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Bus from George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Derry Airport (LDY) – Timetables, Fares and Tips

Bus from George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Derry Airport (LDY) – Timetables, Fares and Tips

Ethan Reed
by 
Ethan Reed
11 minutes read
Blog
October 20, 2025

Recommendation: Take the public bus from the public bus route BHD to LDY. It’s cheaper, allows flexible planning, and aligns with the season’s departures. If you’re traveling to meetings, this option keeps you on a predictable, public-facing schedule without waiting for a taxi.

Timetable basics: Departures run through the day with a regular cadence; during peak season there may be more options. For the latest times, check the official источник, which hosts the timetable. The stop at the airport is accessible, and the service accepts processing of fares via cash box or contactless card. If you arrive in a benz or other car, you can still join the bus line with minimal transfer.

Fares and how to save: Fares vary by time and method; you can secure cheaper rates by booking online, using contactless payments, or traveling outside peak hours. Look for the latest offers and seasonal discounts. When you plan, consider a combined trip that links BHD with LDY, which can reduce overall costs.

Practical tips: Arrive at the airport terminal a bit early; the public stop is clearly signposted, and the queue is usually short. Bring exact change or a reloadable card to avoid processing delays. The route is designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, with departures posted on board and at the stop. This makes traveling with a group easier and typically cheaper than separate taxis.

Where to check and what to bring: Use the latest timetable details and fare information from a reliable source and from airport notices in the place area. If you need a quiet place to coordinate, look for a corner near the arrivals hall where you can plan around meetings. If you’re planning multiple legs, you may want to pack a compact charger and a map app for easy reference.

Where to board the BHD–LDY bus: airport pickup points and terminals

Where to board the BHD–LDY bus: airport pickup points and terminals

Board at the airport’s Ground Transport pickup point right outside the terminal. Exit Arrivals and follow signs to Ground Transport; the stop which serves coach services for BHD–LDY is clearly marked with the route name and the company logo, so you can’t miss it.

At George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD), the pickup point sits in the coach stand near the terminal forecourt, by the short-term parking exit. Look for the dedicated stand with the BHD–LDY route code and the company branding; boards show both the exact stand number and the specific bus used for this transfer. The signs are très clear at a glance, so you can board without doubt.

On arrival at Derry/Londonderry (LDY), the same pickup area operates on the arrivals forecourt. The driver will direct you to the correct vehicle; vehicles are clearly numbered and in the company livery. The vehicle has luggage space; if you travel with several luggages, place them in the racks or under the bus.

Vehicle details and fleet information The buses are standard coaches designed for long transfers; the number of seats and capacity vary by the company, but all are equipped with luggage compartments. Inside the cabin, a reading light, aircon and USB charging are provided. For comfort, the driver will assist with boarding and will explain the pickup process before the ride starts.

Information signs and the transport app support clicking to view the latest data on the next departure and stand number. If you prefer, staff can help you locate the exact stand and confirm the pickup time, especially if you have a tight flight connection.

Tips on time and boarding: arrive at least 10 minutes before departure; if you drive to the airport, park in the long-term car park and walk to the pickup area; the parking lot is near the terminal and connected by a short walkway. The route links you to destinations in the northwest region, including derrylondonderry, so you can plan your transfer efficiently. Shops and cafés around the pickup zone help you pass the waiting time; the experience is smoother if you click your booking reference in the app to pull up the information page. For any questions about fares or schedules, the company info desk is ready to help with data and recommendations to improve your travel.

Timetable snapshot: daily and weekend departures from BHD to LDY

Recommendation: Opt for the 07:00 daily service to reach LDY by late morning and have time for onward connections. If mobility or luggage requires assist, book ahead and check the outside access at BHD for a smooth start. Some reviews mention driver nicolas for courtesy.

Daily departures

Intervals run about every 2 to 3 hours; the first service is 07:00, the last at 22:00. Travel time is approximately 2h15m. You can track status in the app for real-time updates. Drivers operate across Belfast and beyond; reviews highlight reliability, budget-friendly options, and a chauffeur-style approach when booked via airporttaxiscom. If you bring a mobility device, inform ahead and the team can assist; security checks and short-term parking tips are posted on the information page.

Departure Estimated duration Notes
07:00 2h15m Daily service; access outside pickup zone
09:30 2h15m Daily; interval ~2.5h
12:00 2h15m Daily; ahead reminders on the page
14:30 2h15m Daily; bring essential documents
17:00 2h15m Daily; parking near BHD short-term options
19:30 2h15m Daily; accessibility options and mobility features
22:00 2h15m Daily; late arrival at LDY

Weekend departures

On Saturdays and Sundays, schedule shifts to 08:00, 10:30, 13:00, 16:00 and 18:30, with a final 21:00 service. Intervals average around 2.5 hours; this helps you plan a longer stay or a shorter drive. For more details, refer to the information page; reviews often mention nicolas for courteous service. For budget-friendly options, airporttaxiscom lists fixed-price packages, with a cookie policy that emphasizes security and accessibility.

Departure Estimated duration Notes
08:00 2h15m Weekend; access outside terminal
10:30 2h15m Weekend; intervals ~2.5h
13:00 2h15m Weekend; assistance available
16:00 2h15m Weekend; parking guidance
18:30 2h15m Weekend; final service before night
21:00 2h15m Weekend; late arrivals possible

Fares, discounts and payment methods for the BHD–LDY journey

Buying online in advance is helping you lock in the lowest rate and avoid queues at the offices near the entrance. This approach brings a smoother start to your travel around busy month starts and reduces stress if you’re traveling with a group or family. Have your booking reference ready and you’ll move quickly through the check-in area.

Estimated one-way fares are around £22-£35, depending on departure time and operator, with peak windows occasionally higher. Return fares typically range around £40-£60. For planning, compare options a few days ahead and pick a departure that fits your schedule while staying comfortable and cost-efficient around weather fluctuations.

Discounts include student and senior reductions, usually 10-15%, and group rates of 10-20% for three or more travelers. Some visitors qualify for special offers when booking early or through partner programs. Always verify eligibility during online checkout or at the offices before you finalize payment, so you won’t miss a saving.

Payment methods include Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, and contactless payments, plus mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Cash payments are sometimes accepted at the offices, but online prepaid tickets offer faster processing. The portal clearly shows the logo of the operator, allowing visitors to confirm the provider before completing the purchase.

Purchase points are the BHD departure desk, the LDY entrance desk, or the official online portal. Bring your user number and booking reference to the desk to speed the process. At the entrance to the departures hall, staff can issue or update tickets, with typical processing taking only a few minutes if you have everything ready.

Weather can affect timetable reliability, so check the forecast and allow extra time in winter months. Plan to arrive around 15 minutes before the scheduled departure to avoid rush and keep the trip comfortable. If you’re visiting Derry’s city center, a little buffer helps you manage onward connections smoothly.

In a case noted by Blanckaert, travelers who compare rates across days and times save more than 15%, especially when booking midweek or off-peak. This helps visitors and locals alike, making the route more predictable when you’re gathering questions or planning an itinerary for onward travel.

Prices, discounts and payment options summarized

Key figures: one-way around £22-£35; return around £40-£60; discounts typically 10-20%; early-bird offers possible for visitors. Needed items: booking reference, user number, valid ID if claiming student or senior rates. This section helps you choose before you go and keeps the process straightforward every time.

Practical tips and tips for payment: use a preferred card or wallet for faster processing, verify the operator’s logo before paying, and keep your receipt or digital ticket handy. For questions, visit the offices or use the online help to verify specific terms for your month of travel, ensuring you have the right options before departure onward from the airport.

Travel time, typical durations, and how to handle delays or cancellations

Book the earliest service and add a 20-minute buffer to absorb minor delays, this keeps you on track for LDY arrivals without rushing.

Typical travel time and durations

  • From Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Derry Airport (LDY), plan for roughly 2h15m to 2h45m on standard services; on peak days, allow up to 3h.
  • Service intervals are generally every 2–3 hours; check the following updated timetable on the operator page for the day you travel.
  • Traffic around Belfast and LDY can add 15–25 minutes; in morning peak windows, the upper end of the range is more common.
  • For comfort, pick options with fewer stops or express laps; some services offer better amenities and comfortable seating.
  • If you are coordinating with a fixed arrival, the live arrivals feed helps you adjust on the fly; the page below can be used to plan accordingly.
  • Budget-friendly choices exist, including deals on cheapflights for other legs of the trip; this can help when you tack on additional travel days.
  • If you plan to drive later, a compact benz could be a comfortable option, but buses stay budget-friendly and avoid parking hassles.
  • On the timetable page, a cookie banner may appear; enabling cookies saves preferences for alerts and helps you stay updated.
  • Based on the time of day, arrive a bit early to the stand, since arrivals and boarding zones can shift during peak periods.

Delays and cancellations: how to handle

  • Always check updated live arrivals on the operator’s page or via google transit; the live status shows delays, platform changes, and ETA updates.
  • If a delay threatens your LDY connection, ask about the next service or rebooking; most operators can accommodate changes within the same day if seats are available.
  • In case of cancellation, keep your ticket and request a rebook or refund through the same flow; use this page for the latest policy details.
  • Keep a cushion for security checks at the airport and potential queues on peak days; allow extra time when traffic is heavy or weather worsens.
  • Have a backup option such as a taxi or rideshare to LDY or nearby towns; compare with budget-friendly alternatives and consider a quick search for cheapflights if you’re planning other legs.
  • During adverse weather, follow the operator’s updates below the timetable; some services run on reduced intervals, so be prepared to adjust plans.
  • For time-critical trips (embassy visits, arrivals flights, etc.), set up live alerts and check this page frequently to avoid missing the target window.

From LDY to Londonderry area: common routes, towns, and transfer tips

Recommendation: take the direct LDY-to-Derry city centre service first, then connect to the regional routes toward Limavady or Coleraine as your final stop. Check updated data each month on the government TransportNI site, and buy a single ticket when possible to simplify transfers.

Common routes and towns include derrylondonderry city centre connections northeast to Limavady along the A2 and east toward Coleraine along the A6. A separate set of services runs west toward Strabane, and some routes serve Buncrana and other Inishowen towns. If you need a quick stop, alight near the Foyleside amenities district to access shops, cafes, and restrooms before continuing.

Transfer tips: whether you stay on one service or split at a hub depends on your time and ticket options. In practice, plan for 10–15 minutes between connections in Derry city centre, because this is where the networks connect. Use updated data to choose the fewest transfers, and consider a flexible ticket if your plans may shift. This approach helps you adapt to road conditions and keep moving.

Tickets and practicalities: buying a ticket that covers the full leg or using a flexible pass keeps transfers smooth. The services connect to Northern Ireland’s domestic network, with updated timetables based around the northern region. For amenities, Foyleside and other city stops offer shops and restrooms, so aim to land there if you need a break. Ensuring you have the right ticket and checking where to alight on the data app will save time.

Notes: to improve comfort, choose direct or fewer transfers, especially in winter when roads slow down. Based on blanckaert’s month-by-month practice, updates have improved reliability, so review updated timetables before you depart and use derrylondonderry as your central reference point for connections.

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