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The Essential Guide to Dublin Airport Car Rentals
👉 Jump to: Best Sites to Compare | Do You Need a Rental? | Requirements | Average Cost | Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
The Dublin Airport is the most convenient place to rent a car in Ireland’s capital. But there are some things you need to know — in particular, you need to make sure to book in advance to score the best deal.
In this practical guide, I share the most reliable rental sites to compare prices, along with info on costs and necessary paperwork. I also explain what to expect on the roads, and how to best avoid crowds and poor weather. Stay until the end for safety tips and mistakes to avoid so your trip to the Emerald Isle is stress-free!
Best Dublin Airport Car Rental Sites to Compare
First, when it comes to finding a rental car, here are the three sites I suggest comparing. Each will pull multiple quotes from different rental agencies at the Dublin Airport in a quick search:
Discover Cars
DiscoverCars.com often has cheap car rentals where others do not. One extremely helpful feature is that its prices include all the normally “hidden” fees.
Booking.com
Booking.com has a wide variety of car types and car rental deals, and it’s our favorite hotel site, too.
Do You Need a Rental Car from the Dublin Airport?
Want to expand your Ireland itinerary beyond Dublin? Having your own set of wheels allows you to follow your own schedule and explore more of the country, especially scenic backroads.
The easiest option for most visitors will be to rent a car from the arrivals hall at the Dublin Airport. It saves you both the time and money involved in getting from the airport to pick-up locations elsewhere in town. Rental prices are often lower at the Dublin Airport, too.
At the same time, Dublin (and Ireland in general) have an extensive public transportation system. Dublin has buses and three different rail lines servicing its various neighborhoods. Buses and trains also run throughout the country and allow you to take in the scenery without having to keep your eyes on the road.
Rental Car Requirements for the Dublin Airport
🧑 A Valid Driver’s License – Citizens of the UK, the USA, Australia, and Canada don’t need an international driving permit (IDP). Only those staying in Ireland for a year or more will need to obtain an Irish driver’s license. Visitors from other countries (outside the EU and the European Economic Area) will need an IDP before renting a car at the Dublin Airport.
Note that places like hotels will not accept a driver’s license as a valid ID, even though it’s necessary for driving.
📝 Collision Damage Insurance (CDW) – Irish law requires rental insurance for all vehicles. Basic insurance (Third Party Liability) is included, but car rental companies charge a separate fee for CDW and other coverages. The vast majority of American and Canadian credit card companies offering insurance don’t cover Ireland (more on that below).
🔞 Driver is of Age – In general, 25 is the minimum age, but some companies allow drivers as young as 21 with additional daily fees. Others will put the minimum fee-free age at 23. Some companies may also not rent a car to those over 75. Others may raise the minimum fee-free age to 30 or lower the maximum to 65.
The same general limits apply to van rentals, but some agencies may lower the maximum driver age. Be sure to read your company’s policies in detail.
💳 Credit Card – Car rental agencies will place a significant hold on your credit card during your rental period. Sometimes, this can be up to $3000! Do not use a debit card for renting a car, regardless of location. ✈️ Passport – Visitors from the US, Canada, and Australia need a valid passport to clear customs at the Dublin Airport. Citizens of the UK are not required to have a passport when traveling to Ireland. A valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, is enough.
How Much Do Rental Cars Cost at the Dublin Airport?
Several factors influence how much rental cars cost at the Dublin Airport. The kind of car you’re renting is one determining factor. The smaller the car, the less it will cost. An economy-class car, such as a Ford Fiesta, can often cost around $43 per day. Prices for midsize cars can be around $65 per day.
Another factor to consider is the time of year. The prices above are from the low season (November-March). The summer peak season (June-August) sees the highest rental rates due to higher demand. Shoulder month rates are usually lower than peak season rates, but not quite as cheap as in the off-season.
Car rental rates in Ireland also tend to be higher than in other countries. Gas prices are the main reason for higher costs. Ireland’s economy has also experienced overall inflation, leading to higher costs in most categories.
👉 Compare rental car prices for your dates by searching these sites:
- DiscoverCars.com (Our Top Choice)
- Kayak.com
- Booking.com
📚 Related Reading: Check out my article on the best time to visit Dublin!
20 Tips & Things to Know Before Renting at the Dublin Airport
Where to Pick Up Your Car from Terminal 1
The Dublin Airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 for (mostly) shorter flights and Terminal 2 for longer ones. Both terminals have a car rental center. In Terminal 1, car rental desks are located in the arrivals hall.
You’ll likely land at Terminal 1 if you’re arriving from the United States. Once you exit customs, you’ll be in the arrivals hall and see the baggage claim area and the various car rental desks. The agent will then direct you to their company’s section of the car park.
Where to Pick Up Your Car from Terminal 2
Passengers arriving at Terminal 2 will find the service desk in the multi-story car park instead of the arrivals hall. Follow the signs in the terminal directing you to the car rental center in the car park.
👉 Pro Tip: You can save a little money if you make Dublin the last stop on your Ireland vacation. Pick up your car at the airport and drop it off at an in-town location upon returning to Dublin. It’s easy enough to get around town on foot or public transportation.
Driving on the Right Side of the Car
This is the first thing many visitors from the US and Canada will notice upon picking up their rentals at the Dublin Airport. The steering wheel is on the right side of the car, and driving is on the left-hand side of the road. It may take a little getting used to at first, but most people adjust quickly to the change.
Manual Shift is Default
Manual transmissions are the default in Ireland, and the same applies to rental vehicles. Request automatic transmission when reserving your car if you’re not confident with driving stick. You won’t want to try this while also learning to drive on the “opposite” side of the road.
Gas is Priced Per Liter
Gas, called petrol in Ireland, is counted in liters. The lower numbers may excite visitors from America at first. Unfortunately, the reality is that prices here are comparable to (or higher than) those back home.
There are 3.78 liters in a gallon, so factor that into the equation when counting the cost of gas. Consider renting a car with the best gas mileage to help cut costs.
Ireland Uses the Metric System
American visitors will also have to adapt to the metric system when driving in Ireland. Expect speed limits and distances to be listed in kilometers rather than miles. The Irish Road Safety Association maintains a useful page with Ireland’s speed limits and driving tips for tourists.
Know Ireland’s Road Signs
Another thing you’ll notice upon leaving the airport is that Ireland has its own road signs. Freeway signs are marked by a blue “M” and national routes feature a green “N.”
The Irish RSA’s page linked above has all the info you need to understand Ireland’s various traffic signs.
Traveling to Northern Ireland from the Dublin Airport
Follow the signs for the M1 if you plan on heading to Northern Ireland from the airport. This is the most direct route. There are no customs at the border, but you will be crossing into another country.
Northern Ireland, as part of the United Kingdom, uses the imperial system. Our list of Ireland travel tips has some great advice covering other issues related to transport between the two sides of Ireland.
Getting from the Dublin Airport to the Province of Connaught
Some of Ireland’s best excursions are located along the country’s west coast. These include the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, and Croagh Patrick.
The largest city in this region is Galway, a great place to stay when exploring the area. Get there from the Dublin Airport by following the M50 south until you see the N4 exit for Sligo/Westport/Galway. Continue following the signs for Galway from then on.
Note that there are tolls, but the M50 road has no toll booths. Tolls are tracked by electronic monitors. Toll fees may be included in your rental car price. But if not, speak with your rental agency about selecting a payment method.
Getting from the Dublin Airport to the Province of Munster
The province of Munster in the southwest of Ireland has many famous attractions as well. These include the stunning, solitary Skellig Michael and lush, verdant Killarney National Park. Cork is the major city of this area and a good place to start your Munster meanderings.
Follow the M50 south to get there from the Dublin Airport. Take the N7 exit at junction 9. Follow the signs for Cork, taking the M7 until you reach the exit for the M8.
Local Roads Get Narrow!
You may encounter narrow, winding roads when exploring Ireland’s countryside. A smaller vehicle can make navigation easier — and it’ll make travel more affordable!
Getting around Dublin
Dublin’s increasing popularity has led to surprisingly heavy traffic for a smaller city. Avoid rush hour when navigating Dublin, especially through its city center. You can bypass this congested area by driving the North Circular Road (M50), though note that toll fees apply.
Get Ready to Share the Road
Rural areas rely heavily on the agricultural industry. It’s likely that you’ll encounter flocks and herds when driving the backroads of Ireland! Be vigilant and patient in the case of these four-footed pedestrians.
Don’t Keep Valuables in the Car in Dublin (or in General)
Perhaps you’ve wondered, is Dublin safe to visit? Overall, it is a safe place to visit, as long as you exercise common sense safety. Petty crimes like robberies do occur, especially in the city center.
It’s best to avoid leaving valuables in the car. Rather, keep them on you or back at your hotel. Many places to stay in Dublin have security safes for extra peace of mind.
Book Your Car Rental in Advance
I recommend reserving your rental vehicle three to six months in advance. More than likely, this will allow you to score the best deal from car rental agencies. Read the terms closely when searching, as you may even be able to secure free cancellation up to a certain date.
Keep an Eye on the Weather
The weather in Ireland is, in short, unpredictable. Rain, heavy fog, and strong winds are not uncommon. This especially applies to winter months and coastal areas. You may be able to avoid some of these conditions if traveling during the best time to visit Ireland.
Cell Phone Use Restriction
It’s illegal to use your mobile device with your hands when driving in Ireland. Emergency calls to 112 and 999 are the sole exception. Hands-free cell phone use is allowed but frowned upon by local law enforcement. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road!
Inspect The Vehicle Upon Pick-Up and Before Drop-Off
Avoid false damage claims by taking photos of your rental car upon collection and before returning the vehicle. It’s rare, but scams happen and proof of the vehicle’s condition may be beneficial. Pay special attention to photographing any existing dents, scratches, or other concerns.
🚗 Heads Up: Recently, a local publication warned drivers of rental car company scams in Ireland. Always book with a reputable agency like DiscoverCars and the other companies that Travel Lemming recommends.
Consider Travel Insurance
Consider purchasing both car rental insurance and travel insurance well before arriving at the Dublin Airport.
Our guide to Ireland travel insurance discusses this topic in great detail.
We like using VisitorsCoverage.com to compare quotes from various agencies.
Credit Card Insurance Coverage
As mentioned above, most US and Canadian credit cards offering rental insurance won’t cover a car rental in Ireland. Check with your card provider. Even if you have a card that does, you will need a signed copy of your coverage from the credit card company to meet car rental insurance demands in Ireland. And you’ll still need liability insurance anyway, so it’s never going to be 100% coverage.
FAQs
Which car hire companies are on-site at the Dublin Airport?
Car hire companies on site at the Dublin Airport include international brands like Alamo, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Thrifty, and more. There are also local companies such as Irish Car and My Irish Cousin. Many can be pre-booked via DiscoverCars.
Why is car hire so expensive at the Dublin Airport?
Car hire is so expensive due to rising fuel costs and overall inflation in the Irish economy. You can save big by booking a car rental in advance, ideally 3-6 months prior to travel.
Do you need a car in Dublin as a tourist?
You do not need a car in Dublin as a tourist, as most major things to do in Dublin are within walking distance of most hotels and each other. The public transportation system also covers much of the city and the outlying neighborhoods.
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I hope I’ve helped answer your car rental questions. Read my Dublin itinerary next to make trip planning even easier!
Hello!
We will be arriving in Dublin this August, renting a car, and then taking the ferry over to Wales and England for a few days in our rental car. We will then return via ferry to Dublin and spend a few days in Ireland before returning the car to the same location. Which car rental companies allow you to travel over to Wales and England?
Thank you in advance!
Hey Lona,
From what I’ve gathered, I would say Enterprise is your best bet. They have been known to allow this with prior approval and an additional fee of around 150 euros. Most rental companies in Dublin tend to restrict international travel (with the exception of Northern Ireland).
A few other major companies like Hertz, Avis, Alamo, and Europcar may allow certain exceptions, but are very particular about it, adding additional criteria such as type of vehicle, prior approval, or additional fees.
Your best bet would be to contact individual agencies because policies vary between companies and this is a less common case which FAQs tend to overlook.
I plan to spend a day or two in Dublin before traveling around Ireland. Should I rent at the airport and park the car at the hotel or rent my car in Dublin when I’m ready to start traveling? Also, would it make more sense to see Dublin at the end of my trip instead of the beginning? Thanks much.
Hey Gwen,
I’d recommend picking up your rental car when you’re ready to explore the rest of Ireland. Hotels in the more central neighborhoods tend to not have parking, or, if they do, it will be for an extra fee.
Whether you visit Dublin first or last doesn’t make a big difference, but I would lean a little more towards seeing it at the beginning. Dublin is “the big city” for Ireland, so it’s likely to be the busiest part of the trip. I don’t know where else you are going, but the rest of Ireland is much more laid back than Dublin, so it would probably be more relaxing to visit the countryside and smaller towns towards the end of the trip.
If I arrive in Dublin and go into the city without a rental car, can I rent a car in Dublin when I leave to visit other places and return it to the airport when I leave? Thanks so much
Yes, most companies allow you to do that. Usually, there will be an option to select separate pick up and return locations on the company’s website. You will need to make this arrangement at the time of booking and there may be an extra fee. How much the fee is varies between companies, but could run between 30 and 80 euros.
Depending on your schedule and budget, it may be cheaper to return the car to the same location and take a bus to the airport. Last time I was in Dublin (January), I paid around 10 euros for a one-way ticket back to the airport from the city center.
Based on Rick Steves recommendation, I got a quote for an eight day rental in Ireland. The trip is in May 2026 with pickup and return at the Dublin airport. Full and total coverage was a little over $900 USD. That seems excessive to me. But I am having trouble getting comprehensive insurance via the rental companies (many of which you have recommended). For instance RentalCar.com has RentalCover for an inexpensive rate but they get unsatisfactory reviews. I have rented many cars in Europe and have not has this perplexing problem.
We are having a really hard time with the car company DiscoverCars, you recommended. We can’t the full coverage insurance even after booking a car with them. They haven’t answered our email yet re this problem and the chat on their site didn’t work. I’m confused how you can recommend them? We are booking our first ever trip to Ireland in April. Thanks for any help.
Hey Kathrin,
I’m sorry to hear you’re having trouble with DiscoverCars. Our writers have had positive experiences with them, but sometimes these exceptions happen.
I took a look at their site, which said the full coverage option should be availble under My Bookings. If it’s not there, it’s probably due to an error on their end, maybe from adjusting or updating their website (I’ve had this happen on Booking.com where search filters disappeared temporarily).
In the case that DiscoverCars doesn’t get back to you, there is also an option to get full coverage at the rental desk. It usually costs 20 to 40 euros per day, so, while pricey, may be worth it depending on what your prefences are.
As a last resort, you could cancel the reservation for a refund (be sure that it will be back to the original payment method and not as future travel credit) and try either RentalCars.com or Kayak.com, our other rental picks which, so far, have not given us or our readers any issues.
Again, sorry for your bad experience and I hope these suggestions help.
You say that UK citizens don’t need an international driving permit. I am a UK citizen but I am resident in Finland. I have a Finnish driving licence now, but still UK passport.
Hey Peter!
As far as I can tell, you should be alright. Finland and Ireland are both in the EU and Ireland recognizes all EU and EEA licenses. The international driver’s permits are usually intended for visitors from nations that are outside this area and don’t use the Roman alphabet as their primary alphabet.
We are from Malaysia. Do we need an international permit to drive in Ireland? We drive on left side of the road in Malaysia and have driven in England and Wales before.
Appreciate your reply please. Thank you.
Hey Shamsuddin,
I would recommend that you get one. The rule is, you don’t absolutely need one if your license uses the Roman alphabet and features English headings (as well as Malay). You aren’t very likely to run into problems if you don’t have one, but having one can often help things go more smoothly in general, or in case you need to resolve any issues. The easiest way for you to get one would be from the Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM).
We need car for four adults and at least 6 pieces of luggage.??
Wha car would work?!
Week trip on land. And then continue
On a cruise afterwards.
Hello Darlene!
I’m so sorry for the delay in responding!
I’d recommend a larger sedan (depending on the size of the luggage) or a midsize SUV.
Sometimes the SUVs are rented at lower rates than large sedans. I don’t know if you plan on exploring any backroads, but a midsize SUVs slightly smaller size might make it easier for navigating the narrow country roads than a full size sedan.
I recommend DiscoverCars.com for their variety of cars and reasonable prices (and don’t let their 2 bag stat for their entries thrown you off, it’s meant as 2 per person instead of 2 total for everyone).
Hope this helps!
I liked the article….very informative….
does my car Insurance from the United States cover me in Ireland ??
Thank you William!
It depends on who your provider and plan tier is. Most insurance companies won’t provide coverage for international rentals. I’d suggest contacting your provider to see if the provide an option for travel in Ireland. If not, most rental companies already include basic coverage in the cost of renting a car.
What co are in the arrivals with cars directly outside , simple ? But difficult it seems to get an answer
Hello John,
If you will be arriving from North America, most likely your flight will arrive at Terminal 2. Several companies have desks here including Enterprise, Alamo, and National, Avis, and Sixt.
From the rental desks, you can take the elevator or escalator down to the ground floor where the cars for these companies will be parked.
Hello and thanks for the great info.
We are coming from the US. I saw on another site that we need both a National and International drivers license. Could you please clarify?
What is generally the cost difference to reserve two drivers?
Will we need an “Electronic Travel Authorization” to visit Northern Ireland?
Are most car rentals hybrid vehicles and is petrol hard to find in smaller villages and towns? (We are American so there are gas stations at every turn but plan on smaller, less traveled roads in Ireland.)
Thank you
You’re welcome, Fran!
From what I know, the Irish government recognizes American driver’s licenses. International Driver’s Permits (IDPs) are usually only needed for people from non-English-speaking countries or countries whose alphabet isn’t the Latin alphabet.
However, some rental companies may request one. It’s always best to call the company in advance to double-check.
Sometimes travel websites word things in a general way, too, so maybe that was causing confusion.
You will need an Electronic Travel Authorization for Northern Ireland.
Most rental cars are gasoline, but many agencies do have hybrids available.
There are plenty of gas stations throughout the country, even in smaller towns and villages. Ireland is much less spread out than many places in America, so you’re never too far from the nearest services.
Ireland also has a growing network of electric charging stations, but gas stations are still more common.
Since not needing car in Dublin Is it better and cheaper to rent the car in Dublin City and return at the airport? Or return in city? Also are there concerns that your car won’t be ready in the city over the airport rental. Travelling in May. How much time do you need to allow if returning at the airport.
Hello Barb!
In general, the Dublin airport is cheaper than the city. Most companies will charge extra if the pick up and drop off locations are different (because then they have to return the car to its original location).
Availability is rarely an issue, unless you happen to choose a more obscure location which will not have as many cars on hand as the popular ones. This isn’t very likely, especially in May, which is before the peak summer months.
As for convenience, a lot depends on your itinerary and how many people are traveling. If you are planning to only visit Dublin, or maybe one or two sights elsewhere in Ireland, public transportation is cheaper. If Dublin is just one stop of many, a car is definitely the best overall way to get around.
In that case, you may want to pick up the car at the airport, see the sights outside Dublin, then return to Dublin. Depending on how many people are traveling in your party, it might be cheaper to drop most of them off at your accommodations and have one or two people return the car to the airport and take the bus back in to town.
It’s not too far between the airport and the city center, usually a 15-30 minute drive, depending on traffic. Rush hour traffic can be bad, but the earlier and later hours of the day are usually not too congested.
Hope this helps! Let me know if there is anything else I can help clarify.
You mentioned under CDW that Basic insurance (Third Party Liability) is included. But then under Chase Sapphire (from which I have a letter confirming coverage in Ireland) you stated that we will still need liability insurance. Isn’t it already included as you stated? Thanks.
Hi Susan – CDW is different than liability insurance. You need to check with Chase to confirm coverages, but to my awareness they only provide CDW insurance not liability. I think that is the case for most credit cards.
If the price of a rental car includes liability, we should be set for that and collision if our credit card covers collision in ireland (mine does), correct?
There are many coverages to consider, and I can’t advise which to buy, but typically liability and collision are the two big ones, yes.
Hello. My husband and I are planning trip to Ireland next year. Is it advisable and allowed to rent a car from Belfast and return in Dublin Airport? Thanks for your time.
Hello! It is possible to pick up the car in Belfast and drop it off in Dublin. However, because the two cities are technically in different countries, most, if not all, agencies will charge an additional (and sizable) fee for returning the car across the international border. I’d recommend returning to Belfast. It’s only two hours from Dublin and this could save you a few hundred dollars.
The counter people at Dublin Airport (Amanda?) was very friendly. Our VW was fine and the check in process was great. I opted not to use the insurance from my Costco credit card (I’d read that attempting to use the credit card insurance caused delays). I actually said, ” I want the most comprehensive insurance you offer.”
We drove across Ireland on the freeway to Galway. Then on the way to the Cliffs of Moher. the clutch pedal went to the floorboard and it was impossible to shift. Eventually, we were towed back to Galway and provided a replacement vehicle. While waiting in the Galway facility, we overheard the staff taking about our VW saying, “yeah, it’s another VW with the “slave thing” failure.” I’m 72, and my son is 49, at NO time did we race the engine and dump the clutch. My son actually owns a VW cc with a stick.
After returning to California, I received an email from Aaron informing us that clutches were not covered and I owed $2600. Later Victoria, sent me an email
confirming that she would be our contact person. I asked to see a copy of the mechanic’s repair paperwork and NEVER heard back from Victoria or Aaron.
My take away, TOURISTS SHOULD NEVER RENT from Enterprise/Alamo in Ireland. This organization preys on TOURISTS who cannot easily protest UNFAIR practices. I assume that this organization has taken its management policies from traveling carnivals. AVOID THIS RENTAL COMPANY,