Taxis in Belfast: A Complete Visitor Guide
Belfast has a distinctive taxi culture, including the traditional black taxis that have run shared-route services along the Falls and Shankill roads for decades. Modern Hackney carriages and private hire vehicles are regulated by the Driver and Vehicle Agency for Northern Ireland (DVA). Belfast International and George Best Belfast City airports both have well-organised taxi ranks.
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Fare structure
Belfast taxi tariffs are set centrally by the Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure. The meter uses a flag-drop plus distance and time. Tariff 1, 2 and 3 apply at different times. The shared-route black taxis along the Falls and Shankill operate on a fixed per-passenger fare rather than a meter.
Quick fare estimator for Belfast. Enter your trip distance and approximate travel time. The result is a rough range based on typical meter rates - confirm with the driver or operator before you travel.
Airport transfers
Most visitors meet the Belfast taxi trade at the airport. Here is what to expect on the typical airport-to-city run:
| Airport | Distance | Time | Approx fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast International (BFS) | 19 mi | 30 min | £35-45 to Belfast city centre |
| George Best Belfast City (BHD) | 4 mi | 15 min | £10-15 to Belfast city centre |
Tips for the airport run
- George Best Belfast City Airport is very close to the city centre and a cheap, quick taxi run.
- Belfast International is further out; the Airport Express bus is around £8 and runs frequently.
- Black taxi tours of the political murals are a Belfast tradition, with set tour prices.
- Tipping is optional; round up the fare.
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Booking and hailing
Below are the main licensed operators and apps used in Belfast. Booking through one of these is the safest option, and ensures the driver is properly insured and licensed:
- fonaCAB
- Value Cabs
- Belfast Black Taxi Tours
- Uber
Tipping in Belfast
Tipping norms vary between countries. In Belfast, a tip of 10 to 15 percent of the metered fare is customary though tipping in the UK is generally lighter than in the US. Tips on card readers usually offer quick-select buttons.
Common scams to watch for
Most licensed drivers in Belfast are honest, but the same handful of scams appear in every major city. Knowing them keeps you out of trouble:
- Touting outside late-night venues - always pre-book.
- Drivers not running the meter for a private hire fare without a pre-agreed price.
- Surprise per-bag fees outside the published tariff.
Getting to the main attractions
The most common taxi routes in Belfast go to and from the main visitor sights: the Titanic Quarter, the Cathedral Quarter, City Hall, Stormont, Queen's University, the Crumlin Road Gaol, the Falls and Shankill murals. Distances within the central district are short and most fares run under £20 if there is no traffic - but bear in mind that journeys taking a long time in heavy traffic will rack up extra cost on the time-based portion of the meter.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Belfast International Airport to the city centre?
Around £35 to £45. The Airport Express bus is much cheaper at around £8.
How much is a taxi from George Best Belfast City Airport to the centre?
Roughly £10 to £15 - it is a very short run.
Are the Falls and Shankill black taxis still running?
Yes, shared-route black taxis still run along the Falls and Shankill, and black taxi mural tours are a popular visitor experience.
Do Belfast cabs accept card payments?
Most do. Confirm at the start of the journey.
Is Uber available in Belfast?
Yes, Uber operates in Belfast as a licensed private hire.
Should I tip a Belfast taxi driver?
Tipping is optional; rounding up the fare or adding 10 percent for good service is the norm.
Local taxi companies
The Belfast taxi trade is made up of dozens of licensed firms in addition to the major names listed above. If you operate a licensed taxi or private hire company in Belfast and would like to be listed in this section, you can submit your business for inclusion.
A note on accuracy: Taxi rates change. The figures above are intended as rough guides only. Always confirm the meter rate or flat fare with your driver before setting off, and refer to the Driver and Vehicle Agency Northern Ireland (DVA) for the official tariff.