How to get to and from Derry airport (LDY): bus, train, taxi and transfers

Ground transportation options

Public transportation, licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps, private transfers and car rental at Derry airport (LDY), 13 km from Derry. See also the airport guide for general information.

Bus

Ulsterbus (Tel +44 289 066 6630) operates line 234/234b Monday to Friday between 7:53 am and 6:34 pm, Saturday from 8:04 am to 7:44 pm and Sunday from 9:03 am to 5:53 pm to Derry Buscentre, Eglinton, Greysteel, Ballykelly, Limavady and Coleraine. The fare to the city centre is £3.80.

Other services run from Foyle Street to destinations throughout Northern Ireland, including Belfast, as well as Bus í‰ireann services (Tel +353 1836 6111) to the Republic of Ireland and Lough Swilly Bus (Tel +44 287 126 2017) to locations in County Donegal.

Train

The nearest station is on Duke Street, in the Waterside area. The Translink service (Tel +44 289 066 6630) between Derry and Belfast has a 2-hour journey time and a fare of £14.00. The train stops at a number of intermediate locations, including Ballymena, Coleraine, Portrush, Castlerock and Limavady. It operates Monday to Friday between 6:12 am and 9:38 pm, Saturdays from 6:42 am to 9:38 pm and Sundays from 5:40 am to 7:38 pm.

Taxi

Taxi ranks are located directly in front of the terminal and the official operator is City Cabs (Tel +44 287 126 4466). The fare to Derry city centre is £11.00 and journey time is approximately 20 minutes.

Further information

Book ahead

Private transfer from LDY Rent a car at LDY

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Tips for getting to and from LDY

Going to the airport

Leave earlier than you think you need to: Derry airport is 13 km from Derry. Allow for rush-hour traffic, strikes or events, and check the local news before you go.
On public transportation, check the schedule (weekends and holidays usually have fewer services), whether you need to change lines and how to pay: transit card, contactless or cash.
If you booked a shared shuttle, keep the company's phone number at hand in case the pickup is late.
Returning a rental car? Follow the signs to the rental car return area. If you drive your own car, check parking at LDY.

Leaving the airport

After baggage claim and customs, follow the ground transportation signs. The arrivals page has a step-by-step guide.
Arriving late at night? Not every bus or train runs 24 hours: check the last departure in advance. Ride-hailing apps usually pick up at a designated zone, not at the curb.
With a private transfer, the driver usually waits in the arrivals hall with a sign with your name.
Renting a car? Booking ahead gives you better rates; see car rental at LDY.
Staying near the airport? See hotels and overnight stay or hotels near LDY.

Content written by German Giudici

Creator of the Aeropuertos del Mundo website network since 2007.

Getting to and from Derry airport