Quick Answer
For most travellers, the fastest and most convenient way to get from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to The Odyssey (Titanic Belfast) is by taxi or pre-booked private transfer (10-15 mins, £12-£18). The best budget option is the 600 Airport Express bus to the city centre followed by a short walk (25-35 mins total, £2.50 single). There is no direct single-service public transport.
Taxi & Private Transfer: Door-to-Door Convenience
For direct, hassle-free travel, especially with luggage or in a group, a taxi is the top choice. Belfast City Airport is only 3 miles (5 km) from the Odyssey complex, making the journey short.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Journey Time | 10 - 15 minutes (traffic dependent) |
| Average Fare (Metered Taxi) | £12 - £18 |
| Pre-Booked Private Transfer | £20 - £35 (fixed price, meet & greet) |
| Pick-up Point | Official taxi rank directly outside the terminal arrivals hall. |
| Key Providers | FonaCAB, Value Cabs (airport rank). Companies like Belfast Airport Taxis for pre-booking. |
When to Choose a Taxi:
- Arriving late at night (after public transport ends).
- Travelling in a group of 3-4 people (cost-effective per person).
- Carrying heavy, bulky, or multiple pieces of luggage.
- If you have reduced mobility or require door-to-door service.
- When time is the primary concern over cost.
Insider Tip: For a fixed fare and guaranteed vehicle, consider pre-booking a transfer online. While slightly more expensive than the rank, it avoids queueing during peak times.
Public Bus: The Budget-Friendly Choice
Belfast City Airport is well-connected by bus services operated by Translink. There are two main bus options, but both require a final walk to the Odyssey.
Option 1: 600 Airport Express (Goldline) to City Centre + Walk
This is the most straightforward public transport route.
- Bus Stop: Directly outside the terminal. Look for the clearly marked "Airport Express" stop.
- Destination: Europa BusCentre (Great Victoria Street). Journey time: ~10 minutes.
- Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes, from early morning until after 11 PM. Check the latest Translink timetable.
- Fare: £2.50 single (cash or contactless). Included in the Visitor Leap Card zone.
- The Walk: From Europa BusCentre, it's a 10-15 minute walk east along the Lagan River to the Odyssey complex. The route is signposted and mostly flat.
Option 2: Metro Service 3A to Donegall Square + Walk
A slightly cheaper but slower local bus service.
- Bus Stop: On the main road (Airport Road), a 2-minute walk from the terminal.
- Destination: City Hall (Donegall Square West). Journey time: ~15-20 minutes.
- Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes.
- Fare: £2.10 single (cash or contactless). Included in the Visitor Leap Card.
- The Walk: From City Hall, it's a 20-25 minute walk north and east to the Odyssey.
Key Decision Factor: Choose the 600 if you want the quickest bus ride and a slightly shorter walk. Choose the 3A if you want the absolute lowest fare and don't mind a longer overall trip.
Recommended Public Transport Route: Bus & Walk
For a balance of speed, cost, and simplicity, follow these steps:
- Exit Arrivals: Upon exiting baggage claim at Belfast City Airport, turn left.
- Find the Bus Stop: Walk straight out of the terminal building. The dedicated 600 Airport Express bus stop is directly outside, clearly signposted.
- Take the 600 Bus: Board the next 600 bus heading to "Europa BusCentre". Pay the driver £2.50 (cash or contactless) or tap your Visitor Leap Card.
- Alight at Europa BusCentre: This is the final stop. Disembark and exit the bus station onto Great Victoria Street.
- Walk to the Odyssey:
- Walk east along the service road/riverside path (following signs for "Titanic Quarter" or "SSE Arena").
- Cross the Lagan River via the Queen's Bridge or the pedestrian Lagan Weir footbridge.
- Continue straight, and the iconic Odyssey complex (including the SSE Arena and Titanic Belfast) will be on your right.
Total Time: 25-35 minutes (10 min bus + 15 min walk). Total Cost: £2.50.
Cost & Time Comparison: Belfast City Airport to Odyssey
| Transport Method | Approx. Journey Time | Approx. Cost (Single) | Key Advantages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi (Metered) | 10-15 mins | £12 - £18 | Door-to-door, fastest, no hassle with luggage | Groups, late arrivals, those with heavy luggage, time-sensitive travelers |
| Private Transfer (Pre-booked) | 10-15 mins | £20 - £35 | Fixed price, guaranteed vehicle, meet & greet service | Peace of mind, families, business travel |
| 600 Bus + Walk | 25-35 mins | £2.50 | Very cheap, frequent service, simple route | Solo travelers/couples on a budget, light luggage, daytime arrivals |
| Metro 3A Bus + Walk | 35-45 mins | £2.10 (Cheapest) | Absolute lowest cost | Ultra-budget travelers, no time pressure |
Note: Walking times are estimated for an average pace. Fares are for 2024 and subject to change.
Essential Traveler Tips & Local Insights
Money-Saving Tip: The Visitor Leap Card
If you plan to use more buses in Belfast, the Visitor Leap Card is invaluable. It offers unlimited travel on all Translink buses and trains within chosen zones for 1, 2, or 7 days. A 1-day card costs around £6, so if you take the 600 bus to the Odyssey and plan another bus journey later, it pays for itself.
Luggage Considerations
- Buses: Both the 600 and 3A buses have standard luggage space, suitable for suitcases and backpacks. Avoid peak commuting times (8-9 AM, 5-6 PM) for more space.
- The Walk: The path from the city centre is paved and flat, but can be breezy near the river. Ensure your luggage is easy to roll for 15 minutes.
Navigating in Bad Weather
Belfast is known for its rain. If the weather is poor, the walk from the city centre becomes less appealing. In this case:
- Consider taking the 600 bus to the Europa, then hailing a short-hop taxi from the rank there to the Odyssey (cost: ~£5-£7).
- Or, simply take a taxi directly from the airport for full comfort.
For Event-Goers (SSE Arena)
If you're heading to a concert or event at the SSE Arena inside the Odyssey, allow extra time. Traffic can build up on the final approach. Taking the bus and walking avoids this traffic entirely. Taxis will also be in high demand after an event, so pre-book a return transfer if possible.
FAQs: Belfast City Airport to Odyssey Transport
Is there a direct train or bus from Belfast City Airport to the Odyssey?
No. There is no single direct public transport service. The most efficient public route involves a short ride on the 600 Airport Express bus to Belfast City Centre (Europa BusCentre) and then a 10-15 minute walk to the Odyssey complex.
What is the cheapest way to get from Belfast City Airport to the Odyssey?
The cheapest option is taking the public Metro bus (Service 3A) from the airport to Donegall Square West (approx. £2.10 single) and then walking 20-25 minutes. The combined Airport Express bus (600) and walk is also very economical at £2.50 single.
How long does a taxi take from Belfast City Airport to the Odyssey?
A taxi or private transfer takes approximately 10-15 minutes in normal traffic conditions, providing a true door-to-door service. This is the fastest option, especially if you have heavy luggage.
Can I use a Visitor Leap Card for transport from the airport?
Yes, the Visitor Leap Card is highly recommended. It covers all Translink Metro and Ulsterbus services, including the 600 Airport Express and the 3A bus from the airport, offering simplified travel and daily fare caps.
What should I do if I arrive late at night at Belfast City Airport?
After public transport services end (around 11:30 PM for the 600 bus), your only reliable options are a taxi or a pre-booked private transfer. Taxis are readily available outside the terminal, but fares are higher at night.
Is the walk from Belfast City Centre to the Odyssey easy with luggage?
The 10-15 minute walk from the Europa BusCentre is on flat, paved pavements. While manageable with wheeled luggage, it can be inconvenient with multiple heavy bags or in poor weather. Consider a taxi for the final leg if needed.
Are there any hotel shuttles that go to the Odyssey area?
Most city centre hotels do not run specific shuttles to the Odyssey. Some hotels in the Titanic Quarter (like the Titanic Hotel) are within walking distance. Always check with your hotel directly for their specific transfer or shuttle service options.
Is it better to fly into Belfast City (BHD) or Belfast International (BFS) for visiting the Odyssey?
Belfast City Airport (BHD) is significantly closer. The transfer to the Odyssey takes 15-30 minutes from BHD versus 45-60+ minutes from Belfast International (BFS), making BHD the more convenient choice if available.