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Explore a Scenic Road Trip from Belfast to Dublin

Experience the vibrant culture and landscapes of Ireland on this memorable drive.

Document required for international visitors
  • 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).
  • Form of ID: A valid physical United Arab Emirates national photo ID or United Kingdom national photo ID.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver. Supported cards include Visa, Master, AMEX, DinersClub, JCB, and UnionPay.
  • Age requirements: The general driving age requirement is 21-80 years. Young drivers aged 21-26 may incur additional fees: AED 10/day (capped at AED 100), USD 5/day, or GBP 39/day.
  • 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 1-2 year(s). Additional requirements: GCC Nationals must provide a valid GCC Driving Licence. Customers from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the USA can drive without an International Driving Permit (IDP). All other customers must present an IDP with their national licence. Korean, Japanese, Turkish, and Greek nationals require an Embassy-approved translation of their licence. UK drivers must provide a DVLA check code or endorsement record.

    Notes: Please note that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the IDP at the counter.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver. Supported cards include Visa, Master, AMEX, DinersClub, JCB, and UnionPay.
  • Age requirements: The general driving age requirement is 21-80 years. Young drivers aged 21-26 may incur additional fees: AED 10/day (capped at AED 100), USD 5/day, or GBP 39/day.
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One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 695-790US$ 483.61-483.61US$ 777-844Solo travelers, couples
SUVUS$ 696-830US$ 483.61-483.61US$ 779-897Large groups, long drivers
VanUS$ 807-887US$ 483.61-483.61US$ 1067-1278Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-way rental fee: Some rental companies charge a fee for dropping off the car at a different location. Check this fee prior to booking.
  • Driver’s license requirements: Ensure your driving license meets the requirements for both countries if crossing national borders.
  • Vehicle inspection: Conduct a thorough vehicle inspection before accepting to note any pre-existing damages.
  • Route planning: Plan your route in advance and consider stops at scenic or historically significant spots.
  • Fuel policy: Understand the rental company's fuel policy to avoid unexpected charges. Some require vehicles to be returned with a full tank.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Choose a central drop-off location: Picking a central return point in Dublin can save time and reduce the risk of navigation issues in a new city.
  • Book in advance: Secure your vehicle and the best rates by booking well before your travel dates.
  • Explore en route: Take time to enjoy attractions along the way, such as the historic Boyne Valley.
  • Keep contact information handy: Ensure you have the rental company’s contact details in case of emergencies.
  • Allow ample time for return: Factor in time for traffic and a buffer when returning the vehicle.
  • Understand cross-border usage terms: Confirm if the rental agreement includes restrictions for driving the vehicle across the Irish border.
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.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance
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  • Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
  • Easy online purchase before your trip
Learn More About QEEQ Insurance
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.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze
  • Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
  • Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
  • Automatic rebooking when prices drop
Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling
Parking
Tolls
Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

Circle K Dublin Airport - Collinstown House, Road, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 N4C8, Ireland

Applegreen Santry - Swords Rd, Turnapin Great, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 Y2C9, Ireland

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed and avoid rapid acceleration.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce resistance.

Minimize the use of air conditioning to save fuel.

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Belfast Parking

Consider using park-and-ride facilities for easier access to the city center.

Parking in Belfast includes both on-street and off-street options. Rates vary depending on the location and time.

Dublin Parking

Booking parking spaces in advance through apps can save time and money.

Dublin offers several parking facilities, including multi-story car parks and street parking. Rates are generally higher in the city center.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like Parkopedia and JustPark help users find or book parking in advance.

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Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure to pay the M50 toll online before or after your journey to avoid fines.

Use an electronic toll tag for seamless travel through toll plazas.

Toll roads exist on the route, particularly the M50 toll in Dublin.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes Between Belfast and Dublin:
Coastal Route via Newry
Scenic Drive Approximately 2 hours

A beautiful scenic drive along the coastline, passing charming towns and vast open waters.

Bangor , Newry , Dundalk
Motorway Route via M1
High-Speed Motorway 1.5 hours

A quick and direct route via the M1 motorway, ideal for swift travel.

Lisburn , Armagh , Drogheda
Scenic Southern Route
Countryside Drive 2.5 hours

Enjoy lush greenery and picturesque countryside views along this route.

Portadown , Castleblayney , Navan
Road Trip Planning Tips

Check Rental Conditions: Ensure the rental policy allows for cross-border travel between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Plan Your Stops: Preselect preferred stops and attractions along the way to enhance your journey.

Refueling Strategy: Refuel close to return locations to avoid premium charges.

Consider Insurance Coverage: Verify insurance details and add appropriate coverage for peace of mind.

Check Road Tolls: Be aware that some routes involve toll roads; plan for the additional expense.

Allow Extra Time: Account for possible delays or extra time needed for sightseeing.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Choosing the right car rental company for a one-way trip between Belfast and Dublin is essential to ensure a smooth experience. Focus on companies that provide reliable vehicles, wide coverage, and reasonable one-way fees.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Enterprise$$HighExcellent Excellent customer service , Multiple vehicle classes , Wide office coverage in both Ireland and Northern Ireland
Avis$MediumGood Budget-friendly rental options , Flexible return policies , Comprehensive insurance packages
Hertz$$$HighGood Luxury vehicle options , Membership benefits , Frequent location availability
Sixt$$MediumFair Easy booking interface , Wide selection of premium vehicles , Competitive pricing on long drives
QEEQ

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

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Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

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Best Rates

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24/7 Customer Services

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Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals
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

Information About Rental Car Pick-up and Drop-off Centers

Operating Hours:

The Belfast rental center operates 7 days a week, from 7 AM to 10 PM, while the Dublin drop-off center is open 24/7 for returning vehicles.

Location:

The car rental center in Belfast is located near the City Airport, and the drop-off location in Dublin is at the International Airport, Terminal 2.

Shuttle Service:

Shuttle buses are available from the airport to the car rental center every 15 minutes.

Additional Help:

Rental agents are available on-site to assist with vehicle selection and any queries.

To save time, utilize online pre-check-in options offered by most rental companies and confirm pick-up and return times in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to rent a car in Belfast and return it in Dublin?

Yes, many car rental companies offer one-way rental services that allow you to pick up the vehicle in Belfast and drop it off in Dublin. Make sure to confirm availability and any applicable fees with your selected rental provider.

Are there additional fees for a one-way car rental between Belfast and Dublin?

Many rental companies charge a one-way fee or drop-off surcharge for rentals returned to a different location. This fee is typically disclosed during the booking process.

What documents are required to rent a car in Belfast for travel to Dublin?

Required documents usually include a valid driver’s license, a credit card in the driver's name, and an identification document, such as a passport. Non-EU residents might need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Can I drive a rental car from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland?

Yes, most rental agencies permit cross-border travel. Inform the rental company in advance, as they might provide additional insurance or documentation for travel across borders.

Is insurance for one-way rentals between Belfast and Dublin included in the price?

Standard rental agreements typically include basic insurance coverage. However, you might have options to add extra coverage for comprehensive insurance. Confirm coverage specifics with the rental provider.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ