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Finding a rental car in Dublin is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers across Ireland with no booking fees. Choose a car rental at Dublin Airport or in the city center, then use the M50 to reach Wicklow, Galway, Cork or Belfast. Filter for automatic cars, child seats and cross-border cover, and book ahead for peak summer dates to keep prices low.

Map of campervan rental depots near 526772

Location	👍 Pros	👎 Cons
Dublin Airport (T1 and T2)	All major rental companies on-site 24/7 availability for most companies Immediate access to M1/M50 motorways	Airport surcharges (€30-40 total) Busy queues during peak times (10 AM-2 PM) Potential traffic leaving the airport area
City Center	Lower rates (no airport fees) Convenient if staying in the city center first Multiple locations from different providers	Limited hours (8 AM-6 PM) Often closed Sundays Need transport from the airport Navigating one-way systems immediately
South Dublin	Less congested than the city center Easier parking for pickup and return Good for heading south or west	Limited selection of vehicles Fewer rental companies Still need transport from the airport
Rail Stations	Convenient if arriving by train Usually near the city center	Very limited hours Small selection of vehicles Advanced booking essential

Car Rental Prices

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

On average, car rentals in Dublin cost around €62 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €13 per day.

Low-cost car rental tips

Compare pickup locations. Airport rentals often add €30-40 in surcharges. City or South Dublin branches can be cheaper, but check hours as many close at 6 PM and on Sundays.
Rent only for the days you drive. Use Aircoach or Dublin Express from the airport, then collect the car when leaving Dublin to avoid hotel parking (€15-25/night) and city parking garages (€25-35/day).
Match booking timing to season. In peak months and during big events, book early, especially automatics. In low season (Nov-Mar), watch prices and book when you see a drop.
Pick a smaller manual if you can. Manual cars are usually cheaper and easier to park on Dublin’s narrow streets. Only size up if you truly need space.
Avoid extra fees. Plan daytime pickup to skip after-hours charges (€30-50). Pay the M50 toll by 8 PM the next day at eflow.ie to avoid penalties.
Check route and return options. Compare one-way fees within Ireland (€30-50) against the fuel and time to return. If driving to Belfast, confirm cross-border permission and any fee before booking.

Parking and Local Driving

Location	Parking Options	Rates	Parking Advice
Dublin City Center	On-street pay-and-display Multi-story parking garages QPARK, Jervis St, Stephen's Green	Hourly rates apply for street spaces; daily rates apply in parking garages	Avoid driving in the city center if possible. Most hotels charge for spaces. Limited street availability.
Dublin Suburbs	Free street spaces in some areas Shopping center parking lots (time-limited) LUAS Park & Ride	Rates vary by area; Park & Ride locations charge a daily fee	Disc zones in some suburbs require display ticket. Check signage carefully.
Tourist Attractions	Dedicated parking lots at most sites Limited street spaces	Fees vary by location	Guinness Storehouse, Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo have their own facilities.
Shopping Areas	Shopping center parking lots Underground spaces	Hourly rates apply, often reduced when validated; daily caps may apply	Many shopping centers validate spaces on purchase. Dundrum Town Center has extensive facilities.

Dublin Driving Challenges:

Complex one-way systems in the city center
Bus lanes operate at posted times and many are camera enforced
Pedestrian-only zones in the city center (Grafton Street, Henry Street)
Limited turning options at major intersections
Luas tram lines share road space - never stop on tracks

Traffic Restrictions:

The College Green bus corridor restricts private vehicles at certain times
Dublin Port Tunnel has height restrictions and variable tolls (higher during peak hours)
Several bus gates throughout the city that restrict private vehicles

Why rent a car in Dublin

Get a rental car to drive to:

Wicklow Mountains – Glendalough, Powerscourt Gardens, Sally Gap
Boyne Valley – Newgrange, Brú na Bóinne
Kilkenny – Kilkenny Castle, St Canice's Cathedral
Dublin Mountains – Ticknock, Military Road
Belfast – Titanic Belfast, Cathedral Quarter
Howth Peninsula – Howth Summit, harbor

Local Rental Locations

Driving Distances from Dublin

FAQs

Is it worth renting a car just for Dublin? In Dublin city itself, you'll find public transport is more convenient. It's best to only rent a car for day trips or when you plan to leave the city.

How do I pay the M50 toll? You can pay online at eflow.ie, by phone or at Payzone retailers by 8 PM the day after you travel. Some rental companies handle this for you automatically for a service fee.

Where can I find free parking in Dublin? You can find free street parking in some outer suburbs. Many shopping centers offer 1-3 hours free if you get your ticket validated. On Sundays, some pay-and-display areas are free, but make sure to check the signs.

How difficult is driving in central Dublin? The city center has many one-way streets, bus lanes and pedestrianized areas. If you're not familiar with the city, it's a good idea to park on the outskirts and use public transport.

Can I pick up in Dublin and drop off elsewhere in Ireland? Most companies allow one-way rentals within Ireland for an extra fee of €30-50. You should book ahead of time, as not all cars may be available for one-way trips.