Compare cheap car hire at Kerry Airport with desk locations, pickup details, driving routes and prices for southwest Ireland.
Kerry Airport (Farranfore – KIR) is a small regional airport located in County Kerry, about 15km from Killarney and 20km from Tralee. It is one of the most convenient entry points for exploring southwest Ireland, including the Ring of Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way.
Car hire is the most practical way to travel in this region, as many of the main attractions are spread out and public transport options are limited.
Where to Pick Up Your Rental Car
Car hire desks at Kerry Airport are located inside the arrivals area of the terminal building. The airport is compact, so everything is easy to find after baggage reclaim.
Vehicles are collected from the car rental parking area directly outside the terminal, just a short walk from the exit.
Airport facilities and updates are available on the official Kerry Airport website.
Direct Flights from Ireland and the UK
Kerry Airport mainly serves domestic and UK routes rather than international long-haul flights.
- Dublin → Kerry (domestic route)
- London (Luton, Stansted) → Kerry
Flight time from Dublin is under 1 hour.
Car Rental Providers at Kerry Airport
A smaller number of providers operate here compared to larger Irish airports.
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- Europcar
Availability can be limited in peak summer months, so advance booking is recommended.
Typical Car Hire Prices in Kerry
| Season | Economy | Family Car | Larger Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | €25 – €45 | €45 – €75 | €75 – €120 |
| April – June | €35 – €70 | €70 – €110 | €110 – €170 |
| July – August | €60 – €120 | €120 – €180 | €180 – €260 |
| September – October | €40 – €80 | €80 – €130 | €130 – €200 |
| November – December | €30 – €55 | €55 – €90 | €90 – €140 |
Choosing a Car for Kerry
The roads in Kerry can vary from modern routes to narrow rural roads, so vehicle choice matters.
- Small cars – ideal for narrow country roads and villages
- Family cars – comfortable for longer scenic drives
- Estate cars – useful for luggage on touring holidays
- People carriers – good for families and groups travelling together
Driving from Kerry Airport
Kerry Airport is well positioned for exploring southwest Ireland.
- Killarney – about 20 minutes
- Tralee – around 25 minutes
- Dingle – roughly 1 hour
- Kenmare – about 1 hour
The N22 and N23 roads connect the airport to Killarney and the wider region.
If you are comparing entry points to the southwest, you can also consider Cork Airport or Shannon Airport depending on your route.
Driving in Kerry
Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Roads are generally well maintained, but many rural routes are narrow and winding.
Allow extra time for scenic drives, especially along coastal routes.
More visitor information is available on the official Discover Ireland website.
Top Drives from Kerry Airport
Kerry is known for some of Ireland’s most scenic routes.
- Ring of Kerry – famous coastal drive
- Dingle Peninsula – dramatic scenery and beaches
- Killarney National Park – lakes and mountains
- Skellig Ring – quieter alternative to the Ring of Kerry
Having a car allows you to explore these areas at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Kerry Airport?
The desks are located inside the arrivals area of the terminal.
Is car hire essential in Kerry?
Yes, it is the most convenient way to explore the region.
Are there direct flights from Dublin to Kerry?
Yes, there are domestic flights between Dublin and Kerry.
How far is Kerry Airport from Killarney?
The drive takes around 20 minutes.
Do I need a credit card?
Yes, most rental providers require one.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, though manual vehicles are more common.
Is driving difficult in Kerry?
Some rural roads are narrow, but driving is generally straightforward.
Can I rent a 7 Seater at Kerry Airport?
Yes, though availability can be limited.
Are there toll roads near Kerry?
No, most roads in the region are toll-free.
Which roads connect Kerry Airport?
The N22 and N23 provide access to Killarney and Tralee.
