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Compare rental cars from top brands at Cork Airport with Road Genius. From small economy cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Choose on-airport car rental from Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt, or compare off-airport shuttle options for lower rates. For smoother Cork Airport car rental in summer, book early to avoid lines and to secure an automatic and expect about 15 to 20 minutes to Cork City or 30 to 40 minutes to Kinsale.
| Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Cork Airport Terminal |
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| Off-Airport Providers |
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| Cork City Locations |
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| Train Station Rentals |
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Rental Companies at Cork Airport: Avis, Budget/Payless, Enterprise, Europcar, Sixt, and Hertz all operate directly from the terminal.
On average, car rentals at Cork Airport cost around €63 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €13 per day.
Compare pickup locations. Airport is super convenient but often includes surcharges. Cork City or off-airport depots can be cheaper. City is 15-20 minutes away, but watch shorter opening hours.
Book to the season, not always “early.” For June–August and holidays, book 2-3 months ahead. In shoulder or low season (Apr–May, Sep–Mar), compare prices a few weeks out or even last-minute.
Go small and manual. Economy/compact cars handle West Cork’s narrow roads and cost less. Manuals are cheaper than automatics, which also sell out in summer.
Shorten the rental. Jet-lagged on arrival? Stay in Cork City the first night and pick up next morning in town to skip airport fees and shave a day off the rental.
Refuel before returning. Use the fuel station on Airport Road, about 5 minutes from the terminal, to avoid refuelling charges. Most rentals are full-to-full.
Run comparisons for groups and routes. For 5+, compare one 7-seater vs two compacts. If ending in Dublin, compare round-trip vs one-way quotes, as fees vary by direction and season.
| Location | Options | Rates (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cork Airport |
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Hourly rates apply for short-term spots Daily rates apply for long-term areas |
Pre-book long-term for discounts. |
| Cork City Center |
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Hourly rates apply for on-street spots Hourly rates usually apply in parking garages |
Some on-street spaces are free in the evenings and on Sundays. Check local signs. Many one-way streets in the center. |
| Kinsale |
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Hourly rates apply Some free spaces |
Very busy in summer, arrive early for a spot. |
| West Cork Towns |
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Hourly charges may apply Some free in smaller villages |
Watch for market days when town centers may be closed to vehicles. |
Local Driving Rules:
Traffic Hotspots: The Dunkettle Interchange (where N8, N25 and N40 meet) gets congested during rush hours (7:30-9:30 AM, 4:30-6:30 PM). The Jack Lynch Tunnel can also slow during these times.
Get a car so you can easily:
Cork City – English Market, Shandon Bells
Kinsale – harbor, Charles Fort
Blarney – Blarney Castle
Cobh – Titanic Experience, harbor
West Cork peninsulas – Beara, Sheep's Head, Mizen
Killarney – National Park, lakes
How long does the car pickup process take at Cork Airport? Plan for 15-30 minutes to pick up your car, depending on how long the lines are. It gets busiest mid-morning after several flights have arrived.
Is there a gas station near Cork Airport for refueling? Yes, you can find a Circle K station on Airport Road. It's about 5 minutes from the terminal and a great spot for refueling before you return your car.
Can I return my car outside of office hours? Yes, most big rental companies at Cork Airport let you return cars after hours using a key drop box. You should check the exact steps you need to follow with your rental company.
What's the best day trip from Cork Airport? For a good half-day trip, you could drive to Kinsale (30 minutes) for food and harbor views. Another option is the Jameson Distillery in Midleton (also 30 minutes). If you have a full day, a drive along the West Cork coast to Clonakilty and further on is very scenic.
Are there any toll roads around Cork? You won't find any toll roads right around Cork. If you drive to Dublin, you will have to pay tolls on the M8 near Fermoy and maybe on the M50 around Dublin.
What documents do I need to rent a car at Cork Airport? You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in the driver's name and your passport or ID. Rental companies usually accept non-EU licenses from tourists. You might need an International Driving Permit if your license isn't in English or doesn't use the Latin alphabet.
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