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Car rental in Waterford - Search, Compare, and Save

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4.67/5

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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Waterford

Waterford

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Waterford

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Waterford

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Waterford

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

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 Waterford?

Waterford, Ireland's oldest city, is a treasure trove of history and natural beauty. While walkable, a rental car unlocks its true potential.

Explore the Waterford Greenway. Cycle or walk this stunning off-road trail, but a car makes accessing different entry points easy.

Discover the Copper Coast. Drive along this UNESCO Global Geopark, stopping at charming villages and scenic beaches at your own pace.

Visit the House of Waterford Crystal. While in the city centre, having a car allows you to easily transport any purchases you make.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Waterford

Renting a car in Waterford is straightforward, but familiarizing yourself with the terms ensures a smooth experience.

Area

41.59 square kilometers (16.06 square miles)

Population

Approximately 53,504 residents

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) during winter, IST (UTC+1) during summer

Ideal for

Exploring the county and nearby regions

Rush Hours

Expect heavier traffic 8 AM – 9:30 AM and 5 PM – 6:30 PM

Rating

4.8/5

1. Age RequirementsMost companies require drivers to be at least 21. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is essential. EU licenses are accepted. Non-EU license holders might need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) can reduce your liability. A security deposit is held on your credit card.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyUnlimited mileage is common, but always confirm. Full-to-full fuel policies are standard – return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.

5. Additional FeesExtras like GPS, child seats, or additional drivers incur fees. One-way rentals might also carry extra charges.

Car Rental Prices in Waterford – How Much Does It Cost?

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £35 / $44 / €42

Electric:

from £20 / $25 / €24

Classic:

from £9 / $11 / €10

Executive:

from £26 / $33 / €31

7 Seater:

from £29 / $37 / €35

Automatic:

from £17 / $21 / €20

SUV:

from £10 / $13 / €12

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to summer holidays and tourist influx.

Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available, with prices potentially lower by 15-25%.

Booking early and comparing offers are essential to secure the best deal, especially during peak seasons.

How to Book a Car in Waterford?

Follow these steps to secure your rental car in Waterford, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

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 size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.

3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.

4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates and availability by booking your car well in advance, especially during peak season.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card to collect your vehicle.

General Information About Waterford

Waterford offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Understanding local driving conditions enhances your experience.

As Ireland's oldest city, Waterford is a vibrant destination with a rich maritime history and a lively cultural scene. While the city center is compact and walkable, a car allows you to explore the broader region, including the stunning coastline and picturesque countryside. However, navigating the city requires awareness of local traffic regulations, parking options, and fuel availability to ensure a smooth and stress-free visit.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Waterford Crystal

    Witness the craftsmanship at the Waterford Crystal factory and visitor center.

  • Reginald's Tower

    Explore this Viking-era tower, Waterford's oldest civic building.

  • Waterford Greenway

    Cycle or walk this scenic trail along a disused railway line.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Use city-center parking garages for secure and convenient parking.

  • On-Street Parking

    Pay-and-display parking is available, but be mindful of time limits and restrictions.

  • Park & Ride

    Utilize the park-and-ride service from the edge of the city to avoid city-center traffic.

Gas Stations in Waterford

  • Convenient Locations

    Find gas stations on the main roads leading into and out of Waterford.

  • Major Brands

    Esso, Circle K and Texaco stations are readily available.

  • Check Opening Hours

    Some stations, especially in rural areas, may have limited hours.

Useful Tips for Visiting Waterford

  • Use Contactless Payment

    Contactless payments are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and on public transport.

  • Allow Extra Travel Time

    Traffic can be heavy during rush hours, so allow extra time for your journeys.

  • Check for Road Closures

    Be aware of potential road closures due to events or construction.

  • Drive on the Left

    Remember to drive on the left side of the road.

Key Transportation Hubs in Waterford

Major Bus Stations

Waterford Bus Station

Located in the city center, it provides regional and national bus services.

Railway Stations

Waterford Plunkett Station

Offers train services to Dublin and other major cities.

Airports

Waterford Airport (WAT)

Primarily serves private and charter flights; the closest major airport is Cork Airport (ORK).

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Waterford?

Ensure you have all the necessary documents to rent a car in Waterford, Ireland.

  • A full, valid driver's license is required. If your license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) might be necessary.

  • Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may have additional restrictions or fees for drivers under 25.

  • A credit or debit card in the main driver's name is required for the security deposit.

  • A passport or other form of government-issued ID is usually required.

Our Content Quality

This content was written

This content was written, fast-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, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.

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Our Customers Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Waterford as

4.8

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.

Pretty chill, actually.

MS

Mike Smith

Reviewed: 07.04.2025

Lovely stop on our road trip! Waterford was charming, and having a car made getting around so easy.

EB

Emily Brown

Reviewed: 11.02.2025

Pretty laid-back place

LM

Liam Murphy

Reviewed: 23.11.2024

Waterford was fantastic! Having a car was perfect for exploring the coast; I spent relaxing days by the sea. Highly recommend!

SJ

Sarah Jones

Reviewed: 31.07.2025

Pretty relaxed vibe

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 30.04.2025

Waterford was delightful! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze, allowing me to explore everything at my own pace.

AG

Ava Garcia

Reviewed: 30.03.2025

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