Northern Ireland Car Rentals

I have a discount code

Featured car rental suppliers

Compare from agencies

car suppliers logo

  • protection illustration

    Change your mind

    Penalty-free cancellation on many/select car rentals
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save 10% or more on over 1 million car rentals
    Learn about One Key
  • package illustration

    Shop smart

    Compare car suppliers and package your flight, hotel, and car to save

Top destinations to rent a car in Northern Ireland

A park with people relaxing on the grass, surrounded by historic buildings and a statue.
CarsCars

Belfast

Belfast

What you need to know for your Northern Ireland car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in Northern Ireland

Renting a car in Northern Ireland offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create a travel itinerary that suits your preferences. This is particularly beneficial for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience the stunning scenery and rich culture that Northern Ireland has to offer.

With a car, you can visit key attractions like Titanic Belfast, a must-see maritime museum in Belfast, and the iconic Giant's Causeway, renowned for its unique rock formations and outdoor beauty. Additionally, the historic Derry City Walls in Londonderry provide a glimpse into the region's past. Traveling between popular destinations is straightforward; you can explore Belfast, with its vibrant city center and attractions like the Belfast Botanic Gardens, or venture to Londonderry to see the Museum of Free Derry and the Guildhall. A rental car makes it convenient to enjoy these experiences while allowing for spontaneous stops along the way, enhancing your overall travel adventure in Northern Ireland.

Most popular car rentals in Northern Ireland

  • Economy: This car type accommodates up to 5 travelers and allows for 2 medium suitcases, making it an ideal choice for solo travelers, couples, or families. Its compact size is perfect for navigating through Northern Ireland's scenic routes while providing the flexibility to manage your luggage with ease. Economy cars are also often fuel-efficient, which can help you save on travel costs during your adventure.
  • Midsize SUV: Accommodating 5 travelers and offering space for up to 3 large suitcases, this option is perfect for families, couples, or small groups embarking on a road trip. The Midsize SUV provides a comfortable ride, ensuring that everyone has ample space to relax during longer journeys. Additionally, its larger size can be beneficial for tackling outdoor excursions and enjoying the beautiful landscapes Northern Ireland has to offer.
  • Compact: With room for 5 travelers and the ability to carry up to 3 medium suitcases, the Compact car serves as a versatile option for solo travelers, couples, and families alike. This vehicle strikes a balance between space and maneuverability, making it easier to navigate city streets and rural roads. Its practicality allows for easy luggage management while maintaining a comfortable experience for all passengers.

Where to stay in Northern Ireland

  • Belfast: As a vibrant metropolis, Belfast offers a range of accommodations suitable for families and eco-friendly travelers. Popular attractions such as the Titanic Belfast maritime museum and the beautiful Belfast Botanic Gardens are easily accessible. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities at Boucher Road Playing Fields, making Belfast a great base for exploration. The city also boasts various dining options, including local breweries and distilleries, enhancing your experience.
  • Londonderry: Known for its rich cultural heritage, Londonderry is perfect for those seeking a blend of outdoor activities and historical exploration. Key sites like the Derry City Walls and the Museum of Free Derry provide insight into the city’s past. The city also features parks and recreational areas ideal for family outings. Nearby dining options include local bars and distilleries, adding to your stay in this historic city.
  • Portrush: This picturesque coastal town is renowned for its stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. Portrush is home to beautiful beaches like the East Strand and West Strand, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers. The iconic Giant's Causeway is also nearby, offering a unique natural landscape for exploration. With eco-friendly dining options available, Portrush combines relaxation and adventure for a memorable stay.

10 tips to save on your car rental in Northern Ireland

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect vehicle for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary with demand, so it’s advisable to make your reservation well in advance of your trip. Booking early often secures lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size cars strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years old may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify age requirements prior to booking.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals implement a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is generally the most advantageous option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are acceptable as well—just remember to return the car empty in that case.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance while booking through Expedia is straightforward.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to take long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in Northern Ireland

The best value period to rent a car in Northern Ireland is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is low. January also offers good value, with low demand and similar pricing. March sees a slight increase in demand and prices, but still remains reasonable. As summer approaches, June through August become more expensive, with high demand and slightly high pricing in those months. July is typically the most expensive month for rentals, reflecting peak travel activity.

Find Northern Ireland Car Rentals

Expedia.com makes it easy for you to book your next Northern Ireland car rental. We work with the best car rental companies in Northern Ireland, bringing you discount car rental rates and a wide variety of car rental classes including economy, compact, midsize, full-size, convertible, van, luxury and SUV rentals. Our partner car rental companies in Northern Ireland offer different pick-up and drop-off options. If you are ready to book your Northern Ireland car rental, follow the links on this page to view more information and details on your next short or long term car rental.

Expedia.com offers a wide selection of rental cars in Northern Ireland to meet nearly every need. If you need any special equipment, like a child seat or ski rack, let us know and we will forward your request on to the rental car company. And what's more, when you choose to rent a car from one of our Northern Ireland airport car rental partners you'll be dealing with a rental car company that has made a special commitment to provide Expedia customers with great customer service, a wide choice of top quality cars, and competitive total pricing.

Expedia.com offers many Northern Ireland rental cars pick up locations

Find the best place to get your Northern Ireland airport rental cars by searching tons of pickup locations with Expedia.com

Frequently asked questions

What are the cheapest car rentals in Northern Ireland?
You can find cheap car rentals in Northern Ireland from $11 a day with Greenmotion's compact 4-5 door cars. Car rentals for exploring Northern Ireland are picked up at the region's main gateway, Glasgow Airport (GLA). From there it's an easy drive to towns like Belfast and Newry. Suppliers such as Sixt and Enterprise operate across the region. Rates shift by vehicle type and dates, so compare a few pickup points and dates on Expedia to find a rate that suits your trip. For more options, explore Economy Car Rentals in Northern Ireland.
What are the best car rentals in Northern Ireland?
Car rentals across Northern Ireland offer a full range of vehicle types from providers like Sixt, Enterprise, and Greenmotion, broadly available in the region's main cities - Belfast, Newry, and Portrush. The most common car classes include:
  • Compact 4-5 door
  • Economy SUV
  • Compact elite SUV
  • Economy 4-5 door
  • Compact SUV
Choose based on passenger count, luggage, and whether you're driving in the city or exploring the wider region. For more options, explore Minivan Car Rentals in Northern Ireland.

What are the best car rental companies in Northern Ireland?
For car rentals across Northern Ireland, well-rated providers like Sixt, Enterprise, and Greenmotion offer a strong mix of vehicles and competitive rates, with wide availability in the region's main cities - Belfast, Newry, and Portrush. Compare suppliers and pickup points on Expedia to find a great rate and the right vehicle for your trip.
Can I rent a car from Glasgow Airport (GLA) for exploring Northern Ireland?
Yes - you can pick up a rental car right at Glasgow Airport (GLA) for exploring Northern Ireland. Providers including Sixt, Enterprise, and Greenmotion operate at the airport, with rates from around $14 a day. Glasgow Airport is the region's main gateway and a convenient base for reaching cities across the area, from Belfast to Newry.
Can I rent a car one-way in Northern Ireland?
Yes, one-way car rentals work well across Northern Ireland - pick up in one city, such as Belfast, and drop-off in another, like Newry, which is ideal for regional road trips, with prices starting from around $12 a day. Providers like Sixt and Enterprise offer flexible one-way options. A one-way drop-off fee may apply, so confirm it when booking on Expedia.
Are there electric or hybrid car rental companies in Northern Ireland?
Electric and hybrid car rentals are available across Northern Ireland, including in Belfast and Newry. Europcar offers hybrid plug-in from $11 a day, and Sixt and Enterprise both offer electric options from $12 a day. EVs keep fuel costs low, and charging is widely available along major routes. Book a few weeks ahead as demand is high, and plan charging stops for longer regional drives.
What are the best luxury car rental companies in Northern Ireland?
For luxury car rentals across Northern Ireland, Enterprise offers a luxury passenger van from $48 a day (and premium SUV from $54 a day), while Sixt and Greenmotion also add premium categories - high-end vehicles with extra comfort and space for exploring the region in style. You'll find them in the region's main cities like Belfast and Newry. Use Expedia's car-class filters to browse premium options and compare rates before you book. For more options, explore Luxury Car Rentals in Northern Ireland.
What are the best car rentals in Northern Ireland for families or groups?
For families or groups exploring Northern Ireland, SUVs and minivans give you room for passengers, car seats, strollers, and luggage - available across the region's cities, from Belfast to Newry:
  • Enterprise: midsize passenger van from $40 a day - seats up to 9 people with room for 6 large suitcases
  • Alamo Rent A Car: fullsize SUV from $32 a day - seats up to 6 people with room for 3 large or 5 medium suitcases
  • Europcar: midsize SUV from $17 a day - seats up to 5 people with room for 3 large suitcases
These keep everyone comfortable for both city driving and longer trips into the surrounding area. Book a few weeks ahead, as the larger vehicles can have lower availability during busy periods. For more options, explore SUV Car Rentals in Northern Ireland.

What are the best car rentals in Northern Ireland for solo travelers?
Mini and compact classes are often good car rental options for solo travelers in Northern Ireland - small, easy to park, and cheap to run for one person exploring the region at their own pace, available across cities like Belfast and Newry:
  • Mini car, from $11 a day - fits up to 2 small suitcases, nimble on tight city streets
  • Compact car, from $14 a day - fits up to 3 medium suitcases with a little more room for luggage
Both comfortably fit a solo traveler plus a bag or two. Compare suppliers on Expedia to find the right car for getting around the region. For more options, explore Compact Car Rentals in Northern Ireland.

What are the best car rentals in Northern Ireland for couples?
The best car rentals in Northern Ireland for couples balance comfort and easy handling for two, available across the region's cities like Belfast and Newry:
  • Midsize SUV, from $26 a day - fits up to 3 large suitcases with smooth cruising for two
  • Compact SUV, from $22 a day - fits up to 3 medium suitcases with a higher ride for regional day trips
Both give a couple comfortable seating and trunk space without being hard to park. For a special trip, consider a fullsize SUV - fits up to 3 large or 5 medium suitcases - for scenic drives around Northern Ireland. For more options, explore Midsize Car Rentals in Northern Ireland.

What are the closest airports to Northern Ireland for car rental pick-up?
Several airports offer car rental pick-up for Northern Ireland, giving you flexible options close to your arrival point:
  • Glasgow Airport (GLA)
  • Belfast International Airport (BFS)
  • George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD)
Compare rental rates at each airport on Expedia to find a rate that fits your trip.

Which side of the road do you drive on in Northern Ireland?
In Northern Ireland, you drive on the left-hand side of the road. Keep to local speed limits and traffic laws for a safe, easy drive while exploring the region's cities and the roads between them. If you're used to driving on the other side, give yourself a little time to adjust - take extra care at intersections and roundabouts, which flow in the opposite direction.
Are there any hidden fees when renting a car on Expedia?
Expedia aims to show the key price and important rental details clearly during booking, so you know what to expect before you reserve. In some cases, car rental companies may apply additional charges at pick-up or during the rental, such as security deposits, tolls, fuel charges, extra driver fees, or local requirements, so it's worth checking the supplier's rental terms before you book.
Are there any long-term car rentals in Northern Ireland?
Yes, there are several long-term car rental options available in Northern Ireland. Whether you're planning an extended holiday with the family, relocating temporarily, or simply need a vehicle for several weeks or months, many car rental providers offer flexible long-term rental plans tailored to your needs. Click on our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip information and then book a ride that suits.
Do you need insurance to rent a car in Northern Ireland?
No, you don't need personal auto insurance to rent a car in most cases. You will, however, be required to purchase some insurance to cover the duration of the rental. Rental companies will offer this insurance when you rent the car. Certain personal car insurance policies can also be applied to rental cars, and travelers can even use non-owner car insurance if they rent cars often but don't have a car of their own. Additionally, some car rentals simply include rental car insurance within the price of the rental.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Northern Ireland?
Budget car rental in Northern Ireland can be easy to find, with prices based on rates seen within the past seven days . To find some of the cheapest options, sort your search results by price and use filters to match your budget and travel needs. For added flexibility, it's also worth exploring one-way car rentals.
What are the top car rental deals in Northern Ireland?
No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, Expedia makes it easy to find a great car rental deal in Northern Ireland. The easiest way to get a good deal on a rental car is to use our filters. At the top of the filter list, you'll find a section featuring our best car rental offers. Check the filter for "Great Deal," and your search results will be filled with specials. Compare offers from trusted rental providers, choose the option that fits your trip, and book with confidence. For even more value, bundle your Northern Ireland car rental with a hotel or flight to unlock additional savings.
What do I need to rent a car in Northern Ireland?
To rent a car in Northern Ireland, a current driver's license and a credit card in the same name are essential. If you're opting out of the company's insurance plan, then you may also need proof of other coverage. Rules may differ between rental companies, so read through your policy.
What happens if I need to cancel my Northern Ireland car rental?
If you need to cancel your Northern Ireland car rental, read over the policy to be sure, but almost all prepaid rentals are eligible for a complete refund if you notify us at least six hours prior to the pickup time, though there may be some exclusions so check your itinerary for more information, or just click through to our Customer Service Portal.

Car Rental Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation