Global Suppliers at Belfast
Authorized partnerships with global brands stationed at BFS Car Rental Centre.
All-Inclusive BFS Protection
Drive out of Belfast 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 UK-wide breakdown assistance as standard.
Car Hire Desk Access
All rental providers at Belfast International Airport are conveniently located right inside the Arrivals Hall. After picking up your keys, your vehicle will be waiting in the dedicated car park just a very short walk outside.
For terminal maps and live flight information, we recommend checking the official Belfast International Airport website.
What Our Belfast Customers Say
Verified reviews from travelers who rented directly from Belfast International Airport.
"Fantastic service at Belfast International. The car rental desks were right in the arrivals hall, and we were on the A26 heading to the North Coast in minutes."
"Very smooth pick-up process. Used the car to drive down to Dublin. Highly recommend an SUV for the coastal roads!"
"Best prices I found for a BFS rental. The car was ready and waiting with no hard sell at the desk."
"Returning at 5 AM was a breeze with the drop box, and the early walk to the terminal took just a few minutes."
"Absolutely no hidden fees. The price I saw online was exactly what I paid at the Belfast 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 M2 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 to Derry."
Essential Driving Guide out of Belfast
Landing at BFS? Familiarise yourself with these vital rules of the road before exiting the Car Hire Centre in your rental.
Navigating the A26 & M2
Leaving the Belfast International rental area places you near the A26. Heading north takes you directly towards Coleraine and the Causeway Coast. Heading south and east connects you easily to the M2 motorway, bringing you directly into Belfast city centre in about 30 minutes.
Manual vs. Automatic
Manual transmission (stick shift) is standard in Northern Ireland. If you are planning to navigate the famously winding and steep coastal routes of the North, 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), 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 an Applegreen petrol station conveniently located right on Airport Road, just seconds before you reach the airport roundabouts. Fill up here to avoid refuelling penalty charges.
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 to control your own refuelling costs.
*As this is a volatile and ever-changing item, these prices were last updated on: .
Popular Drives from Belfast International Airport
Because BFS is centrally located in Northern Ireland, it serves as the ultimate gateway to historic sites and cinematic coastlines. Here are the top scenic drives and spots our customers visit after picking up their rental.
Belfast City & Titanic
Distance: 18 miles (30 mins via M2)
Head directly east into the vibrant capital to explore the world-famous Titanic Belfast museum.
Child-Friendly? Yes! Kids will love the W5 Science Centre.
Pro Tip: Park in the Odyssey car park for easy access to the Titanic Quarter and surrounding attractions.
Giant's Causeway
Distance: 45 miles (1 hr via 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 incredible visitor centre.
Pro Tip: The official car park fills up fast; pre-book your visitor experience tickets online to guarantee a parking spot.
The Dark Hedges
Distance: 35 miles (45 mins via A26)
A fantastic, short 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.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Distance: 50 miles (1 hr 10 mins via A26/A44)
Drive to the coast to brave the famous rope bridge suspended almost 100 ft above the sea.
Child-Friendly? Thrilling for older kids, though the coastal walk can be steep in places.
Pro Tip: Combine this with the Giant's Causeway as they are located along the same spectacular coastal route.
Derry / Londonderry
Distance: 60 miles (1 hr 15 mins via A6)
Head northwest to the only completely intact walled city remaining in Ireland.
Child-Friendly? Walking the 400-year-old walls and seeing the cannons is a great historical adventure.
Pro Tip: The drive over the Glenshane Pass on the A6 offers some of the most dramatic mountain views in the country.
Mourne Mountains
Distance: 40 miles (1 hr via A26/A24)
Drive south into County Down to explore Northern Ireland's highest and most dramatic mountain range.
Child-Friendly? Tollymore Forest Park (another Game of Thrones location) 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: 100 miles (2 hrs via A1/M1)
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.
Lough Neagh
Distance: 5 miles (10 mins via local roads)
Explore the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles, located right on the airport's doorstep.
Child-Friendly? The Antrim Castle Gardens near the lough are fantastic for young families.
Pro Tip: An ideal "first stop" right after arriving if you want to stretch your legs without driving far.