Which roads join Belfast city centre to the M1 and M2 without using local residential streets?

The main strategic connector is the A12 Westlink: it links the M1 side of Belfast with the M2 at the north end of the city.

It is not itself an ordinary shopping street and is often a better starting reference than a satnav suggestion through the city centre. For a journey that continues across Belfast rather than stopping there, follow the signed motorway and Westlink connections. Check TrafficWatchNI before travelling, because a closure at one end can affect both routes.