Compare cheap car hire at Liverpool Airport with direct flights from Ireland, rental desk locations, pickup advice, prices and northwest England driving tips.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport is a busy and well-connected entry point for northwest England. It’s a practical place to collect a rental car if you plan to explore Liverpool, Manchester, Chester, North Wales or the Lake District.
The airport is compact, so getting from arrivals to the car hire area is quick, and most vehicles are collected within walking distance.
Direct Flights from Ireland to Liverpool
There are frequent direct flights from Ireland to Liverpool, particularly from Dublin. Additional routes from Cork, Shannon and Knock also operate regularly, making it one of the easiest UK airports to reach from Ireland.
Car Hire Companies at Liverpool Airport
The car rental desks are located in the dedicated Car Rental Village, just a short walk from the terminal building. Vehicle collection is from the same area.
- Hertz: Located in the Car Rental Village with cars collected on-site.
- Avis / Budget: Shared office in the rental village with clearly marked pickup bays.
- Enterprise / Alamo / National: Combined branch with vehicles in the same complex.
- Europcar: Airport location with nearby collection spaces.
- Sixt: Rental office in the car hire village with adjacent vehicle bays.
- Green Motion: Off-airport provider with short transfer or arranged pickup.
How to Collect Your Car
- Exit arrivals and follow signs for Car Hire.
- Walk to the Car Rental Village (a few minutes from the terminal).
- Complete your booking at the desk.
- Collect your vehicle from the nearby bays.
- Check the car before leaving.
Best Cars to Rent at Liverpool Airport
| Car Type | Best For | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Compact | City driving | Easy parking in Liverpool and nearby towns. |
| Automatic Hatchback | General travel | Comfortable for mixed city and motorway routes. |
| Estate Car | Family trips | Extra luggage space for longer journeys. |
| SUV | Regional touring | Good for trips into North Wales or the countryside. |
| Premium | Business travel | More comfort for motorway driving. |
Typical Daily Prices
| Season | Small Car | Family Car | SUV / Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | £20–£38 | £38–£65 | £65–£120 |
| Apr–Jun | £28–£50 | £50–£85 | £85–£150 |
| Jul–Aug | £45–£85 | £85–£140 | £140–£240 |
| Sep–Dec | £25–£45 | £45–£75 | £75–£135 |
Driving from Liverpool Airport
The airport is located south of the city and connects quickly to the A561 and M62 motorway network.
- Liverpool city centre: around 20 minutes
- Chester: around 40 minutes
- Manchester: around 50 minutes
- North Wales: around 1 hour
- Lake District: around 1 hour 45 minutes
You drive on the left in the UK. Roads range from busy urban routes to motorways and rural roads.
Fuel and Deposit Policies
- Most rentals operate a full-to-full fuel policy.
- A credit card is usually required for the deposit.
- Deposit amounts vary by provider and vehicle type.
- Fuel stations are available near the airport for returns.
Useful Booking Tips
- Book early for weekends and football match dates.
- Check opening hours if arriving late at night.
- Choose a smaller car for city use.
- Take photos of the vehicle at pickup.
- Compare insurance cover and excess options.
Useful Official Links
Liverpool Airport official website
Visit Liverpool tourism information
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Liverpool Airport a good place to hire a car?
Yes, especially for northwest England, North Wales and regional road trips.
Are there direct flights from Ireland to Liverpool?
Yes, with frequent routes from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Knock.
Where are the rental desks at Liverpool Airport?
They are located in the Car Rental Village a short walk from the terminal.
Do I need a shuttle bus?
No, the rental village is within walking distance.
How far is Liverpool Airport from the city centre?
About 20 minutes by car.
Do I need a credit card?
Yes, most providers require one for the deposit.
Is driving in Liverpool difficult?
City traffic can be busy, but main roads are straightforward.
Is an automatic car available?
Yes, but availability is more limited than manual cars.
What is the cheapest time to rent?
Winter and off-peak periods are usually cheaper.
Can I return the car out of hours?
Some providers allow this if arranged in advance.
