Find out all the information need on accessible ways to get around Belfast.
Getting Here
By Rail
There are two dedicated spaces for wheelchair users on every train, other priority seating and accessible toilets. There are audio and visual journey announcements to let you know where you are and when you are approaching your stop.
Trains can carry most type 1 and 2 mobility scooters, but not type 3. If you wish to travel with a mobility scooter, you must contact Translink, the train operator, in advance and get an approval sticker through a scheme that has been developed with Disability Action.
Main stations have been recently upgraded to be more accessible, and there are Changing Places at Lanyon Place and York Street stations. However, smaller stations and halts may not have staff and may not be accessible for all. If you are planning to use a service that is not advertised as accessible, Translink recommend you contact them 24 hours in advance.
You can find out more on the rail operator’s access guide.
From Dublin
The Enterprise Train service travels between Dublin’s Connolly Station and Belfast Grand Central Station up to eight times a day. The journey time is approximately two and a half hours.
Trains have two dedicated spaces for wheelchair users, an accessible toilet and audio and visual announcements.
Your train ticket gives you a free ride in to Belfast city centre on any purple Glider or pink Metro bus service from outside Lanyon Place.
By Bus
Most buses, including the pink Metro and purple Glider services which operate within Belfast city limits, are accessible for wheelchair users. Visual journey announcements let you know each stop. Ulsterbus and Goldline services operate using a mix of vehicles, some of which have steps.
Buses may be able to accommodate smaller mobility scooters. If you wish to travel with a mobility scooter, you must contact Translink, the train operator, in advance and get an approval sticker through a scheme that has been developed with Disability Action.
If you are planning to use a service that is not advertised as accessible, Translink recommend you contact them 24 hours in advance.
You can find out more on the bus operator’s access guide.
By Road
The main roads in to Belfast are the M1 motorway from the south and the M2 motorway from the north. Both are well signed.
Belfast City Council has a guide to free and charged car parks it owns or maintains. It also has a guide to its free and charged accessible parking bays. Other parking is available in commercially owned car parks, for example, belonging to shopping centres or hotels.
Park and Ride
There are also Park and Ride facilities in where you can park outside Belfast and get a bus in to the city centre.
By Air
George Best Belfast City Airport
George Best Belfast City Airport is just five miles (8km) from Belfast’s city centre.
Value Cabs is Belfast City Airport’s taxi partner. There is a booking desk in the arrivals area and a taxi rank just outside. Wheelchair accessible taxis are limited and booking in advance is advisable.
The Translink Airport Express 600 bus service connects the airport to the city centre. It runs from the front of the terminal building to Belfast Grand Central Bus Station up to every 20 minutes. It is a low-floor accessible bus with space for one wheelchair user and other priority seats for disabled passengers.
The closest railway halt is Titanic Quarter. You can get a free shuttle bus to the halt by asking at the Airport Parking Services desk in the arrivals area. There are limited services at this halt, and passengers need to use a footbridge, so the airport advises passengers against this option if they have reduced mobility.
City Airport can provide assistance to travellers – from familiarisation visits to help with checking in, going though security, boarding the aircraft and collecting baggage. Assistance should be requested at least 48 hours before you fly. Hidden disability “sunflower” lanyards are also available from the special assistance desk.
The airport has produced access and autism guides, and further information is available on AccessAble.
Belfast International Airport
Belfast International Airport is a 30-minute drive from Belfast city centre.
Belfast Airport Taxis is the official taxi partner. There is a taxi rank just outside the building, and bookings can also be made online. Bookings for wheelchair accessible taxis are best made in advance.
The Translink Airport Express 300 bus service runs from just outside the terminal and Belfast Grand Central Bus Station. It is a low-floor accessible bus with space for one wheelchair user and other priority seats for disabled passengers.
Belfast International Airport can provide assistance to travellers – from familiarisation visits to help with checking in, going though security, boarding the aircraft and collecting baggage. Assistance should be requested at least 48 hours before you fly. Hidden disability “sunflower” lanyards are also available at the airport.
The airport has produced an access guide and autism guides.
Car Hire
There are guides to accessing car hire at George Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport.
There are a wide range of rental options available including automatics, people carriers and vans. Some firms offer delivery and collection services.
Europcar have Motability cars that should be booked in advance. Enterprise and SIXT can provide adaptive driving devices with advance notice. McElmeel Mobility Services specialise in wheelchair accessible holiday rentals.
By Sea
Stena Line
Stena Line ferries travel to Belfast from Liverpool and Cairnryan. Staff have been trained to provide assistance when required, but some ferries and sailings may have restrictions. You should check and let them know if you need any special assistance at least 48 hours before you sail.
The number 96 Metro bus service runs between the ferry terminal and the city centre four times a day and takes just over 20 minutes.
A taxi-share scheme is in operation to the city centre offered by black public hire taxis just outside the terminal building. Taxis may also be pre-booked through FonaCAB. Wheelchair-accessible taxis are limited and booking in advance is advisable.
P&O Irish Sea
The P&O Irish Sea ferry travels from Cairnryan to Larne, 40 minutes north of Belfast. There are direct rail and bus connections from the terminal.
P&O has produced an access guide for the route. They also provide hidden disability “sunflower” lanyards at check in or before you sail. You should let them know about other access requirements or special assistance when you book.
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company operates a ferry from the Isle of Man to Albert Quay, a 15-minute drive from the city centre. Staff are trained to provide assistance, and you should let the company know of any requirements at least 48 hours in advance of sailing.
By Cruise Ship
If you are travelling to Belfast on a cruise ship, you will be greeted by a cruise welcome ambassador. There is generally a low-floor, accessible shuttle bus service from the port to the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre. There may be a charge for the shuttle bus service, which is set by the cruise ship company.
Getting Around
Walking and Wheeling
Belfast is a relatively small city, and its city centre is generally flat. Most tourist attractions are within a 30-minute walk.
There are parks and pedestrian areas, which make pleasant places to sit or rest, although public seating varies outside the city centre. The main shopping areas and thoroughfares are well signposted, and pavements are generally wide and maintained with drop kerbs and pedestrian crossings with audible and visual cues. Some pavements, particularly away from the centre, may present trip hazards, and the historic Cathedral Quarter is largely cobbled.
By Car
There are guides to accessing car hire at George Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport.
There are a wide range of rental options available including automatics, people carriers and vans. Some firms offer delivery and collection services.
Europcar have Motability cars that should be booked in advance. Enterprise and SIXT can provide adaptive driving devices with advance notice. McElmeel Mobility Services specialise in wheelchair accessible holiday rentals.
By Taxi
There are taxi ranks throughout the city, and you can also order directly from a local taxi company, such as Value Cabs, or via a number of taxi apps, which give you real time updates on your taxi’s current location and estimated time of arrival.
Taxi firms can generally provide wheelchair accessible vehicles. However, numbers are limited, and booking in advance is advised.
By Bus
All pink Metro and purple Glider buses are low-floor kneeling buses with space for one wheelchair user and priority seats for other disabled passengers. There is a handrail throughout and frequent, accessible, bell pushes and on-board next-stop audio and visual announcements.
Drivers are trained to assist people to use the buses. This includes keeping the bus still until you are in your seat and announcing you have arrived at your stop if you ask for this.
If you are planning to use a service that is not advertised as accessible, Translink, the operator, recommend you contact them 24 hours in advance.
You can find out more on the bus operator’s access guide.
By Train
There are two dedicated spaces for wheelchair users on every train, other priority seating and accessible toilets. There are audio and visual journey announcements to let you know where you are and when you are approaching your stop.
Trains can also carry most type 1 and 2 mobility scooters, but not type 3. If you wish to travel with a mobility scooter, you must contact Translink, the train operator, in advance and get an approval sticker through a scheme that has been developed with Disability Action.
All train conductors have been trained to provide appropriate assistance including using a ramp and other help to get you on and off the train.
Main stations have been recently upgraded to be more accessible, and there is Changing Places facilities at Lanyon Place and York Street stations. However, smaller stations and halts may not have staff and may not be accessible for all. If you are planning to use an unstaffed service or a service that is not advertised as accessible, Translink, the rail operator, recommends you contact them 24 hours in advance.
You can find out more on the rail operator’s access guide.
Parking
Belfast City Council has a guide to free and charged car parks it owns or maintains. It also has a guide to its free and charged accessible parking bays. Most other car parks also have designated disabled bays.
You can use a valid disabled person’s parking permit, such as a Blue Badge, to park for free on-street in designated parking spaces or elsewhere if you are not causing an obstruction. Other restrictions may apply, so check street signs, and always park sensibly and safely.
A parking permit does not entitle you to park for free in off-street car parks such as multistorey car parks and at shopping centres.
FIA (Federation Internationale de L’Automobile) has the most up-to-date information on using EU disabled parking permits in the UK.
Accessibility in Belfast
Belfast has plenty of accessibility friendly attractions to discover. See our guide for information on accessible venues, public transport, mobility scooter and wheelchair hire, blue badge car parking and accessible toilets in Belfast.
