How to find a cheap car hire deal in Dublin
Cruise into adventure with a cheap rental car in Dublin. With prices averaging £71 a day, it's travel freedom that doesn't cost a fortune. From zippy compacts to power-packed SUVs, we'll help you pick your kind of ride at your kind of price.
Daily rental prices in Dublin start from just £26.
Staying a little longer? Book a weekly rental from £177 and explore beyond the usual highlights.
To score the best price on a Dublin car hire, it's smart to book in advance. Rates generally climb as your travel dates get closer, and you might be left with fewer choices.
Avis, Budget and Hertz are some of the most popular providers in the city. They're a smart place to start comparing offers.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Dublin car hire policy, whether you book with Avis or any other supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.
Booking one-way could score you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved around. Simply select 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Dublin.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.
Want to explore without worrying about the number of miles you cover? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra fees.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average £40 a day.
Next in line, this provider offers daily rates of around £50.
The third option also shows up on the list of top-value suppliers. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly £63 a day.
If you're not sure what kind of ride you need, consider something from the Large rental category. It's the most commonly booked car type in Dublin.
Compare car hire types in Dublin
Small: Whether you're zipping around busy cities or taking a short trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and excellent mileage.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and with enough space for longer drives, they're a reliable fit for most trips.
Large: Offering greater driving comfort and advanced tech features, this Dublin car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Dublin is built to handle heavier loads and bigger groups. They're roomy, hardworking, and ready to tackle whatever task lies ahead.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something to think about. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different Dublin car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can make all the difference. Think about which extras will suit your needs when you rent a car in Dublin.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is generally 21 years old. However providers may have their own rules, so always double-check your rental company's policy to make sure you meet the requirements.
Travel plans include the kids? Car seat rules vary depending on where you are, and the best setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Make sure you add the right one to your Dublin car rental reservation.
You'll have to provide some documents when collecting your car. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will confirm exactly what's required.
Familiarise yourself with your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and turn signals, and get used to how it handles before you set off. And remember to stay on the right side of the road in the United States.
Follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 40kph (25mph) in urban areas and 110kph (70mph) or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the surest choice is to avoid drinks so you remain legal to drive.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid busy hours generally for a smoother drive.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for everyday expenses throughout your trip. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cash and cards so you're covered for every situation.
Best hotels in Dublin for drivers
Spend less time worrying about where to park and more time enjoying the comfort of Residence Inn Livermore. About 8 kms (5 miles) from central Dublin, it comes with accessible parking, a 24-hour front desk and a kitchen.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Livermore makes things simpler with parking and features like a laundry and a 24-hour front desk. It's roughly 8 kms (5 miles) from the city centre.
Want more inspiration? Browse the full list of hotels in Dublin. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If you're driving electric, you can select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter too.
Once you've locked in a car hire deal in Dublin and your hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Dublin Heritage Park & Museums and Sri Panchamukha Hanuman Temple (PMHT), Dublin, CA are classics for any first-time visitor.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Dublin
Around 40 kms (25 miles) south of central Dublin, San Jose belongs on your itinerary. Steer straight toward must-see sights like Winchester Mystery House and The Tech Interactive.
Reliable accommodation options with parking in San Jose include Uptown Oasis San Jose Airport & Silicon Valley and Alura Inn.
Or collect your cheap car hire in Dublin and then set off for San Francisco. About 40 kms (25 miles) west of Dublin, Golden Gate Bridge and Painted Ladies - Alamo Square are top attractions that make the extra drive worth it.
BEI San Francisco, Trademark Collection by Wyndham and Hotel G San Francisco are comfy places to stay in San Francisco if you've got more than a quick stop in mind. Book one of these and have somewhere handy to leave your ride.
Up for a bonus adventure? Reno is a popular road trip destination that's around 274 kms (170 miles) northeast of Dublin. Plan to make a few pit stops at Truckee River Whitewater Park and Ultimate Rush Speed & Thrill Park.
Browse the room options at Circus Circus Reno, A Caesars Destination or Eldorado Reno – A Caesars Rewards Destination. Make one of them your base and enjoy everything Reno has to offer. They also come with a place to park.
