Belfast International Airport (BFS) is a major international airport located near Aldergrove in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, approximately 18 miles northwest of Belfast city centre.
It is the busiest airport in Northern Ireland, serving as a crucial gateway for passengers travelling to a wide range of destinations across the UK, Europe (including popular holiday spots in Spain, Portugal, and Greece), and some transatlantic routes (e.g., to Orlando).
Airlines such as EasyJet, Ryanair, Jet2.com, and TUI operate extensively from BFS, catering to leisure travellers, those visiting friends and relatives, and business passengers.
Belfast International Airport (BFS) Information
- Full Name: Belfast International Airport
- IATA Code: BFS
- ICAO Code: EGAA
- Operator: VINCI Airports
- Location: Aldergrove, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK.
- Terminals: Belfast International Airport has one main passenger terminal building. All official on-site car parks are located within easy reach of this terminal.
How to Make Reservations and Book Parking at Belfast International Airport
Pre-booking your parking at Belfast International Airport via the official airport website is highly recommended. It offers the best way to secure your space and typically provides significant savings compared to paying the drive-up rates.
The airport often promotes these pre-booking discounts prominently.
Steps to Pre-Book BFS Parking Online via the Official Website
- Access Official Portal: Go directly to the official Belfast International Airport car parking page: https://www.belfastairport.com/car-parking.
- Enter Travel Dates & Times: Input your flight departure date and time, and your return flight arrival date and time. This allows the system to calculate the duration and suggest appropriate parking entry/exit times.
- Get a Quote: The system will display the available official parking products for your chosen dates, along with their current prices. Options usually include Main Stay, Long Stay, Short Stay, and potentially premium options like a Priority Car Park.
- Compare and Choose: Review the features of each parking product – consider proximity to the terminal, whether it's a walk or shuttle bus transfer, price, and any additional benefits (e.g., security features, flexibility).
- Provide Details: Enter your personal information and your vehicle registration number. Belfast International Airport utilizes an ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) system for seamless entry and exit.
- Complete Payment: Proceed to the secure online payment gateway. Accepted payment methods typically include major credit/debit cards.
- Receive Confirmation: After successful payment, you'll receive a booking confirmation email. This email is important as it will contain your unique booking reference number, arrival instructions for your chosen car park, and often a QR code as a backup for the ANPR system. Keep this email safe and accessible.
Parking Fees and Rates at Belfast International Airport (BFS)
Parking prices at Belfast International Airport are dynamic and vary based on several factors: the specific car park product (Main Stay, Long Stay, Short Stay, etc.), the duration of your stay, how far in advance you book, and seasonal demand.
Drive-up rates are considerably higher than pre-booked rates. Always obtain a real-time quote from the official Belfast International Airport parking website for your specific travel dates to see the most accurate prices.
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Parking Product
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Distance/Transfer to Terminal
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Best For
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Price Guide (Pre-booked)
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Short Stay Car Park
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Approx. 1-2 minute walk
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Pick-ups, drop-offs, very short stays
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Premium pricing due to closest proximity
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Main Stay Car Park
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Approx. 2-3 minute walk
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Stays of a few hours to several days, convenience
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Good balance of proximity and value
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Long Stay Car Park
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Approx. 6-minute courtesy bus transfer (runs 24/7) OR approx. 6-8 minute walk
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Longer trips (3+ days), budget-friendly
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Most economical option for extended stays
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Priority Parking
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Short walk, often with wider bays & express lanes
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Business travel, convenience, speed
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Premium service with premium pricing
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Drop Off Zone
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Directly outside terminal
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Express passenger drop-off (max 10 mins)
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£3 for up to 10 minutes, charges escalate quickly
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Pick Up Area
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Located within Short Stay Car Park
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Passenger pick-up
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Uses Short Stay Car Park tariffs, e.g. £3 for 10 mins
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Important Notes on Fees:
- Pre-book for Best Rates: Significant savings are usually available when booking online in advance compared to gate prices.
- Non-Flex vs. Flex: Cheaper, non-flexible bookings often cannot be amended or cancelled. Flexible options provide this for a higher cost.
- Overstay Charges: If your return is delayed, you will likely be charged for the extra time at the car park's standard daily rate.
How to Pay for Belfast International Airport Parking
For Pre-Booked Parking:
- Payment is completed online during the booking process on the official Belfast International Airport website.
- Entry & Exit: Upon arrival at your pre-booked car park, drive up to the entry barrier. The ANPR system should recognize your vehicle's number plate, and the barrier will lift automatically. The same ANPR process applies for exiting the car park.
- Assistance/QR Code: If the barrier does not lift, do not take a ticket. Press the intercom button for assistance and quote your booking reference number. Some systems may also allow you to scan the QR code from your booking confirmation email.
For Drive-Up/Turn-Up Parking (Paying on Site):
- Entry: Drive to the entry barrier of the chosen car park (e.g., Short Stay or Main Stay). If ANPR doesn't log your entry (though it's standard), take a ticket from the machine.
- Park Vehicle: Find an available parking space.
- Payment (Before Returning to Car or at Exit):
- Pay-on-Foot Stations: Before returning to your vehicle, locate a Pay-on-Foot station. These are typically situated within the car parks or near the terminal building. Insert your entry ticket or enter your vehicle registration if it's a ticketless ANPR system.
- Payment at Exit Barrier: Some car parks may allow payment by card directly at the exit barrier.
- Pay Amount: The machine will display the calculated parking fee. Pay using an accepted credit/debit card. Some machines may accept cash (GBP).
- Exit: If you paid at a Pay-on-Foot station, you'll receive a validated ticket or the system will register your payment. Drive to the exit barrier. Insert the validated ticket, or the ANPR system will recognize your payment, and the barrier will lift. There's usually a short grace period (e.g., 10-15 minutes) to exit after payment.
Accepted Payment Methods for Belfast International Airport Parking
Online Pre-Booking (Official Website):
- Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express.
- Debit Cards: Most major UK debit cards.
On-Site Pay-on-Foot Stations / Exit Barriers:
- Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express.
- Debit Cards: Most major UK debit cards.
- Cash: GBP (availability may vary by machine; card payment is generally preferred and may be the only option at some exits).
- Contactless Payments: Widely accepted for card payments.
Official Belfast International Airport Website & Parking Booking Portal
For the most accurate information, guaranteed official parking products, and the best available rates, always use the official channels:
- Main Belfast International Airport Website: https://www.belfastairport.com/
- Official Parking Booking Page: https://www.belfastairport.com/car-parking
Arrivals and Pick-Up Parking at Belfast International Airport (BFS)
When collecting passengers arriving at Belfast International Airport:
- Designated Pick Up Area (Short Stay Car Park): The Short Stay Car Park is the designated area for picking up passengers.
- Cost: Standard Short Stay tariffs apply. For example, £3 for the first 10 minutes. Subsequent charges apply based on duration.
- Waiting: If you arrive early, it's best to wait in your vehicle in the Short Stay car park until the passenger has cleared arrivals and contacted you.
- Main Stay Car Park: Can also be used if a slightly longer walk is acceptable, potentially offering different rates for slightly longer waits.
- The Drop Off Zone is NOT for pick-ups or waiting.
Departures and Drop-Off Parking at Belfast International Airport (BFS)
For dropping off passengers departing from Belfast International Airport:
- Drop Off Zone: Located directly outside the terminal building for maximum convenience.
- Cost: This is a chargeable zone. A common charge is £3 for up to 10 minutes. Charges escalate quickly after this initial period to discourage congestion.
- Payment is typically made at the exit barrier of the zone via card. This zone is strictly for active unloading only, and vehicles must not be left unattended.
- Short Stay / Main Stay Car Parks: If you wish to spend more time, accompany passengers into the terminal, or if the 10-minute drop-off isn't sufficient, park in the Short Stay or Main Stay car parks. Standard tariffs will apply.
Belfast International Airport (BFS) Parking Map and Car Park Locations
Belfast International Airport has one main terminal. The official car parks are clearly signposted on approach roads.
- Short Stay Car Park: Located closest to the terminal building, just a 1-2 minute walk. Ideal for pick-ups, drop-offs, and very brief stays.
- Main Stay Car Park: Situated a short 2-3 minute walk from the terminal. Suitable for a range of stay durations.
- Long Stay Car Park: Located a bit further from the terminal. A 24/7 courtesy shuttle bus typically runs every 15 minutes, with an approximate 6-minute journey time. Alternatively, it's about a 6-8 minute walk. This is the most economical on-site option for longer trips.
- Priority Parking: Usually located very close to the terminal, offering express entry/exit and sometimes wider bays.
The official Belfast International Airport website provides maps and detailed directions for each car park within its parking section. Road signage on airport approach roads will clearly direct you to your chosen or pre-booked car park.
References for Belfast International Airport, Aldergrove, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK:
- Belfast International Airport Official Website: https://www.belfastairport.com/
- Belfast International Airport Official Parking Page: https://www.belfastairport.com/car-parking