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Finding a rental car in Belfast is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers all around the UK with no booking fees. Pick up at Belfast International Airport (BFS), George Best Belfast City Airport or in the city centre, and filter for automatics, SUVs and one-way rentals with clear upfront pricing. Book early for summer and for automatics, and if you plan to drive into the Republic of Ireland add cross-border cover during booking.
Belfast offers three main car rental pickup locations, each offering distinct advantages depending on your arrival method and travel plans.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Belfast International Airport (BFS) |
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| George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) |
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| Belfast City Centre |
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On average, car rentals in Belfast cost around €47 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €13 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Check prices at BFS, BHD and Belfast city centre. City locations often skip airport surcharges, though you’ll need transport from the airport.
Time it by season: For July–August, book about 4–6 weeks ahead. Spring/Autumn, 2–4 weeks. Winter off-peak in Belfast can be cheaper even 1–2 weeks out.
Only rent for the days you need: Explore Belfast first, then pick up in the city to save a day or two. Returning to the same location is usually cheaper than a one-way.
Pick a smaller manual: Manuals are more common and cheaper in Northern Ireland. Automatics cost more and sell out in summer.
Shift your pickup day/time: Mondays are busiest. Try mid-week or Sunday pickup and compare a 7-day rate vs 5–6 days, which can be cheaper overall.
Cut running costs: Decline prepaid fuel unless you’ll return near empty. Refuel at supermarkets around Belfast for lower prices, keep the receipt, and avoid bus lanes and camera fines.
| Car Park Type | Standard Rates | Time Limits | Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-street metered | Varies by zone | Usually 1-2 hours | Pay-and-display tickets or mobile app. Strictly enforced by traffic wardens. |
| Multi-storey car parks (Victoria Square, CastleCourt, Great Northern) | Varies by car park; check posted tariffs or apps | Varies | Evening flat rates may be available after 6 PM. Some hotels offer discounted validation. |
| St. Anne's Cathedral area car park | Similar to other multi-storey rates | All day | Good central location for city exploration. |
Key Driving Rules:
Local Driving Challenges:
Book a rental car so you can visit:
Giant's Causeway - Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle
Derry/Londonderry - Peace Bridge
Mourne Mountains - Newcastle, Tollymore Forest Park
Strangford Lough - Mount Stewart House, Castle Ward, Portaferry
What documents do I need to rent a car in Belfast? You will need a valid driving licence, a credit card in the main driver's name and a passport or ID. If you're visiting from another country, you might need an International Driving Permit. This depends on where your licence was issued.
Can I pick up a car in Belfast and return it in another city? Yes, most companies let you rent a car one-way inside Northern Ireland for a fee. You can also do cross-border one-way trips, like from Belfast to Dublin, but this will cost more.
Are there any toll roads in Northern Ireland? Northern Ireland has no toll roads. However, if you drive into the Republic of Ireland, you may have to pay tolls on some roads.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Belfast? Most rental companies need you to be at least 23 years old. They also charge an extra fee for drivers under 25. Some companies will rent certain types of cars to drivers as young as 21, but the extra fee is higher.
Should I rent an automatic or manual transmission vehicle? Manual cars are more common and usually cheaper to rent. If you need an automatic, you should book it early. There aren't as many available and they get booked out quickly during busy times.
Do I need special insurance to drive from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland? You need to tell the rental company if you plan to drive across the border. Most companies charge a cross-border fee which includes the right insurance.
What type of car is best for exploring Northern Ireland? A small to mid-size car is a great choice for most people. You'll find it easier to manoeuvre on narrow roads and in city parking spots. These cars are also comfortable enough for longer trips.
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