How much does it cost to rent a car at Shannon Airport?

On average, car rentals at **Shannon Airport** cost around **€65** per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from **€13** per day.

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Find lower rental car prices at Shannon Airport with Road Genius. Find live rates for SUVs, compact cars and people movers, and reserve with no booking fees. Pick up from the arrivals hall and be on the N19 in minutes for the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway((cars/rental/ireland/galway)) or Limerick. Compare on-airport and off-airport car hire at Shannon((cars/rental/ireland/shannon)) to trim surcharges, and book early in summer if you want an automatic.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Alamo · Avis · Budget · Carhire · Dollar · Europcar · Green Motion · Hertz · Keddy · National · Sixt · Thrifty

Car Hire Locations and Options

Location	Pros	Cons
Shannon Airport Terminal	All major companies on-site Short walk to car pickup Immediate motorway access	Limited selection during peak season Potential queues after transatlantic flights Higher airport surcharges
Off-Airport Providers	Lower rates (no airport fees) Often include shuttle service	Extra transfer time (10-15 minutes) Limited operating hours Must call upon arrival
Ennis (Nearby Town)	Potentially lower rates Good if staying in Ennis first	20-minute drive from airport Need transport to rental location Limited weekend hours

Pickup Process

After clearing immigration and customs, rental desks are located in the main arrivals hall. The walk to the car park is short, and no shuttle is required. Most companies use the same parking area directly opposite the terminal.

Car Rental Prices

Average: €65/day
From: €13/day

Saving Tips

Compare pickup locations. On-airport is fastest, but off-airport near Shannon or in Ennis can be cheaper. Factor in a 10-15 minute shuttle and limited hours. If you’re staying in Ennis first, pick up there the next morning to save.
Match booking timing to season. For June to August or if you need an automatic, book 2-3 months ahead. In Nov–Mar, prices are softer. Hold a free-cancel deal and re-check rates to rebook if they drop.
Go small and manual. Manuals in Ireland((cars/rental/ireland)) are often ~€10/day cheaper. A compact car saves on fuel and fits Clare’s narrow roads. For 5+, compare two smaller cars vs one large van for both price and drivability.
Flex dates and times. Shifting pickup/return by a day or avoiding weekend starts in shoulder season can lower rates. Keep pickup and drop-off at the same time to avoid an extra rental day.
Trim extras. Choose deals with unlimited mileage if you’re doing the Wild Atlantic Way. If going one-way (e.g., Shannon to Dublin((cars/rental/ireland/shannon-to-dublin))), compare direction and season for fee differences. Refuel in Shannon or Ennis before returning to avoid refuelling service charges.

Car hire prices at Shannon Airport 2025/2026

Parking and Local Driving

Location	Parking Options	Est. Rates	Tips
Cliffs of Moher	Large visitor car park	Included entry	Arrive early (before 10 AM) or late (after 4 PM) to avoid crowds.
Limerick City	Q-Park (city centre) On-street parking	Paid	City centre can be congested; consider parking at edge and walking in.
Ennis	Market St. Car Park Abbey St. Car Park	Paid	Narrow streets in town centre; larger car parks on outskirts are easier.
Bunratty Castle	On-site car park	Included entry	Large, well-organised parking area plenty of space.
Lahinch/Doolin	Public car parks and on-street	Paid	These towns get extremely busy in summer; arrive early.

Local Driving Rules

Speed limits: 120 km/h (motorways), 100 km/h (national roads), 80 km/h (regional roads), 50 km/h (urban areas)
The Burren region has narrow roads limestone walls. Drive cautiously
County Clare's rural roads can be exceptionally narrow limited passing places
Watch for tour buses on popular routes to Cliffs of Moher, especially midday

Toll Roads

The only toll near Shannon is the Limerick Tunnel. All other major routes from Shannon Airport are toll-free. If heading to Dublin, you'll encounter the M7 toll and possibly the M50 electronic toll.

Why rent a car in Shannon

Book a rental car to get to:

Cliffs of Moher
The Burren
Galway
Limerick
Doolin – Aran Islands ferry
Bunratty Castle

FAQs

Is Shannon Airport a good place to start a Wild Atlantic Way journey?

Yes. Shannon gives you direct access to the Wild Atlantic Way, so you'll have very little city driving. You can reach beautiful coastal spots about an hour after leaving the airport.

How far in advance should I book a car from Shannon?

For summer, you should book your car 3 or more months in advance. For winter (except Christmas), you can often find a car even if you book in the same week.

Can I pick up at Shannon and drop off in Dublin((cars/rental/ireland/dublin))?

Yes, most major companies let you do this. They usually charge a one-way fee, which is often between €40 and €100, depending on the company and car.

What's the best day trip from Shannon?

For a great day trip, we suggest visiting the Cliffs of Moher and driving through the Burren. You can stop at Burren National Park and Poulnabrone Dolmen on your drive.

Do I need a special permit to drive to Northern Ireland?

You don't need a special permit, but you should tell your rental company that you're crossing the border. Some companies charge a fee, often around €30-40, for extra insurance.