Global Suppliers at Belfast City
Authorized partnerships with global brands stationed at BHD Airport.
All-Inclusive BHD Protection
Drive out of Belfast City Airport with absolute confidence. Every booking automatically includes Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Third-Party Liability, and Theft Protection.
We ensure total transparency: the rate you book covers your essential insurance needs and includes 24/7 breakdown assistance as standard.
Car Hire Desk Access
All rental providers at George Best Belfast City Airport are conveniently located directly inside the arrivals concourse. Once you have picked up your keys, it is just a very short walk to the dedicated car rental parking area right outside the terminal.
For terminal maps and live flight information, we recommend checking the official Belfast City Airport website.
What Our Belfast Customers Say
Verified reviews from travelers who rented directly from Belfast City Airport.
"Fantastic service at Belfast City Airport. The car rental desks were right in the terminal, and we were in the Titanic Quarter within 5 minutes of getting the keys."
"Very smooth pick-up process. Used the car to drive the Causeway Coastal Route. Highly recommend an SUV for the rugged coastline!"
"Best prices I found for a BHD rental. The car was ready and waiting with no hard sell at the desk."
"Returning early was a breeze with the drop box, and the walk back to the terminal took just one minute."
"Absolutely no hidden fees. The price I saw online was exactly what I paid at the George Best Airport desk."
"The car broke down which was surprising as it was brand new, but I guess nothing is perfect! However, I was very happy with the support. The car change over was very quick and professional. Thank you Sarah for the great customer service."
"Very straightforward access onto the Sydenham Bypass straight out of the airport. The premium vehicle selection is top-notch."
"Modern fleet and efficient customer support. Got me out of the airport traffic in record time heading into Holywood."
Essential Driving Guide out of Belfast City Airport
Landing at BHD? Familiarise yourself with these vital rules of the road before exiting the airport in your rental.
Navigating the A2 Sydenham Bypass
Leaving Belfast City Airport places you directly onto the A2 (Sydenham Bypass). Heading west takes you right into the heart of Belfast city centre and the Titanic Quarter in just 5 minutes. Heading east takes you towards Holywood, Bangor, and the beautiful Ards Peninsula.
Manual vs. Automatic
Manual transmission is standard in Northern Ireland. If you are planning to navigate the winding rural roads of the Causeway Coast or the steep roads around the Mourne Mountains, we strongly recommend filtering for an automatic vehicle when you book.
Cross-Border Driving (ROI)
Driving from Northern Ireland into the Republic of Ireland (ROI) is seamless with no hard border checks. However, you must notify your rental desk to ensure your insurance covers the ROI. A small cross-border fee is usually applied.
Speed Limits: MPH vs KM/H
This is critical: Northern Ireland uses Miles Per Hour (mph). Once you cross the border into the Republic of Ireland, all speed limits and road signs instantly switch to Kilometres Per Hour (km/h). Pay close attention to your speedometer!
Belfast City Driving & Bus Lanes
Belfast city centre is heavily monitored by cameras enforcing strictly controlled Bus Lanes. Do not drive in bus lanes during their active hours (usually clearly signposted on blue signs), or you will receive an automatic fine sent to your rental agency.
Returning the Car (Fuel)
If you have a 'Full-to-Full' fuel policy, there is a petrol station located right next to the airport entrance on the Sydenham Bypass. Fill up here to avoid expensive refuelling penalty charges at the rental desk.
Rural Irish Driving Etiquette
If you are heading onto the Causeway Coastal Route or into rural areas, be prepared for narrow lanes. Always pull over into passing places to let oncoming traffic by, and be highly vigilant for loose sheep or cattle on the road.
Current UK Fuel Costs
UK fuel in Northern Ireland is sold by the litre. Prices are currently averaging around £1.45 upto £1.60 per litre. (Remember: if you cross into ROI, fuel is priced in Euros). We advise choosing a 'Full-to-Full' fuel policy.
*As this is a volatile and ever-changing item, these prices were last updated on: .
Popular Drives from Belfast City Airport
Because BHD is situated directly on the edge of the city, it serves as the ultimate gateway for exploring Belfast, castles, and coastlines. Here are the top scenic drives and spots our customers visit after picking up their rental.
Titanic Quarter
Distance: 2 miles (5 mins via A2)
Head directly into the city to explore the world-famous Titanic Belfast museum, located practically next door to the airport.
Child-Friendly? Yes! Kids will love the interactive W5 Science Centre nearby.
Pro Tip: Park in the Odyssey car park for easy access to the Titanic Quarter.
Bangor & North Down
Distance: 12 miles (20 mins via A2)
Drive east along the coast of Belfast Lough to the charming seaside town of Bangor.
Child-Friendly? Perfect for the Pickie Funpark and walking along the marina.
Pro Tip: The A2 coast road can be busy during commuter hours; plan to travel mid-morning.
Giant's Causeway
Distance: 60 miles (1 hr 15 mins via M2/A26)
Drive north to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its interlocking basalt columns.
Child-Friendly? Great for climbing the rocks and exploring the visitor centre.
Pro Tip: The official car park fills up fast; pre-book your visitor experience tickets online to guarantee a parking spot.
Ards Peninsula & Strangford
Distance: 15 miles (30 mins via A20)
Drive south-east to explore the beautiful shores of Strangford Lough and Mount Stewart.
Child-Friendly? Kids will love the Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry.
Pro Tip: Take the car ferry across the Strangford Narrows to save driving all the way around the lough.
The Dark Hedges
Distance: 50 miles (1 hr via M2/A26)
A fantastic drive north to the iconic avenue of beech trees featured as the 'Kingsroad' in Game of Thrones.
Child-Friendly? A quick stop, but very atmospheric for photos.
Pro Tip: You can no longer drive your rental car down the avenue itself. Park at the nearby Hedges Estate Hotel and walk.
Castle Ward (Winterfell)
Distance: 30 miles (50 mins via A7/A25)
Head south to this stunning National Trust property, famous as the filming location for Winterfell.
Child-Friendly? They offer archery experiences and vast grounds for cycling.
Pro Tip: Parking is plentiful and included with your National Trust admission.
Mourne Mountains
Distance: 40 miles (1 hr via A24)
Drive south into County Down to explore Northern Ireland's highest and most dramatic mountain range.
Child-Friendly? Tollymore Forest Park is perfect for family walks.
Pro Tip: The coastal drive around the base of the mountains to the seaside town of Newcastle is stunning.
Dublin (Republic of Ireland)
Distance: 105 miles (2 hrs via M1/A1)
Drive south across the border into the ROI to explore the Guinness Storehouse and Temple Bar.
Child-Friendly? Great for exploring Dublin Zoo.
Pro Tip: Ensure you have notified your rental desk of cross-border travel, and remember that speed limits switch to km/h immediately after crossing the border.