A popular way to get around the city is by the Black Taxis, London-style hackney cabs that provide hop-on, hop-off service. This taxi service acts more like a small bus since several complete strangers often share a ride home.  The city’s turbulent history is intricately linked to the Black Taxi.  This service started more than 30 years ago when secretarian unrest (“The Troubles”) flared up.  At this time, bus transportation was severely disrupted, but the residents still had to go to work and go about their business.  As a short-term resolution, people would fill their cars up with neighbors and friends and drive them to work.  This eventually grew into a huge fleet of taxis and one of the most popular, convenient and inexpensive forms of city transportation today.

If you happen to be around the city centre, there are two ranks of Black Taxis in Donegall Square North and Donegall Square East around the City Hall.  These Public Hire taxis can like any other large UK city pick up in the street most saloon type vehicles must be pre booked by phone or calling into a depot. These drivers have a wealth of experience under their belts 

Black Taxi tours are also a popular way to explore the familiar areas of Belfast in addition to the parts of the city not seen on conventional tours.  Tours focus on the Shankill and Falls Roads, to view the Peace Wall and other political murals, along with other traditional city sights.
   
Other (more traditional) taxi companies include Fon A Cab and Value Cabs, which is Belfast’s largest and chauffeur-drive company operating 24 hours a day.

Major car rental firms such as Budget, Hertz, and Auto Europe and smaller companies operate in Northern Ireland, having rental desks at Belfast International Airport and designated downtown pick up locations.