Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Waterford
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Waterford
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Waterford
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Waterford
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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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.
Our clients rate such place as Waterford 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.
Lovely stop on our road trip! Waterford was charming, and having a car made getting around so easy.
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 11.02.2025
Pretty laid-back place
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!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 31.07.2025
Pretty relaxed vibe
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.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 30.03.2025
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Pretty chill, actually.
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 07.04.2025