Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our George Best Belfast City 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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George Best Airport closes at night; that is the beginning and end of the story. Do not attempt to sleep there. – tashore14
BHD 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 George Best Belfast City Airport.
What to Expect
George Best Belfast City Airport (code: BHD) is a small, two-level terminal with a gift shop, convenience store, book store, pub, restaurant, and two cafes. WiFi is available to help pass the time. For additional comfort, economy-class passengers can pay to use one of the airport’s private lounges. See Airport Lounges in the guide below.
Sleeping in Belfast City Airport
The airport is closed and locked at night, so sleeping is prohibited. There are a few long benches on the airside for daytime napping, but you might want to consider earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to drown out the noise. For uninterrupted sleep, there are hotels near the airport. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.
Read traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, scroll down to explore more in our Belfast City 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 hours vary according to the season: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM (March – October) and 4:30 AM – 10:00 PM (October – March).
The terminal is closed overnight. Sleeping in the airport overnight is not permitted.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones exist. 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
Because the terminal closes and there’s no overnight access. Here are some nearby hotels:
- Premier Inn Belfast Titanic Quarter Hotel – No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
- Titanic Hotel Belfast – No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Belfast City 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.
- Aspire Lounge – Location: Airside, main departures area, immediately after security, located on the upper level opposite Gate 4. Hours: 5:00 AM – 8:30 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (£36.00 for adults, £21.00 for children) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs • Access for eligible business class and elite-status passengers on select airlines.
Drinking Water
There is a free water dispenser available in the Departures Lounge, located opposite Nero Express (before security).
Food & Drink
Food concessions throughout the terminal operate with varying schedules. Dining options include: Caffé Nero • La Piazza • Starbucks • The Artisan.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
There is no luggage storage or lockers. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
Mobile Charging
The Drop Zone allows passengers to have a seat while charging their mobile devices. Location: Airside, Departures Lounge.
Showers
There are no public shower facilities. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
WiFi/Internet
Belfast City Airport provides unlimited free WiFi.
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. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limits before travelling internationally. Locations: landside (main concourse) and airside (departures).
Baby Care Facilities – Baby-changing facilities are available in selected washrooms on the main concourse and in the Departures Lounge.
Currency Exchange – Travelex currency exchange services are available in the main concourse.
Disabled Services – The terminal is equipped with accessible seating and facilities. Special assistance should be arranged in advance through your airline, travel agent, or tour operator (typically at least 48 hours before departure).
Duty-Free & Shopping – World Duty Free is available airside. A small selection of additional shops selling books, magazines, souvenirs, and travel essentials can be found both landside and airside.
Information Desk – Airport staff are available to help with general enquiries. The information desk is located near the arrivals exit.
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 Area – Smoking is permitted only outside the terminal building.
Bus
BHD Airport is well connected to the bus system. Whether looking for a local bus to the Belfast city centre (Express 600 Bus), a connection to a train station for onward travel or the Belfast International Airport (Transporter Bus), the airport provides many options. For fares, routes and schedule information, visit the Translink website.
Car Rentals
Car rental services are available on-site from the following car rental agencies: Avis • Budget • Europcar • Enterprise • Hertz • Sixt.
Hotel Shuttles
See also Airport Hotels above.
Ride Sharing
Uber is operating in the city of Belfast. A ride from the airport to the city centre will cost about € 33.95
Taxis
Taxis are available at the taxi rank in front of the airport. Follow the signs for Value Cabs. All taxis are metered, and reservations are not required; however, you can download an app to pre-order your cab. For more information, visit the Value Cabs website.
Train
Sydenham Halt Train Station is within walking distance of Belfast City Airport, connected by a footbridge in front of the terminal. There is also an airport shuttle to the train station; inquire at the information desk! For information about train destinations, schedules and fares, visit the NI Railways website.
Last updated: 2026-02-02
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.