How to Get Around Belfast: Transport Guide and Practical Tips
- Belfast Free Walking tour
- Aug 10
- 7 min read
If you are planning your visit, knowing how to get around Belfast will help you make the most of your time and choose the best transport option for every situation.
Unlike many European capitals, Belfast is a compact and easy-to-navigate city. Most of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other, meaning that, in many cases, all you need is a comfortable pair of shoes and the desire to explore.
However, depending on how long you are staying and which places you want to visit, you can also travel around Belfast by bus, Glider, bicycle, taxi, or even hire a car to discover some of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes.
In this guide, we will cover all the different ways to get around Belfast, along with practical tips to help you explore the city like a local.
🚶 Exploring Belfast on Foot: The Best Way to Discover the City
If this is your first visit to Belfast, walking will probably be your best option.
The city centre is relatively small, and most of Belfast’s main attractions can be reached easily on foot.
Starting from Belfast City Hall, you can walk to places such as:
Cathedral Quarter
Victoria Square
St George’s Market
Waterfront Hall
Grand Central Station
Even areas slightly further away, such as Queen’s Quarter or Titanic Quarter, can be reached with a pleasant walk if the weather is on your side.
One of the biggest advantages of exploring Belfast on foot is that you can discover details that are easy to miss when travelling by bus: historic buildings, street art, hidden alleyways, local shops and traditional pubs tucked away around the city centre.
💡 Our tip: If you have one or two days in Belfast, dedicate at least one of them to exploring the city on foot.
👉 If you want to discover the stories behind Belfast’s streets and landmarks, joining a local walking tour is one of the best ways to understand the city during your first visit.
🚌 Public Transport in Belfast
Although walking is usually enough for most visitors, Belfast also has a modern, reliable and easy-to-use public transport network.
All public transport services are operated by Translink, Northern Ireland’s main transport provider.
🚌 Metro: Belfast’s Bus Network
The Metro bus network connects almost every area of Belfast.
It runs frequently throughout the day and is a great option if you want to visit places slightly further from the city centre, including:
Botanic Gardens
Queen’s University
Stormont Estate
Belfast Zoo
Cave Hill
Bus stops are clearly marked, and most journeys within the city are relatively short.
🚍 Glider: Belfast’s Modern Rapid Transit System
One of Belfast’s most popular transport options is the Glider.
Although many visitors mistake it for a tram, it is actually a high-capacity articulated bus that uses dedicated lanes along much of its route.
The Glider connects Belfast city centre with areas such as:
Titanic Quarter
East Belfast
West Belfast
Dundonald
It is fast, comfortable and particularly useful during busy periods when traffic can slow down other forms of transport.
🎫 Tickets and Payment Options
Using public transport in Belfast is straightforward.
You can pay in several ways:
Contactless bank card
Single journey tickets
The official mLink app
Day tickets such as DayLink, ideal if you plan to use public transport several times in
one day
The Translink app also allows you to check timetables and plan journeys in real time.
🚲 Exploring Belfast by Bicycle
More and more visitors are choosing to explore Belfast on two wheels.
Over recent years, the city has improved its cycling infrastructure, with dedicated cycle lanes and enjoyable routes for both locals and visitors.
One of the most popular options is Belfast Bikes, the city’s public bike-sharing scheme.
There are stations throughout the city centre, and renting a bike is quick and easy.
🌿 The Lagan Towpath: A Different Side of Belfast
If you want to escape the busy city centre, one of Belfast’s most enjoyable routes is the Lagan Towpath.
This peaceful trail follows the River Lagan through parks, woodland areas and former industrial spaces that have been transformed over time.
It is a great option for both walking and cycling, offering a completely different perspective of Belfast away from the main tourist routes.
🚖 Taxis in Belfast
Taxis are another convenient way to get around Belfast, especially when the weather is unpredictable or when you are travelling with luggage.
Uber is available in Belfast, although many visitors are surprised to find that local taxi companies are often cheaper and more commonly used by residents.
The most popular local taxi companies include:
Both companies allow you to book easily through their mobile apps and usually offer reliable service at competitive prices.
Another thing you will quickly notice about Belfast taxis is that drivers are often very friendly and chatty. It is not unusual to end up having a conversation about football, music, local history or, of course, the famously unpredictable Northern Irish weather.
🚕 Belfast’s Famous Black Taxis
The traditional Black Taxis are an important part of Belfast’s history.
For decades, they played a major role in everyday life, particularly during the years of The Troubles, when public transport was limited in some areas of the city.
Today, Black Taxis continue to operate as normal taxi services, but many visitors know them because of the famous Black Taxi Tours.
These tours offer a unique way to discover Belfast’s political murals, Peace Walls and recent history with a local driver who can share personal stories and perspectives about the city.
🚗 Is It Worth Hiring a Car in Belfast?
The answer depends entirely on the type of trip you are planning.
If you are only visiting Belfast
Probably not.
Belfast is a compact city, walking is easy and public transport works well for most visitors.
Parking in some central areas can also be expensive, so having a car in the city centre is not always the most practical option.
If you want to explore Northern Ireland
Then hiring a car can be an excellent idea.
Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to visit some of the country’s most spectacular places, including:
🏰 Dunluce Castle
🌉 The Gobbins
🌊 Blackhead Path
🏖️ The Antrim Coast
🚗 Where to Hire a Car in Belfast
If you decide to hire a car, the most convenient option is usually collecting it directly from one of Belfast’s airports, especially if you plan to explore Northern Ireland afterwards.
The main rental locations are:
✈️ Belfast International Airport (BFS)
This is often the easiest option for international visitors who want to begin their road trip as soon as they arrive.
✈️ George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD)
A very practical alternative if you are arriving from elsewhere in the UK or Ireland.
There are also car hire companies within Belfast itself, although many travellers find airport collection simpler and more convenient.
💰 How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car in Belfast?
Prices vary depending on the season, how far in advance you book, the type of vehicle and the insurance options you choose.
As a general guide:
🚗 Small car: around £25–40 per day during quieter periods.
🚙 Family car or automatic vehicle: usually around £50–80 per day.
🚐 Larger vehicles or peak season rentals: can easily exceed £100 per day.
You should also consider possible additional costs:
Extra insurance coverage
Additional drivers
GPS rental (although Google Maps is usually enough nowadays)
Child seats
Fuel
💡 Our tip: If you are visiting Northern Ireland during summer, Easter holidays or other busy periods, book your rental car in advance. Prices can increase significantly when availability becomes limited.
Remember that in Northern Ireland, as in the rest of the UK and Ireland, cars drive on the left-hand side of the road.
🚆 Day Trips from Belfast
Belfast is also a fantastic base for exploring other parts of Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland.
From the city, you can easily travel to places such as:
Dublin
Bangor
Carrickfergus
Lisburn
Derry/Londonderry
Many of these destinations can be reached by both train and bus.
📱 Useful Apps for Getting Around Belfast
Before arriving in Belfast, it can be helpful to download a few apps:
📍 Google Maps – useful for walking routes and public transport directions.
🚌 Translink Journey Planner – check timetables and plan bus and train journeys.
🎫 mLink – buy tickets and manage public transport options.
🚖 Value Cabs – book local taxis.
🚖 FonaCAB – another popular local taxi service.
These apps can save you time and make travelling around Belfast much easier.
🌦️ Belfast Weather and Getting Around
There is a popular saying in Belfast:
“If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.”
And honestly, it is not far from the truth.
You can easily start a walk in sunshine, experience a quick shower ten minutes later and find blue skies again before reaching your destination.
For that reason, it is always a good idea to bring:
☔ A lightweight waterproof jacket.
👟 Comfortable shoes.
🧥 A warm layer, even during summer.
The rain often does not last long, so it rarely needs to completely change your plans.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Around Belfast
Do I need to hire a car to visit Belfast?
No.
Most visitors can explore Belfast perfectly well on foot and use public transport when needed.
Does Uber work in Belfast?
Yes, although local companies such as Value Cabs and FonaCAB are often cheaper and more widely used by locals.
Can I pay for buses with a bank card?
Yes.
You can also use the official mLink app to buy tickets and check transport information.
Is Belfast easy to explore on foot?
Absolutely.
Belfast is one of the easiest cities in the UK and Ireland to explore by walking, especially if it is your first visit.
🚶 Our Recommendation: The Best Way to Explore Belfast
If you have two or three days in Belfast, this is how we would recommend spending your time:
Day 1: Explore the city centre on foot and join a Belfast walking tour to discover the stories behind the streets.
Day 2: Visit places such as Titanic Quarter, Botanic Gardens or Cave Hill, using public transport when necessary.
Day 3: Hire a car or join an organised trip to discover some of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes.
Discover Belfast at Your Own Pace
Getting around Belfast is simple, affordable and part of the experience of visiting the city.
Whether you are walking past Victorian buildings, cycling along the River Lagan, taking the Glider towards Titanic Quarter or discovering Belfast’s history through a Black Taxi, every journey offers a different way to experience the city.
And if you want to truly understand Belfast, discover the stories behind its streets and explore places many visitors miss, one of the best ways is with a local guide.
👉 Join our Free Walking Tour of Belfast or our Political and Murals Tour and discover why Belfast is a city that is not only visited… but understood.
