Belfast International Airport (BFS), Northern Ireland’s busiest airport, serves nearly six million passengers annually and is a key hub for holidaymakers and business travelers. Whether you’re dropping off passengers or parking for a holiday, BFS offers a range of official and off-site parking options managed by multiple companies, each with unique features, costs, and services. This detailed guide covers the process of dropping off passengers, parking options for holidays of varying lengths (short breaks, week-long trips, and extended vacations), and a comprehensive analysis of all parking companies operating at BFS in 2025, including their pros and cons. With practical tips and insights, this post ensures a seamless experience tailored to your needs.

Dropping Off Passengers at Belfast International Airport

Dropping off passengers at BFS is designed for convenience, with options including the Drop Off Zone, Short Stay Car Park, and Long Stay Car Park (with a free grace period). These are managed by the airport’s official parking operator, Vinci Airports, which oversees all on-site facilities. Off-site providers like Cosmo Parking and McCausland Airport Car Park also offer drop-off options, typically requiring a shuttle transfer. Below is a step-by-step guide to dropping off passengers, followed by parking company details.

Drop Off Zone (Vinci Airports)

• Location: Directly outside the terminal, 1–2 minutes’ walk to departures.

• Cost: £3 for up to 10 minutes (since April 17, 2023). Additional charges:

  • 10–20 minutes: £5

  • 20–60 minutes: £10

  • 1–2 hours: £15

  • Over 2 hours: Up to £50

• Payment: Pay at exit barriers using coins, credit/debit cards, or contactless. No change given.

• Process:

  1. Drive to the Drop Off Zone via the A57 from the M2 (Sat Nav: BT29 4AB).

  2. Take a ticket at the entry barrier (ANPR tracks stay).

  3. Drop off within 10 minutes to avoid higher fees.

  4. Pay at the exit barrier or terminal pay station.

• Accessibility: Two accessible waiting areas with shelters and Assistance Points for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM). Press the green button for help.

• Why Use It: Closest to the terminal, ideal for quick drop-offs.

Short Stay Car Park (Vinci Airports)

• Location: 1–2 minute walk to the terminal via a partially covered walkway.

• Cost: £3 for up to 30 minutes, £4 per hour for 1–8 hours, £35 for 8–24 hours, £30 per day thereafter.

• Payment: Pay at terminal pay stations, car park pay stations, or exit barriers (cash, card, contactless).

• Process:

  1. Enter the Short Stay Car Park, following signage.

  2. Park in any space (12 EV charging bays available).

  3. Escort passengers to the terminal or greet arrivals.

  4. Pay before exiting.

• Accessibility: Free for Blue Badge holders for 30 minutes (validate at car park office or via help button at exit).

• Why Use It: Suited for longer farewells or picking up arrivals.

Long Stay Car Park (Vinci Airports)

• Location: 5–6 minute walk or free courtesy bus ride to the terminal.

• Cost: Free for 15 minutes (ideal for drop-offs). After 15 minutes: £17.50 for 24 hours.

• Payment: Pay at exit barriers or pay stations (cash, card, contactless). ANPR tracks stay.

• Process:

  1. Enter the Long Stay Car Park via A57 signage.

  2. Park and drop off within 15 minutes to avoid charges.

  3. Use the courtesy bus if staying longer (accessible for PRM).

• Accessibility: Accessible spaces near bus shelters; request courtesy bus via signage.

• Why Use It: Free for quick drop-offs, cost-effective alternative to Drop Off Zone.

Off-Site Drop-Off Options (Cosmo Parking, McCausland, Others)

Off-site providers like Cosmo Parking and McCausland are primarily designed for parking but can facilitate drop-offs via their shuttle services:

• Process: Drive to the off-site car park (e.g., Cosmo at 181 Airport Road, BT29 4DW, or McCausland at 171 Airport Road, BT29 4DW), park, and use the free shuttle bus to the terminal (1–2 minute transfer).

• Cost: Typically not suited for drop-offs alone, as charges apply based on parking rates (e.g., £5.71–£8/day). Check with providers for drop-off-specific fees.

• Why Use It: Less common for drop-offs due to shuttle transfers, but viable if combined with parking or for budget-conscious drivers.

Accessibility for Drop-Offs

• Blue Badge Holders: Free 30-minute parking in Short Stay (validate with Blue Badge). Long Stay offers accessible spaces near bus shelters.

• PRM Assist: Book Special Assistance 48 hours in advance via the PRM Assist app or airline for terminal navigation support. Assistance Points are available at all car parks.

• Tips: Pre-book PRM Assist for seamless access. Avoid stopping in no-parking zones to prevent £100 fines enforced by cameras.

Tips for Dropping Off Passengers

1. Choose the Free Option: Use the Long Stay Car Park for 15-minute drop-offs to avoid the £3 Drop Off Zone fee.

2. Plan Timing: Keep drop-offs under 10 minutes in the Drop Off Zone or 15 minutes in Long Stay to minimize costs.

3. Avoid Fines: Do not park on roadsides or unauthorized areas, as cameras enforce £100 fines.

4. Have Payment Ready: Carry coins or a card for quick barrier payments.

5. Use Nearby Alternatives: A filling station near the airport offers free parking with a 2-minute walk to the terminal, though not officially endorsed.

Parking at Belfast International Airport for Holidays

For holidaymakers parking at BFS, multiple companies offer on-site and off-site options tailored to short breaks (1–3 days), week-long holidays (7 days), and extended vacations (14+ days). The official operator, Vinci Airports, manages Short Stay, Main Stay, Long Stay, and Park & Fly. Off-site providers include Cosmo Parking, McCausland Airport Car Park, Karl Airport Parking, and Killead Air Lodge. Below, we detail each company’s offerings, costs, pros, and cons, with recommendations for different holiday lengths.

1. Vinci Airports (Official On-Site Parking)

Vinci Airports operates all on-site parking at BFS, including Short Stay, Main Stay, Long Stay, and Park & Fly, offering convenience and security.

Short Stay Car Park

• Location: 1–2 minute walk to the terminal.

• Cost (2025 Gate Rates):

  • 1–8 hours: £4/hour

  • 8–24 hours: £35

  • Each additional day: £30

  • Pre-booked: ~£20–£25/day (save up to 65%).

• Features:

  • ParkMark accredited, CCTV, patrols.

  • 12 EV charging bays (6 standard, 1 rapid).

  • Blue Badge spaces (free for 30 minutes for drop-offs/pick-ups).

• Pros:

  • Closest to the terminal, ideal for quick access.

  • Secure with ANPR and ParkMark accreditation.

  • EV charging available.

• Cons:

  • Expensive at gate rates (£105 for 3 days, £210 for 7 days).

  • Limited spaces; pre-booking essential during peak times.

• Suitability:

  • Short Breaks (1–3 days): Ideal if pre-booked (~£60–£75 for 3 days).

  • Week-Long (7 days): Less cost-effective; Long Stay or Park & Fly are cheaper.

  • Extended (14+ days): Not recommended due to high costs.

Main Stay Car Park

• Location: 2–3 minute walk to the terminal.

• Cost (2025 Gate Rates):

  • Up to 30 minutes: £3

  • 1–2 hours: £11

  • 24 hours: £35

  • Pre-booked: ~£20–£25/day.

• Features:

  • CCTV, patrols, ParkMark accredited.

  • 3.1m height restriction under canvas roof (alternative exits available).

• Pros:

  • Close to terminal, convenient for short trips.

  • Pre-booking saves up to 60%.

  • Secure with self-park policy (keep your keys).

• Cons:

  • More expensive than Long Stay or off-site options for longer trips.

  • Height restriction may limit larger vehicles.

• Suitability:

  • Short Breaks (1–3 days): Good for convenience (~£60–£75 pre-booked).

  • Week-Long (7 days): Viable if pre-booked, but Long Stay is cheaper.

  • Extended (14+ days): Less economical.

Long Stay Car Park

• Location: 5–6 minute walk or free courtesy bus ride.

• Cost (2025 Gate Rates):

  • 15 minutes: Free

  • 24 hours: £17.50

  • 7 days: ~£80–£100 (pre-booked)

  • 14 days: ~£120–£150 (pre-booked)

• Features:

  • ParkMark accredited, ANPR, CCTV, patrols.

  • Accessible spaces near bus shelters.

  • Free shuttle bus (accessible).

• Pros:

  • Cost-effective for longer stays (~£6–£10/day pre-booked).

  • Secure with self-park policy.

  • Free 15-minute drop-off period.

• Cons:

  • Longer transfer time (5–6 minutes) compared to Short Stay.

  • Bus transfers may be inconvenient for heavy luggage.

• Suitability:

  • Short Breaks (1–3 days): Viable if pre-booked (~£18–£30/day).

  • Week-Long (7 days): Excellent value (~£80–£100).

  • Extended (14+ days): Highly recommended (~£120–£150).

Park & Fly

• Location: Closest off-site car park, 2-minute shuttle bus ride (free, 24/7).

• Cost (2025):

  • Minimum 3-day stay: ~£6–£8/day

  • 7 days: ~£50–£70

  • 14 days: ~£90–£120

• Features:

  • Pre-book only, ParkMark accredited, CCTV, patrols.

  • Free shuttle bus.

• Pros:

  • Cheapest official option for longer stays.

  • Secure with frequent shuttle service.

• Cons:

  • Minimum 3-day stay required.

  • Shuttle transfer adds slight inconvenience.

• Suitability:

  • Short Breaks (1–3 days): Suitable for 3-day stays (~£18–£24).

  • Week-Long (7 days): Highly cost-effective (~£50–£70).

  • Extended (14+ days): Excellent value (~£90–£120).

2. Cosmo Parking

• Location: 181 Airport Road, BT29 4DW, 1-minute shuttle bus ride to the terminal.

• Cost (2025):

  • 3 days: ~£18–£24

  • 7 days: ~£40–£60

  • 14 days: ~£80–£100

  • Flexi: Free cancellation/amendments up to 12 hours before arrival.

  • Self Park Best Value: Non-cancellable, cheaper (~£5.71–£7/day).

  • Self Park Standard: Amendable, non-cancellable.

• Features:

  • Closest off-site car park, ParkMark accredited, 24/7 CCTV.

  • ANPR for touch-free entry/exit.

  • Free shuttle bus (1-minute transfer).

• Pros:

  • Competitive pricing, especially for Flexi and Self Park Best Value.

  • Fast shuttle transfers (1 minute).

  • Secure with ParkMark and CCTV.

• Cons:

  • Non-cancellable for Self Park options; overstays incur extra charges.

  • Customer reviews note occasional shuttle delays (e.g., 15-minute waits).

• Suitability:

  • Short Breaks (1–3 days): Good for 3-day stays (~£18–£24).

  • Week-Long (7 days): Excellent value (~£40–£60).

  • Extended (14+ days): Highly cost-effective (~£80–£100).

• Contact: Book via www.cosmoparking.com.

3. McCausland Airport Car Park

• Location: 171 Airport Road, BT29 4DW, 500m from the terminal, 2-minute shuttle bus ride.

• Cost (2025):

  • 3 days: ~£20–£30

  • 7 days: ~£50–£70

  • 14 days: ~£90–£120

  • Valet services: Additional £10–£50 (e.g., hand wash, full valet).

• Features:

  • ParkMark accredited, CCTV, secure fencing.

  • Free shuttle bus (2-minute transfer).

  • Valet, servicing, and MOT options.

• Pros:

  • Close to terminal (500m), fast shuttle.

  • Additional services (valet, MOT) add value.

  • Competitive pricing for off-site parking.

• Cons:

  • Mixed reviews on customer service; some report hidden online booking fees.

  • Shuttle delays reported during peak times.

• Suitability:

  • Short Breaks (1–3 days): Good if valet services are needed (~£20–£30).

  • Week-Long (7 days): Competitive (~£50–£70).

  • Extended (14+ days): Cost-effective (~£90–£120).

• Contact: Book via www.mccausland.co.uk.

4. Karl Airport Parking

• Location: 31 Killead Road, Aldergrove, Crumlin, BT29 4EL, 4–5 minute shuttle bus ride.

• Cost (2025):

  • 3 days: ~£20–£25

  • 7 days: ~£45–£65

  • 14 days: ~£85–£110

• Features:

  • Secure with CCTV, fencing, and patrols.

  • Free shuttle bus (4–5 minutes).

  • Attached to a B&B, offering rest rooms or overnight stays.

• Pros:

  • Competitive pricing for off-site parking.

  • B&B packages add flexibility for early/late flights.

  • Secure with 24/7 monitoring.

• Cons:

  • Farther from the terminal (4–5 minute shuttle).

  • Limited customer reviews, less established than Cosmo or McCausland.

• Suitability:

  • Short Breaks (1–3 days): Viable (~£20–£25).

  • Week-Long (7 days): Good value (~£45–£65).

  • Extended (14+ days): Cost-effective (~£85–£110).

• Contact: Book via www.karlairportparking.co.uk.

5. Killead Air Lodge

• Location: 26 Killead Road, Aldergrove, Crumlin, BT29 4EL, 4–5 minute shuttle bus ride.

• Cost (2025):

  • 3 days: ~£20–£25

  • 7 days: ~£45–£65

  • 14 days: ~£85–£110

• Features:

  • Secure with CCTV and patrols.

  • Free shuttle bus (4–5 minutes).

  • Linked to a guesthouse, offering parking-and-stay packages.

• Pros:

  • Affordable off-site option.

  • Guesthouse packages ideal for early flights or long drives.

  • Secure facilities.

• Cons:

  • Longer shuttle transfer (4–5 minutes) compared to Cosmo or McCausland.

  • Limited online presence and reviews.

• Suitability:

  • Short Breaks (1–3 days): Suitable (~£20–£25).

  • Week-Long (7 days): Good value (~£45–£65).

  • Extended (14+ days): Cost-effective (~£85–£110).

• Contact: Book via www.killeadairlodge.co.uk.

Meet and Greet Services (Offered by Vinci Airports, Cosmo Parking, McCausland)

• Location: Drop off at the terminal; staff park in secure lots (on-site or off-site).

• Cost (2025):

  • 3 days: ~£30–£40

  • 7 days: ~£60–£80

  • 14 days: ~£100–£130

• Features:

  • Valet service for ultimate convenience.

  • Secure parking with CCTV and patrols.

  • Pre-book only via provider websites.

• Pros:

  • Most convenient; no need to park or transfer.

  • Ideal for families or heavy luggage.

• Cons:

  • More expensive than standard parking.

  • Limited availability; book early.

• Suitability:

  • Short Breaks (1–3 days): Premium choice (~£30–£40).

  • Week-Long (7 days): Viable for convenience (~£60–£80).

  • Extended (14+ days): Less economical (~£100–£130).

Recommendations for Different Holiday Lengths

• Short Breaks (1–3 days):

  • Best Options: Vinci Short Stay or Main Stay (pre-booked, ~£60–£75); Cosmo or McCausland for off-site (~£18–£30).

  • Why: Short Stay/Main Stay offer proximity (1–3 minute walk), ideal for quick trips. Off-site options like Cosmo save money but require shuttle transfers. Meet and Greet is a premium alternative.

  • Tip: Pre-book Short Stay/Main Stay to avoid gate rates (£105 for 3 days). Compare Cosmo/McCausland on www.parkos.co.uk.

• Week-Long Holidays (7 days):

  • Best Options: Vinci Long Stay or Park & Fly (~£50–£100); Cosmo, McCausland, or Karl (~£40–£70).

  • Why: Long Stay and Park & Fly offer the best value for on-site parking. Off-site providers like Cosmo are cheaper with fast shuttles.

  • Tip: Book 7+ days in advance for discounts. Check www.looking4.com for deals.

• Extended Vacations (14+ days):

  • Best Options: Vinci Long Stay or Park & Fly (~£90–£150); Cosmo, McCausland, Karl, or Killead (~£80–£120).

  • Why: Lowest daily rates for long stays. Off-site options offer similar security at lower costs.

  • Tip: Compare prices on www.belfastairport.com and www.skyparksecure.com.

Accessibility for Parking

• Blue Badge Holders: Free 30-minute parking in Short Stay for drop-offs/pick-ups (validate at car park office). Long Stay and off-site car parks (Cosmo, McCausland) offer accessible spaces near shuttle stops.

• PRM Assist: Book 48 hours in advance via the PRM Assist app or airline for terminal assistance.

• EV Charging: Available in Vinci Short Stay (12 bays) and some off-site car parks (check with Cosmo/McCausland).

Pros and Cons Comparison of Parking Companies

Tips for Parking at Belfast International Airport

1. Pre-Book for Savings: Book 4–7 days in advance via www.belfastairport.com, www.parkos.co.uk, or www.skyparksecure.com to save up to 70%.

2. Compare Providers: Use comparison sites like www.looking4.com or www.airport-parking-shop.co.uk to find the best deals across all companies.

3. Check Cancellation Policies: Opt for flexible options (e.g., Cosmo Flexi, Vinci Long Stay) for free amendments/cancellations up to 24 hours before.

4. Account for Transfer Times: Add 10–20 minutes for off-site shuttle transfers (Cosmo, McCausland, Karl, Killead) when planning arrival times.

5. Verify Security: Choose ParkMark-accredited car parks (all listed providers) for peace of mind.

6. Consider Hotel Packages: The Maldron Hotel (50m from the terminal) offers park-and-stay deals, often cheaper than standalone parking for early flights.

7. Avoid Unauthorized Parking: Cameras enforce £100 fines for parking outside designated areas.

Contact Information

• Vinci Airports (BFS Official Parking):

  • Phone: +44 (0)28 9448 4851

  • Email: Via www.belfastairport.com/contactus

  • Address: Car Park Administration, Belfast International Airport, BT29 4AB

• Cosmo Parking:

  • Website: www.cosmoparking.com

  • Phone: Check website for contact details

• McCausland Airport Car Park:

  • Website: www.mccausland.co.uk

  • Phone: +44 (0)28 9442 2022

• Karl Airport Parking:

  • Website: www.karlairportparking.co.uk

  • Phone: Check website for contact details

• Killead Air Lodge:

  • Website: www.killeadairlodge.co.uk

  • Phone: Check website for contact details

• Special Assistance (PRM Assist):

  • Book via PRM Assist app or airline

  • Website: www.belfastairport.com/special-assistance

Belfast International Airport offers a variety of options for dropping off passengers and parking for holidays, with multiple companies catering to different needs. For drop-offs, use the Long Stay Car Park (free for 15 minutes) or Drop Off Zone (£3 for 10 minutes) for quick stops, or Short Stay for longer farewells (£3 for 30 minutes). For parking, Vinci Airports provides on-site convenience (Short Stay, Main Stay, Long Stay, Park & Fly), while off-site providers like Cosmo Parking, McCausland, Karl Airport Parking, and Killead Air Lodge offer cost-effective alternatives with shuttle transfers. Short breaks favor Short Stay or Main Stay for proximity, while Long Stay, Park & Fly, Cosmo, or McCausland are best for week-long or extended vacations. Always pre-book to save up to 70%, check accessibility options for Blue Badge holders, and compare providers on sites like www.parkos.co.uk or www.skyparksecure.com. Plan ahead for a stress-free start to your 2025 holiday from BFS!