Renting a Car at Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport (DUB) is the main gateway to Ireland — an island whose greatest treasures are its wild coastline, ancient ruins, and spectacular national parks, all of which require a car to reach properly. The Wild Atlantic Way, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Ring of Kerry are iconic road trips.
Prices from €30/day — higher than continental Europe due to Ireland's mandatory insurance requirements. Driving is on the LEFT. Most Irish roads outside motorways are narrow by European standards, requiring careful driving.
Which Car Rental Companies Operate at DUB?
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
Additional options are available through DiscoverCars and RentalCars.com, which aggregate independent local operators alongside the major brands — often at the lowest rates.
How to Pick Up Your Car at Dublin Airport
Follow signs to baggage reclaim in the arrivals hall.
Rental desks are in the arrivals hall — follow 'Car Rental / Auto a Noleggio / Autonoleggio' signs after customs.
You need: booking confirmation, valid driving licence (≥1 year), passport or ID card, and the credit card used to book.
Walk around the car with the agent before signing. Photograph any existing damage.
Follow airport exit signs toward the city. Your sat-nav or phone maps will guide you from there.
What Documents Do You Need?
- Valid driving licence — held for at least 1 year. EU licences accepted without translation throughout the EU/EEA.
- Passport or national identity card.
- Credit card in the primary driver's name for the security deposit (debit cards rarely accepted).
- Non-EU licence holders may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if the licence is not in Latin script.
Young Driver Rules at Dublin Airport
Drivers aged 18–24 can rent from most providers but typically pay a Young Driver Surcharge of €10–€25/day. The minimum rental age is usually 18, though some providers require 21 or 25 for premium vehicle categories.
Tips for Renting at DUB
- Drive on the LEFT — this is the most important adjustment for continental European drivers.
- Irish rural roads are narrow — tractors, sheep, and stone walls are genuine hazards outside the motorways.
- Fuel is expensive in Ireland (among EU's highest per litre).
- The M50 Dublin Ring Road has barrier-free electronic tolling — ensure your rental account covers it, or you'll receive a bill at home.
Ready to Book Your Dublin Airport Car Hire?
Compare prices from DiscoverCars, AutoEurope, RentalCars and more. Find the best deal for your dates in under 60 seconds.
Compare Prices at DUBGetting from Dublin Airport to Dublin City Centre
With a rental car, driving from Dublin Airport to Dublin city centre takes approximately 20 min (10 km). Follow the airport exit signs toward the city — sat-nav or Google Maps will route you from there. Parking in the centre varies; check our tips above for the best options.
Driving in Ireland
Ireland uses left-hand traffic. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, 120 km/h on motorways. Blood alcohol limit: 0.05%. Drive on the left. M50 Dublin Ring Road is tolled electronically. Currency: Euro (€).
Nearby Destinations Worth Driving To
- Wicklow Mountains — 50 km, 1 hr. Glendalough monastic ruins in a glacial valley — Ireland's most visited site outside Dublin.
- Cliffs of Moher — 220 km, 2.5 hr. 200m sea cliffs on Ireland's Atlantic coast — one of Europe's most dramatic natural spectacles.
- Kilkenny — 130 km, 1.5 hr. Ireland's medieval capital — a castle, a cathedral, and excellent craft breweries.
- Newgrange (Brú na Bóinne) — 50 km, 45 min. A 5,200-year-old megalithic passage tomb — older than Stonehenge or the Pyramids. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For more planning help, read our car rental tips guide and find out which fees to watch for when you collect your vehicle.