Car Rental in Belfast
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The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 12:30 on 2021-10-25. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Language
English
Currency
GBP
Country code
44
Traffic direction
Left-hand
Speed limit out of town
97 km/h
60 mi/h
Speed limit within town
48 km/h
30 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Why rent a car in Belfast?
Long underrated as a destination for tourism, Belfast is finally starting to receive the attention it deserves. This city has everything from fascinating history to beautiful green areas, local markets, and famous pub culture. With a rental car, you can also go on to explore the rest of Northern Ireland and, if your rental car provider permits it, the neighboring Republic of Ireland.
One-Way Car Rentals in Belfast
The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Belfast and drop off in another city include:
- From Belfast to Dublin - 80 offers from € 33.46 per day
- From Belfast to Cork - 114 offers from € 38.22 per day
- From Belfast to London - 27 offers from € 46.83 per day
Top ways to enter Belfast
- Belfast International Airport. The busiest airport in Northern Ireland, Belfast International serves more than 6 million passengers every year. The airport is located about 21 km (13 mi) northwest of the city proper.
- Belfast City Airport. Also known as George Best Airport after the famous Northern Irish footballer, the smallest of the two city’s airports is a base for Flybe and is also served by a handful of other airlines. The airport is just 5 km (3 mi) from the city center.
- Dublin Airport. Located on the other side of the border and serving the Republic of Ireland’s capital, Dublin Airport is nonetheless only about 100 minute drive south of Belfast.
Useful city facts
- Although Northern Ireland is geographically separate from the rest of Britain, it has a similar oceanic climate with high and steady precipitation and relatively little temperature changes throughout the year. The average temperature is 15 °C (59 °F) in July and August and 5 °C (41 °F) in January and February.
- Belfast is made up of nine unofficial quarters based on cultural zones. Each of them prides itself on a unique history, local character, and annual events held in them. Some of the more famous one are the Cathedral Quarter, the Titanic Quarter, and the Gaeltacht Quarter.
Top destinations and activities
- Botanical Gardens. Covering 28 acres, the large and beautiful Botanical Gardens is one of the nicest places of Belfast. Its standout attraction is the Palm House which houses many unique tropical plants and animals, including a 400-year-old Xanthorrhoea and even carnivorous flowers.
- Belfast Zoo. Another place for a great day outdoors, Belfast Zoo houses many unique animals, from Asian elephants and Western lowland gorillas to giant anteaters and Jamaican boas. The zoo is located on the slope of Cavehill, a basaltic hill that’s a great natural attraction in itself.
- Ulster Museum. With fascinating collections that include ancient (and more recent) historical artifacts, zoological and botanical specimens, and great exhibits of wildlife art, Ulster Museum offers a fascinating and comprehensive perspective on what Northern Ireland is about. The museum is located in the Botanic Gardens in the southern part of the city.
- Titanic Belfast. About to celebrate its 10th birthday in 2022, the unmistakable building of the Titanic Belfast is dedicated to the infamous passenger liner which was built in Belfast. A large museum, it explains the maritime and shipbuilding history of Belfast and tells the story of the ship’s early days and tragic sinking. Visit the official website to learn more.
Traffic and parking tips
- The United Kingdom drives on the left-hand side of the road.
- On-street parking is usually heavily restricted. Never park on a white, double yellow or double red line (stopping on motorways and next to red lines is illegal).
- You are not allowed to use your mobile phone while driving, unless you use a hands-free system.
- Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 112 km/h (70 mph) on motorways, 112 km/h (70 mph) on dual carriageways, 96 km/h (60 mph) on single carriageways and 48km/h (30 mph) in residential areas and areas with street lightning.
- In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the legal alcohol limit is 0.08% for both experienced and novice drivers. Do keep in mind, however, that in Scotland the legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for both experienced and novice drivers. Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines, a suspended license, or even imprisonment.
- The insurance and documentation of the car needs to be in it whenever you’re driving.
- If you’re the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
- The emergency numbers are 999 and 112.
Toll roads
Currently there is only a single toll road in the United Kingdom, the M6 toll in England. You also have to pay a toll for using a number of bridges and tunnels.
As an alternative to the M6 around Birmingham, the M6toll is a 43 km (27 mi) long portion of the road, also known as the Birmingham North Relief Road (BNRR), that relieves congestion on the M6 itself. There are toll gates where you can pay by either cash or credit card. As of March 2019, the price is £6.40 for using the toll road from Monday to Friday (from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.), £5.30 for using the toll road on Saturday or Sunday (from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.), and £4.10 for using the toll road at night time on any day (from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.). Find out more on the M6 Toll official website.
Find out more about toll roads in the United Kingdom on the European toll road website.
Ideas for a day-trip
- Ulster Folk and Transport Museums. Located in the nearby town of Cultra, these two museums are both worth a visit. The Transport museum has interesting exhibits of steam locomotives, vertical take-off aeroplanes, and horse-drawn trams, while the folk museum offers a full re-creation of an old Irish town.
- Carrickfergus. Famous for its beautiful Norman castle, Carrickfergus is a town with a truly historic feel. Its atmosphere can be soaked up by either walking its narrow streets or going on a stroll along its beautiful marina. The town is just a 30 minute drive north of Belfast.
- Killough. A small seaside village, Killough is home not only to tranquil beaches, but also to Ballynoe Stone Circle, a late-Neolithic monument that is something like Northern Ireland’s answer to Stonehenge. From Belfast, it is only an hour’s drive south.
- Giant’s Causeway. One of the most famous attractions in Northern Ireland (and one of the most popular day trips from Belfast), the Giant’s Causeway is about 3 miles (4.8 km) of coastal basalt formations. A world heritage site, the natural attraction is on Northern Ireland’s north coast. A trip from Belfast takes about 90 minutes.
- Giant’s Causeway. One of the most famous attractions in Northern Ireland (and one of the most popular day trips from Belfast), the Giant’s Causeway is a coastal basalt formation that is about 3 miles (4.8 km) long. A world heritage site, the natural attraction is on Northern Ireland’s north coast. The drive from Belfast takes about 90 minutes.
Most popular rental types and cars
The most popular rental car types in Belfast are compact, economy, and mini. The most popular rental car is the Renault Clio. Travelers also love the Vauxhall Corsa and the Hyundai i30.
Further destinations
- Important: While there are many rental car companies that permit cross-border trips between Northern Ireland (which is itself a part of the United Kingdom) and the Republic of Ireland, you should still ask your rental car provider in advance. Please also visit our United Kingdom car rental page to learn more about who needs a visa to travel between the two countries.
- Derry. Also known as Londonderry, Northern Ireland’s second city boasts historic sites dating back nearly 1500 years, as well as a number of more recent churches, museums, and murals. Derry is about 112 km (70 mi) northwest of Belfast near the border with the Republic of Ireland.
- Dublin. The capital of the Republic of Ireland is truly a fun place to visit. It boasts many tourist attractions, fascinating architecture, and many famous past and present inhabitants. Easy to reach from Belfast, it is only about two hour’s drive south along the coast.
- Galway. Located on the coast of the Atlantic, this university city is famous for its nightlife, but equally important are its historic sites, art spaces, and role as a modern center for the Irish language and culture. It is about four hours drive from Belfast to Galway, but in this case, the long distance is well worth the time. Important: While there are many rental car companies that permit cross-border trips between Northern Ireland (which is itself a part of the United Kingdom) and the Republic of Ireland, you should still ask your rental car provider in advance. Please also visit our United Kingdom car rental page to learn more about who needs a visa to travel between the two countries.
Car Rental Prices in Belfast
- Station wagons - from $121 per day
- Large cars - from $62 per day
- Medium cars - from $72 per day
- Premium cars - from $75 per day
- Small cars - from $45 per day
- SUVs - from $58 per day
How can I save money on my rental car?
There are things you can do to get a good car rental deal in Belfast. Start with these:
- Compare the rates of different rental car providers
- Book your rental car well in advance
- Plan your route before you go
- Know your fuel and mileage requirements
- Visit on the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Belfast is the cheapest in September when renting a car is nearly 50% cheaper than the yearly average.
Top 20 Cities near Belfast
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London Car Rentals from $18.75 per day508.8 km / 316.1 miles away
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Edinburgh Car Rentals from $13.13 per day223.0 km / 138.6 miles away
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Manchester Car Rentals from $20.72 per day276.2 km / 171.6 miles away
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Glasgow Car Rentals from $41.19 per day177.9 km / 110.5 miles away
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Birmingham Car Rentals from $19.65 per day364.6 km / 226.6 miles away
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Luton Car Rentals from $19.65 per day477.7 km / 296.9 miles away
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Inverness Car Rentals from $47.42 per day349.7 km / 217.3 miles away
-
Bristol Car Rentals from $20.72 per day416.3 km / 258.6 miles away
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Liverpool Car Rentals from $14.66 per day245.5 km / 152.6 miles away
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Leeds Car Rentals from $23.75 per day301.0 km / 187.0 miles away
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Newcastle Car Rentals from $24.27 per day277.3 km / 172.3 miles away
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372.9 km / 231.7 miles away
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Cardiff Car Rentals from $29.22 per day394.6 km / 245.2 miles away
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Southampton Car Rentals from $23.89 per day505.5 km / 314.1 miles away
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Bolton Car Rentals from $43.28 per day256.7 km / 159.5 miles away
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East Midlands Car Rentals from $25.08 per day360.8 km / 224.2 miles away
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Bournemouth Car Rentals from $27.14 per day505.0 km / 313.8 miles away
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Leicester Car Rentals from $18.60 per day384.0 km / 238.6 miles away
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Brighton Car Rentals from $22.13 per day571.5 km / 355.1 miles away
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Exeter Car Rentals from $22.10 per day460.6 km / 286.2 miles away
Top 19 Locations near Belfast
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George Best Belfast City Airport Car Rentals from $12.82 per day6.2 km / 3.9 miles away
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Belfast Cruise Port Car Rentals from $17.13 per day6.4 km / 4.0 miles away
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Belfast International Airport Car Rentals from $12.82 per day19.3 km / 12.0 miles away
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Isle of Man Airport Car Rentals from $39.34 per day102.1 km / 63.4 miles away
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Prestwick Airport Car Rentals from $32.95 per day134.7 km / 83.7 miles away
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Holyhead Port Car Rentals from $32.24 per day165.3 km / 102.7 miles away
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Glasgow Airport Car Rentals from $18.59 per day172.6 km / 107.2 miles away
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Glasgow Central Train Station Car Rentals from $41.19 per day177.9 km / 110.5 miles away
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Edinburgh Airport Car Rentals from $13.13 per day223.0 km / 138.6 miles away
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Edinburgh Waverley Train Station Car Rentals from $19.65 per day231.9 km / 144.1 miles away
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Liverpool Airport Car Rentals from $14.66 per day245.5 km / 152.6 miles away
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Manchester Airport Car Rentals from $20.72 per day276.2 km / 171.6 miles away
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Newcastle Airport Car Rentals from $24.27 per day277.3 km / 172.3 miles away
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Dundee Airport Car Rentals from $40.71 per day277.6 km / 172.5 miles away
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Leeds Bradford Airport Car Rentals from $28.74 per day289.7 km / 180.0 miles away
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Inverness Train Station Car Rentals from $25.31 per day339.5 km / 211.0 miles away
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Doncaster Sheffield Airport Car Rentals from $24.26 per day345.4 km / 214.6 miles away
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Inverness Airport Car Rentals from $47.42 per day349.7 km / 217.3 miles away
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East Midlands Airport Car Rentals from $25.08 per day360.8 km / 224.2 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
Which is the cheapest month to rent a car in Belfast?
Car rental prices in Belfast vary a lot according to the time of year. This graph compares month-to-month price changes to help you find the best offer.
Average Rental Price in Belfast
The best month to rent a car in Belfast is September (when prices for an Economy class start from $29.59). This is 40% cheaper than the yearly average and 55% cheaper than renting in February (when rental prices start at $65.54 for a Compact class). Knowing this can help you find the best price.
What’s the usual rental length in Belfast?
Travel lengths vary from month to month: in October, travelers rent a car for an average of 7 days in February, the average rental period is 4 days.
Average Rental Length in Belfast
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Belfast?
While travelers visit Belfast year-round, the most popular month for renting a car is March, and the least popular is June.
Popularity of Car Rental in Belfast by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SIXT | Toyota Aygo | 2 | 1 | Small cars |
| SIXT | VW Golf | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| SIXT | Kia Picanto | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Easirent | Ford Fiesta | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Easirent | Ford Focus | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| SIXT | Kia Sportage | 5 | 4 | SUVs |
| SIXT | Kia Picanto | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| SIXT | Hyundai I30 | 5 | 1 | Medium cars |
| SIXT | VW Polo | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Easirent | Fiat 500 | 3 | 2 | Small cars |
Our Customers Reviews
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.
NH
United Kingdom
Kia Picanto
October 9, 2021
I better not as I do not like to be hit by surprise surcharges. A rip-off I have never experienced before
PC
United Kingdom
Ford Fiesta
September 13, 2020
Belfast is a lovely very friendly City , it’s easy enough to drive around other ares ,we drove down to Derry all over Belfast ,you can go too any bar ,mix with the local Belfast people loved all our time spent there 🇮🇪 Will definitely be returning 😍
CM
United Kingdom
Kia Carens
August 26, 2020
Belfast staff were very friendly and helpful
DS
United Kingdom
Hyundai i30
June 20, 2019
Car hire is ok but
The crossborder fee is outrageous , double check the rate prior to arriving.
We were ripped off to the tune of £150 for 6days plus the hire fee total cost for the hire went from £51 to over £200
FJ
United Kingdom
Vauxhall Corsa
May 25, 2019
We loved Belfast although we would not recommend using a car in Belfast City as parking is very difficult. However, to explore the surrounding area it is much easier with a car.
JS
United Kingdom
VW Polo
May 10, 2019
Belfast and NI is great. Very beautiful coastline and easily accessible with car hire
MG
United Kingdom
Renault Clio
March 9, 2019
Northern Ireland has numerous excellent tourist attractions suitable to all age groups
CM
United Kingdom
Kia Picanto
February 21, 2019
Super city to visit even by car. Found free street parking for our day out in the city.
KN
United Kingdom
Renault Clio
February 17, 2019
Great for a trip to the Antrim Coast & along Strangford Lough with many interesting & wonderful places en route.
GM
United Kingdom
VW Golf
October 24, 2018
Belfast is a great city. Lots to do - Titanic Experience, Hop-on Hop-off bus tour, Cromlin Road Gaol, Giant's Causeway - and lots of great restaurants & bars
DG
United States of America (USA)
Ford Fiesta
October 18, 2018
If you’re not used to driving on the left or Irish roads I would recommend getting the smallest car that can accommodate you. Also, I got in automatic transmission so I would not have to change gears with my left hand. Driving on the left wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be.
AH
United Kingdom
VW Polo
October 17, 2018
Belfast was a truly beautiful place with lots to see and do. We were located centrally and therefore could park the car up at the hotel. That being said, a car was needed to get from the airport to our accommodation and then onto Dublin.
HW
United Kingdom
VW Golf
October 7, 2018
I used car to visit family rather than holiday but Northern Ireland has beautiful scenery especially the Antrim coast so usual destinations include Giant's Causeway, Portstewart, Bushmills (including distillery) and following trail of Game of Thrones filming locations
GB
United Kingdom
Fiat 500
September 27, 2018
Belfast and northern Ireland as a whole is a fantastic place to visit. There is something for everyone and the friendliness of the people make you want to return.
JB
United States of America (USA)
Ford Tourneo
September 19, 2018
You may want to ensure the car had automatic transmission if you're at all squeamish or unfamiliar with driving in the UK and Ireland--mine did not. It all worked out, but it is challenging to most drivers unfamiliar with driving on the left side of the road.
SH
United Kingdom
VW Passat
September 16, 2018
Great place for city break, beautiful coast and countryside. We loved Belfast and NI
AP
United Kingdom
Vauxhall Astra
September 7, 2018
Ireland is a great place to tour
DW
United Kingdom
Ford Focus
September 1, 2018
Beautiful city
Top 10 Suppliers in Belfast in 2021
Enterprise
02890316151
157 CROMAC STREET,
Alamo
02890463850
Arrivals Hall,Belfast City Apt
SIXT
+443300022666
Connsbank Road Unit 3
Keddy
+4403713843428
27 BALMORAL ROAD
Working hours
Mon:08:00-18:00
Tue:08:00-18:00
Wed:08:00-18:00
Thu:08:00-18:00
Fri:08:00-18:00
Sat:08:00-13:00
Sun:00:01-23:59
Avis
+4402890731929
Belfast City Airport
Working hours
Mon:07:00-22:00
Tue:07:00-22:00
Wed:07:00-22:00
Thu:07:00-22:00
Fri:07:00-22:00
Sat:07:00-22:00
Sun:07:00-22:00
Alamo
02890463850
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Working hours
Mon:08:00-18:00
Tue:08:00-18:00
Wed:08:00-18:00
Thu:08:00-18:00
Fri:08:00-18:00
Europcar
+4403713843428
27 BALMORAL ROAD
Working hours
Mon:08:00-18:00
Tue:08:00-18:00
Wed:08:00-18:00
Thu:08:00-18:00
Fri:08:00-18:00
Sat:08:00-13:00
Sun:00:01-23:59
Interrent
+4403713843425
Syndenham Bypass George Best Belfast City Airport
GreenMotion
+4402890731988
Green Motion George Best Belfast City Airport, Block A Units 1&2, 22 Heron Business Park, Heron Road
Working hours
Mon:07:30-17:00
Tue:07:30-17:00
Wed:07:30-17:00
Thu:07:30-17:00
Fri:07:30-17:00
Sat:07:30-13:00
Sun:07:30-17:00
Easirent
+442895908058
75 Sydenham Rd, Belfast
Working hours
Mon:06:00-23:00
Tue:06:00-23:00
Wed:06:00-23:00
Thu:06:00-23:00
Fri:06:00-23:00
Sat:06:00-23:00
Sun:06:00-23:00