County Antrim Northern Ireland, Ireland Travel Guide
Belfast International Airport (BFS): Northern Ireland's largest airport, 20 miles (32 km) northwest of Belfast. It serves many European and some international destinations. Airlines include EasyJet, Jet2.com, and Ryanair.
No direct transatlantic flights connect to BFS or BHD from North America. Travelers typically connect via Dublin (DUB), London (LHR, LGW), Amsterdam (AMS), or other major European hubs. Dublin Airport (DUB) often serves as a main gateway due to its pre-clearance facility for US customs. For finding affordable flights, check out Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner.
Airport Express 300 to Belfast Europa Bus Centre, approx. 30-40 mins.
Taxis are available outside both terminals, metered fares apply.
Sydenham train station is a short walk from BHD for city connections.
Drive on the left. Seatbelts are mandatory. Mobile phone use while driving is illegal. Speed limits are posted in mph and enforced.
Roads are generally well-maintained. Motorways (M) connect major cities. Rural roads can be narrow and winding. For car rentals, DiscoverCars.com offers options.
Watch for livestock on country roads. Exercise caution on narrow rural roads, especially at night. Drivers typically obey traffic laws.
Translink NI Railways connects Belfast (Lanyon Place/Great Victoria Street) to towns within County Antrim including Carrickfergus, Larne, Antrim town, Portrush, Ballymena, and Coleraine. The Enterprise service (Translink and Irish Rail) links Belfast directly to Dublin Connolly Station.
Translink Ulsterbus covers towns and villages throughout County Antrim and Northern Ireland, with services departing from Belfast Europa Bus Centre. The land border between Northern Ireland (UK) and the Republic of Ireland is open and largely invisible, with no physical border controls.
Drive on the left-hand side of the road. A valid full driving license from your home country is generally accepted for up to 12 months. An International Driving Permit is recommended if your license is not in English. The minimum age for car rental is typically 21-25, with potential surcharges for drivers under 25.
Road conditions are generally good. Be aware of narrow roads in rural areas, specifically in the Glens and along parts of the Causeway Coast. Watch out for livestock on country roads. Drivers typically obey traffic laws, but vigilance is always needed on unfamiliar roads.
Belfast Port is a major port for passenger and freight ferries. Stena Line operates services from Cairnryan, Scotland, to Belfast. P&O Ferries operates from Cairnryan, Scotland, to Larne, which is also in County Antrim. Larne Port mainly serves P&O Ferries from Cairnryan.
Public river transport is limited. The River Lagan in Belfast offers some pleasure boat tours. Lough Neagh also features some boat tours or fishing charters. Both Belfast and Larne ports give bus and taxi connections to nearby towns and city centers.
Connects Cairnryan, Scotland, to Belfast; popular for cars.
Connects Cairnryan, Scotland, to Larne (County Antrim).
Cruise liners dock here, with simple city access.
No specific exit fees or taxes are typically charged to departing passengers at airports or ports in Northern Ireland. These charges generally include into your ticket prices when you book. Prepare for your departure from County Antrim to make a hassle-free exit.
Shops, restaurants, cafes, and lounges are available at both Belfast airports. Major train and bus stations, like Belfast Europa Bus Centre and Lanyon Place Station, also give shops, cafes, and ATMs.
Consider sharing your travel experiences with local tourism bodies. Your feedback aids in refining services for future visitors.
Share your favorite photos of County Antrim on social media, inspiring others to visit this beautiful region.
Start dreaming about your next trip to Northern Ireland, perhaps exploring other counties or revisiting your favorite spots.
Prepare for a smooth departure by checking flight/ferry times and arrival recommendations. All necessary services are available at departure points.
