How to think about this route
For a classic long weekend, flying usually gives the widest choice of departure times. Compare Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and London City — airport choice often matters as much as headline fare on short hops.
Before choosing, compare the full journey: travel to your London airport, security time, baggage costs, transfer into Belfast and arrival time at your hotel.
London airport choices
Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) carry most full-service schedules. Stansted (STN) and Luton (LTN) may show lower headline fares on some carriers. London City (LCY) can work for quick business-style hops if your hotel suits a City arrival.
If the fare difference is small, a closer airport with a better arrival time can be better value than the cheapest-looking ticket.
London airports — quick compare
| Airport | Best For | Main Advantage | Main Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow (LHR) | West London; full-service | Frequency / connections | Peak queues; often dearer headlines |
| Gatwick (LGW) | South / south-east | Strong leisure short-haul | Awkward from north of the river |
| Stansted (STN) | North-east / Essex; low headlines | Often cheapest ticket | Express + cross-London time |
| Luton (LTN) | North / M1 corridor | Regular low-cost schedules | Early starts; DART/coach hops |
Airlines on this route
easyJet, Aer Lingus, Ryanair and others appear. Compare BFS vs BHD (City).
Belfast arrival airports
Belfast International (BFS) is the main airport west of the city. George Best Belfast City (BHD) sits closer to central districts and suits quick city-centre arrivals — check your ticket carefully before booking ground transport.
Match airport to your hotel area. Late arrivals may make a central stay with easy transfer more valuable than a cheaper room farther out.
Belfast airports — quick compare
| Airport | Best For | Transfer to centre / resort | Main Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast International (BFS) | Many low-cost / leisure | Bus toward centre often ~30–45 min | Farther than City Airport |
| Belfast City (BHD) | Closer to centre when schedules allow | Short taxi / bus hop | Fewer routes than BFS |
Airport transfers — quick guide
- Heathrow: Elizabeth line or Piccadilly; Express is faster and dearer. Allow peak security time.
- Gatwick: Gatwick Express or Thameslink. Clean from south London; slower if you start north.
- Stansted: Stansted Express to Liverpool Street, then Tube. Price that before a “cheap” fare wins.
- Luton: DART to Parkway, then rail into London. Fine with a cabin bag; slower with two hold cases.
- BFS: Factor the longer hop into the centre before a cheap fare wins.
- BHD: Usually kinder for city hotels when you can book it.
When to compare and book
Spring and autumn balance weather with lower crowds than peak summer. Friday evening and Sunday night returns are often the priciest slots on domestic routes.
For ordinary weekend trips, start comparing roughly three to six weeks ahead. For fixed event dates and UK bank holidays, look earlier and consider flexible travel days.
Baggage and fare details
UK domestic low-cost fares may only include a small personal item. Carry-on-only tickets can undercut hold-bag fares if you pack light. If you need a cabin suitcase, checked bag or seat selection, add those costs before deciding.
Also check whether your ticket allows changes. A slightly higher flexible fare can be worth it when hotel dates or tour plans are not fully fixed.
Belfast planning after you land
If Belfast is your base, choose your neighbourhood before booking Causeway coast tours. City-centre stays reduce taxi time for first visits. For Dublin add-ons, allow a full day and check border crossing requirements.
Use the Belfast stays guide for neighbourhoods, then compare Belfast experiences. Car hire helps for coast road trips but is optional for a city-focused break.