Automotive comfort with the top 5 car rentals in Dublin
Whenever I have people from outside Dublin visit me, they often arrive thinking they can rely solely on public transport. While Dublin’s public transport is great, it’s still not as convenient as a car, especially when you’re running late.
While Dublin is walkable, cars still offer quite a lot of comfort and make bringing large things from point A to point B much easier. They’re also perfect for those who don’t want to muck around with a bus map or LUAS timetables.
You’re in luck, I had been renting cars left, right, and centre since my first visit. I’ve pooled together some of the best car rentals in Dublin, so all you’ll have to do is choose the right one for you.
How much does a car rental cost in Dublin?
A car rental in Dublin typically costs between €300 to €470 per week. The price will increase or decrease depending on the type of car that you’ll be renting, whether it’ll be a manual or automatic, and for the amount of time you’ll be renting it.
1. NewWay Car Hire
Address: Terminal 1 and 2, Arrivals Hall, Dublin Airport, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 605 7588
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM
What drew me into going for NewWay Car Hire was their great insurance policy. Unlike other companies, their insurance isn’t tied to a deposit as it already comes packaged with the car.
I also like their price transparency. I paid exactly what they advertised to me.
Another great thing about them is their website. My experience browsing through their collection was smooth and easy.
Speaking of collections, they offer manual and automatic options. They even have selections for large SUVs, minis, compact cars, 5-seaters, 7-seaters, and even full-size minibuses.
Their electric car rental is also relatively impressive. However, they only have one type available.
They don’t offer a free toll, but I like the few inclusions like their roadside assistance, which brings a mechanic to wherever you are for free.
Pleasantly surprised by their hands-on approach
“Revised review….we had a petrol issue on return, but NewWay thankfully resolved the problem. I was surprised how quickly they responded to the issue. I’ve been renting cars for many years, and pleasantly surprised their hands on approach.
I’ve read previous complaints about pick up and drop off, yes, we were shuttled to the NewWay/ Budget lot, which took maybe fifteen minutes total to leave with the SUV after being picked up, and we dropped off on return right in the airport parking garage clearly displaying NewWay spots, not in a satellite lot. Our SUV had leather and a sunroof which were nice options.”
– Chezehd, Google Review
The car was very comfortable
“Picking up the car was simple and very quick, as was returning it. Don’t forget to bring your physical credit card—they take a deposit for fuel (which was refunded two days after returning the car).
We got a Fabia that was practically new—the car was very comfortable. I definitely recommend it.”
– Jiří Kutlák, Google Review
2. Sixt Car Rental
Address: Terminal 1 and 2, Stockhole, Dublin, K67 E4P2, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 844 5691
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Sixt Car Rental is a popular choice in Dublin. What makes them unique is their flexible return policy, which allows you to return a car without any extra fees.
They offer a variety of options for cars, ranging from manual SUVs to automatic ones, as well as compact automatics and mid-sized station wagons. All of which are available with different brands.
It’s also worth noting that they offer unlimited kilometres for their cars. Even their truck rentals are neat.
I was able to modify and extend my rental on their app, which was far more convenient compared to others. Plus, I added extra drivers to my rentals for a small fee—very handy.
Aside from that, they also don’t have any hidden fees. They do, however, charge an extra fee for insurance. Nevertheless, they compensate by providing discounts for prepaid bookings.
Still, I was a bit disappointed by the premium location fee and of out-of-hours fee.
The staff were friendly and helpful
“we had a very smooth 5 day car rental, road tripping through Ireland with a relatively new Toyota Corolla Luna Hybrid! Staff was friendly and helpful, return was handled efficiently, shuttles to and from Dublin Airport run frequently! Overall very good experience!”
– Sandra Stromberger, Google Review
Had an amazing experience
“I rented a car with Sixt in Dublin and had an amazing experience! The car was brand new, of excellent quality, and the entire process – from booking to return – was very smooth. The staff were polite and helpful. I highly recommend it”
– Elias Laguardia, Google Review
3. Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Address: Dublin Airport Eastlands, Car Hire Facility, Stockhole, Dublin, K67 V5X0, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 844 5848
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
For those travelling with a large group, Enterprise Rent-A-Car might be the rental for you. They specialise in larger vehicles that can carry more than just people.
Aside from the normal cars, they also have dedicated rentals for SUVs, people carriers, and full-sized vans. They have automatic and manual options, as well as an electric vehicle.
What stood out to me the most was their discounts. I love the seasonal and prepay discounts they offered me.
Their airport pick-up service was very reliable, said my friend who once tried this service. And you don’t have to worry because they have different locations outside of Dublin Airport, including Coolock, Finglas, and Swords.
Another great thing about them is that they include the insurance in the overall cost of each rental. The unlimited mileage on all their vehicles also sold me on trying them. I even drove to Northern Ireland for a small fee.
I was just a bit disappointed that they require you to return cars with the exact amount of fuel, so it’s not really included with what you pay.
Simple and fast
“I had a great experience with Enterprise in Ireland at the Dublin Airport location. The staff was friendly, informative, and made good recommendations.
The vehicle was very nice and exactly what I was looking for and expected.
The return was simple and fast, and the shuttle service was also great.”
– Zach Duran, Google Review
Quick and efficient
“I had an excellent experience renting a car from Enterprise at Dublin Airport. The staff were friendly, professional, and very helpful throughout the process. Picking up the car was quick and efficient, and the vehicle itself was in great condition.
Returning the car was just as smooth, with clear directions and no hassle. Overall, the service was top-notch and made my trip much easier. I would happily rent from this location again.”
– Kevin Schanz, Google Review
4. My Irish Cousin
Address: 1st Floor, Building Two, The Green, Dublin Airport Central, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 E2H3, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 960 1248
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
My Irish Cousin offers a stress-free car rental service, and quite a number of clients agree.
They have all the usual small to standard cars, as well as SUV and 9-seater options. All of which are available for automatic and manual.
One noticeable perk when renting from them is the full roadside assistance with no cost, no hidden fees, and no need for photos for pick-ups and returns.
Like Enterprise Rent-A-Car, they also allow travel to Northern Ireland without any extra cost. Many clients also mentioned that they didn’t need a deposit before renting.
Another great thing about their service is that they have the best insurance policy by far. They provide full coverage for the car and will replace the car if you get into an accident.
The only downside that I could find is that they don’t have any electric car options. Still, that doesn’t erase the fact that they are the highest-rated service in Dublin by far.
Everything was so easy
“My Irish Cousin took such good care of us in Ireland. Even when I had a mishap with the car, they were understanding and supportive and got us through it. Everything was so easy and I couldn’t recommend then more. My experience with them in a country that drives differently than I’m used to helped calm my fears. If/when I go back to Ireland, I will definitely call on them again. We put over 2,000 kilometers on that little red car!”
– Polly Hawthorne, Google Review
Made the experience effortless
“Everything couldn’t have been any better with the pickup and drop off of the Car. Everything was fast and speedy with getting the car as well dropping off. Everyone was very helpful and made the experience effortless. The car was great, no issues or problems. Directions for pick up and drop off were perfect. Will definitely recommend for anyone traveling to Ireland and needs a car. Again, Thank you”
– Pat Douglas, Google Review
5. Europcar
Address: Dublin Airport, Terminal 1, Collinstown, Dublin, K67 A7P4, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 812 2800
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 5:00 AM to 11:45 PM
Europcar is great for those who’ve travelled the world as they’re quite popular in other countries, and the same is true in Dublin.
Their car options range from city cars, premium and automatic vehicles, and large vans. Some notable models that they have are Landrover Discovery 4, Volvo XC60, and Audi Q3. Their hybrid and electric options are equally impressive.
A few great inclusions are their 24-hour roadside assistance for a small fee, no hidden charges for any rental, and their ‘only new cars’ guarantee. I was attracted to their 15% discount when I rented, and the savings were significant.
Their rentals even come with mandatory third-party insurance. They also have three levels of protection available for car rentals.
However, there have been reports of difficulties communicating with their staff and issues with drop-offs.
They were helpful and kind
“Overall, my experience was great! The pickup process was quick, smooth, and efficient. The vehicle was well taken care of, clean, and well-kept.
When I dropped off the vehicle, the process was much the same. It was easy and quick!
All interactions with staff were great – they were helpful and kind!”
– Alek T. Michall, Google Review
Very pleased with the service
“Great service. Our arrival was a little late and Lucian from Europcar waited for us to arrive. He then upgraded us from a Volkswagen Polo to a Toyota CHR Hybrid at no extra cost. The car was very clean, had a full tank, and had no issues. Very pleased with the service we received and we’ll definitely use Europcar again.
Thank you Lucian!
Fyi, we paid for the extra insurance cover in advance, and paid for our northern Ireland entry in advance too. We returned with a full tank and caused no damage. As a result we did not receive any additional charges afterwards.”
– Martin Pisani, Google Review