Car Hire in Belfast

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Belfast, United Kingdom
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Driver's country of residence is United States of America (USA) and age is 30-65
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700+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Hire Rates

Belfast International Airport
Mini
Volkswagen Up or comparable
Volkswagen Up
  • 4
  • 1
  • 3
  • A/C
  • Man.
Drivalia
£12.82 per day
Belfast International Airport
Economy
Vauxhall Corsa or comparable
Vauxhall Corsa
  • 4
  • 1
  • 3
  • A/C
  • Man.
Alamo
£16.15 per day
Belfast International Airport
Compact
Vauxhall Astra or comparable
Vauxhall Astra
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Man.
Europcar
£17.86 per day
Belfast City Airport
Intermediate SUV
Nissan Qashqai or comparable
Nissan Qashqai
  • 5
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Enterprise
£21.39 per day

Most Popular Car Hire Deals

Belfast City Airport
Intermediate Elite Crossover
Volkswagen T-Roc or comparable
Volkswagen T-Roc
  • 5
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Hertz
£30.46 per day
City Centre
Standard SUV
Vauxhall Insignia or comparable
Vauxhall Insignia
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Man.
Keddy
£35.61 per day
Belfast City Airport
Compact Elite
Mercedes Benz A Class or comparable
Mercedes Benz A Class
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
National
£36.93 per day
Belfast International Airport
Full-size
Volkswagen Arteon or comparable
Volkswagen Arteon
  • 5
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Drivalia
£30.76 per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 04:49 on 19/11/2024. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
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Special offers
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Travel Information

Languages
English
Currency
GBP
Drive on
Left-hand side
Dialing code
+44
Average car hire price
£25 per day
Average car hire length
4 days
Speed limit within city centre
48 km/h or 30 mph
Speed limit out of city centre
96 - 112 km/h or 60 - 70 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Score
8.0 / 10
Average petrol price
£1.43 per litre or £5.41 per gallon
Lowest petrol price
£1.33 per litre or £5.03 per gallon
Highest petrol price
£1.55 per litre or £5.87 per gallon

Why hire 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. If you hire a car, you can also use the city as a hub for exploring the rest of Northern Ireland.
Belfast

One-way Car Hire in Belfast

The most popular one-way car hire options for pick up in Belfast and drop off in another city include:

  • From Belfast to Dublin - 80 offers from £27.88 per day
  • From Belfast to Cork - 114 offers from £31.85 per day
  • From Belfast to London - 27 offers from £39.03 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. 

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 sights 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.

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.

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.

Most popular cars

The most hired car types in Belfast are compact, economy, and mini. The most popular car is the Renault Clio. Travelers also love the Vauxhall Corsa and the Hyundai i30.

Further destinations

  • 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.
  • 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.

Car hire prices in Belfast

  • Station wagons - starting at £25 per day
  • Large cars - starting at £17 per day
  • Medium cars - starting at £15 per day
  • People Carriers - starting at £37 per day
  • Premium cars - starting at £32 per day
  • Small cars - starting at £13 per day
  • SUVs - starting at £16 per day

Money-saving and other tips

There are things you can do to get a good car hire deal in Belfast. Start with these:

  • Compare the rates of different car providers
  • Book your car well in advance
  • Plan your route before you go
  • Know your fuel and mileage requirements
  • Visit on the month when the prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Belfast is the cheapest in September when hiring a car is nearly 50% cheaper than the yearly average.
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators.

Learn more about our Editorial Policy.

Top 20 cities near Belfast

  1. Derry starting at £14.64 per day
    74.1 km / 46 miles
  2. Paisley starting at £26.04 per day
    174.3 km / 108.3 miles
  3. Glasgow starting at £11.53 per day
    176 km / 109.4 miles
  4. Barrow-in-Furness starting at £28.07 per day
    203.7 km / 126.6 miles
  5. Carlisle starting at £20.29 per day
    211.4 km / 131.4 miles
  6. Blackpool starting at £31.19 per day
    229.2 km / 142.4 miles
  7. Edinburgh starting at £11.21 per day
    230.3 km / 143.1 miles
  8. Preston starting at £22.62 per day
    246.7 km / 153.3 miles
  9. Liverpool starting at £11.85 per day
    264.7 km / 164.5 miles
  10. Chester starting at £20.81 per day
    270 km / 167.8 miles
  11. Warrington starting at £21.57 per day
    275.7 km / 171.3 miles
  12. Dundee starting at £30.26 per day
    286.5 km / 178 miles
  13. Salford starting at £16.64 per day
    287.2 km / 178.5 miles
  14. Newcastle starting at £15.99 per day
    292.7 km / 181.9 miles
  15. Manchester starting at £14.11 per day
    295.5 km / 183.6 miles
  16. Leeds starting at £15.33 per day
    308.6 km / 191.8 miles
  17. Sunderland starting at £23.08 per day
    310.9 km / 193.2 miles
  18. Middlesbrough starting at £23.08 per day
    321.5 km / 199.8 miles
  19. Telford starting at £20.09 per day
    326.9 km / 203.1 miles
  20. Stafford starting at £30.08 per day
    338.1 km / 210.1 miles

Top 20 locations near Belfast

  1. Belfast International Airport starting at £12.82 per day
  2. Belfast City Airport starting at £15.04 per day
    22.5 km / 14 miles
  3. Derry Airport starting at £14.64 per day
    74.1 km / 46 miles
  4. Glasgow Airport starting at £11.53 per day
    176 km / 109.4 miles
  5. Edinburgh Airport starting at £11.21 per day
    230.3 km / 143.1 miles
  6. Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station starting at £11.83 per day
    239.7 km / 148.9 miles
  7. Liverpool Airport starting at £11.85 per day
    264.7 km / 164.5 miles
  8. City Centre starting at £16.64 per day
    287.2 km / 178.5 miles
  9. Newcastle Airport starting at £15.99 per day
    292.7 km / 181.9 miles
  10. Manchester Airport starting at £14.11 per day
    295.5 km / 183.6 miles
  11. Leeds Bradford Airport starting at £15.33 per day
    308.6 km / 191.8 miles
  12. Inverness Airport starting at £15.10 per day
    347.8 km / 216.1 miles
  13. Aberdeen Airport starting at £12.94 per day
    377.6 km / 234.6 miles
  14. East Midlands Airport starting at £15.12 per day
    380.1 km / 236.2 miles
  15. Birmingham Airport starting at £11.21 per day
    383.5 km / 238.3 miles
  16. Cardiff Airport starting at £18.08 per day
    410.2 km / 254.9 miles
  17. Bristol Temple Meads Railway Station starting at £25.87 per day
    431.4 km / 268.1 miles
  18. Bristol Airport starting at £14.41 per day
    432.8 km / 268.9 miles
  19. Exeter Airport starting at £18.08 per day
    475.2 km / 295.3 miles
  20. Luton Airport starting at £12.80 per day
    496.7 km / 308.6 miles

Map of Car Hire Destinations

In which month is car hire in Belfast the most affordable?

According to our data, prices for hiring a car in Belfast fluctuate depending on the time of year. This graph displays the average hire prices in each month in order to help you find the best bargain.
Average price for hiring a car per day in Belfast
£19.60
January
£17.39
February
£28.88
March
£30.74
April
£26.76
May
£28.55
June
£35.02
July
£33.49
August
£28.98
September
£27.09
October
£25.82
November
£31.94
December
The best month to hire a car in Belfast is February (when the average price is £17.39 per day). This is 38% less than the yearly average and 50% less than hiring in July (when the average price is £35.02).

This information can help you determine the low season. But note that these prices are only averages. The cost of your car hire is determined by the type of car you select, the length of time you hire it for, and how much in advance you book. Simply select your dates in the form at the top of the page to find out the exact prices.

What's the usual period for which people keep their hire cars, on average, in Belfast?

Car hire lengths vary from month to month: in March, the average hirer keeps their car for 7 days, and in January, they keep their car for 4 days.
Average number of hire days in Belfast
4
January
4
February
7
March
4
April
5
May
5
June
5
July
5
August
4
September
4
October
4
November
5
December

What is the most favoured month for hiring a car in Belfast?

Given the number of searches made by our customers, the most popular month for hiring a car in Belfast is August, and the least popular is February.
Popularity of Car Hire in Belfast by Monthly Searches
94%
January
51%
February
76%
March
93%
April
116%
May
85%
June
114%
July
189%
August
116%
September
120%
October
68%
November
79%
December

Car hire information

Car hire locations 6
Airport locations 2
Popular suppliers Drivalia, Alamo, Avis, Hertz, Enterprise
Popular car categories Small cars, Medium cars, SUVs, People Carriers
Lowest price £13 per day
Cheapest supplier Drivalia

Most popular car models of suppliers

Hire Agency Model Doors Luggage Type
Drivalia Volkswagen Polo 5 1 Small cars
Drivalia Fiat 500 3 1 Small cars
Drivalia Renault Captur 5 2 Medium cars
Avis Fiat 500 3 1 Small cars
Avis Vauxhall Corsa 5 2 Small cars
Alamo Nissan Qashqai 5 3 SUVs
Hertz Kia Picanto 3 1 Small cars
Hertz Vauxhall Astra 5 2 Medium cars
Alamo Vauxhall Corsa 3 1 Small cars
Alamo Ford Focus 4 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 the 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.

United Kingdom
Vauxhall Corsa
02/11/2024
Traveled to Enniskillen and Lisbellaw to visit family, This was our first time in Ureland and found everyone we spoke to very friendly and helpful. We also spent a day at the Titanic Museum and well worth the visit. In Enniskillen we visited the Castle, and several bars, Little Wings pizza restaurant. And our accommodation was also impeccable, we stayed at Willow Bank House Enniskillen, the breakfast was exceptional with lots of choices each day, rooms 10/10.
United Kingdom
Nissan Qashqai
29/10/2024
Titanic, Giants Causeway, Bushmills Distillery, Crumlin Road Gaol
United Kingdom
Volkswagen Polo
23/09/2024
SSE Arena gig, sightseeing.
United Kingdom
Vauxhall Corsa
21/08/2024
Drove from Belfast to Warren point for a wedding. Great drive, beautiful scenery.
United Kingdom
Ford Focus
09/06/2024
Our one week 340-mile trip around Northern Ireland included Belfast, the Antrim and causeway coasts, Derry, and beachside cottage just north of Carlingford Lough. We enjoyed every kind of weather but travelling wasn’t a problem. Interesting and enjoyable.
United Kingdom
Fiat 500
15/05/2024
Very Pleased . Thank you
United Kingdom
Fiat 500
06/05/2024
Great roads to drive on
United Kingdom
Ford Fiesta
04/02/2024
Visiting family again.
United Kingdom
Ford Focus
28/12/2023
Spent Christmas with family. Having a car made this possible
United Kingdom
Fiat 500
14/11/2023
Watched ulster beat munster at ravenhill
United Kingdom
Fiat 500
18/10/2023
Visiting family
United Kingdom
Ford Focus
27/09/2023
Visiting family and seeing our twin grandchildren for the 1st time
United Kingdom
Nissan Qashqai
14/09/2023
Very beautiful countryside
United Kingdom
Kia Picanto
09/10/2021
I better not as I do not like to be hit by surprise surcharges. A rip-off I have never experienced before

Car Hire Statistics

Highest-rated company
Enterprise
8.6 / 10
)
Lowest-rated company
GreenMotion
7.2 / 10
)
Total number of reviews
41
Total rental companies
14
Average daily price
£25.24
Lowest daily price
£12.82
Total cars available
626

Top 14 suppliers in Belfast in 2024

Enterprise
Enterprise
Very good 8.6 / 30 reviews
3 locations
£17 - £100
Alamo
Alamo
Very good 8.5 / 34 reviews
2 locations
£16 - £120
Avis
Avis
Very good 8.4 / 19 reviews
2 locations
£15 - £18
Drivalia
Drivalia
Very good 8.2 / 104 reviews
1 location
£13 - £60
Europcar
Europcar
Very good 8.2 / 6 reviews
3 locations
£17 - £45
Hertz
Hertz
Very good 8.2 / 28 reviews
4 locations
£16 - £128
Budget
Budget
Very good 8.1 / 1 review
2 locations
£16 - £128
Keddy
Keddy
Very good 8 / 5 reviews
2 locations
£23 - £158
National
National
Very good 8 / 4 reviews
2 locations
£22 - £141
Thrifty
Thrifty
Average 7.7 / 0 reviews
4 locations
£22 - £141
Dollar
Dollar
Average 7.6 / 0 reviews
4 locations
£22 - £141
Routes Car Rental
Routes Car Rental
Average 7.6 / 1 review
3 locations
£42 - £50
SIXT
SIXT
Average 7.4 / 94 reviews
4 locations
£42 - £50
GreenMotion
GreenMotion
Average 7.2 / 0 reviews
1 location
£42 - £50

Our clients highly recommend us

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Belfast

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Driver's country of residence is United States of America (USA) and age is 30-65
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