Car Rental at Dublin Airport Terminal 1
Car rental desks are located in the Arrivals Hall of Terminal 1. Follow the Car Rental signs after leaving the baggage reclaim area to find the relevant rental company desk.
Car Rental at Dublin Airport Terminal 2
Car rental desks serving Terminal 2 are located close to the terminal. Follow the Car Rental signs after Arrivals for directions to your rental company's desk and vehicle collection point.
Car Rental Companies at Dublin Airport
A number of major international and Irish car rental companies operate at Dublin Airport, with car rental services available for passengers arriving at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Availability varies by provider, so passengers should check their chosen rental company for collection arrangements before travelling.
Hiring a Car or Using Public Transport in Dublin?
Hiring a car can be useful if you plan to explore destinations outside Dublin, but a car is often unnecessary while staying in Dublin City Centre. Parking can be expensive and city traffic can be busy, while Dublin has extensive bus, Luas and DART services. If you're travelling between Dublin Airport and the city centre, Dublin Express and Aircoach provide regular airport bus services.
View Dublin Airport Bus Tickets
What Do You Need to Rent a Car at Dublin Airport?
Car rental requirements vary between companies, but you will generally need a valid driving licence, identification and a payment card in the main driver's name. Age restrictions, deposits and insurance requirements can also vary, so check the terms of your chosen rental company before booking.
Driving in Ireland After Renting a Car
In Ireland, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. If you're visiting from overseas, take extra care when leaving the airport and at roundabouts and junctions. Speed limits in the Republic of Ireland are displayed in kilometres per hour (km/h). If you drive into Northern Ireland, be aware that speed limits change to miles per hour (mph) once you cross the border. There may be little obvious indication that the system has changed, so keep an eye on road signs after crossing into Northern Ireland. Some motorways and roads in Ireland also have tolls. Toll plazas generally accept credit and debit cards, while the M50 (the ring road that goes around Dublin city) uses barrier-free electronic tolling, so check with your rental company how M50 toll charges are handled.
Collecting Your Rental Car at Dublin Airport
Car rental collection arrangements vary by company. Some vehicles can be collected close to the terminal, while other providers use shuttle services to off-airport rental facilities. Check your booking confirmation before arrival so you know where to collect your vehicle and whether a shuttle transfer is required.
Returning a Rental Car to Dublin Airport
Allow extra time when returning a rental car before your flight, particularly if the vehicle needs to be returned to an off-airport location followed by a shuttle transfer to the terminal. Check your rental company's return instructions in advance and allow enough time for refuelling, returning the vehicle and travelling to Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.