$43 Car Rental Athlone

These Athlone insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 29, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Athlone

Renting a car in Athlone offers you the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as Lough Ree, renowned for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities, and Clonmacnoise, a site rich in culture and history. Athlone Castle also awaits, providing a romantic backdrop for your adventures. The convenience of a car allows for easy luggage management and flexible travel plans, making it a popular choice for families, business travelers, and those seeking a city-themed experience. Additionally, you can venture to nearby towns like Glasson and Ballynahown, which feature similar attractions. For those looking to explore a bit further, Knocknanool is just 5 miles away and offers access to Lough Ree, Clonmacnoise, and Athlone Castle. With a rental car, you can create a travel experience tailored to your interests, whether it's immersing yourself in local culture or enjoying outdoor activities with loved ones.

Most popular car rentals in Athlone

• Standard: The Standard car is perfect for accommodating up to 5 travelers and offers space for up to 3 large suitcases. This option is ideal for couples and families looking to explore Athlone comfortably. With its spacious interior, you'll have the freedom to travel at your own pace while managing your luggage easily.
• Midsize Van: If you are traveling with a larger group, the Midsize Van is an excellent choice. It accommodates up to 9 travelers and can hold up to 6 large suitcases. This option is particularly well-suited for families or groups who want to explore Athlone together. Enjoy the extra space and comfort as you embark on your adventures.
• Economy: The Economy car option is a smart choice for those traveling solo, as well as couples and small families. It accommodates up to 5 travelers and provides room for 2 medium suitcases. This option is both economical and efficient, allowing you to navigate Athlone with ease while keeping your travel costs low.

Top rated car suppliers in Athlone

• Enterprise: With one rental location in Athlone, Enterprise is a popular choice for travelers seeking flexibility. They offer a diverse selection of vehicles, with the Midsize SUV and Economy models being the most booked. Renting from Enterprise allows you to explore Athlone and its surroundings at your own pace, making it an excellent option for managing your luggage and adjusting your itinerary as needed.

Where to stay in and around Athlone

• Ballinasloe: Located 13 miles from Athlone, Ballinasloe is a vibrant city appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and families. Visitors can enjoy activities at local shopping centers and golf courses. Key attractions include the historic ruins of Clonmacnoise and Kilconnell Franciscan Friary, perfect for cultural exploration. The area also offers various dining options, including pubs and bars, making it a convenient base for travelers looking to enjoy both activities and local cuisine.
• Glasson: Situated in close proximity to Athlone, Glasson is a charming village known for its romantic and outdoor experiences. With access to golf courses and scenic lakes, this destination is ideal for couples and sports enthusiasts alike. Notable points of interest include Lough Ree, which provides stunning views and outdoor activities, and the historic Athlone Castle. The village also features lovely dining spots and bars, enriching your stay with local flavors.
• Taghmaconnell: Just 6 miles from Athlone, Taghmaconnell is a city that thrives on culture and outdoor activities. The area is known for its golf courses and historic sites, including local churches and castles. Visitors can explore Lough Ree, which offers beautiful scenery and outdoor experiences, as well as the cultural richness of Clonmacnoise and Athlone Castle. This destination is perfect for travelers seeking a mix of sports and historical exploration.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Athlone

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car to save money, filters on Expedia can help you discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary significantly based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you can often secure lower prices and greater availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come with lower rental costs and are easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you need to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the best choice. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also be convenient. Just remember to return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can protect you from unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind during your trip. It's easy to add insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning on long road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to help you avoid extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Athlone

The best value period to rent a car in and around Athlone is April, when both prices and demand are at their lowest. This month offers a great opportunity for travelers seeking good rates. Following April, May and October typically feature average prices and demand, making them viable options as well. However, September stands out as the most expensive month, with demand remaining moderately high. July and August can also see increased prices alongside high demand, which may not be as budget-friendly.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	40.3°F (4.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	41.2°F (5.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
March	42.8°F (6.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
April	46.6°F (8.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low
May	51.3°F (10.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	56.1°F (13.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Moderately Low
July	58.3°F (14.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Moderately High
August	57.6°F (14.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately High
September	54.7°F (12.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately High
October	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	44.2°F (6.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low
December	41.4°F (5.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Athlone

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Athlone into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Athlone and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Athlone

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Athlone. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Athlone

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $43.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

We all love being rewarded

One Key members save 10% or more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Not only that, earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands: Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. Learn more and join today.

Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals