How to Get from Belfast City Airport to Derry

Maria Papakonstantinou

October 10, 2023

Derry, or as it’s officially called, Londonderry, is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland and one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe. If you’re exploring the country, Derry is definitely worth a visit and you can go directly from Belfast City Airport to Derry by taking an airport taxi, the bus or the train.

Taking an airport taxi from the rank or pre-booking a personalised private transfer is the fastest and most convenient option to get from Belfast City Airport to Derry. It takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes to cover the 117 km (73 mi) distance by taxi and you can expect to pay on average £100 (€115) for up to 4 passengers.

If taking a taxi seems like an expensive option and you have more time to spare, you can choose the bus or the train for your trip. Both options are more cost-effective and the trip with either takes 2 hours and 40 minutes. The trip by bus from Belfast City Airport to Derry costs £16.20 (€18.80) per traveller and you’ll need to take two different bus lines. For the trip by train, the fare amounts to £14 (€16.20) and again, you’ll need to change lines once.

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Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups	€165	85min	24/7	Book
Book
Taxi	€115	85min	24/7
Bus	€37.60	160min	05:30–22:05
Train	€32.40	160min	06:36–22:51

How to get from Belfast City Airport to Derry by taxi

Getting from Belfast City Airport to Derry by taxi is a convenient option to reach your accommodation directly and in the comfort of a private vehicle. There are always taxis available for on-demand service outside Belfast City Airport or you can pre-book your ride and skip the line at the rank. If you take a taxi or private transfer, you’ll be in Derry in about 1 hour and 25 minutes.

What's the cost of a taxi from Belfast City Airport to Derry?

The fare for a Belfast taxi from Belfast City Airport to Derry isn’t fixed and can vary depending on the operator, number of passengers, time of day, and other factors. You can expect to pay around £100 (€115) for up to 4 passengers but make sure to agree on the price with the driver before you start the ride. A better option is to pre-book your ride to ensure a fixed fare you’ll know in advance and avoid surprises after reaching your destination.

Photos (1)

Official Belfast taxi

Cost

£100 (€115)

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 25 Min.

The taxi fare may vary unless you pre-book your ride.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

There are taxis for on-demand service 24/7 at Belfast City Airport.

Where can I find a taxi at Belfast City Airport?

You can find a taxi rank right in front of the terminal building at Belfast City Airport. The area is reserved for an official operator that the airport partners with and you can find taxis there 24/7. Other operators are required to use different waiting areas.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Belfast City Airport to Derry is a great transportation option for families and travellers with multiple luggage or anyone who prefers a private, comfortable ride. You can avoid the hassle of carrying your luggage around or navigating the public transport network and enjoy door-to-door service. Pre-booking your ride will ensure an even smoother experience and save you time at the airport.

Editor’s Note

If you're travelling alone or the taxi fare from Belfast City Airport to Londonderry seems a bit pricey, you can choose public transportation instead. Taking the bus or the train is a cheaper alternative and a good value for money option to reach your destination.

Useful Tips

The cost for long-distance routes isn't fixed so make sure to agree on the price with the driver before you set off.

Most taxis in Belfast accept card payments but it's a good idea to confirm beforehand if you're not carrying any cash.

Tipping in Belfast is optional and not expected but for long-distance rides it's highly appreciated.

How to get from Belfast City Airport to Derry by bus

A great way to reach your accommodation is by bus from Belfast City Airport to Derry. There is no direct bus line between the two but you can cover this route by taking two different bus lines; line 600 from the airport to Belfast and line 212 from Belfast to Derry. The total trip duration is around 2 hours and 40 minutes.

How much is the fare for the bus from Belfast City Airport to Derry?

For the total fare for the bus from Belfast City Airport to Derry, you need to take into account two different tickets; from the airport to the city centre of Belfast, which costs £2.20 (€2.60) and from Belfast to Derry, which costs £14 (€16.20). The total fare per traveller amounts to £16.20 (€18.80).

Photos (2)

Bus lines 600 and 212 in Belfast

Cost

£16.20 (€18.80)

Trip Duration

2 Hr. 40 Min.

The trip duration and cost are an average estimation; consult the Translink website for the latest updates.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Bus line 600 departs every 30 minutes from 05:30 until 22:05 on weekdays, from 06:10 until 21:45 on Saturdays, and from 07:40 until 21:45 on Sundays.

Where do I take the bus from?

The bus stop for line 600 is in front of the main terminal at Belfast City Airport, right between the taxi rank and the Premier Car Park; there should be relevant signs guiding you there. Once you reach the city centre, you can disembark at Europa Buscentre and switch directly to line 212 which will take you to Derry.

Convenience

Getting from Belfast City Airport to Derry by bus is good value for money and a great way to stay on budget during your trip. Keep in mind that the trip duration by bus is much longer compared to other available options so it may not be ideal if you’re in a hurry to reach your accommodation. Also, the bus service isn’t available 24/7 so make sure to plan ahead depending on your flight arrival time.

Timetables

Journey planner

From Belfast City Airport to Derry

Bus line 600

Timetable and stops

Bus line 212

Timetable and stops

Editor’s Note

If you're looking to save money, the bus from Belfast City Airport to Derry is a great option. While it might be a hassle if you're carrying multiple pieces of luggage or you're travelling with young children, the fare is much cheaper than taking an airport taxi.

Useful Tips

You can purchase your ticket online, from the ticket office at the airport, from vending machines at the bus stop or on the bus using cash.

Children aged 4 and under can use the bus free of charge.

The bus company requires a 24-hour notice if you or someone in your travel party uses a wheelchair.

How to get from Belfast City Airport to Derry by train

Taking the train is a great budget-friendly choice to get from Belfast City Airport to Derry. You’ll need to take two different train lines, first from Sydenham Train Station to Belfast and then from Lanyon Place Train Station to Derry. The total trip duration is around 2 hours and 40 minutes, not including wait times.