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Finding a car rental at Belfast International Airport (BFS) is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers across the UK with no booking fees. Pick up from on-airport desks in the arrivals hall and be in Belfast city centre in around 30 to 40 minutes via the M2. Planning to drive to the Republic of Ireland? Filter for cross-border car hire to see any fees and requirements upfront.
Belfast International Airport has five major car hire companies on-site, making it convenient to pick up a vehicle immediately upon arrival.
| Location/Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| On-airport (Arrivals Hall: Enterprise/National/Alamo, Budget, Europcar, Avis, Hertz) | Immediate pickup after landing; no shuttle required; all major brands in one place; pickup and return times match flight schedules | Airport location surcharges often make rates higher; queues can form when several flights arrive at once; limited availability during peak periods if booked late |
| Belfast city centre locations (alternative to airport pickup) | Often lower rates due to fewer airport fees; convenient if you’re spending initial days in the city | Requires transport from the airport to the city; less convenient if you want to start driving immediately; navigating city traffic and parking adds time |
On average, car rentals at Belfast International Airport cost around €50 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €13 per day.
Compare brands, car sizes and pickup days. Monday is busiest at BFS, so check prices for Sunday or mid-week pickups too.
Lock in early for peak times. For summer and bank holidays, booking about 4–6 weeks ahead usually beats last-minute rates.
Choose the smallest car that fits. Economy/compact options are typically 30–50% cheaper than SUVs.
Test different trip lengths. Weekly deals can undercut daily pricing, and 3-day rentals often price better per day than 1–2 days.
Plan fuel smartly. Full-to-full is standard. Refill at the petrol station on Airport Road, about 5 minutes from BFS, to avoid higher refuelling charges.
Going to the Republic of Ireland? Add the cross-border fee (around £23) into your comparison so there are no surprises.
Airport Parking for Rental Returns:
Driving from the Airport:
Local Regulations to Note:
Book a rental car so you can easily:
Belfast City Centre – Titanic Belfast, City Hall, Cave Hill Country Park
Causeway Coast – Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Lough Neagh – Antrim Castle Gardens, Lough Shore Park, Randalstown Forest
Mourne Mountains – Newcastle, Tollymore Forest Park, Silent Valley
Derry/Londonderry
Dublin
How long will it take me to pick up my rental car at Belfast International Airport? At normal times, it takes about 15-20 minutes. When it's busy (like on summer weekends and holidays), it can take 30-45 minutes.
What happens if my flight is delayed? Most companies check your flight's arrival time and will keep your car for you if you're late. You should always give them your flight number when you book.
Can I drive to the Republic of Ireland in a car I hired at Belfast International Airport? Yes, but you need to tell the rental company first. They usually charge a cross-border fee of £20–40 for the trip to cover extra insurance. Make sure you understand the rules for driving into the Republic of Ireland before you go.
What is the usual fuel rule for hire cars at Belfast International Airport? The 'full-to-full' rule is the most common one. This means they give you the car on a full tank and you have to return it full. If you don't, they will charge you a lot for refuelling.
Are there any toll roads near Belfast International Airport? No, Northern Ireland has no toll roads. If you're travelling to the Republic of Ireland, you might have to pay tolls on some roads, especially the M50 around Dublin.
How old do I need to be to hire a car at Belfast International Airport? Most companies need you to be at least 23 years old. They also charge an extra fee for drivers who are under 25.
Can I pick up at Belfast International but return to Belfast City Airport or Dublin? Yes, you can usually drop the car off at a different airport in Northern Ireland for a small fee. If you drop it off in Dublin, the company will charge you a much higher fee.
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