Belfast International Airport Guide (BFS)

sleeping in belfast airport — (photo courtesy of chris / July 2019)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Belfast Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

There were plenty of cushioned seating near the games room but it was too bright to sleep – CharlotteDeHK

BFS Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Belfast International Airport.

What to Expect

Belfast Airport (code: BFS) houses all passenger operations in a mid-size, two-level terminal with a half dozen shops and an equal number of restaurants and cafes. Airport services close for the night, leaving only vending options for the overnight period, so plan accordingly. WiFi is available to help pass the time. For additional comfort, economy-class passengers can pay to use the Causeway Lounge.

Sleeping in Belfast Airport

While the airport is open 24 hours a day, security does not allow passengers to go to the airside unless their flight departs within a few hours. Travellers report that the airside has more sleeping options, though some landside areas have four-seater armrest-free chairs and padded seating. Eyeshades and earplugs/noise-cancelling headphones are recommended. For uninterrupted sleep, there are several hotels near the airport. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Belfast Airport Guide.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.

Airport Hours

The terminal remains open 24 hours on the landside. Airside closes overnight (approximately 11:00 PM – 4:00 AM). During this closure, passengers must remain landside unless they are in confirmed transit and permitted to stay airside by their airline.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Belfast Airport:

Maldron Hotel Belfast Airport – (0.3 mi) Mid-range hotel located just outside the terminal, making it the most convenient option if you want to walk to your hotel.
Ballyrobin Country Lodge – (1.2 mi) Mid-range hotel located a short drive from the airport. Airport shuttle service is not available.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there is a lounge that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or using a lounge membership program.

Causeway Lounge – Location: Airside, main terminal, after security, next to Gates 16 & 17. Hours: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (£27.50 for adults, £15 for children) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Access for eligible premium or elite passengers on select airlines.

Food & Drinks

There are no 24-hour food or beverage options. Food outlets operate on limited schedules. Food outlets include Burger King • Caffe Ritazza • Northern Quarter • Fed & Watered • The Lagan Bar • Sip & Stone • Coco Diablo.

Drinking Water
Water bottle refill stations have been reported by a reader on the airside near the gates (March 2025). On the landside, drinking water appears to be limited to tap water in restrooms and bottled water for purchase.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage and lockers are not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

Free power outlets and USB charging points are available on the airside.

Showers

Showers are not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available at Belfast International Airport for two hours. Connect to the “BFS Free WiFi” network.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available on both levels of the terminal. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limits before travelling.
Baby Care Facilities – Baby changing facilities are available throughout the terminal, both landside and airside.
Currency Exchange – A currency exchange office operates landside before the escalators to security, with limited daily hours.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available airside, along with a small selection of shops selling newspapers, snacks, travel essentials, and souvenirs.
Information Desk – Customer Service Agents are present throughout the terminal to assist passengers with general enquiries.
Quiet Room – Temporarily Closed – A quiet room intended for reflection or prayer is located in the Arrivals Hall.
Smoking – Smoking is permitted only in designated airside smoking facilities. An entrance fee applies.

Airlines

Belfast International Airport is served by the following airlines: EasyJet • Jet2 • Ryanair • TUIFly.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

The Airport Express 300 is a daily express service between the airport and Belfast city centre, stopping at Templepatrick. At the time of our August 2023 update, the adult fare is £8.50 one-way or £12.50 round trip. Multi-journey cards are also available.

The Ulsterbus (109A) runs between the airport, Lisburn Rail Station and Antrim Buscentre daily. Access to Antrim Train Station is available via Antrim Buscentre.

To plan your route, visit the Tourist Information Desk in the airport’s main concourse or the Belfast Airport website.

Car Rentals

The following car rental agencies are located on-site in the Arrivals Hall: Avis • Budget • Europcar • Hertz.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Ride Sharing Apps

Uber is available throughout the UK. A ride to the city centre will cost you about £45.

Taxis

Airport-approved taxis are available at the taxi rank, located outside to the right of the Arrivals Hall exit door, on a 24-hour basis. All taxis are metered, and reservations are not required. Shared taxis are also available upon request.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Last updated: 2026-01-20

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.

Belfast International Airport Guide