Compare Car Rental Cork

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Finding a rental car in Cork is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers around Ireland with no booking fees. Choose a car rental in Cork at the airport, city center, or Kent Station, with city pickups often 10 to 15% cheaper than the airport. Book early for summer, compare economy to SUV options and head to Kinsale, Blarney Castle and the Wild Atlantic Way at your own pace.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 653604

Cork Airport

Location	👍 Pros	👎 Cons
Cork Airport	Car available immediately on arrival Major rental companies on-site Newer cars Easy pickup process	Extra 8-10% airport fee Limited evening/night pickups (smaller companies) Possible long waits during summer
Cork City Center	Convenient for visitors staying in the city Often 10-15% cheaper than airport Multiple locations around the city	Limited parking at pickup locations Heavy traffic during pickup Smaller selection of cars Limited weekend hours
Kent Railway Station	Convenient if you arrive by train Good rates compared to airport Easy access to main roads	Fewer rental companies Limited opening hours Advance booking essential

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Cork?

On average, car rentals in Cork cost around €68 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €13 per day.

How to pay less?

Compare pickup spots in Cork: city centre is often 10–15% cheaper than the airport and avoids the 8–10% airport surcharge; Kent Station can also have good rates.
Time it smart: for July–August and Irish bank holiday weekends, book 2–3 months ahead; off-peak, watch prices and rebook if your deal allows.
Rent only when you need it: Cork city is walkable, so pick up the car the day you head to Kinsale/West Cork to shave 1–2 rental days.
Choose the right car: go economy/compact for lower rates and easier parking; if you can drive stick, manuals are 15–25% cheaper than automatics.
Play with dates and duration: weekly rentals can be 15–20% cheaper than paying per day; shift pickup or return by a day to hit a cheaper bracket.
Skip paid extras: choose full-to-full fuel and return full; use your phone with offline maps instead of paying for a GPS; diesel can reduce fuel spend on longer Cork–Kerry–West Cork drives.

Parking and Driving

Location	Parking Options	Tips
Cork City Center	On-street spots (pay and display) Multi-story parking garages (Paul St, North Main St) Black Ash Park & Ride	Free after 6:30 PM in most areas Pedestrian zones prohibit access to central shopping streets
Cork Airport	Short-term (covered) Long-term lots	Book long-term spaces online for discounts
Popular Attractions	Blarney Castle (paid) Fota Wildlife Park (free) Jameson Distillery (free)	Arrive early during summer months Many coastal towns have limited spaces
Beach Areas	Designated spots at Inchydoney, Garretstown	Avoid roadside areas in unmarked zones Some beach parking lots close in evening

Key Driving Regulations:

Drive on the left side of the road
Speed limits: 120 km/h (75 mph) (motorways), 100 km/h (62 mph) (national roads), 80 km/h (50 mph) (regional roads), 50 km/h (31 mph) (urban areas)
Legal blood alcohol limit is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood for most drivers; lower limits apply for learner and professional drivers
Mobile phone use while driving prohibited except using a hands-free system
Seat belts mandatory for all passengers
Jack Lynch Tunnel under Cork Harbor has 80 km/h (50 mph) speed limit, monitored by cameras

Why rent a car in Cork

Get a car to drive to:

Kinsale
Blarney Castle – castle grounds
Cobh – Titanic Experience, harbor promenade
Midleton – Jameson Distillery
Fota Island – Wildlife Park
West Cork – Beara Peninsula, Sheep's Head, Mizen Head

Local Rental Locations

Driving Distances from Cork

FAQs

Is Cork Airport or the city center better for car rental pickup?
The airport is more convenient when you arrive, but city center locations can save you 8-10% if you're staying in Cork first and don't need a car straight away.

Do I need a car in Cork city itself?
Cork city center is small and easy to walk around, and it also has good public transport. You'll find a car is most useful for exploring outside the city.

What's the best day trip from Cork by car?
Kinsale and the Old Head peninsula make a great day trip. You can enjoy historic sites, scenic coastal drives and good places to eat, all within a 45-minute drive from Cork.

Are there any toll roads around Cork?
You'll only find one toll near Cork, on the M8 motorway to Dublin at Fermoy. The Jack Lynch Tunnel in Cork City is free to use.

Can I return my rental to a different location?
Most companies allow one-way rentals between Cork and Dublin or Shannon, but they charge an extra fee of €30-75 depending on the type of car.

Is an automatic transmission car easy to find in Cork?
About 30% of rental cars are automatic. You should book at least 3-4 weeks in advance, especially in summer, as they are very popular with North American visitors.