Getting there: UK/Ireland airports guide

There are 30 international airports in the UK and Ireland: Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cardiff, Cork, Dublin, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Exeter, Gatwick, Glasgow, Guernsey, Heathrow, Humberside, Jersey, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, London City, Luton, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, Prestwick, Shannon, Stansted, Southampton and Teeside.

Flight arrivals information from many of these airports is carried on Teletext on Channel 4 analogue TV, indexed on page 180, and these TV text pages are reproduced on this website at TV Text Ads.

Aberdeen Airport

WHERE IT IS: On the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 01224 722 331

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Dyce railway station is three miles from the airport. Taxis operate between it and the terminal. Edinburgh and Aberdeen are the main connecting stations for Dyce. A bus service runs regularly between Aberdeen city centre and the airport on weekdays. A more limited service operates on weekends.

PARKING: Short and long-stay car parks.

OTHER INFORMATION: Left-luggage service.

British Airports Authority website: www.baa.co.uk

Belfast International Airport

WHERE IT IS: In Northern Ireland near Lough Neagh, 18 miles north west of Belfast, off Junction 5 of the M2.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 028 944 84848

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The nearest train station is in Antrim about six miles away. From there, take a taxi to the airport.

Connecting trains to Lisburn, Londonderry and Belfast Central Station - 20 miles from the airport - also leave from Antrim.

An Airbus to the airport leaves from Glengall Street in Belfast City Centre every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday, and every 30 or 60 minutes on Sunday, between 5.45am and 11.20pm.

PARKING: Short, main stay and holiday car parks.

OTHER INFORMATION: No left-luggage service.

Belfast International airport website: www.bial.co.uk

Birmingham International Airport

WHERE IT IS: About eight miles south-east of the city centre, off Junction 6 of the M42, on the A45 Birmingham to Coventry trunk road.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 08707 335 511

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Trains run regularly from Birmingham New Street to the airport. The AirRail Link shuttle bus runs from Birmingham International Station to the airport's Main Terminal. The 6Y bus runs from Solihull Station to the airport. The 900 bus runs regularly from Digbeth Coach Station in Birmingham city centre to the airport. An extensive network of buses runs from the front of the airport's main terminal.

PARKING: Short and long-stay and multi-storey car parks.

OTHER INFORMATION: Left-luggage service.

Birmingham International Airport website: www.bhx.co.uk

Blackpool Airport

WHERE IT IS: Off Junction 4 of the M25, along the A5230, and left at the first roundabout.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 01253 343 434

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Squires Gate Railway Station is a five-minute walk from the airport terminal. Blackpool Central Railway Station is a short taxi ride away. Change at Preston if using national rail networks to get to Blackpool.

Buses run regularly from Blackpool, North Fylde and Lytham St Anne's to opposite the airport entrance.

PARKING: Short and long stay car parks.

OTHER INFORMATION: No left-luggage service.

Blackpool Airport website: www.blackpoolairport.com

Bournemouth International Airport

WHERE IT IS: North of Bournemouth town centre, via the M3 or M27 and connecting A and B roads.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 01202 364000

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Bournemouth Travel Interchange train station is six miles from the airport. Waterloo is the main connecting station in London. The A1 bus runs between the Travel Interchange train station and the airport seven days a week. There are four daily services on weekdays and two services each day at weekends.

PARKING: Short and long-stay car parks.

OTHER INFORMATION: E-mail and internet services are available at the CyberZone café.

Bournemouth International Airport website: www.flybournemouth.com

Bristol International Airport

WHERE IT IS: On the A38, nine miles from Bristol city centre.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 0870 121 2747

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Bristol Temple Meads is the nearest train station. Regular services run there from Bath Spa, Cardiff, Exeter, London Paddington and London Waterloo. The Bristol International Flyer non-stop dedicated coach service goes to and from the airport from Bristol Bus & Coach Station in Bristol city centre and Bristol Temple Meads train station, seven days a week.

PARKING: Short and long-stay car parks.

OTHER INFORMATION: All passengers have access to the airport's two business lounges.Bristol Airport website: www.bristolairport.co.uk

Cardiff International Airport

WHERE IT IS: Near Rhoose, 12 miles west of Cardiff city centre and 10 miles from Junction 33 of the M4.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 01446 711 111

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Cardiff Central is the city's main train station. Connecting trains run to Barry, five miles from the airport. Buses run regularly from Cardiff Central train station to the airport. National Express Coach Service operates regular coaches to Cardiff Central Bus Station, from where you can take an airport bus.

PARKING: Short and long-stay car parks.

OTHER INFORMATION: Departures lounge on the first floor. No left-luggage service.

Cardiff International Airport website: www.cial.co.uk

Cork International Airport

WHERE IT IS: In the south of Ireland, five miles from Cork city centre.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: (00 353) 21 4313 131

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: A daily bus service runs from Cork city centre to the airport's gates. From there it's a 10-minute walk to the main building.

Taxis to the airport can be pre-booked or caught from Cork city centre.

PARKING: Short and long-stay car parks.

OTHER INFORMATION: Left-luggage service.

Cork International Airport website: www.cork-airport.com

Dublin Airport

WHERE IT IS: About eight miles north of Dublin city centre.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: (00 353) 1 8141 111

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: There are no rail links to the airport.

Airlink Express coaches run daily between the airport and Dublin city centre from Central Bus Station in Store Street, and Connolly and Heuston mainline rail stations.

Local buses also run daily from Eden Quay to the terminal, stopping in suburban areas along the way. Numbers 16, 16A, 16B, 16C, 33, 41, 41a, 41b and 41c serve the routes.

PARKING: Short and long stay car parks.

OTHER INFORMATION: Left-luggage service.

Dublin Airport website: www.dublin-airport.com

East Midlands Airport

WHERE IT IS: The airport is between Nottingham, Derby and Leicester, off Junction 24 of the M1.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 01332 852852

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Loughborough, Long Eaton, Nottingham and Derby train stations are a short bus ride from the airport. Long Eaton and Loughborough train stations are served by the Air-Line shuttle bus to and from the airport. Several bus services link the airport to nearby towns and villages, and Nottingham, Leicester and Derby. The Runway 5 bus service connects Nottingham city centre with the airport.

PARKING: Short and long-stay car parks.

OTHER INFORMATION: No left-luggage service.

East Midlands Airport website: www.eastmidlandsairport.com

Edinburgh Airport

WHERE IT IS: Along the A8, about eight miles west of Edinburgh city centre.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 0131 333 1000

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Waverley and Edinburgh Haymarket railway stations in the city centre are a bus or taxi ride away from the airport.

A regular bus service runs from Waverley Bridge - next to Waverley railway station - to the airport.

PARKING: Short and long stay car parks. Transfer coaches run from the long stay car park to the terminals.

OTHER INFORMATION: Left-luggage service.

British Airport Authority website: www.baa.co.uk

Getting there: UK/Ireland airports guide

Exeter International Airport

WHERE IT IS: Five miles east of Exeter city centre, and two miles from the M5 motorway.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 01392 367433

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Exeter's main railway station is St David's. The easiest way to get from there to the airport is by taxi. Alternatively, take a local bus from Exeter St David's to the city's main bus terminal in Paris Street. Buses run regularly to and from the airport from there.

PARKING: Short and long stay car parks.

OTHER INFORMATION: No left-luggage service. Disabled drivers wanting to park near the terminal must reserve a space in advance.

Exeter International airport website: www.eclipse.co.uk/exeterair

Gatwick Airport

WHERE IT IS: Twenty-eight miles south of London, off Junction 9 of the M23.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 0870 000 2468

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: From London Victoria train station to Gatwick's south terminal. A special free train runs from there to and from the north terminal. The Gatwick Express leaves Victoria every 15 minutes between 5am and midnight, and half past the hour from 12.30am to 4.30am. Connex and Thames Trains also operate between Victoria and Gatwick. Thameslink runs services to Gatwick from London Blackfriars and London Bridge. Tickets are not interchangeable.

Buses and coaches run to and from Gatwick's north and south terminals.

PARKING: Long and short stay car parks, as well as Fast Track parking nearer the terminals.

OTHER INFORMATION: Several airlines - including BA and American Airlines - have a check-in service at London Victoria train station, so passengers can travel light to the airport. Short-term left-luggage facilities are available at Gatwick's north and south terminals.

British Airports Authority website: www.baa.co.uk/gatwick

Glasgow Airport

WHERE IT IS: Eight miles west of Glasgow city centre, off Junction 28 of the M8 motorway.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 0141 887 1111

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The airport's nearest railway station is Paisley Gilmour Street in Paisley. To get there, catch a connecting train at Glasgow Central station. The 905 bus links the airport with Glasgow city centre. Catch it from Glasgow Central and Queen Street stations, or at the Buchanan bus terminal in Buchanan Street. Buses also run to and from the airport from Paisley Gilmour Street train station. Tickets bought to there for the airport include the bus fare.

Scottish Citylink operates a coach service between Paisley Gilmour Street and the airport.

PARKING: Short and long stay car parks.

OTHER INFORMATION: Left-luggage service.

British Airports Authority website: www.baa.co.uk/glasgow

Glasgow Prestwick International Airport

WHERE IT IS: Near Ayr, south west of Glasgow off the A77.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 01292 511000

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: A direct train service runs daily from Glasgow Central railway station in Glasgow city centre to the airport. The journey takes about 45 minutes. Stagecoach Western operates a coach service - the number 4 - from Buchanan Street in Glasgow city centre, via Kilmarnock, to the airport concourse. The X77 bus runs Monday-Saturday between Buchanan Street and the airport.

PARKING: Short and long stay car parks.

OTHER INFORMATION: Left-luggage service.

Glasgow International Airport website: www.gpia.co.uk

Guernsey Airport

WHERE IT IS: Along the Forest Road four miles from Guernsey's capital, St Peter Port.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 01481 237766

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Coaches to the airport leave from St Peter Port between 6.50am and 6.10pm daily. There is no Sunday service from the end of September to the third week in April. The only alternative transport to the airport is by taxi or hire car.

PARKING: Short and long stay parking is available. After three days, long-term parking becomes pricey. It is cheaper to take a taxi to the airport.

OTHER INFORMATION: No left-luggage service.

Guernsey Airport website: www.guernsey-airport.gov.gg

Information on flight departures and arrivals is also included in the Meteorological Office's website at: www.metoffice.gov.gg

Heathrow Airport

WHERE IT IS: About 14 miles west of central London. Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are off Junction 4 of the M4 motorway, Junction 15 of the M25, or the A4 local road. Terminal 4 is off Junction 3 of the M4, Junction 14 of the M25 and the A30 local road.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 0870 0000 123

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Heathrow Express runs daily from London Paddington train station to terminals 2 and 4 at Heathrow. Terminals 1 and 3 are within walking distance from both stops. The service operates every 15 minutes from 5.10am to 11.40pm. Jetlink, Speedlink, Airbus and Greenline are the main bus companies serving routes to and from Heathrow. They stop at the central bus terminal, next to the London Underground station for terminals 1, 2 and 3.

The Heathrow to Feltham Railair express bus link connects Feltham rail station to Heathrow's four terminals. London Underground's Piccadilly Line has two stations, for terminals 1, 2 and 3 and terminal 4. Some National Express coach services stop at Heathrow bus terminal. The N97 bus runs to Heathrow during the night from Trafalgar Square, London.

PARKING: Short and long stay car parks.

OTHER INFORMATION: A checking-in service at London Paddington station is offered by several airlines. Left-luggage services are available at Heathrow's four terminals.

British Airport Authority website: www.baa.co.uk/heathrow

Humberside International Airport

WHERE IT IS: On the A18, three miles from Junction 5 of the M180. The airport has good links with the M18, M62 and A1.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 01652 688456

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Barnetby railway station is three miles from the airport. It's wise to book a local taxi to the airport in advance, as there is no bus service to the terminal. Stagecoach Express 909 has regular daily services to and from the airport to Hull, Scunthorpe, Grimsby, Doncaster and Sheffield.

PARKING: Short and long stay car parks.

OTHER INFORMATION: No left-luggage service.

Humberside International Airport website: www.humberside-airport.co.uk

Jersey Airport

WHERE IT IS: In the parish of St Peter, on the island's west side.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 01534 492000

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The number 15 bus runs daily to and from the airport from Weighbridge Bus Station in St Helier parish, near the island's main harbour.

PARKING: Short and long stay car parks.

OTHER INFORMATION: Left-luggage service.

Jersey Airport website: www.jersey-airport.com

Leeds Bradford International airport

WHERE IT IS: At Yeadon, between Leeds and Bradford, off the A658.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 0113 250 9696

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The nearest train stations are Horsforth and Guiseley, about 10 minutes away by car. The LBA Airlink coach shuttle service runs regular, daily services to the airport from Leeds City Bus Station and Leeds train station.

PARKING: Short and long stay car parks.

OTHER INFORMATION: No left-luggage service.

Leeds Bradford Airport website: www.lbia.co.uk

Liverpool John Lennon Airport

WHERE IT IS: Seven miles south east of Liverpool city centre, off the A561. The airport is well signposted from the M6, M62, M56 and M57 motorways.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 0870 750 8484

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Garston and Hunts Cross are the airport's nearest train stations. The 80A bus runs daily from Garston train station to and from the airport. On Sundays, the 180 bus also operates the route. The 500 bus is a daily express service from Liverpool city centre to the airport. It stops at Chapel Street, Norton Street for National Express connections, Lime Street for rail connections, Queen Square Bus Station and Paradise Street Bus Station.

PARKING: Short and long term car parks.

OTHER INFORMATION: No left-luggage service, but airport officials will supervise bags for a few hours on request.

Liverpool Airport website: www.liverpooljohnlennonairport.com

London City Airport

WHERE IT IS: Six miles from central London at Royal Docks, E16.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 020 7646 0088

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: An airport shuttle bus runs from Liverpool Street station, via Canary Wharf Docklands Light Railway station and Canning Town interchange station. Mainline trains run regularly from Richmond station via Canning Town interchange station. Change there for the airport shuttle bus or the 69 bus to the airport. The 69 bus also goes to the airport from DLR's Prince Regent Station.

There are further mainline train services to Canning Town interchange, Lewisham and Greenwich stations. All connect with the DLR. London Underground's Jubilee Line goes to Canning Town interchange station. Change there for the airport shuttle bus.

London Underground's Bank station connects via DLR to Canary Wharf. Tower Hill station links to Canary Wharf via Tower Gateway DLR.

PARKING: Short and long stay parking. Take a taxi to the airport if you are planning to be away longer than 24 hours, as parking fees become pricey after this period.

OTHER INFORMATION: Left-luggage service.

London City Airport website: www.londoncityairport.com

Getting there: UK/Ireland airports guide

Luton Airport

WHERE IT IS: North of London, two miles from the M1 motorway off Junction 10.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 01582 405100

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: A Thameslink train service from London Kings Cross goes to Luton Airport Parkway station. A free shuttle bus runs from there to the airport. Midland Mainline offers services to London Kings Cross from the Midlands and north of England. The 757 Greenline bus runs daily between Luton Airport and central London. It stops at Brent Cross, Finchley Road station, Baker Street, Marble Arch and Victoria. Jetlink coaches link Luton airport with Brighton, Cambridge, Gatwick and Heathrow airports, Hemel Hempstead, High Wycombe, Kings Langley and Milton Keynes. National Express has direct daily services to Luton Airport from destinations around the country. Flightlink daily coach services connect Nottingham, Birmingham and Leicester with Luton Airport.

PARKING: Short stay, long term, long term self-park, executive and disabled car parks.

OTHER INFORMATION: Car keys, and if necessary alarms and immobilisers, need to be left by drivers using the long-term car park. Vehicles are parked by airport staff while owners are away. Tickets for the service are collected at the car park's entry barrier.

OTHER INFORMATION: Left-luggage service.

London Luton Airport website: www.london-luton.co.uk

Manchester Airport

WHERE IT IS: South of Manchester city centre, off Junction 5 of the M56.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 0161 489 3000

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Trains to the airport run to and from Sheffield, York, Leeds, Huddersfield, Bolton, Preston, Manchester and Blackpool. There are connections from Manchester Piccadilly, Crewe (for services from Wales, the Midlands and the South) and Preston (for services to and from Cumbria and the North). National Express coaches offer direct services to the airport from 36 destinations in England and Scotland. Direct bus services to the airport run to and from several local centres, including Altrincham, Wythenshawe, Stockport, Sale, Heald Green and Cheadle Hulme. Buses also link the airport with Buxton, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Whaley Bridge, Disley, Ellesmere Port, Runcorn and Chester.

All services stop at the Airport Bus Station outside Terminal 1 Arrivals.

PARKING: Short and long stay car parks.

OTHER INFORMATION: Automatic massage chairs are supplied in the Terminal 1 concourse and in the Terminal 2 Departure Lounge. Hair and beauty salon in Terminal 3 Arrivals Hall. Left-luggage service.

Manchester Airport website: www.manchesterairport.co.uk

Newcastle Airport

WHERE IT IS: North west of Newcastle city centre, off the A696.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 0191 286 0966

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Newcastle Central is the nearest train station. From there, it's a 25-minute journey by Metro to the terminal.

National Express operates direct services to the airport from several destinations in England and Scotland. Regular bus services to and from the airport run from Eldon Square bus concourse in Newcastle city centre. Choose from the number 76, 76A, 77, 77A, 78, 78E and 79.

PARKING: Short and long stay parking.

OTHER INFORMATION: Shoe shining service near the Domestic Departure area.

Nail salon on first floor. Left-luggage service.

Newcastle Airport website: www.newcastleairport.com

Getting there: UK/Ireland airports guide

Norwich International Airport

WHERE IT IS: On the A140 Cromer road, north of Norwich city centre.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 01603 411923

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Anglia Railway station in Norwich city centre is a 20-minute taxi journey from the airport. Buses and coaches stop at Surrey Street terminal in Norwich city centre. It's best to take a taxi from here to the airport, as there is no direct public transport link with the terminal.

PARKING: Short stay parking, and long stay by prior arrangement.

OTHER INFORMATION: No left-luggage service.

Norwich International Airport website: www.norwichinternational.com

Shannon Airport

WHERE IT IS: In Southern Ireland, about 15 miles from Limerick city centre and Ennis.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: (00 353) 61 712 000

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: An InterCity train service runs frequently to Limerick from several towns and cities in the area. There is no direct train service to the airport. Take a bus from Limerick train station to the airport. Bus Eireann runs frequent services to the airport - via its main terminals in Ennis and Limerick - from Dublin, Cork, Galway, Kerry, Waterford, Wexford, Midlands, Sligo, Mayo and other places.

PARKING: Long and short stay car parks.

OTHER INFORMATION: Left-luggage service available on request from the Airport Operations Office.

Shannon Airport website: www.snn.aero

Southampton Airport

WHERE IT IS: Four miles from Southampton and less than a mile from Junction 5 of the M27.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 023 8062 0021

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Trains run frequently from London Waterloo to Parkway station, 50 metres from the airport. InterCity train services to the airport leave from Reading, Coventry, Oxford and Birmingham. The 101 bus offers a daily service to the airport from Sussex Road in the centre of Southampton.

National Express has direct services to the airport from Western Esplanade in Southampton city centre. For more information about buses, contact Southampton Citybus on 023 8022 4854 and National Express on 0870 580 8080. The airport does not give advice about transport to the terminal.

PARKING: Short and long stay car parks.

OTHER INFORMATION: No left-luggage service.

British Airport Authority website: www.baa.co.uk

Stansted Airport

WHERE IT IS: Off Junction 8 of the M11, 30 miles north east of London.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 0870 000 0303

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Stansted Express train runs from London Liverpool Street railway station. There are several bus services to the airport.

The Airbus A6/A7 connects the airport with Stratford, Hendon and London's Victoria Coach Station. Jetlink 757, 737 and 727 link several towns and cities to the airport.

The Colchester Coach Link serves Dunmow, Bradwell and Colchester.

Several National Bus services link local towns and villages with the airport.

PARKING: Short and long stay car parks. A coach transfer is available from the long stay car park, but allow 30 minutes from parking to reach the terminal.

OTHER INFORMATION: Internet café in the International Departure Lounge.

Left-luggage service.

British Airport Authority website: www.baa.co.uk/stansted

Teesside International Airport

WHERE IT IS: On the A67, six miles from Darlington.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 01325 332 811

GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Darlington railway station is six miles from the airport. A number 74 bus operates between there and the terminal. The 74 bus from Darlington leaves from Stand A in West Row and Stand U in Tubwell Road.

PARKING: Short and long stay car parking available.

OTHER INFORMATION: No left-luggage service.

Teesside Airport website: www.teessideairport.com