City of Derry Airport Offers Efficient and Welcoming Travel HubCity of Derry Airport, located just 11 kilometres northeast of Derry~Londonderry at Eglinton, provides a compact and traveller-friendly experience for those flying to destinations. Serving as the gateway to the North West of Ireland, the airport connects passengers to cities like London, Glasgow, and Manchester with airlines such as Loganair, easyJet, and Ryanair. Its small size and straightforward operations ensure a smooth journey, making it a practical choice for both local and visiting travellers.
Getting to the airport is convenient, with several transport options linking it to Derry’s city centre. The Translink Ulsterbus 234 service operates regularly from Foyle Street Bus Depot, covering the 20-minute journey for around £3.50 one way, though schedules may thin out on weekends. City Cabs, the airport’s official taxi service, offers a reliable ride to the city centre in about 15 to 20 minutes for approximately £11, with wheelchair-accessible vehicles available on request. Drivers can reach the airport via the A2 Londonderry to Coleraine Road, a 15- to 25-minute trip, though traffic near the city or roadworks may cause minor delays. The nearest train station, Derry~Londonderry at Waterside, is 10 kilometres away, requiring a bus or taxi connection to the terminal.
The airport’s single-terminal, single-level layout is simple to navigate, with check-in desks, security, and departure gates all within short walking distance. The compact design means passengers can move from entrance to gate in under 20 minutes, with security screening typically taking less than 10 minutes due to efficient processes and recent equipment upgrades. During peak travel periods, such as mornings or holiday seasons, queues may lengthen slightly, so arriving 90 minutes early for domestic flights or two hours for international is advised. Weather conditions, particularly fog around Lough Foyle, or air traffic control issues can occasionally disrupt flights, and passengers should check live flight information on the airport’s website or apps like Flightradar24.
Dining and retail options are modest but sufficient for the airport’s size. The Airport Restaurant in the departures area serves hot and cold meals, from breakfasts to light snacks, while Café Espresso on the main concourse offers coffee and sandwiches. The Loop duty-free shop provides newspapers, gifts, souvenirs, and travel essentials, with Satin Silver offering designer jewellery for those seeking unique purchases. The Amelia Earhart Lounge, accessible for a fee or via Priority Pass, provides a quiet space with complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and flight information screens, ideal for relaxing before a flight.
Facilities cater well to passenger needs. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, with charging points and ample seating in both landside and airside areas. Accessibility is a priority, with ramps, lifts, accessible toilets, and assistance call points ensuring ease of movement. Special assistance for passengers with reduced mobility or hidden disabilities can be arranged through airlines, with trained staff offering support from check-in to boarding. Changing facilities and a nearby multi-sensory centre, ASpace2, provide additional comfort for families or those with specific needs. Parking is straightforward, with short- and long-stay car parks directly opposite the terminal, offering competitive rates when pre-booked online and two hours of free parking for Blue Badge holders.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with the airport’s focus on short-haul routes and smaller operations contributing to consistent schedules. Carriers like Loganair and easyJet maintain steady departure times, though weather-related disruptions or technical issues can occasionally cause delays. For connecting passengers, the airport facilitates single-ticket international connections via London Heathrow with Loganair’s partners like BA and KLM, with minimum connection times of around 45 minutes for domestic-to-international transfers. Self-transferring passengers should allow extra time for baggage rechecking and customs processes.
