Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Newtownards
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Newtownards
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Newtownards
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Newtownards
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Newtownards is a vibrant town offering a blend of history, natural beauty and charming local attractions. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the ultimate freedom to explore at your own pace. Discover the reasons why a car rental is the perfect choice for your Newtownards adventure.
Explore the Ards Peninsula: With a rental car, you can easily traverse the stunning Ards Peninsula, uncovering hidden gems and coastal views that are inaccessible by public transport.
Visit Mount Stewart: Enjoy the convenience of driving to the world-renowned Mount Stewart gardens and house, exploring its vast landscapes and historical significance without time constraints.
Discover Local Villages: A car allows you to venture into the charming villages surrounding Newtownards, such as Greyabbey and Portaferry, experiencing the authentic Northern Irish culture.
Before booking a rental car in Newtownards, it’s crucial to understand the rental terms and conditions. Knowing the requirements and regulations ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
37.27 square kilometres (14.39 square miles)
Population
Approximately 28,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT (GMT+1 during summer)
Ideal for
Exploring surrounding areas
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic 8 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsGenerally, the minimum age to rent a car in Newtownards is 21. However, some companies may have higher age limits or charge additional fees for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence isn't in English or accompanied by an official translation.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance. However, consider additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is usually required, held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy; unlimited mileage is often available. Fuel policies vary—some require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, one-way rentals, or optional add-ons like GPS or child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £10 / $13 / €12 per day
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in Newtownards involves a few key steps to ensure you get the best deal and the right vehicle for your needs.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best rental deals from various providers in Newtownards.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance coverage and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better prices and vehicle availability by booking your car rental well in advance, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card and any other required documentation when you pick up your rental car.
Newtownards offers a blend of historical sites and scenic landscapes. Understanding local driving conditions and regulations can enhance your experience, especially when renting a car to explore beyond the town centre.
Nestled near Strangford Lough, Newtownards is a gateway to the Ards Peninsula’s natural beauty. While the town is accessible, a car rental provides the flexibility to discover hidden gems and surrounding attractions at your own pace. Driving within Newtownards is generally straightforward, but familiarising yourself with local traffic laws and parking regulations ensures a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Scrabo Tower
An iconic landmark offering panoramic views of Strangford Lough and the surrounding countryside.
Ards Arts Centre
A cultural hub showcasing local and international art exhibitions and performances.
Somme Heritage Centre
A museum dedicated to the Irish soldiers who fought in World War I.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several public car parks are available in the town centre, offering secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Limited on-street parking is available, often with time restrictions. Check signage carefully.
Park & Ride
No dedicated park-and-ride facilities are available directly in Newtownards, but nearby towns may offer this option.
Gas Stations in Newtownards
Convenient Locations
Several fuel stations are located on the main roads entering and exiting Newtownards.
Major Brands Available
Look for brands such as Applegreen, Maxol and local independent stations.
Plan Ahead
Fuel stations are readily accessible, but it's always a good idea to refuel before embarking on longer journeys.
Useful Tips for Visiting Newtownards
Use Cash or Card
Most establishments accept both cash and card payments.
Respect Local Customs
Be mindful and respectful of local customs and traditions.
Allow Extra Travel Time
Factor in extra travel time during peak hours, especially when travelling to or from Belfast.
Check Event Schedules
Be aware of local events that may impact traffic and parking availability.
Major Bus Stations
Newtownards Bus Station
Located in the town centre, serving local and regional bus routes.
Railway Stations
No Railway Station
Newtownards does not have a railway station. The nearest railway station is in Bangor, approximately 7 miles away.
Airports
George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD)
Located approximately 16 miles from Newtownards, serving domestic and European flights.
Belfast International Airport (BFS)
Located approximately 30 miles from Newtownards, serving international and domestic flights.
Renting a car in Northern Ireland is a straightforward process, but you'll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here's what you'll need:
A valid driver’s licence is required. If your licence isn't in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may have additional fees for younger drivers.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Newtownards as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty chilled, really.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 08.07.2025
Pleasant enough, really.
Chloe Davies
Reviewed: 26.06.2025
Relaxing, car handy.
James Wilson
Reviewed: 24.09.2024
Exploring Newtownards was a breeze! Having a car made getting around so simple and enjoyable. Loved it.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 05.06.2025
Quiet, car useful.
Oliver Reed
Reviewed: 29.06.2025
Family holiday was fantastic! Having a car made exploring Newtownards so easy. Beautiful scenery.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 05.09.2024
Such a smooth road trip! Having a car in Newtownards was perfect; exploring was effortless.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 25.08.2024
Pretty decent, really.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 10.10.2024
Lovely stop on our road trip. Having a car was perfect for exploring.
Grace Murphy
Reviewed: 22.08.2024
Wonderful spontaneous weekend! Getting around with a car was so easy, and Newtownards was charming.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 07.07.2025
Chill vibe, car worked.
Isabelle Peterson
Reviewed: 26.04.2025
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Quick business trip, car rental made things easy. Newtownards was fine; the town centre felt a little underwhelming, though. Got everything done.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 13.09.2024