Van Hire Belfast

Key motorways in and around Belfast

• M1 – the main motorway into Belfast from the south of Northern Ireland passing through Lisburn, Craigavon and Portadown before becoming the A4 in Dungannon. It runs through major counties such as County Down, County Armagh and County Tyrone for 38 miles.
• M2 – themotorway to the northwest of the city. Its southern section passes through County Antrim and its northern section cuts through Ballymena.Both halves of the motorway are connected by the A26 – altogether, it runs for 22 miles.
• M3 – an urban motorway that cuts through Belfast city centre. It connects with the M2 at Sailortown and to the A2 Sydenham Bypass. The motorway also passes over the River Lagan and is the shortest in the country, at less than a mile long.

Main roads in Belfast

• Falls Road – the main road through west Belfast, running from the city centre to the outer suburbs. It connects Divis Street in the centre to Andersonstown just outside the city. It becomes the A501 as it reaches the city centre, which then connects to the A1 via the B126.  
• A2 – leads east out of Belfast through the rural countryside and along the coastline. As it runs along a large stretch of the coast, it is often referred to as the Antrim Coast Road. It passes through County Antrim and Counties Down, before reaching Derry.
• A55 – main ring road looping around the city centre through Newtownbreda and Castlereagh. It connects to the A2 by George Best City Airport to the east of the city centre and becomes the A52 to the west by Ardoyne.

How to get to…

Belfast Docks

It takes around 10 minutes to get to the Belfast docks from the city. Follow the M2 out of the city centre towards the north-west. Next, exit the motorway at Junction 1. Finally, take Dargon Road towards the docks and industrial estates.

Harland & Wolf Ship Building

One of the major shipyards in the city, Harland & Wolf Ship Building and Repairs sits near the Titanic Museum, just seven minutes from the centre. If you’re transporting materials and tools to the building yard, it’s easiest reached using the A2 to head into the Titanic Quarter. Then, head northeast through the industrial estate. The Shipyard sits behind the Bombardier Aerospace building and NIACE Centre.

Queen’s University Belfast

Queens University Belfast is right at the heart of the city. The university’s accommodation is no more than 15 minutes from the main university building. It’s best reached from the city centre using the A1 or A24. Simply head onto Donegall Square/A1 and turn onto Bedford Street. From there, follow Dublin Road until you reach University Road.

Port of Belfast

The industrial Port of Belfast lies five minutes outside the city centre towards the M2. From the city centre, all you need to do is head to York Street and then turn right onto Dock Street. Then, wind your way around Corry Road and head onto Dufferin Road, which will take you right to the port.

Homebase – Belfast Galwally

One of the most popular destinations in the city for all your DIY needs, it takes  10 minutes to reach the Galwally Homebase from the city centre. Simply get onto the A24 and follow signs for Upper Galwally.