Getting there

Planes, trains, automobiles and boats – or maybe even horse and cart – we tell you the best way to go.

Planes

Fly to George Best Belfast City Airport if you can – from there | it's only a 10-minute cab ride into town | and there are regular trains and Airlink buses to the city centre | too. British Airways (www.ba.com) and Flybe (www.flybe.com) head there from all major UK regional hubs. City Jet flies from London City (www.cityjet.com); BMI Baby flies from Heathrow (www.bmibaby.com).

Boats

You can sail into Belfast from England (Liverpool), Ireland (Dublin) or Scotland (Stranraer) in as little as 90 minutes on one of the many ferry and catamaran services; see routes and compare fares at www.directferries.co.uk.

Trains

Trains to the city centre leave from the airport every half an hour during the day, for about £1.20. Belfast is well connected with the rest of Northern Ireland, and there are regular cross-border services to Dublin – the journey takes about two hours. Visit www.nirailways.co.uk for details.

Automobiles

If you want to head to the countryside or the beaches on your trip | it's worth hiring a car at the airport. Hertz offers Smith members a 10 per cent discount and free gold membership.