Compare cheap car hire at Derry Airport with details on rental desk locations, vehicles available, driving routes and practical travel advice.
City of Derry Airport (LDY) serves the north-west of Ireland and is located about 11km east of Derry/Londonderry city centre near the village of Eglinton. It is a convenient arrival point for travellers visiting County Derry, the Causeway Coast and nearby parts of Donegal.
Hiring a car at the airport is one of the easiest ways to explore the region. Scenic drives along the north coast, the Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal and historic towns across Northern Ireland are all within easy reach.
Direct Flights from Ireland
Derry Airport has regular direct flights within Ireland.
- Dublin → Derry (Loganair)
The flight between Dublin and Derry typically takes about 55 minutes.
Where to Find the Car Hire Desks
Car hire desks at Derry Airport are located inside the terminal building near the arrivals area. Because the airport is relatively small, the desks are easy to find once you exit the baggage reclaim area.
Vehicles are normally collected from the airport car park directly outside the terminal, only a short walk from the building.
Airport information and facilities are available on the official City of Derry Airport website.
Car Hire Companies at Derry Airport
The airport hosts several well-known rental providers.
- Hertz
- Europcar
- Enterprise
Vehicles are parked in the airport’s designated rental parking spaces next to the terminal.
Typical Rental Prices at Derry Airport
| Season | Economy Car | Family / Compact | SUV / Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | £25 – £45 per day | £45 – £75 per day | £75 – £120 per day |
| April – June | £30 – £60 per day | £60 – £95 per day | £95 – £150 per day |
| July – August | £40 – £80 per day | £80 – £135 per day | £135 – £200 per day |
| September – October | £30 – £65 per day | £65 – £100 per day | £100 – £170 per day |
| November – December | £25 – £50 per day | £50 – £85 per day | £85 – £140 per day |
Choosing a Rental Car in the North-West
Compact Cars
Small cars are popular for city driving and exploring coastal roads around the Causeway Coast.
Family Vehicles
Mid-size cars or estates provide extra comfort for travellers exploring several counties across Northern Ireland and Donegal.
SUVs
SUVs can be useful for longer scenic drives or travelling with additional luggage.
Driving from Derry Airport
The airport connects to Derry city via the A2 road, which links with routes across the north-west region.
- Derry / Londonderry city centre – about 20 minutes
- Letterkenny – around 35 minutes
- Giant’s Causeway – roughly 1 hour 20 minutes
- Belfast – about 1 hour 45 minutes
Travellers exploring the island of Ireland sometimes also compare nearby arrival points such as Knock Airport, Belfast Airport or Dublin Airport.
Driving Advice in Ireland and Northern Ireland
Vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Road signs are generally clear and the main routes are well maintained.
When travelling across the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, drivers should remember that speed limits change from miles per hour to kilometres per hour.
Further visitor information can be found on the official Northern Ireland tourism website.
Places to Visit by Car from Derry
The north-west of Ireland offers many destinations that are best explored by car.
- Causeway Coastal Route – one of the most scenic drives in Ireland
- Giant’s Causeway – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Donegal – dramatic Atlantic coastline and beaches
- Malin Head – the northernmost point of Ireland
Many visitors combine several of these destinations during a road trip along the north coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Derry Airport?
The rental desks are located inside the terminal building near the arrivals area.
Which companies operate car hire at Derry Airport?
Major suppliers include Hertz, Europcar and Enterprise.
How far is Derry Airport from the city centre?
The airport is located about 11km east of Derry city centre.
Is driving in Northern Ireland easy for visitors?
Yes, although visitors should remember that vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car at Derry Airport?
Most rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, although manual vehicles are still more common in the UK and Ireland.
Should I book Derry Airport car hire in advance?
Booking ahead usually provides better prices and vehicle availability.
How long does it take to drive from Derry Airport to Letterkenny?
The journey normally takes about 35 minutes depending on traffic.
Is it easy to drive from Derry to the Giant’s Causeway?
Yes. The scenic coastal drive usually takes around 1 hour 20 minutes.
Can I drive from Northern Ireland into the Republic of Ireland with a rental car?
Most rental companies allow cross-border travel, although drivers should confirm this when booking.
