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4.67/5
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Excellent
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Galway
Galway
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Galway
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Galway
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Galway
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Why Rent a Car in Galway?
Galway, a vibrant city on Ireland's west coast, is the perfect starting point for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way and the stunning Connemara region. While Galway itself is walkable, a rental car unlocks the true potential of the surrounding areas, offering flexibility and convenience.
Explore the Wild Atlantic Way. Driving lets you discover hidden beaches, charming villages, and breathtaking coastal views at your own pace. Public transport options are limited, making a car essential for this iconic route.
Visit Connemara National Park. With a rental car, you can easily access hiking trails, scenic drives, and historic sites within the park. This gives you the freedom to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region.
Discover Hidden Gems. Drive to places like Kylemore Abbey, the Aran Islands (via ferry from Rossaveal), and numerous picturesque towns that are difficult to reach without your own transportation.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Galway
Before booking a rental car in Galway, ensure you understand the rental terms to avoid surprises.
Area
53.5 square kilometers (20.7 square miles)
Population
Approximately 80,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT (GMT+1 during summer time)
Ideal for
Exploring the Wild Atlantic Way
Rush Hours
Expect traffic delays 8 AM – 9:30 AM and 5 PM – 6:30 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. Non-EU residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original license.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance. Consider additional coverage 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, but 'full-to-full' is common, requiring you to return the car with a full tank.
5. Extra FeesAdditional fees may apply for extras such as GPS, child seats, or additional drivers. One-way rentals can also incur extra charges.
Car Rental Prices in Galway – How Much Does It Cost?
Car rental prices in Galway vary depending on the season, car type, and rental duration.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €23
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €35
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to summer tourism.
Low season (November to February): You can often find discounted rates during the quieter winter months.
Prices fluctuate based on demand and time of year.
How to Book a Car in Galway?
Follow these steps to secure the best car rental for your Galway adventure.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering the terrain and number of passengers.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits and insurance coverage.
4. Book in Advance - Book early, especially during peak season, to secure lower prices and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, passport, and credit card for the security deposit.
General Information About Galway
Galway is a charming city known for its vibrant arts scene and access to stunning natural landscapes.
Located on the west coast of Ireland, Galway is the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way and Connemara. While the city center is easily walkable, a car is essential for exploring the surrounding region. Be aware of narrow roads and limited parking in the city. Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and fuel station locations before setting off on your adventure.
Top Attractions to Discover
Eyre Square
A central meeting point and park in the heart of Galway.
Galway Cathedral
A stunning example of 20th-century architecture.
Spanish Arch
A historic landmark with views of the Corrib River.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use city center car parks for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display parking is available but can be limited.
Park & Ride
Consider the park-and-ride service from the outskirts of the city.
Gas Stations in Galway
Easy Availability
Fuel stations are readily available on the outskirts of Galway and along major routes.
Major Brands
Find well-known brands like Circle K, Texaco and Inver.
Use Navigation Apps
Utilize navigation apps like Google Maps to locate nearby stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Galway
Use Contactless Payment
Contactless payment is widely accepted for parking and public transport.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in the city center.
Allow Extra Time
Traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours, so allow extra time for your journey.
Key Transportation Hubs in Galway
Major Bus Stations
Galway Bus Station (Ceannt Station)
Serves as the primary hub for Bus Éireann and private coach services.
Railway Stations
Galway Railway Station (Ceannt Station)
Provides rail services to Dublin and other major cities.
Airports
Shannon Airport (SNN)
Located approximately 90 kilometers south of Galway, offering international flights.
Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC)
Situated about 90 kilometers north of Galway, serving various European destinations.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Galway?
To rent a car in Galway, you'll need to meet certain requirements.
Ensure you have a valid driver's license. Non-EU residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Surcharges may apply for younger drivers.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other government-issued ID may be required.
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Our Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Galway as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Exploring Galway with a car was brilliant! The coast was breathtaking, and the city itself was so vibrant.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 16.05.2025
Loved exploring Galway with my friends! The city's atmosphere was electric, and the pubs were fantastic. The weather was a bit unpredictable, though.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 12.02.2025
Such a fun trip! Galway's charm and the beautiful surrounding countryside were unforgettable.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 28.11.2024
Pretty chill vibe.
Olivia Brown
Reviewed: 08.05.2025
Back in Galway after years, it's even better! Exploring the coast and charming towns was effortless with a car.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 26.01.2025
Heard so much about Galway, and it lived up to the hype! Driving around was easy, the scenery breathtaking.
Amelia Davis
Reviewed: 03.02.2025
Quick Galway weekend trip, fantastic! The coastline drives were stunning; the city buzzed with life.
Mia Lee
Reviewed: 23.02.2025
Honestly, Galway exceeded expectations. Exploring the coastline was a dream, though the crowds at the Spanish Arch were a bit overwhelming.
Isabelle Peterson
Reviewed: 20.03.2025
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 19.01.2025
Galway was lovely; exploring Connemara with the family was a highlight. The city itself was a bit underwhelming, though the pubs were great.
Sophia Martinez
Reviewed: 19.08.2024
Galway was a perfect stop on our Irish road trip! Charming city, stunning scenery easily accessible by car. Highly recommend!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 20.02.2025