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.
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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.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours on the landside. The airside closes overnight (approx. 11:00 PM – 4:00 AM), relocating passengers to the landside unless they are in transit.
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 – Located outside the terminal. » Check Rates
- Ballyrobin Country Lodge – No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
- Dunadry Hotel – No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Belfast International Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
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. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
- Causeway Lounge – Location: Airside, near Gates 16 & 17. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
Related Pages: Belfast International Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
A reader tells us that water bottle refill stations are available on the airside, near the gates. (March 2025) On the landside, drinking water is limited to tap water/bottled water.
Food & Drinks
No 24-hour food and beverage concessions are available. Ten food options are available (Landside and Airside); some options include Burger King • Caffe Ritazza • Northern Quarter • Fed & Watered • The Lagan Bar • Sip & Stone • Coco Diablo.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
Mobile Charging
Showers
Unavailable. 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.
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.
More Airport Information
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available on both floors. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: unknown.
Baby Care Facilities – Available throughout the terminal, both Airside and Landside.
Currency Exchange – A currency exchange office can be found landside before the escalator to security. Hours: Mon-Fri 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Sat-Sun 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping and a limited variety of shops selling newspapers, snacks, travel necessities and souvenirs are available.
Information Desk – Customer Service Agents can be found throughout the airport to offer assistance.
Observation Area – Temporarily Closed – Relax and watch planes taking off and landing from the vantage point of the terminal’s observation area. Location: Landside, follow the signs from the Arrivals Area. Hours: open 24/7.
Quiet Room – Temporarily Closed – The airport offers an oasis of calm to enable contemplation and/or prayer. Locations: Arrivals Hall.
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Smoking – Smoking is permitted in designated facilities (Airside next to the Lagan Bar) for a £1 entrance fee.
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.
Hotel Shuttles
At the time of this update, we were unable to find any hotels that provide an airport shuttle. See also 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.
Last updated: 2025-04-01
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.