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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Dublin
Dublin
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Dublin
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Dublin
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Dublin
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 Dublin?
Dublin, a vibrant city steeped in history and culture, offers endless opportunities for exploration. While public transport is available, renting a car provides unparalleled flexibility and convenience, especially if you plan to discover the surrounding areas.
Explore Beyond the City Center. With a rental car, you can easily access scenic spots like the Wicklow Mountains, the Cliffs of Moher, and the charming towns along the coast, all at your own pace.
Convenience and Comfort. Whether you're traveling with family, carrying luggage, or need to attend business meetings, a rental car offers a comfortable and hassle-free transportation solution.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or larger groups, renting a car can be more economical than purchasing multiple train or bus tickets, particularly for day trips or extended journeys.
Flexibility and Freedom. Unlike public transport with fixed routes and schedules, a rental car allows you to create your own itinerary and visit attractions whenever you choose. Take spontaneous detours and discover hidden gems without constraints.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Dublin
Before renting a car in Dublin, ensure you meet the age requirements (typically 21+), possess a valid driver's license, and understand the insurance, deposit, mileage, and fuel policies. Note that additional fees may apply for extras or young drivers.
Area
117.2 square kilometers (45.3 square miles)
Population
Approximately 1.4 million residents
Time Zone
GMT (GMT+1 during summer time)
Ideal for
Exploring the Irish countryside
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Dublin require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some having a minimum age of 23 or 25 for certain vehicle types. Young driver surcharges often apply to those under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is essential. Visitors from non-EU countries may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original license. Always carry your passport or another form of identification.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection are available. A security deposit is usually held on your credit card and refunded upon vehicle return, provided the car is undamaged.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have daily or total limits. Fuel policies also differ, with many requiring you to return the car with a full tank to avoid refueling charges.
5. Toll RoadsBe aware of toll roads, such as the M50 around Dublin, which uses an electronic tolling system. Ensure your rental car is equipped to pay tolls automatically, or arrange payment online to avoid fines.
6. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, GPS, or child seats. Always clarify these fees when booking.
Car Rental Prices in Dublin – How Much Does It Cost?
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 £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Seasonal Trends
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.
How to Book a Car in Dublin?
Compare prices, select the perfect car, and carefully read the rental conditions to prevent unexpected issues. It is recommended to book early for the best rates, especially during busy seasons. Remember to bring your driver's license, credit card, and identification when you pick up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison sites like rentycars.com to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle needs.
2. Choose a Suitable Vehicle - Select a vehicle that fits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city travel or an SUV for country exploration.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance options, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises later.
4. Book Early - Secure better prices and vehicle availability by booking well in advance, particularly during the summer months.
5. Collect the Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and passport when picking up your rental car.
General Information About Dublin
Dublin is a dynamic blend of historical charm and modern vibrancy. Ideal for sightseeing and excursions, it is best explored by understanding traffic regulations, parking, and fuel access.
As the capital of Ireland, Dublin is one of the most welcoming cities in the world. It offers a seamless blend of ancient landmarks, cultural traditions, modern attractions, and diverse cultural experiences. Whether you're visiting for sightseeing, shopping, or business, there’s something for everyone. While Dublin has a good public transport network, renting a car is a practical option if you plan to travel outside the city to places like the Wicklow Mountains or the Wild Atlantic Way. However, driving within Dublin requires awareness — narrow streets, frequent one-way systems, and limited parking make inner-city driving challenging. Before setting off, it’s important to review local traffic laws, fuel station availability, and parking regulations to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience during your visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Guinness Storehouse
Explore the history of Ireland's iconic stout and enjoy panoramic views of Dublin.
Trinity College & Book of Kells
Visit Ireland's oldest university and marvel at the beautifully illuminated medieval manuscript.
Dublin Castle
Discover centuries of Irish history at this historic castle complex.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use parking garages operated by companies like Q-Park and Park Rite for secure parking in the city center.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but they are often costly and time-limited, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Use the park-and-ride facilities located outside the city center to avoid traffic congestion and high parking fees.
Gas Stations in Dublin
Major Brands
Look for petrol stations operated by brands like Circle K, Applegreen, and Texaco on the outskirts of the city.
Limited Availability in the Center
Fuel stations are scarce in the city center, so plan accordingly.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Dublin
Use a Leap Visitor Card
A Leap Visitor Card offers unlimited travel on Dublin's public transport network, including buses, trams, and trains.
Watch for Cyclists
Stay alert for cyclists, especially in the city center, where bike lanes are common.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00 AM–9:30 AM / 4:30 PM–7:00 PM) when roads are often heavily congested.
Be Aware of Bus Lanes
Be cautious of bus lanes during operational hours. Unauthorized vehicles will be fined.
Key Transportation Hubs in Dublin
Major Bus Stations
Busáras (Central Bus Station)
Dublin's central bus station, serving national and international routes.
Railway Stations
Dublin Connolly Station
One of Dublin's two main railway stations, serving northern and eastern routes.
Dublin Heuston Station
The other main railway station, serving western and southern destinations.
Airports
Dublin Airport (DUB)
Ireland's largest airport, located approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of Dublin city center.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Dublin?
Renting a car in Ireland is a simple process, but you’ll need to meet some key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
If you're from Ireland, your standard license is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country license for up to 12 months, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.
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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 Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Dublin 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.
Dublin was even better than I remembered! Returning after so many years was amazing. Having a car made exploring the countryside a breeze. Highly recommend!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 19.11.2024
Summer in Dublin was fantastic! Getting around with a car was so easy, allowing us to explore beyond the city center. We had a wonderful time.
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 09.11.2024
Pretty decent, overall
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 24.02.2025
Car rental easy, city meh. A bit pricey.
Olivia Wilson
Reviewed: 01.04.2025
Pretty relaxed, really
Liam Miller
Reviewed: 05.12.2024
Absolutely loved Dublin! Having a car made exploring the surrounding areas so easy during our road trip.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 31.03.2025
Pleasant enough, really
Ben Carter
Reviewed: 10.08.2025
Dublin charmed me! Having a car for our road trip was incredibly convenient, exploring beyond the city was effortless.
Jessica Lee
Reviewed: 11.06.2025
Pretty good, actually
Ethan Harris
Reviewed: 14.09.2024
Dublin delighted! Coastal drives were breathtaking; having a car made exploring so easy.
Isabella Rodriguez
Reviewed: 27.10.2024
Pretty decent trip
Noah Thompson
Reviewed: 24.10.2024
Pretty chill, really
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 19.07.2025