Northern Ireland has three airports, and which one makes sense for you depends on where you’re actually headed once you land - if that’s the Causeway Coast, the obvious “Belfast” choice isn’t necessarily the closest one.
Belfast International Airport (BFS)
Northern Ireland’s largest airport, at Aldergrove, about 18 miles (22 minutes’ drive) north of Belfast city centre. It handles the widest range of flights, including most low-cost carriers and the bulk of international routes, and is a reasonable starting point for the Causeway Coast since it’s already on the north side of Belfast.
George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD)
Just 5km, about a 10-minute drive, from Belfast city centre - the most convenient option if you’re starting or ending your trip in Belfast itself, with flights mostly to Great Britain and a handful of European destinations rather than long-haul.
City of Derry Airport (LDY)
Often overlooked, but genuinely the closest airport to much of the Causeway Coast: City of Derry Airport sits near Eglinton, directly on the Causeway Coastal Route, about 13 miles from Derry~Londonderry and considerably closer to Portrush, Bushmills, and the Giant’s Causeway than either Belfast airport. Flight options are more limited, but if you find a route that works, it can save a couple of hours of driving compared to flying into Belfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many airports does Northern Ireland have? Three: Belfast International, George Best Belfast City, and City of Derry.
Which airport is closest to the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast? City of Derry Airport, despite being the least well-known of the three - it sits right on the Causeway Coastal Route itself.
Which airport should I fly into for the widest choice of flights? Belfast International - it has the broadest range of routes and airlines of the three.
