Compare cheap car hire at Belfast Airport with desk locations, pickup tips, routes and practical driving advice for Northern Ireland.
Belfast International Airport (BFS) sits about 30km northwest of Belfast and is one of the main gateways to Northern Ireland. If you’re planning to see more than just the city, hiring a car here gives you immediate access to coastal routes, countryside drives and places that are difficult to reach by public transport.
It’s particularly useful if your trip includes the Causeway Coast, Donegal or multiple stops across the island.
You can also book car hire at Belfast City Airport with numerous flights available from Aer Lingus and Easyjet.
What It’s Like Picking Up a Car Here
After arriving, you’ll find the car hire desks inside the terminal building near the arrivals exit. The setup is straightforward and doesn’t take long due to the airport’s manageable size.
Once you’ve completed paperwork, you’ll head outside to the adjacent car rental car park just across from the terminal. No shuttle buses are needed, which makes arrival much easier than at larger airports.
For terminal maps and facilities, see the official Belfast International Airport website.
Flights from Ireland
There are no domestic flights from Dublin, but Belfast is easily reached from other Irish airports by road. Most air traffic here is UK-based.
- Regular UK routes including London, Manchester and Glasgow
- Good connections if combining a Northern Ireland trip with Great Britain
If you’re travelling from the Republic, driving or combining with Dublin Airport is often the more practical option.
Rental Companies On Site
You’ll find a solid range of providers operating directly from the airport:
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Enterprise
Supply is generally good, but prices can rise quickly around weekends and summer travel peaks.
What You’ll Pay
Pricing varies depending on demand, but Belfast is often good value compared to larger UK airports.
| Season | Small Car | Mid-size | Larger Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | £25 – £50 | £50 – £85 | £85 – £130 |
| Spring | £35 – £70 | £70 – £110 | £110 – £170 |
| Summer | £60 – £110 | £110 – £170 | £170 – £240 |
| Autumn | £40 – £80 | £80 – £130 | £130 – £200 |
What Kind of Car Makes Sense?
Northern Ireland is easy to drive, but your choice should match your route.
- Small cars – ideal for Belfast city and short trips
- Family cars – better for longer coastal drives
- Estate cars – useful if you’re touring with luggage
- People carriers – practical for group travel
You won’t need anything specialised unless you’re travelling with a larger group.
Getting on the Road
The airport connects directly to the A57 and M2, making it easy to head in multiple directions straight away.
- Belfast city centre – about 30 minutes
- Giant’s Causeway – around 1 hour 15 minutes
- Derry / Londonderry – roughly 1 hour 30 minutes
- Portrush – about 1 hour 20 minutes
Traffic is usually light compared to major UK cities, so journeys are fairly predictable.
If your route includes the Republic of Ireland, it’s worth comparing cross-border options with Shannon Airport or Dublin depending on your itinerary.
Driving Tips (Worth Knowing Before You Go)
Driving is on the left, with speed limits in miles per hour (not kilometres like in the Republic).
Road quality is generally good, though some rural routes can be narrow. Petrol stations are widely available.
Unlike the Republic, Northern Ireland is part of the UK, so you’ll be using pounds (£) rather than euro.
For general travel info, see Discover Northern Ireland.
Where a Car Really Makes a Difference
This is where having your own car pays off. Some of the best places aren’t easily reached otherwise.
- Causeway Coastal Route – one of Europe’s top scenic drives
- Glenariff Forest Park – walking trails and waterfalls
- Ballintoy and Carrick-a-Rede – dramatic coastline
- Donegal (via border) – wild Atlantic scenery
You’ll have far more flexibility than relying on tours or buses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the car hire area far from the terminal?
No, it’s directly outside and within walking distance.
Do I need a passport to drive into Ireland?
No, but you should carry identification when crossing the border.
Are cars right-hand drive?
Yes, all cars are right-hand drive and driving is on the left.
Is Belfast Airport easy for car hire?
Yes, it’s smaller than most UK airports so pickup is quick and simple.
Can I drive into the Republic of Ireland?
Yes, but check with your rental provider for cross-border policies.
Do I need a credit card?
Yes, most providers require one for the deposit.
Is parking easy in Belfast?
It can be limited in the city centre but is generally manageable.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, though manual vehicles are more common.
Can I rent a 7 Seater at Belfast Airport?
Yes, though availability varies depending on demand.
Are there toll roads?
No, Northern Ireland does not have toll roads.
