Cheap Car Rental in Belfast $21+/day - FREE Cancellation

Travel Information

Language

English

Currency

GBP

Drive on

Left-hand side

Country code

+44

Average car rental price

$80.57 / per day

Average car rental length

5 days

Speed limit within town

48 km/h

30 mph

Speed limit out of town

96 - 112 km/h

60 - 70 mph

Acceptable limit of BAC

0.08%

Rating

8.3

Average gasoline price

$1.94 per liter

Highest gasoline price

$2.24 per liter

Lowest gasoline price

$1.75 per liter

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 $35.84 per day
From Belfast to Cork - 114 offers from $40.94 per day
From Belfast to London - 27 offers from $50.16 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 a 100 minute drive south of Belfast.

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 ones 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. Recently celebrating its 10th birthday, 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

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 M6 Toll is a 43km (27 mile) 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 2023, the price is £8.20 for using the toll road from 5am to 11pm, £7.00 for using the toll road at night from 11pm to 5am. 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 day trips

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 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 a four hour 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

Large cars - from $57 per day
Medium cars - from $23 per day
Vans - from $86 per day
Premium cars - from $115 per day
Small cars - from $21 per day
SUVs - from $53 per day

Money-saving tips

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.

What travel writers say

Belfast City Hall is a must-see when visiting Belfast. If you’re looking to go inside, you can go between the hours of 8:30 – 5, 7 days a week. There are also public tours at 11 AM, 2 PM, and 3 PM Monday – Friday or 12 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM on the weekends. I, unfortunately, was in a bit of a rush so I didn’t have time to go inside at all, but I loved looking at the architecture of this building from the outside.

K

KP

Hey, I’m KP! I’m a full time adventure lover, avid reader, and brand + web designer.

Belfast is known for its incredible food offerings. Northern Ireland in general is big on farm to table, local produce, seasonal offerings and all that good stuff. Being vegetarian I always prepare myself to be just a little bit disappointed as I usually don’t have a choice about what I eat and most places aren’t very creative with vegetarian food. But lord, was I surprised!

TP

Tara Povey

Hi there, I’m Tara. I’m a 30yr old travel blogger, amateur photographer and occasional pharmacist living in DUBLIN.

Being the largest city in Northern Ireland, Belfast has a lot going for it! With Michelin Star restaurants, cool museums and loads of the best things to do in Belfast, it’s the kind of city which is great for a long weekend break. Trust me when I say, Belfast is one of those places that’s great to visit.

YO&LG

Yaya Onalaja-Aliu & Lloyd Griffiths

Hand Luggage Only was born back in April 2014 on a surprisingly warm afternoon in Yaya’s college room at University of Cambridge. In what seemed like an oasis of calm between assignments, Yaya and Lloyd (that’s us!) were talking about sharing our travel stories and photos with others like-minded travellers on the internet.

Top 20 Cities near Belfast

Prestwick Car Rentals from $77.08 per day

140.4 km / 87.2 miles away
Glasgow Car Rentals from $28.71 per day

176.0 km / 109.4 miles away
Holyhead Car Rentals from $39.96 per day

182.0 km / 113.1 miles away
Barrow-in-Furness Car Rentals from $40.83 per day

203.7 km / 126.6 miles away
Stirling Car Rentals from $63.79 per day

215.0 km / 133.6 miles away
Edinburgh Car Rentals from $27.11 per day

230.3 km / 143.1 miles away
Lancaster Car Rentals from $41.52 per day

231.4 km / 143.8 miles away
Preston Car Rentals from $46.84 per day

246.7 km / 153.3 miles away
Perth Car Rentals from $56.21 per day

260.3 km / 161.7 miles away
Liverpool Car Rentals from $18.61 per day

264.7 km / 164.5 miles away
Chester Car Rentals from $40.83 per day

270.0 km / 167.8 miles away
Warrington Car Rentals from $65.12 per day

275.7 km / 171.3 miles away
Bolton Car Rentals from $46.87 per day

276.0 km / 171.5 miles away
Dundee Car Rentals from $74.42 per day

286.5 km / 178.0 miles away
Newcastle Car Rentals from $31.07 per day

292.7 km / 181.9 miles away
Manchester Car Rentals from $30.87 per day

295.5 km / 183.6 miles away
Leeds Car Rentals from $43.59 per day

308.6 km / 191.8 miles away
Huddersfield Car Rentals from $71.05 per day

310.7 km / 193.1 miles away
Sunderland Car Rentals from $93.03 per day

310.9 km / 193.2 miles away
Middlesbrough Car Rentals from $93.03 per day

321.5 km / 199.8 miles away

Top 20 Locations near Belfast

Belfast International Airport Car Rentals from $21.05 per day
Belfast Central Railway station Car Rentals from $43.86 per day

20.4 km / 12.7 miles away
George Best Belfast City Airport Car Rentals from $42.22 per day

22.5 km / 14.0 miles away
Prestwick Airport Car Rentals from $77.08 per day

140.4 km / 87.2 miles away
Glasgow Airport Car Rentals from $28.71 per day

176.0 km / 109.4 miles away
Holyhead Port Car Rentals from $39.96 per day

182.0 km / 113.1 miles away
Glasgow Central Train Station Car Rentals from $81.41 per day

182.3 km / 113.3 miles away
Edinburgh Airport Car Rentals from $27.11 per day

230.3 km / 143.1 miles away
Edinburgh Waverley Train Station Car Rentals from $58.72 per day

239.7 km / 148.9 miles away
Liverpool Airport Car Rentals from $18.61 per day

264.7 km / 164.5 miles away
Manchester Trafford Park Car Rentals from $96.18 per day

286.2 km / 177.8 miles away
Newcastle Airport Car Rentals from $31.07 per day

292.7 km / 181.9 miles away
Manchester Airport Car Rentals from $30.87 per day

295.5 km / 183.6 miles away
Leeds Bradford Airport Car Rentals from $43.59 per day

308.6 km / 191.8 miles away
Downtown Car Rentals from $55.82 per day

319.9 km / 198.8 miles away
Inverness Airport Car Rentals from $50.04 per day

347.8 km / 216.1 miles away
Doncaster Sheffield Airport Car Rentals

364.5 km / 226.5 miles away
Aberdeen Airport Car Rentals from $40.67 per day

377.6 km / 234.6 miles away
East Midlands Airport Car Rentals from $31.43 per day

380.1 km / 236.2 miles away
Birmingham Airport Car Rentals from $24.45 per day

383.5 km / 238.3 miles away

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Belfast?

Car rental prices in Belfast vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.

Average rental costs per day in Belfast

$26.34

January

$28.17

February

$41.82

March

$52.11

April

$65.26

May

$82.26

June

$112.58

July

$104.83

August

$60.55

September

$54.06

October

$32.98

November

$54.32

December

The cheapest month to rent a car in Belfast is January (when prices average $26.34 per day). This is 56% cheaper than the yearly average and 77% cheaper than renting in July (when prices average $112.58).

This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.

What’s the usual rental length in Belfast?

How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in March, the average renter keeps their car for 8 days, and in April, they keep their car for 4 days.

Average rental length in Belfast

6

January

7

February

8

March

4

April

5

May

7

June

6

July

6

August

7

September

5

October

7

November

8

December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Belfast?

Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Belfast is April, and the least popular is January.

Monthly searches in Belfast by pick-up date relative to the average

17%

January

31%

February

79%

March

195%

April

138%

May

144%

June

170%

July

138%

August

122%

September

57%

October

17%

November

92%

December

Car Rental Information

Car rental locations	5
Airport locations	2
Popular suppliers	Hertz, Easirent, Drivalia, Enterprise, Alamo
Popular car categories	Small cars, Medium cars, SUVs, Vans
Lowest price	$21 per day
Cheapest supplier	Drivalia

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Rental Supplier	Model	Doors	Luggage	Type
Easirent	Ford Fiesta	5	2	Small cars
Drivalia	Fiat 500	3	1	Small cars
Drivalia	Ford Fiesta	5	1	Small cars
Easirent	Fiat 500	3	2	Small cars
Hertz	Vauxhall Astra	5	2	Medium cars
Hertz	Kia Ceed	5	2	Medium cars
Hertz	Vauxhall Corsa	3	1	Small cars
Drivalia	Ford Focus	5	2	Medium cars
Hertz	Kia Picanto	3	1	Small cars
Enterprise	Ford Focus	5	2	Medium 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 car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.

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.

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

Car Rental Statistics

Highest rated company

Alamo

9.1 / 10

Lowest rated company

Easirent

6.8 / 10

Total number of reviews

7

Total rental companies

13

Average daily price

$80.57

Lowest daily price

$15.81

Total cars available

214

Top 13 Suppliers in Belfast in 2023

Alamo

Exceptional 9.1 / 19 reviews

2 locations

Enterprise

Excellent 8.8 / 8 reviews

3 locations

$42 - $280

Avis

Excellent 8.8

1 location

$42 - $124

Keddy

Excellent 8.7 / 5 reviews

2 locations

$84 - $85

Hertz

Excellent 8.6 / 8 reviews

4 locations

$44 - $75

Europcar

Excellent 8.5 / 5 reviews

3 locations

$99 - $100

National

Excellent 8.4

2 locations

Firefly

Excellent 8.4 / 4 reviews

2 locations

GreenMotion

Excellent 8.3

1 location

SIXT

Excellent 8.2 / 99 reviews

4 locations

Interrent

Excellent 8.1

1 location

Drivalia

Very good 7.1 / 10 reviews

1 location

$21 - $142

Easirent

Good 6.8 / 108 reviews

2 locations

Car Rental in Belfast

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Travel Information

Why rent a car in Belfast?

One-Way Car Rentals in Belfast

Top ways to enter Belfast

City facts

Top destinations and activities

Traffic and parking

Toll roads

Ideas for day trips

Most popular cars

Further destinations

Car Rental Prices in Belfast

Money-saving tips

What travel writers say

Top 20 Cities near Belfast

Top 20 Locations near Belfast

Map of Car Rental Locations

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Belfast?

What’s the usual rental length in Belfast?

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Belfast?

Car Rental Information

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Our Customers' Reviews

Car Rental Statistics

Top 13 Suppliers in Belfast in 2023

Highly recommended by our customers