Car hire in Belfast, United Kingdom

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Choose from 50 pick-up spots

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There are 50 car hire providers in Belfast. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

Driving in Belfast: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
A full licence and credit card are required.
To rent a car in Belfast, bring your driving licence, passport (or ID), and a credit card. No International Driving Permit (IDP) is needed in Belfast for UK or EU licence holders.
Navigating city driving
One-way streets and bus lanes need attention.
Driving in Belfast means dealing with restricted turns, narrow roads and marked bus lanes. Use a sat nav or app to avoid city centre limits and make routes across the river easier to follow.
Tolls, emissions zones and charges
No tolls or emissions zones in the city.
There are no toll roads in Belfast itself. Most major roads are free to use, and there are currently no low-emission zones or congestion charges.
Parking your car in Belfast
Parking can be expensive in central areas.
Street parking in Belfast is metered and limited to set time slots. Multi-storey car parks and hotel parking are common alternatives. Avoid bus lanes and check restrictions on busy shopping streets.
Finding fuel or charging points
Fuel is easy to find — EV charging is widespread.
Petrol stations are common across Belfast. EV charging stations in Belfast are growing quickly — use apps like Zap-Map or ecarNI to find fast chargers in public car parks and retail areas.
Local driving style and tips
City traffic is steady but busy at times.
Local driving rules in Belfast are clearly marked and well observed. Follow signage at roundabouts and junctions, stay alert in busier central areas, and watch for cyclists in shared lanes.
Find Belfast car hire deals

The most popular car rental companies in Belfast

Choose from the best car hire companies in Belfast

Hiring a car in Belfast: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyDrivalia
Most popular carIntermediate/Standard, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceP6,514
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Belfast

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Belfast car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Belfast

  • Grab a cheap rental car in Belfast and start your adventure for around P6,514 a day. From solo rides to family outings, we'll find the right wheels for whatever you have planned.

  • The cheapest daily rental price in Belfast is P1,533.

  • Planning an extended stay and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? P10,730 is the best rate for a weekly rental.

  • Timing is everything when it comes to finding the best price on a Belfast car hire. Try booking around two weeks before you go.

  • Line up your ride with Budget, Drivalia or Dollar. They're some of the most trusted providers in the city.

  • Whether you choose Budget or a different supplier, double-check the coverage on your Belfast car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a bargain if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Discover the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Save money on fuel by choosing a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and return it full, so you're only paying for what you use.

  • Pack more into your journey by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can go as far as you like with no extra cost.

Best value car hire options right now

  • Coming out on top for value is this company, with average prices of P5,799 a day.

  • Offering daily rates of around P5,406, [this provider](this provider) comes in next.

  • The third option also stays competitive on price. Drive off in one of their rentals for roughly P3,726 a day.

  • The Intermediate rental category is a dependable pick if you're not sure what sort of ride you need. It's also the vehicle type that's booked more than any other in Belfast.

Flying to Belfast? Think about an airport pick-up

  • Keep arrival day hassle-free by picking up a car hire at Belfast International Airport. If you're flying to Belfast through this airport, simply collect your ride after landing and head out. The drive to the city centre is about 19 kilometers and takes around 25 minutes.

  • Or fasten your belt and motor off with a car hire from Belfast City Airport. It'll take roughly 15 minutes to drive the 5 kilometers or so to the centre.

Compare car hire types in Belfast

  • Small: Whether you're zipping around busy cities or simply planning a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to great mileage and easy handling.

  • Medium: A smart pick when you need something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg space compared to smaller options.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the suitcases, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the space to pack it all in without breaking a sweat. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this Belfast car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and country routes alike.

  • Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Belfast makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're spacious, versatile, and ready for whatever the journey demands.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your Belfast car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it's a safety net if something happens. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you know exactly what's included.

  • From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can totally transform your drive. Weigh up which features could make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Belfast.

Good to know

  • The minimum age to rent a car in the United Kingdom is generally 21 years old. However rules can vary by provider, so always double-check your rental company's terms to see what applies to you.

  • If you've got the kids in tow, find out if you need to add a child car seat to your Belfast car hire booking. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.

  • You'll need some documents when you get to the rental counter. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.

  • Spend some time getting acquainted with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, find the lights and blinkers, and get used to how it handles before you set off. And remember to stick to the left side of the road in the United Kingdom.

  • Local speed limits are usually about 40kph through urban areas and around 100kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United Kingdom is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.

  • Try to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother trip. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.

  • You'll be using the British pound (GBP) on your trip here. In addition to your debit and credit cards, consider taking some cash for minor purchases.

Best hotels in Belfast for drivers

  • Offering parking, Gregory by the Warren Collection takes the stress out of finding a place for your car. This hotel is about 2 kilometers from central Belfast and also comes with a games room and a garden.

  • Tara Lodge is also a good option if your plans involve plenty of driving. It features parking, along with luggage storage and internet access. Check in here and you'll be roughly 2 kilometers from the city centre.

  • Browse the lineup of hotels in Belfast for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find what works for you. You can also apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to bring up places with on-site charging.

  • After you've found a car hire deal in Belfast and your hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Titanic Shipyard, Titanic People and Titanic Belfast are some of the city's best experiences.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Belfast

  • Shift gears and make tracks to Craigavon. Around 32 kilometers southwest of central Belfast, you'll find must-see sights like Ardress House and Oxford Island Nature Reserve.

  • Or pick up your cheap car hire in Belfast and then set off for Newry. Roughly 56 kilometers southwest of Belfast, The Fairy Glen and Slieve Gullion Forest Drive are among the highlights that make the extra drive worth it.

  • Newry has some comfortable accommodation options such as Canal Court and Flagstaff Lodge. Both give you somewhere to leave your car while you're here.

  • Take things a bit further and road-trip it to Edinburgh, around 225 kilometers northeast of Belfast. First, visit Royal Mile, then head to Edinburgh Castle.

  • Rest your head in Edinburgh at either Ten Hill Place or Yotel Edinburgh. They've got a room waiting for you and a spot for your wheels too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Belfast will set you back around P6,514 per day or P25,524 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Belfast is a compact crossover (similar to SUVs). The most popular is Intermediate/Standard, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Belfast are currently Drivalia and Alamo.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Belfast is currently December.
On average, around P25,524. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Belfast is P10,730.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Belfast for a whole month is P84,921. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Belfast, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Belfast that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Belfast.
Most places – Belfast included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is P1,533 per day. The average price per day is around P4,379.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Drivalia, Budget and Enterprise offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Europcar as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Belfast.