off the bus you will see a shopping centre, walk through it and you will be by the Derry Girls wall art.
Just be aware that at the same time, there might be 2 route 705X buses here. One will be going from Derry-Dublin and the other from Dublin-Derry. It will say on the front of the bus which one it is but I always ask the driver just in case!
A ticket varies in price depending on whether you have added flexible booking, if you booked in advance etc. But after trial and error, I have found out it’s cheapest to book a return in advance.
Make sure you keep reading to answer more of your Aircoach questions in the FAQ section.
From Belfast City Airport:
There is NO AIRCOACH service from Belfast City Airport.
But if you want to get the bus, you have a few options. But it is not the quickest way as you will need to go into Belfast City Center first so your journey can take 2-3 hours.
These are the best ways to get the bus to Derry if you are flying into Belfast City Airport:
1. Get the bus or taxi to EuropaCentre Park, then catch the Airbus 705X from here (This is the easiest and most comfortable).
2. From EuropaCentre Park get the 212 towards Derry Londonderry. This service is slower and not as comfortable and you may need to get another bus to reach your final destination.
Getting The Bus FAQs
How much is the bus from Derry to Belfast airport?
It depends on which company you use and if you get a single or return journey. Most tickets cost £20 – £30 and I recommend getting a return as it’s 90% of the time cheaper than getting 2 singles.
How long is the air coach from Belfast to Derry?
The bus journey typically takes 1 Hour and 45 Minutes but most of the time I arrive in Derry much quicker!
Can I pay the driver on Aircoach?
You can pay for your ticket directly from the Driver but it is more expensive. It is worth booking your tickets online but this option is only available 2 or more hours before your journey.
Do Aircoach buses have Wi-Fi?
It does but I always find it patchy and it says there is no internet available. So if you want to watch or read anything for your journey, make sure you download it before.
Are Aircoach tickets flexible?
Only if you pay for the flexible service when purchasing your ticket. It is useful if you are getting it from the airport but just note you will only be allowed on another journey if there is a seat available.
How frequent is Aircoach?
The Aircoach from Belfast to Derry goes every 2 hours.
By Train
When I have spoken to other travellers to Derry who are not from The UK or Ireland, I noticed a lot of them have got the train. However, it is the slowest way to get there and will take you 2-3 hours.
From Belfast International Airport:
The nearest train station is in Antrim which is about 15 minutes away.
You will need to take a taxi or Bus 109a to Antrim Buscentre, then walk 5 minutes to get to Antrim Train Station. From here then you can take the direct train to Londonderry Train Station.
From Belfast City Airport:
You will need to take the train from Sydenham Train Station To Belfast Lanyon Place, then get the train to Derry~Londonderry Train Station.
You can easily walk to the first train station as it is roughly 6 minutes from the terminal building. Use Translink to plan your journey before you arrive so you can buy tickets in advance and avoid waiting around.
Getting The Train FAQs
Do trains run from Belfast to Derry?
You will be able to get a train from Belfast to Derry and it takes roughly 2 hours 10 minutes. However, depending on where you are, you may need to make a few changes.
The Best Belfast Airport To Derry Transfers Final Thoughts
So there we have it, the best Belfast airport to Derry transfers you should consider for your next trip!
I love visiting Derry whenever I am in Northern Ireland and it is worth doing, even just for the night. The City has some epic things to do and the people are just so welcoming!
Like any transport links around the world, each option has its pros and cons. I hope after this guide you feel confident getting to Derry from Belfast, no matter whatever method you use.
My one bit of advice is if you are getting public transport to reach Derry, dress for the weather. You can get really cold and wet standing around waiting and it makes the journey less fun!
I hope you found this article useful! To help you plan your trip, here are some more useful posts:
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✔️ The 5 Best Cabin Baggage For Ryanair Options
✔️ The Best Shoes For Winter In Europe
✔️ Can Americans Drive In The UK?
Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.
