How to find a cheap car hire deal in Dublin
Searching for a cheap rental car in Dublin? This is where the booking magic happens. With prices averaging $158 a day, we compare the best offers so you can choose fast, spend less, and feel good about what you paid.
The cheapest daily rental price in Dublin is $107.
Staying a little longer and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? $347 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
To score the best price on a Dublin car hire, get in early. Rates generally rise as your travel dates get closer, and you might have less to pick from.
Avis, Budget and Hertz are among the top-rated providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.
Whether you book with Avis or a different supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Dublin car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others charge extra for it.
Booking one-way could score you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Dublin.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.
Want to explore without worrying about how many miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking first place for value is this company, with prices averaging $146 a day.
Not far behind, this provider offers daily rates of around $183.
The third option also delivers savings with every booking. Expect to pay roughly $173 a day for one of their rentals.
The Premium rental category is a solid choice if you're not quite sure what kind of ride you need. It's also the car type that's booked the most in Dublin.
Compare car hire types in Dublin
Small: Whether you're cruising narrow city streets or taking a short 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: Not too small, not too big, this is the kind of rental even Goldilocks wouldn't second-guess. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are great for small families and couples.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Dublin car hire category. Also known as full-size, they've got the engine power for lengthy trips. The extra space and comfort make them an excellent option for families and groups of friends.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for backroads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you need a car for rent in Dublin that can handle the big jobs. Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's supplies, suitcases or the whole travel crew.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your Dublin car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
Level up your ride with handy extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. These features can make your journey easier and more relaxed when you rent a car in Dublin.
Good to know
You typically have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United States. Some providers still accept younger drivers — just be ready for a few added rules or costs. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before you book.
Kids coming with you? Car seat regulations vary from one location to another, and the right setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Find out if you need to add one to your Dublin car hire booking.
You'll need some documents when collecting your car. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
Take your time getting acquainted with your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, find the lights and blinkers, and get used to how it handles before you set off. And don't forget to stay on the right side of the road in the United States.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's typically around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always obey the road signs.
In the United States, 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 choose another way to travel.
One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 5pm. Make driving smoother by avoiding rush hours in general.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and activities. Pay by card where you can, and keep some cash handy when electronic payments aren't possible.
English is the language that most people speak in this country.
Best hotels in Dublin for drivers
Offering parking, Courtyard Pleasanton adds extra convenience to your stay. This hotel is about 3 kilometres from central Dublin and also comes with a bar and a restaurant.
Residence Inn San Ramon also works well for a trip built around driving. It features accessible parking, along with a pool and an outdoor swimming pool. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.
Need more ideas before you book? Browse the full list of hotels in Dublin. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If you're driving electric, you can use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
After you've found a car hire deal in Dublin and the right hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Dublin Heritage Park & Museums, Donlon-Calavares Ridge Trail and Regal Hacienda Crossings Stadium 21 & IMAX are a classic introduction to the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Dublin
San Jose has to be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit Japantown (San Jose) and Winchester Mystery House. This city is about 40 kilometres south of central Dublin.
Uptown Oasis San Jose Airport and Alura Inn are reliable accommodation options with parking in San Jose.
Add San Francisco to your travel plans. Pick up your cheap car hire in Dublin and drive roughly 40 kilometres west to take in major attractions such as Golden Gate Bridge and Painted Ladies - Alamo Square.
San Francisco has some comfortable accommodation options including BEI San Francisco, Trademark Collection by Wyndham and Hotel G San Francisco. Both give you somewhere to leave your car during your stay.
Want to stretch this drive a little longer? Reno is a top road trip destination that's around 274 kilometres northeast of Dublin. Make a few pit stops at Bicentennial Sculpture Park and Truckee River Whitewater Park.
Check out the room availability at Circus Circus Reno Hotel & Casino or Eldorado Resort Casino at THE ROW. They're a convenient base for exploring everything Reno has to offer. They also have parking available.
