- Book the best car rental at Dublin Airport (DUB)
- Dublin Airport car rental pick up location
- Dublin Airport car rental return location
- Car rental types at Dublin Airport
- Best car rental deals at Dublin Airport
- One way car rental from Dublin Airport
- Things to do near Dublin Airport
- Tips for car rental at Dublin Airport
- FAQs
Book the best car rental at Dublin Airport (DUB)
VIP Cars’ is a reliable choice for booking the best car rental deal at Dublin Airport as we allow you to compare offers from leading international and local suppliers in one place. You can find competitive rates, a wide selection of vehicles and flexible rental options within seconds.
Instead of visiting multiple provider websites, you can quickly compare prices and inclusions on our platform and secure the best-value car rental for your trip to Ireland.
After landing, you can straight away pick up your vehicle and head to popular destinations such as Dublin City Centre, the Wicklow Mountains, Galway, Cork or the Wild Atlantic Way without relying on taxis, buses or train connections.
Airport pickup also offers greater vehicle availability, making it easier to find the right car for family vacations, business trips or scenic road adventures.
Where to pick up the car rental at Dublin Airport terminal?
Picking up a car at Dublin Airport is simple, with rental desks conveniently located near both terminals (T1 and T2).
Dublin Airport Terminal 1
If you land at DUB Airport Terminal 1, follow the clearly marked 'Car Rental’ signs from the Arrivals Hall. Exit the baggage reclaim area and head to your right. The major car rental desks of suppliers like Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Enterprise will be lined up directly in front of you.
Finding your provider’s desk won’t be a problem as there are well-signposted service counters here. Once you complete your paperwork with the agent, they will direct you out of the terminal to the designated car rental parking zone or to the complimentary shuttle bus stops just outside the door, which will take you to the off-site vehicle holding lots in around 10 minutes.
Dublin Airport Terminal 2
If you are arriving at DUB Airport Terminal 2, after clearing customs and exiting the baggage reclaim gates, walk straight across the main arrivals area and head toward the exit leading to the Multi-Storey Car Park.
Major suppliers like Avis, Hertz and Sixt, have their dedicated check-in desks located to the left as you enter this car park structure. After signing your rental agreement, you can either collect your keys to pick up the vehicle directly from the adjacent multi-storey garage or follow the signs to the nearby shuttle transit points if your selected car is in off-airport location.
Sometimes, your rental provider’s desk may be located in a different terminal from the one where your flight arrives. If this happens, you can easily walk between Dublin Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, as they are only a few minutes apart and there are clear signs throughout the airport showing the way.
How does Dublin Airport car rental return work?
Returning your rental car at Dublin Airport is a quick process. Before arriving at the airport, follow the road signs for Car Rental Return, which will direct you to your rental supplier’s designated return area. Most major providers have dedicated parking zones located close to the terminals, making it easy to drop off the vehicle before your flight.
Once you arrive at the return location, park the car in the marked bay for your rental company and remove all personal belongings. Depending on the supplier, a staff member may inspect the vehicle and confirm the return, or you may simply leave the keys in a designated drop box if you are returning the car outside office hours.
After completing the return, you can walk to Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 using the clearly signposted pedestrian routes, which are only a short distance from the rental parking areas.
Car rental return help
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Dublin Airport car rental drop off address: Dublin Airport, Eastlands Car Hire Facility, Stockhole, Dublin, K67 W2R4/K67 C795, Ireland
(The exact drop-off location may vary by supplier, so we recommend to follow instructions given in your Rental Confirmation Voucher)
- Directions to reach the airport from the city: Close to M50 and M1 motorways, Dublin Airport is located about 10km to the north of Dublin City Centre.
How to compare car rental deals for Dublin Airport (DUB) on VIP Cars?
Comparing car rental deals for Dublin Airport on VIP Cars is quick and easy. Start by entering your pick-up and drop-off details, including your travel dates and times and click Search. Our system will display available rental cars from multiple suppliers in one place, making it easy to compare prices and inclusions.
To find a deal that suits your needs, use the filters available on the results page. You can refine your search by: supplier, price, car category, fuel type, car specifications or security deposit at pick up.
The available filter options may vary depending on your travel dates and the vehicles currently available from rental suppliers. Before confirming your booking, be sure to review the rental terms and conditions for your chosen vehicle. This will help you understand important requirements such as the minimum driver age, driving licence criteria, security deposit and credit/debit card requirements that must be met at the time of vehicle collection.
Types of car rental categories at Dublin Airport (DUB)
We offer a wide selection of rental vehicles to suit different travel needs, from city breaks and business trips to family holidays and cross-country road adventures. Whether you plan to stay in Dublin or explore destinations such as Galway, Cork, the Wild Atlantic Way or Northern Ireland, you can choose from several vehicle categories.
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Economy and compact cars
This category is the most popular choice at Dublin Airport due to its affordability, fuel efficiency, and ease of driving on Ireland’s narrower roads. Models such as the Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris, Volkswagen Polo, Opel Corsa and Ford Focus are commonly available.
These vehicles are ideal for solo travellers, couples and budget-conscious visitors who plan to spend most of their time in Dublin or take short trips around the country.
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SUV rentals
These vehicles provide extra space, comfort and luggage capacity, making them a great option for families and travellers planning longer road trips. Popular models often include the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Volkswagen Tiguan and Toyota RAV4.
SUVs are well-suited for exploring Ireland’s scenic routes, including the Ring of Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way, where additional comfort can be appreciated during long drives.
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Van and people carrier rentals
They are designed for larger groups, family vacations and business teams arriving at Dublin Airport. Vehicles such as the Ford Tourneo Custom, Volkswagen Caravelle, Renault Trafic and Opel Vivaro have 7 to 9+ seats and can accommodate multiple passengers along with their luggage.
These rentals are especially popular with tour groups, sports teams and families travelling together throughout Ireland.
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Luxury and premium cars
Luxury car rental at Dublin Airport offers a more refined driving experience for business travellers, special occasions or those who simply prefer additional comfort and performance.
Depending on availability, you can find models such as the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6 or BMW X3. These vehicles combine premium features with stylish design, making them a popular choice for corporate travel and luxury touring around Ireland.
Best car rental deals at Dublin Airport (DUB)
We offer a wide range of car rental deals at Dublin Airport (DUB) to suit different travel plans, budgets and booking preferences. Whether you are visiting Dublin for a short city break, exploring Ireland’s scenic coastal routes or planning an extended stay, there are flexible rental options available to match your needs.
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Short-term rentals
They are ideal if you need a vehicle for a limited period. Options include 24-hour, weekend and weekly rentals, making them popular with business travellers attending meetings in Dublin, couples enjoying a weekend getaway or visitors taking short road trips to destinations such as the Wicklow Mountains, Kilkenny or Galway. These rentals offer the convenience of collecting a vehicle directly from Dublin Airport and returning it once your trip is complete.
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Long-term rentals
Such deals are a cost-effective choice if you are staying in Ireland for several weeks or months. International students, temporary workers, relocating professionals and extended holidaymakers often choose monthly rental deals because they provide the flexibility of having a personal vehicle without the commitments associated with car ownership.
Long-term rentals can be particularly useful for those planning to explore multiple regions across Ireland during their stay.
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Last-minute car rental deals
If you need a vehicle on short notice, a last-minute booking provides access to a limited vehicle category. These deals are frequently booked by passengers facing flight schedule changes, business travelers with urgent travel requirements or visitors who decide to rent a car one day before their journey.
Booking through VIP Cars allows you to compare offers from leading suppliers at DUB and secure competitive rates, even for same-day or next-day pickups.
One-way car rental from Dublin Airport (DUB)
We give you the flexibility to book a one-way car rental from Dublin Airport and return it to another location in Ireland. This option is particularly best for your road trip plans across the country, as it eliminates the need to drive back to Dublin before departure. Whether you are exploring Ireland's vibrant cities, scenic coastline or famous landmarks, a one-way rental can save both time and fuel.
Some of the most popular domestic one-way rental routes from Dublin Airport include:
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Dublin Airport to Cork (Ireland)
Distance: ~260 km Time: around 3 hours -
Dublin Airport to Galway (Ireland)
Distance: ~210 km Time: around 2 hours 30 minutes -
Dublin Airport to Limerick (Ireland)
Distance: ~200 km Time: around 2 hours 15 minutes -
Dublin Airport to Shannon Airport (Ireland)
Distance: ~225 km Time: around 2 hours 30 minutes
Cross-border car rentals from Dublin Airport (DUB)
Cross-border rentals allow you to drive from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland in the same rental vehicle. This is a popular choice if you are looking to explore both countries during a single trip.
Before booking, make sure to check with your selected provider regarding cross-border permissions, insurance requirements and any applicable fees. These are some of the most popular routes taken by our customers:
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Dublin Airport to Belfast (Northern Ireland, UK)
Distance: ~165 km Time: around 2 hours -
Dublin Airport to Derry/Londonderry (Northern Ireland, UK)
Distance: ~240 km Time: around 3 hours -
Dublin Airport to Giant's Causeway (Northern Ireland, UK)
Distance: ~270 km Time: around 3 hours 15 minutes -
Dublin Airport to Newry (Northern Ireland, UK)
Distance: ~95 km Time: around 1 hour 15 minutes
Dublin Airport - Overview
| Address: | Dublin Airport, Co. Dublin, Ireland |
|---|---|
| IATA Code: | DUB |
Dublin is one of the busiest aerodromes in Europe and that too, for all good reasons. On an average, the airport handles around 60,000 passengers and approximately 600 aircraft movements per day. The airport flaunts more than 22,000 public parking spaces; one of the largest in Ireland. What’s more, the airfield is served by a large network of buses, coaches and rental cars to and from the city.
Some of the prime airlines functioning from Dublin Airport include British Airways, CityJet, Delta Air Lines, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Onur Air and US Airways. These top of the line airlines proffer connecting flights to an array of destinations comprising Philadelphia, London, Munich, Abu Dhabi, New York City, Toronto and Dubai amongst other destinations from all over the globe.
Facilities available at Dublin Airport (T1 and T2)
- Restaurants & cafés
- Duty-free shopping
- Currency exchange services
- ATMs and free Wi-Fi
- Airport lounges
- Charging stations
- baby-changing facilities
- Special assistance services
- Several hotels near the terminals
Things to do near Dublin Airport (DUB)
With a car rental in Dublin, you can easily get down to the city and its various attractions. There is much to experience in and around of Dublin, here are a few recommended destinations that you can cover in your rental car:
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Guinness Storehouse at St James’s Gate Brewery
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National Botanic Garden on South of Tolka River
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AquaZone at National Aquatic Center, an innovative water park
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National Museum of Ireland at Kildare Street
VIP Cars’ tips for car hire at Dublin Airport (DUB)
- Automatic vehicles are generally available in limited numbers compared to manual cars in Ireland. If you need a car rental at Dublin Airport with automatic transmission, it is best to reserve well in advance, especially during the summer tourist season and major holidays.
- If you are looking for a car rental with low deposit at DUB Airport, make sure to use the filter option 'Security deposit at pick-up’ while booking on our platform.
- Some rental companies have desks inside the Dublin Airport terminals, while others operate from nearby locations and provide a shuttle service to their rental office. Check your booking confirmation voucher so you know whether to walk directly to the desk or follow the signs for the shuttle pickup point.
- Take a few minutes to check the car before driving off from DUB. Taking photos at pickup can provide additional peace of mind during your trip in Ireland.
- If you are looking for a car rental with debit card option at Dublin Airport, be sure to read the rental terms carefully while comparing offers on our platform. You can review the supplier's payment section and accepted payment methods to see whether debit cards are permitted for vehicle collection and security deposits.
- Since payment policies vary between suppliers, checking these details in advance can help you choose the right deal and avoid issues at pickup.