Car Rentals in Belfast, GBR

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Belfast

Renting a car in Belfast offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant metropolis and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as the Titanic Belfast, which is a must-see maritime museum, or enjoy outdoor family activities at the Boucher Road Playing Fields. The Belfast Botanic Gardens also provide a lovely spot for family outings or romantic strolls. Having a car allows you to navigate between these sites conveniently, without worrying about public transport schedules.

You can also venture into popular neighbourhoods like Belfast City Centre and Belfast Central District, where you can discover more about the area’s culture and history. If you wish to explore further, Holywood, featuring the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and Belfast Castle, is just a short drive away. Renting a car makes it easier to manage luggage and create flexible travel plans, making it an ideal choice for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and eco-friendly travellers alike. Enjoy the convenience of moving around Belfast and its vicinity on your own terms.

Most popular car hires in Belfast

• Economy: This car type accommodates 5 travellers and can hold up to 2 medium suitcases, making it an excellent choice for solo travellers, couples, or small families. The Economy option is perfect for navigating the streets of Belfast while keeping costs low, allowing you to enjoy your trip without the hassle of excessive luggage.
• Midsize SUV: Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV accommodates 5 travellers and provides space for up to 3 large suitcases. This option offers extra comfort and a spacious interior, making it suitable for those who appreciate a bit more room during their travels, especially when exploring the beautiful surroundings of Belfast.
• Compact: This car type is perfect for 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 medium suitcases, making it versatile for solo travellers, couples, or families. The Compact car is an excellent choice for those looking to navigate Belfast easily, providing a balance of comfort and practicality while managing luggage effortlessly.

Top rated car suppliers in Belfast

• Enterprise: With four rental locations in and around Belfast, Enterprise is a popular choice for travellers seeking flexibility and convenience. Known for its clean, friendly service and minimal wait times, this supplier ensures a satisfying experience. The most booked vehicles with Enterprise include Compact and Midsize SUVs, making it ideal for those needing a bit more space while exploring the area at their own pace.
• Budget: Budget operates from one rental location in Belfast, making it a straightforward option for visitors. Renowned for providing excellent value, Budget offers a range of Economy and Compact cars that are perfect for navigating the city and its surroundings efficiently. This supplier is well-suited for those who prioritise affordability without compromising on quality.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo Rent A Car has one rental location in Belfast, catering to tourists looking for a reliable vehicle. With a focus on Midsize SUVs and Compact cars, Alamo provides options that are ideal for various travel needs. Their service is tailored to ensure a pleasant experience while exploring the unique attractions of the region.

Where to stay in Belfast

• Belfast City Centre: Ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts, Belfast City Centre offers a vibrant atmosphere with easy access to attractions such as the Belfast Botanic Gardens and Titanic Belfast. Visitors can enjoy local breweries and pubs after exploring the nearby park and sports facilities. This neighbourhood is particularly appealing during the warmer months when outdoor activities are at their peak.
• Belfast Central District: Renowned for its cultural experiences, Belfast Central District is perfect for families and those seeking an educational journey. Key attractions like Titanic Belfast and the Boucher Road Playing Fields, ideal for outdoor fun, are within close proximity. The area also boasts several breweries and pubs, making it a lively spot for evening entertainment.
• Ballymacarret: A neighbourhood that combines culture with entertainment, Ballymacarret is great for families looking to explore. Key points of interest include CS Lewis Square and the iconic Titanic Belfast, both offering rich cultural experiences. Additionally, visitors can enjoy local breweries and pubs, ensuring a delightful array of dining options nearby.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Belfast

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting the vehicle type and desired features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary depending on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. Booking early often leads to better rates and greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals can offer a balanced mix of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges. This is often the most cost-effective option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure the car is returned empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car from airports, though this may be worthwhile for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Most car hire companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unexpected events during your trip. Adding car hire insurance when booking through Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Belfast

The best value period to rent a car in and around Belfast is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. January also offers reasonable rates with lower demand, making it a good option. March sees a slight increase in demand but remains affordable. However, August is the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and moderately high demand, while July is similarly busy and costly. Prices tend to stabilise again in September and October with average demand and pricing.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	40.8°F (4.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
February	41.4°F (5.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	42.8°F (6.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	46.2°F (7.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	50.9°F (10.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Average
June	55.9°F (13.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	58.3°F (14.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	57.7°F (14.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	55.0°F (12.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
October	50.9°F (10.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	45.7°F (7.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
December	42.3°F (5.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High

Car hire prices in Belfast

When you hire a car in Belfast with Expedia, you can expect to see prices starting from £31*. Several different factors influence the cost of car hire in Belfast, including seasonality. Prices are usually higher during peak seasons when demand is higher. The type of vehicle also affects rates, with larger cars like SUVs costing more than compact models. Keep in mind too that automatic car hire in Belfast can be pricier than manual and there may be certain surcharges, such as for drivers under the age of 25. Insurance inclusions and fuel policies also affect the price of vehicle hire in Belfast.

Finding some of the best deals for cheap car hire in Belfast

To score some of the best car hire deals in Belfast, take advantage of Expedia's easy-to-use search wizard. Pop in your dates and it'll show you hundreds of Belfast rental car offers so you can easily compare options. The hand search filters make it a cinch to narrow down the right deal for you. You can even set a maximum budget and order the search results by price. Another top tip for landing cheap car hire in Belfast is to select the 'Great Deal' option under the ''Exclusive offers'' filter.

Some of the best car hire companies in Belfast

Since Expedia works with some of the top Belfast car hire companies, including Budget and Enterprise, you'll have a multitude of options to choose from. Other popular providers include Europcar, Firefly and Hertz. It's a good idea to check out the customer ratings and reviews when choosing a company for rental cars in Belfast, as well as their pick-up locations. Each company has different policies and offers, such as on fuel and mileage, so be sure to read up on these in the search results before booking.

Some of the best places to hire a car in Belfast

You'll encounter a plethora of places to hire a car in Belfast, including at both Belfast International and George Best Belfast City airports. However, you'll often score cheaper deals when you select other locations within the city. Expedia's search wizard lets you easily search different places throughout Northern Ireland's capital, including Belfast city centre and Belfast Waterfront areas. You can also grab your set of wheels from neighbourhoods like New Lodge and Cathedral Quarter, as well as Castlereagh and Dundonald. Be sure to use the handy map on the search results page to pinpoint the most convenient location for your plans.

Belfast car rental types

There are a wide variety of different types of car hires in Belfast to choose from, from standard economy to SUVs. Smaller vehicles, like mini cars, are a good bet if you're after cheap car hire in Belfast. These rides are great for couples exploring the city with light luggage. If you're travelling with kids, consider a bigger set of wheels, like a van or people carrier, for more comfort and space. For a special occasion or upscale experience, luxury car hire in Belfast is also available.

Advice on car hire in Belfast

As a British citizen, you'll need to present your valid UK driving licence to get the keys to your vehicle rental in Belfast. Requirements vary by car hire company, so it's wise to check what's needed before confirming your booking. In some cases, you may need to provide your DVLA code to disclose any penalty points on your licence. You can easily obtain this through the UK government website. Be sure to tell the company if you plan to visit the Republic of Ireland in your Belfast car hire.

One-way and long-term car hire in Belfast

One-way car hires let you pick up your vehicle in one location and drop it off in another. This is particularly useful if you're planning a road trip between two places, like from Northern Ireland to Dublin. You can easily view one-way car hires in Belfast by selecting the 'add a different drop-off location' option in the search wizard. If you'll need a ride for an extended period, long-term car hire in Belfast is also an option. Enter your dates and the search wizard will instantly show all available deals.

Benefits of booking a Belfast car hire with Expedia

Expedia's intuitive search wizard and handy filters make it easier than ever to compare hundreds of the best car hire deals in Belfast. You can also tap into package deal savings by bundling your car hire with flights and accommodation. Best of all, many Belfast car hires are fully refundable, giving you peace of mind in case your plans change. Be sure to check the cancellation policy before booking.

*Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms may apply.