Getting to Belfast – Digital Preservation for the arts, social sciences and humanities

Getting to Belfast

Belfast is accessible via several airports and seaports in Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI) and journeys can be made by rail, bus, or car from anywhere on the island.

By air…

The nearest airport is Belfast City Airport, only 5kms from the city centre and with daily flights to the UK and destinations in the EU.

International flights are also available through Belfast International Airport and Dublin Airport with convenient travel to Belfast.

There are regular bus connections from Belfast City and Belfast International Airports, and Goldliner X1, Dublin Express, or Aircoach services from Dublin Airport.

*Please note that while there are no routine passport controls in operation for travel between ROI and Northern Ireland, if you are travelling between the 2 countries you may be asked by an immigration officer to show your travel documents, so you should have your passport with you. Read more about the Common Travel Area.

By public transport…

All public transport in Northern Ireland can be accessed via the Translink company. Visit their website for more information on fares, timetables, journey planners, and online ticket bookings.

You can also book train travel to and from the ROI on Irish Rail.

Look for Translink’s pink Metro buses when travelling within Belfast. For Queen’s, the nearest bus stops are at College Green or Queen’s University. You can use this Map to help find us.

By boat…

Ferry services make multiple daily crossings from Northern Ireland to ports in Scotland and England. Stena Line Ferries provides Belfast routes from Liverpool and Cairnryan.

By car…

If travelling by car to Belfast, there is on-street parking available around the Queen’s University area. On campus, Visitor Parking Passes need to be booked in advance by a member of Queen’s University staff. We invite you to contact us at dpassh2026@gmail.com if you have any questions or specific access needs.

At the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, parking is available at the SSE Arena, Belfast. There are other car parks in Titanic Quarter close to PRONI, including at Belfast Metropolitan College.

There are a number of taxi firms which operate in and around Belfast, including fonaCAB and Value Cabs.

Arriving from outside the UK?

Whether travelling by plane, train, ferry, bus or car, visitors to Northern Ireland (a part of the United Kingdom) will need to ensure that they meet the visa requirements for entry to the UK.

If you reside outside the UK or ROI you will also be required to complete an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from UK Visas and Immigration. You can apply online at a cost of £16, and receive an ETA number usually within a day.

This information is provided to help you to plan your journey but we ask that you please ensure that you understand the requirements for travel specific to your situation before departure. If you require a letter from the conference organisers for your visa application, please contact us at dpassh2026@gmail.com.