How to find a cheap car hire deal in Belfast
Searching for a cheap rental car in Belfast? You've landed in the right place. With prices averaging $190 a day, we compare the best deals so you can search smarter, spend wiser, and feel good about what you paid.
Daily rental prices in Belfast start from just $37.
Planning to stay longer? Book a weekly rental from $149 and say yes to more adventures.
We've cracked the code on when to book. Two weeks in advance gives you better odds at securing the best price on a Belfast car hire.
Check out the offers available with Budget, Drivalia and Dollar. They're among the top-rated providers in the city.
The coverage Budget or another supplier includes with your Belfast car hire can vary, so always read the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra charge.
Booking one-way could land you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Belfast.
Avoid any unexpected charges by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.
Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you roam without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average $180 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $124, this provider is next in line.
The third option also stacks up well on price. Cruise away in one of their rentals for roughly $229 a day.
If you're not quite sure which ride is right for you, consider something from the Economy rental category. It's the most widely booked car type in Belfast.
Flying to Belfast? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Belfast, get on the road sooner by picking up a car hire at Belfast International Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 19 kilometres and takes about 25 minutes.
Flying in somewhere else? You can pick up a car hire from George Best Belfast City Airport just as effortlessly. The centre is 5 kilometres or so away and takes roughly 15 minutes to get to by car.
Compare car hire types in Belfast
Small: Whether you're cruising narrow city streets or taking a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and excellent mileage.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to handle in traffic and roomy enough for longer drives, they work well for most plans.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Belfast car hire category. Also known as full-size, they have the engine size to match the journey. The extra space and comfort make them a great option for groups of friends and families.
SUV: SUVs are ready whenever wanderlust hits. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and scenic routes alike.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Belfast that can handle the big jobs. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's supplies, suitcases or groups of people.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a hefty excess fee. Different Belfast car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.
Make life easier when you rent a car in Belfast by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.
Good to know
Typically, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in the United Kingdom. Being younger doesn't always disqualify you — just expect some added charges or limits. Check the companies' terms and conditions before you book.
If you're bringing the kids along, find out if you need to add a car seat to your Belfast car hire reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.
You'll need to bring a few things when collecting your rental car: a current driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card that can cover the security deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.
Familiarise yourself with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, learn where everything is, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stay on the left side of the road in the United Kingdom.
Keep within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 40kph in urban areas and 100kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
In the United Kingdom, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you intend to have a few drinks, leave the driving to someone else or take another form of transport.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
The British pound (GBP) is the currency you'll be using for everyday purchases and excursions. Pay with a debit or credit card when it's convenient, but carry a little cash when electronic payments aren't possible.
English is the language you'll hear most often in this country.
Best hotels in Belfast for drivers
Offering parking, Premier Inn Belfast City Cathedral Quarter takes the guesswork out of where to leave your car. This hotel is about 0.48 kilometres from central Belfast and also comes with luggage storage and express check-in.
Alternatively, take advantage of the parking at Tara Lodge. The city centre is roughly 2 kilometres from this stay, which also features Wi-Fi and room service.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Belfast and choose the stay that suits your travel style. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
You're ready to start exploring now you've locked in a car hire deal in Belfast and your hotel. From Titanic Shipyard to Titanic People and St Anne's Cathedral, there's plenty to keep you busy here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Belfast
Around 32 kilometres southwest of central Belfast, Craigavon easily earns a place on your itinerary. Make your way to must-see sights like Oxford Island Nature Reserve and Edenvilla Park & Edenvilla Secret Garden.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Belfast and then head for Newry. Roughly 56 kilometres southwest of Belfast, Moyry Castle and Carlingford Lough Greenway are standout attractions that are worth going out of your way for.
Relax after a day out and about in Newry at Canal Court or Flagstaff Lodge. These hotels cater to visitors bringing their own car.
Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Manchester, roughly 274 kilometres southeast of Belfast. Kick things off at Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour, then head to Royal Exchange Theatre.
Find a room at Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly or Travelodge Manchester Central Arena. Use one of them as your base and enjoy everything Manchester has to offer. They also offer parking.
