One-Way Car Rental from Belfast to Cork | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals Belfast to Cork

Can I rent a car from Belfast to Cork?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Belfast to Cork. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for GB residents

Documents required for international visitors

Form of ID: A valid physical United Kingdom national photo ID.
Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s).
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, and AMEX. XpCard is supported.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 21-25 may incur additional fees, such as £37.50 per day, £262.50 per week, or a maximum of £1050 for the rental term (inclusive of tax).

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s). Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (Please note that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.)
or
• EU Driving Licence
or
• UK Driving License (with DVLA check code/DVLA endorsement record) (In addition to your licence, either a valid and up-to-date DVLA licence check code or a printed DVLA endorsement record must be provided for all Approved Drivers. These can be obtained from the DVLA website (www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence)).
Form of ID: A valid passport.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, and AMEX. XpCard is supported.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 21-25 may incur additional fees, such as £37.50 per day, £262.50 per week, or a maximum of £1050 for the rental term (inclusive of tax).

How much does renting a car from Belfast to Cork cost?

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 687-US$ 1,605	US$ 544-US$ 1,305	US$ 736-US$ 1,747	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 1,353	US$ 1,305	US$ 1,437	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 1,372-US$ 1,385	US$ 1,305	US$ 1,478-US$ 2,575	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 712-US$ 2,477	US$ 544-US$ 1,305	US$ 799-US$ 2,248	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 1,415-US$ 1,721	US$ 1,264-US$ 1,305	US$ 1,590-US$ 1,859	Large families, groups

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration：

Be Aware of One-Way Rental Fees: Rental companies often charge an additional fee for one-way rentals. Verify this cost when making your booking.
Check for Cross-Border Restrictions: Ensure you are allowed to cross the border into the Republic of Ireland with your vehicle, as restrictions may apply.
Plan Your Drop-Off Location: Select a convenient drop-off point in Cork to minimize travel disruptions.
Understand the Fuel Policy: Ensure you're familiar with the rental company's fuel policy, such as whether to return the car with a full tank.
Assess Vehicle Suitability for the Journey: Choose a vehicle that fits your travel needs and offers comfort for the long drive from Belfast to Cork.

Smart Planning Tips:

Book Early for Better Rates: Securely book your rental car in advance to get competitive pricing and availabilities.
Familiarize Yourself with Driving Routes: Plan your route and check for any road conditions or tolls between Belfast and Cork.
Inspect the Car at Pickup: Thoroughly check the car's condition to avoid disputes when returning it.
Utilize GPS or Adequate Navigation Tools: Use a reliable GPS or map app to ensure a smooth journey.
Pack Essentials for the Road Trip: Bring along necessary items such as snacks and a travel charger for a comfortable journey.

Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

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Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

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Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the car before returning it to avoid extra charges.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Plan your refuel stops along the route to avoid running low on fuel.

Fuel Cost

The estimated average fuel cost for this route is approximately €1.70 per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel consumption.

Keep tires properly inflated for better mileage.

Avoid excessive use of air conditioning to conserve fuel.

Belfast Parking

Hourly parking rates in Belfast range from £1 to £3.

Many parking facilities offer overnight parking options.

Consider using park-and-ride services for convenience.

Cork Parking

Hourly parking rates in Cork range from €2 to €4.

Street parking is available but may be limited during peak hours.

Look for multi-story car parks for safer and more secure parking.

Recommended Parking Apps

Parkopedia: Find parking availability and rates.

EasyPark: Reserve and pay for parking in advance.

ParkWhiz: Locate and book parking spots nearby.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Scenic Routes from Belfast to Cork:

Belfast to Dublin via the M1

Direct Highway Route Approx. 2 hours

Quick and efficient route primarily along the M1 and M50 motorways, offering a smooth drive with few interruptions.

Drogheda , Dublin

Belfast to Cork via Limerick

Scenic and Cultural Route Approx. 4 hours 30 minutes

Picturesque route passing through major cities like Dublin and Limerick, with options to explore urban and rural settings.

Dublin , Limerick

Coastal Drive via the Wild Atlantic Way

Experience Route Approx. 7 hours

A mesmerizing drive along the western coastline featuring stunning landscapes and seaside towns.

Galway , Cliffs of Moher

Day Trips Along the Way:

Dublin City Exploration

Around 2.5 hours from Belfast

Dive into the rich history and vibrant culture of Ireland's capital with stops at Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and the bustling Temple Bar area.

Limerick and its Heritage

Approx. 3.5 hours from Dublin

A gateway to the Shannon region, Limerick offers medieval castles, art galleries, and the renowned Milk Market.

Wild Atlantic Way Highlights

Approx. 5 hours from Dublin

Witness rugged cliffs, hidden beaches, and rich cultural heritage along the breathtaking western coast.

Cultural Cork Exploration

Approx. 4 hours from Belfast

A vibrant city filled with history, gastronomy, and the start of the southern Ireland adventure.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Choose the right vehicle: Consider fuel efficiency and size suitable for your travel plans and group size.

Plan your stops: Identify and schedule breaks at strategic locations or attractions along your route.

Fuel up: Check fuel station locations along your journey to avoid running low in remote areas.

Check the car thoroughly: Ensure all car features are in working order before starting your journey to avoid inconvenience.

Understand fees: Be aware of one-way drop-off fees and any additional costs that might incur.

Familiarize with local driving laws: Learn about Irish road rules and customs to ensure a smooth driving experience.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting the right car rental company for your one-way journey from Belfast to Cork requires considering factors like fees, fleet variety, coverage, and benefits.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	Wide selection of vehicles , Convenient locations at airports , Loyalty rewards program
Enterprise	$$$	★★★★☆	★★★★★	Excellent customer service , Flexible rental terms , Extensive network across regions
Avis	$$	★★★★★	★★★★☆	Premium vehicle options , Mobile app for easy booking , Strong airport presence
Budget	$	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	Affordable rates , Simplified booking process , Frequent deals and discounts

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Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:

Pricing Considerations

Base rental rate per day
One-way drop-off fees
Additional driver charges
Insurance costs
Fuel policy and potential charges

Vehicle Selection

Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
Fuel efficiency for long drives
Comfort features for highway driving
Navigation and entertainment systems
Vehicle condition and mileage

Company Reliability

Customer service reputation
Transparency in fees and policies
Roadside assistance coverage
Cancellation and modification policies
Reviews from other one-way renters

Car Rental Centers in Belfast and Cork

Operating Hours:

Rental centers in Belfast operate between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Cork centers commonly run from 7:30 AM until 9:00 PM.

Rent and Return Locations:

Vehicles can be rented from locations in Belfast's city center or airport and dropped off conveniently at Cork Airport or nearby areas.

Shuttle Services:

Complimentary shuttle services are available from major transport hubs to the rental car centers.

Refueling Options:

Nearby petrol stations near Cork Airport include locations along the N27 and R600 for convenient refueling prior to vehicle return.

Pro Tips for Belfast International Airport(BFS) Car Rentals

Ensure to inspect the rented vehicle for any existing damage and note the fuel level before departing to avoid potential charges during return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an additional fee for one-way car rentals from Belfast to Cork?

Yes, most car rental companies charge a one-way fee. This fee covers the cost of returning the vehicle to the original location. The fee amount varies depending on the rental provider.

How long does it typically take to drive from Belfast to Cork?

The driving distance between Belfast and Cork is approximately 260 miles (420 kilometers), which takes about 5-6 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Are there gas stations along the route from Belfast to Cork?

Yes, there are several gas stations conveniently located along the major highways between Belfast and Cork. Ensure your tank is full before starting the journey, especially through longer stretches with fewer services.

Do I need to inform the rental company if I’m making a one-way trip?

Yes, rental companies need to be informed about your one-way rental plans while booking to properly accommodate and provide accurate pricing for your trip.

What documents do I need for renting a car in Ireland?

You’ll need a valid driver’s license, proof of identification (passport or ID), and a valid credit card for the deposit. An International Driving Permit may be required if your license is not in English.

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