Cheap flights to Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast Travel Guide

Put on the map for its controversy and chaos, Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, has risen from the ashes of the political and religious conflict that spurred a national identity crisis. Today, travelers book flights to Belfast to experience the city that transformed itself from chaos to current.

Northern Ireland is a member of the United Kingdom and has been since the 19th century, but turmoil has plagued the country since the first days of the British occupation in the early 1600’s. The country came to blows over the Catholic and Protestant values of its citizens, as well as the question of loyalties between its Irish heritage and its British nationality. The most explosive period in Northern Irish contemporary history, known as the Troubles, is testament to the tensions that wrecked the country for centuries; from 1968 through 1998 Belfast suffered as the epicenter for persecution and destruction as the Irish Republican Army and the Royal Ulster Constabulary took matters into their own hands and turned the streets of Belfast into a combat zone. 

Today, the cease fire has long since been in effect and the Troubles are in the past, though hardly forgotten. Belfast has thrown itself into the healing process, and the constantly growing skyline of the city is proof that a period of rejuvenation and reconstruction has begun in Northern Ireland. Though a major player in the development and cultivation of invention and innovation in the 20th century, Belfast is hardly just another industrial city filled with factories, shipyards and smokestacks. 

Belfast is fast becoming one of the hottest spots in Europe with its vibrant nightlife, packed cultural calendar and endless supply of fascinating attractions that have Belfast flights packed with visitors wanting to take part in all the fun. Whatever the reason for your visit to this amazing city is, here are some tips to help you plan and enjoy the smoothest possible trip.

What’s the weather like in Belfast?

Belfast experiences a temperate year-round climate that shies away from extreme conditions. It does however, see a lot of rainfall throughout the year. Winters are mild compared to many other cities in Europe and across the globe, with average temperatures staying around 40 degrees Fahrenheit; however, rain is frequent during this time. Autumn and spring in Belfast are also drizzly times of year, with consistent rainfall and average temperatures sticking close to the mid-40’s and 50’s (Fahrenheit). Summers are when most visitors book their flights to Belfast so as to take advantage of the higher temps, with temperature’s averaging in the high 50’s, low 60’s (Fahrenheit), which leaves the all of Northern Ireland comfortably soaking up in the sunshine. While rain is still common during these months – it is Northern Ireland after all – the rise in temperatures make it an enjoyable time to visit.

How long is the flight to Belfast?

As Northern Ireland’s busiest airport, Belfast International Airport has plenty of flights going in and out. Expect a flight time of just over nine hours from New York, about ten hours from Chicago and about thirteen hours from Los Angeles.

Which airlines fly to Belfast?

None of the major U.S. carriers offer direct flights to Belfast, but Virgin Atlantic has seasonal flights from Orlando to Belfast. Otherwise, you can book a flight with a connection. If you’re departing from an international location, check flights with easyJet and Thomas Cook.

What should you pack for a flight to Belfast?

Bringing plenty of layers is the name of the game in Northern Ireland, where the weather could go from sunny to rainy at a moment’s notice. T-shirts, sweaters, a light jacket and comfortable boots all come in handy, and don’t forget your umbrella.

Getting to and around the city of Belfast

The city’s airport, Belfast International (BFS), is conveniently located just 3 miles away from the city center, meaning after your flight to Belfast you can be sure of a short trip to the city. You can either take a bus to the nearby train station, or if you’re happy walking about ten minutes, you can walk there. You can grab a train every half an hour on a weekday, or at every hour on a weekend. From the train station you can practically travel to anywhere in Northern Ireland, and Ireland as well. Other than the train, a bus is your best option. They leave from right outside the airport and the Airport Express 600 runs directly to the city center. It operates around every twenty minutes or so, as it is very regular. You can also hail a taxi from Belfast International Airport’s arrivals gate, if you’d like.

Once you’ve settled in to your hotel and are ready to explore, you’ll find that Belfast’s public transportation is very easy. Metro, the bus system, has 12 main lines downtown and to the suburbs. You can save some money by getting a SmartLink Travel Card, which discounts your bus fares with frequent trips. For going outside of the city and surrounding areas, once again, the train is probably your best bet.

What are some things to do in Belfast?

The Titanic was built in Belfast, and you can learn all about the ill-fated ship at Titanic Belfast, located near the city center. There’s plenty to see in this six-floor building which earned the title of “World’s Leading Tourist Attraction” at the 2016 World Travel Awards. The attraction even gives you the opportunity to go aboard the SS Nomadic, the last vessel left from White Star Line, maker of the Titanic.

Take a step even further into the past at the Ulster Museum. Found in Belfast’s Botanical Gardens, this museum has dinosaur fossils, an Egyptian mummy and art collections that date back to the 1600’s. It’s a great family activity, and the best part is that admission’s always free.

When you’re ready to do some walking and get away from the crowds, head out to the Giant’s Causeway. The Irish have passed down quite a few stories about this unique geological formation, including that it was where a giant named Finn McCool liked to hang out. Get all the stories and see the area’s wildlife when you get tickets to the attraction’s visitor experience. There are four trails to choose from that take you around the stones, and it’s a relaxing trek with beautiful scenery.

Belfast is a lively city with plenty of great places to eat and have a pint. To see several spots in one day, consider taking a food tour. The guides make sure you get to try the city’s premier dishes.

Tips for your stay in Belfast

• The Golden Mile should be one of the first stops on your tour after your flight to Belfast lands. Stretching from City Hall to the grounds of the University of Belfast, the Golden Mile is home to some of the most popular pubs, restaurants, nightlife venues and tourist attractions in the city. The Grand Opera House and Crown Liquor Saloon, Belfast’s most beloved pub, are both located here, and walking the Golden Mile is a great way to get introduced to the city.
• The Cathedral Quarter is the cultural capital of the city and also one of the most popular sites for tourists. St. Anne’s Cathedral is here, as are several notable galleries and performing arts venues. The Cathedral Quarter is also where the Belfast Film Festival is held in late March each year, as well as the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, which is a must-see for visitors who have booked their flights to Belfast for late January.
• Victoria Square is a source of national pride in Northern Ireland and an attraction not to be missed before your return flight home. Located in the center of the city and just a short walk from Central Station, Victoria Square is a behemoth of a shopping center and a symbol for Belfast’s economic growth and innovation. Victoria Square is, in essence, an enormous shopping mall and retail district, but this very expensive project offers up something for everyone, and is ideal for a visit on a rainy day.
• Are those extra dollars you saved from your cheap flight to Belfast burning a hole in your wallet? Head over to St. George’s Market, which is the oldest covered market in Ireland. The Variety Market held every Friday is a great way to start your weekend. Take a leisurely mosey through its stalls, and if your stomach starts to growl during your retail therapy, stop at one of the 23 fish stalls that boast one of the best catches in the United Kingdom.

Finding Flights from Belfast

Do you have other destinations in mind after Belfast? Cheapflights can help you get there. Direct flights back to the United States are available through Virgin Atlantic and Thomas Cook, or you can keep traveling internationally. Visit https://www.cheapflights.co.uk for the top flight deals for routes out of Belfast.

Belfast International Airport can get crowded, so make sure you get there a bit early to play it safe. Once you choose a destination, be sure to check out our Belfast airport guides for more detailed travel information and helpful tips.