When I started planning my trip to Londonderry, the first priority was finding a flight that was both affordable and convenient. This historic city, located in the northwest of Northern Ireland, boasts a rich cultural heritage, and I wanted to make sure that I could keep my flight costs low, so I could allocate more of my budget and energy into exploring the city and indulging in the local cuisine. After several weeks of price comparison and research, I’ve put together a detailed guide to the most cost-effective flights to Londonderry (Derry/Londonderry), tailored for budget-conscious, time-flexible, or comfort-seeking travelers.

1. Understanding Londonderry’s Main Airports

The City of Derry Airport (LDY) is the primary airport for Londonderry, and while it is a small regional airport, it provides a convenient access point to the city. Located about 11 kilometers east of the city center, it is easy to reach by car or taxi, taking only around 20 minutes. Although LDY offers some direct domestic flights, it has limited international connections. As a result, most travelers will find it necessary to transit through other airports in Ireland or the UK, such as Dublin or London, before reaching Londonderry.
Alternatively, flying into Belfast International Airport (BFS) or Belfast City Airport (BHD) is another popular option. The city of Belfast is only 2.5 hours away from Londonderry by bus or train, and while this adds a bit of time to the overall journey, it often results in cheaper flight options. Many budget travelers prefer this route, especially when the cost savings make up for the additional land journey.

2. Key Departure Cities and Airline Choices

When planning my flights to Londonderry, I focused on several key European cities with frequent and cost-effective connections: London, Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, and Dublin. Depending on your starting point, you can explore various low-cost options or find convenient connecting flights to make the trip more affordable. Each of these cities offers different advantages in terms of price and convenience, so it’s important to consider both the cost and travel time when selecting your departure city. Below, I’ll break down some of the most practical routes based on departure cities:

1. Departing from London

London is one of the most accessible cities for flying to Londonderry. There are regular direct flights from London Stansted Airport (STN) to City of Derry Airport, operated by Loganair and Ryanair. Ryanair, in particular, is known for offering highly affordable tickets, sometimes as low as £20 (excluding luggage), making it ideal for those traveling light or with flexible schedules. I’ve personally managed to book a round-trip flight for as little as £40 when booking two weeks in advance, which is a fantastic deal for anyone looking to save.
If you’re flying from London Heathrow or Gatwick, you can also choose to fly to Belfast and then take a bus or domestic flight onward to Londonderry. This option may take a bit longer, but it offers greater flexibility, with more frequent flight schedules, and often at a very reasonable price.

2. Departing from Dublin

Dublin is a practical and affordable departure point for reaching Londonderry. The cities are only around 240 kilometers apart, and while there are no direct flights to City of Derry Airport, flying into Dublin and continuing by bus or train is an easy and budget-friendly option. I’ve taken Ryanair flights into Dublin from other European cities and then caught a Bus Éireann service to Londonderry. This combination often costs less than €60, making it an excellent choice for those on a tighter budget, especially during off-peak seasons when ticket prices can be significantly lower.

3. Departing from Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, and Other European Cities

Although cities like Amsterdam, Paris, and Berlin don’t offer direct flights to Londonderry, there are plenty of connecting flight options available. The most efficient approach is to fly into major UK hubs like London (LGW or STN), Glasgow (GLA), Manchester (MAN), or Belfast (BFS), and then take a short connecting flight to Londonderry. For instance, flying from Berlin to Glasgow takes just two hours, and from there, a short flight will take you to City of Derry Airport. Connecting flights like these typically cost between €100 and €150, and by booking in advance, you can often secure even better deals. These routes offer an excellent balance of affordability and convenience, particularly when you’re flexible with your travel dates and willing to consider layovers.

3. Connecting Flights and Practical Tips

For travelers who can’t find direct flights to Londonderry, making a thoughtful connection can save both time and money.

1. Combining Ryanair or easyJet Low-Cost Flights

These low-cost airlines offer numerous European routes that can be easily pieced together. For example, I’ve taken the “Paris–Dublin–Londonderry” combination, with the total one-way price being under €70. Keep in mind that budget airlines do not include checked luggage in their base fares, so be sure to leave enough time for your connection.

2. Connecting via UK Domestic Flights

Airlines like Loganair and Aer Lingus Regional often offer short domestic flights from Belfast, Glasgow, or Edinburgh to Londonderry. These flights typically take under an hour, with standard fares ranging from £40 to £90. This is perfect for those planning to visit England or Scotland before heading to Northern Ireland.

3. Public Transport to Supplement Connections

On one occasion, I flew into Belfast Airport and then took the airport bus directly to Londonderry. The total journey took about 2 hours and 40 minutes, and the bus ticket cost just £13. While slower than flying, this method is comfortable and cost-effective, especially for those with extra time.

4. Flight Booking Platforms and Price Comparison Tips

To secure the best-priced flights, I always compare ticket prices on several reliable platforms, such as Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Momondo. These sites not only provide user-friendly interfaces, but they also allow for flexible search options like multi-city itineraries and varying travel dates, which is especially useful when I’m exploring “combination routes” or trying to uncover hidden flights that might not be readily visible. Another key tip is checking the official websites of airlines like Ryanair and easyJet directly, as they often have exclusive promotions and discounts that don’t appear on third-party comparison platforms. These hidden deals can sometimes offer a significant saving.

Additionally, I recommend utilizing an incognito or private browsing mode when searching for flights. This prevents tracking cookies from inflating prices based on your repeated searches. In terms of timing, I’ve found that booking 3 to 5 weeks ahead of your planned departure generally secures the best prices, while for busy holiday periods or summer vacations, it’s wise to book at least two months in advance.

5. Comfort and Service Experience Summary

Although I prioritize cost-effectiveness, I also have certain expectations regarding the flight experience. From my travels, I recommend the following airlines:

• Loganair: This regional carrier stands out for offering a more comfortable flying experience compared to many low-cost carriers. The seats are more spacious, the staff is courteous, and the airline has a commendably high on-time performance rate, making it an excellent choice for smooth, hassle-free connections. It’s especially suitable for those who prioritize comfort over bare-bones cost-cutting.
• Aer Lingus Regional: Known for its consistent and dependable service, Aer Lingus Regional offers a good balance between price and comfort. I’ve found their flight connections seamless, and the boarding process tends to be quick and well-organized, making it an ideal option for travelers looking for reliability at a reasonable price.
• Ryanair: While Ryanair is the go-to for the lowest fares, the trade-off comes with tight seating and numerous additional charges, such as fees for checked baggage and seat selection. It’s best suited for short trips or those traveling light, like backpackers or budget travelers who don’t mind the no-frills approach.
• easyJet: With affordable pricing and a wide network across Europe, easyJet offers a solid flying experience. Their flights are reasonably comfortable, and the airline has a reputation for punctuality. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who enjoy flexibility in their schedules and prefer to keep things affordable without sacrificing too much in terms of service.

If you’re flying to Londonderry for the first time, consider choosing morning or midday flights to avoid delays affecting your onward travel. Also, it’s advisable to opt for tickets that include free checked luggage, especially if you’re traveling in winter, as you’ll likely need extra clothing, and additional luggage fees could surpass the cost of the flight itself.

6. My Best Flight Option

In my multiple trips to Londonderry, my favorite experience was flying from Berlin to London Stansted, then taking a Ryanair flight directly to LDY. The total cost for this combination was about €95, with a total travel time of under 8 hours, smooth connections, and no overnight layovers. This option not only saved me accommodation costs but also ensured a comfortable travel experience.

Of course, the best flight combination depends on your departure city, time constraints, and budget, so it’s important to be flexible and take time to compare options. With a bit of effort, you can easily find an affordable and enjoyable flight, starting your journey on the right note without breaking the bank.

Tags: Airline Choices, Main Airports, Practical Tip