Public Transport

Belfast City Airport is located to the east of the city centre, about a 5 minute drive from the centre. Trains run every half an hour during the day between Sydenham Station, near the airport, and the central train station in Belfast. The Airport Express 600 bus takes you to the city centre and leaves every 20 minutes, but you can also take Metrobus number 3 or The Airporter. Finally, you can also reach the city centre by taxi, which leave from outside the terminal building.

Starting from January 8, 2025, the United Kingdom has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for visa-exempt travellers. Initially, this applies to citizens from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and others. From April 2, 2025, this requirement will extend to European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens, including those from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The ETA permits short-term visits of up to six months for tourism. Travellers must apply for the ETA online or via a mobile app before their trip. The process involves providing personal details, passport information, and answering a series of questions. The ETA costs £10 and is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Most applications are processed within three working days, but it's advisable to apply well in advance of travel. However, travellers planning to work or study in the UK for more than six months will need to obtain the appropriate visa. It is essential to consult the UK Government's official website to understand the specific requirements and ensure a smooth journey. Please note that the ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK. Border officials retain the authority to grant or deny admission upon arrival.

April to September, as well as October, is the best time to visit Belfast. Be prepared for some wind and rain, but there are also sunny days, especially in the summer. Try to avoid the two weeks around the 12th of July, Orangemen's Day. Many people have their holidays during the period when the traditional Protestant marches take place and the city gets very crowded.

Translink runs the public transport system in Belfast that consists of busses and a railway system. At the front of all Metro vehicles you can see the number and destination, and services usually start and end around the City Hall with fares that can be paid in coins directly to the bus driver/operator on-board. Smartlink Multi-journey tickets and travel cards are available in shops displaying the Metro sign or from the Metro Kiosk in Donegall Square West.

Country code: +44 Area code: (0)28

Electrical appliances in the UK use a three-pin plug known as plug type G. The sockets come with on-and-off switches, unlike many other countries. The average voltage of a UK power socket is 230v or slightly higher, so check the voltage of your device before plugging it in.