Anyone who has landed at Dublin Airport and walked past the rental desks knows the feeling: a queue, a clipboard, and the quiet worry about hidden fees. A quick search on Skyscanner shows rates from as low as €7 per day, yet many travellers end up paying far more. This comparison of Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, SIXT, and NewWay reveals exactly where the savings are – and where the catches might be.

Car rental companies at Dublin Airport: 10+ ·
Pick-up locations: Both Terminals 1 and 2 ·
Minimum driver age (typical): 21–25 years ·
Average deposit range: €200–€500 ·
Cheapest daily rate seen: From €7/day (Skyscanner)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Compare prices on Skyscanner or KAYAK, then verify the total including insurance
  • Check direct provider sites for loyalty perks or free cancellation
  • Book early if travelling between June and August to avoid limited no-deposit options

Six key facts at a glance – the essentials for comparing car hire at Dublin Airport.

Label Value
Number of terminals with rental desks 2 (Terminal 1 & Terminal 2)
Minimum rental age (most companies) 21 years
Typical deposit range €200–€500
Lowest reported daily rate (compact) €7/day (via Skyscanner)
No-deposit provider NewWay Car Hire
Ryanair car hire partner CarTrawler (aggregator)

Which car hire companies operate at Dublin Airport?

Dublin Airport’s rental car centre serves both terminals with desks from the biggest international names and a few local specialists. Every provider listed below can be found on-airport, either inside the arrivals hall or a short shuttle ride away.

Budget Car Rental

Hertz

Enterprise

SIXT

NewWay

Ryanair car hire (partner)

  • Powered by CarTrawler, an aggregator that compares multiple providers (CarTrawler (global rental aggregator))
  • Deposit varies by chosen provider; often lower base rates for Ryanair customers
The upshot

The range of choices means almost every traveller can find a match. The real split is between traditional companies that require a deposit and NewWay, which doesn’t. For those arriving on a late flight, Budget’s 01:30 closing time offers the longest pick-up window.

What this means for you: Travellers who prioritise no-deposit booking should head straight to NewWay. Those chasing loyalty perks or late-night pick-ups will find better options with Budget or Hertz.

What is the cheapest car hire at Dublin Airport?

Cheap rates are plentiful, but the headline price rarely includes insurance or extras. Here’s how the numbers stack up across providers and seasons.

Comparing base rates

According to Skyscanner, the lowest daily rate seen for a compact car from Dublin Airport is about €7 (Skyscanner (travel comparison site)). KAYAK reports that in the past 72 hours the cheapest options included Thrifty at $5.66/day, Budget at $5.82/day, and Europcar at $6.44/day (KAYAK (travel metasearch)). EasyTerra shows offers from Carhire at €9/day and Payless Car Rental at €14/day (EasyTerra (comparison aggregator)). These base rates make Dublin one of the cheaper European airports for car hire.

Including insurance and extras

The total cost can double once you add collision damage waiver, theft protection, and additional driver fees. NewWay’s all-inclusive price – covering insurance, cross-border, and airport surcharges – means what you see is what you pay (NewWay Car Hire (no-deposit specialist)). Traditional providers often have a lower base but add €15–€30 per day for full cover.

Seasonal variations

KAYAK data shows January as the cheapest month at Dublin Airport, with average prices around $15/day (KAYAK (travel metasearch)). Summer rates can climb to €30–€40 per day for an economy car. Booking as far ahead as possible – two months or more – helps lock in the lower end.

Why this matters

A traveller who books Budget at €7/day and adds full insurance from a third party may end up paying less than someone who picks a €14/day all-inclusive NewWay rental. But the risk of an uncovered accident means the all-inclusive option offers real peace of mind. Cheapest on paper isn’t cheapest in reality.

Do you need a deposit for car hire at Dublin Airport?

Most rental companies at Dublin Airport require a credit card pre-authorisation (deposit) of €200–€500. The exact amount depends on the provider, vehicle class, and chosen insurance.

Deposit amounts by company

No-deposit options

NewWay is the only company confirmed to offer zero-deposit car hire at Dublin Airport. Clarify Car Hire and Indigo Car Hire also advertise no-deposit packages, but warn that availability may be limited during peak season and a small fuel-related amount could still be held (Clarify Car Hire (comparison broker), Indigo Car Hire (online aggregator)). Those who want certainty should book with NewWay directly.

Credit card requirements

Most companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name. Debit cards are rarely accepted for the deposit, though some providers (like Budget) may accept them if you purchase a full insurance package. Always check before arrival.

The catch

Even if a broker promises “no deposit”, the rental counter may still place a small hold for fuel or damage. NewWay’s explicit zero-deposit policy makes it the safest bet for travellers who cannot afford a €500 block on their card.

How to compare car hire prices at Dublin Airport?

Getting the best deal means looking beyond the daily rate. Here’s a step-by-step approach to see the true cost.

Using comparison sites

Start with Skyscanner, KAYAK, or EasyTerra to get an overview of available rates and providers. These aggregators pull prices from multiple sources and show a range of deposit policies, insurance levels, and cancellation terms. Note that the cheapest option may come from a broker like Carhire or keddy by Europcar rather than the brand-name desks.

Checking directly with providers

Once you have a shortlist, visit the provider’s own website. Direct booking often gives access to loyalty programmes (Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, Budget Fastbreak) and may include free cancellation or additional driver perks that third-party sites do not list.

What to look for in the total price

  • Base rental rate (daily or weekly)
  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection – included or added?
  • Additional driver fees
  • One-way drop fees
  • Young driver surcharge (under 25)
  • Cross-border charges (if driving to Northern Ireland)

The implication: only when every line item is tallied can you compare one quote fairly against another. Headline rates hide the real cost.

Is it better to book car hire directly or through a broker at Dublin Airport?

Both routes have advantages. Direct booking gives you more control over changes and loyalty points; brokers often offer lower base rates and a wider comparison.

Pros and cons of direct booking

Upsides

  • Easier to modify or cancel bookings
  • Earn loyalty points (e.g., Hertz Gold Plus Rewards)
  • Direct customer service without middleman

Downsides

  • May miss out on broker-only discounts
  • Comparing multiple brands manually takes time

Advantages of using a broker

  • One search shows rates from Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, and others side by side
  • Often lower base rates thanks to bulk agreements
  • Options like no-deposit filters available on Clarify Car Hire and Indigo Car Hire

No single method is best for everyone. A traveller who values flexibility and has loyalty status may prefer direct booking. Someone focused purely on the lowest upfront price will likely find it through a broker.

Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, SIXT, and NewWay have on-airport desks at Dublin Airport.
  • NewWay offers no-deposit all-inclusive car hire.
  • Skyscanner lists rental rates from €7/day.

What’s unclear

  • Exact deposit amounts vary by provider and change frequently.
  • Whether a debit card is accepted depends on the company and insurance package.
  • Minimum driver age varies — typically 21 but may be higher for certain vehicle categories.

The pattern: confirmed facts centre on company presence and headline prices, while the financial and eligibility details shift constantly. Always verify directly before booking.

What providers say about their Dublin Airport service

“Budget are one of the main companies providing car hire in Dublin Airport and have desks conveniently located within the arrivals hall of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.”

— Budget Car Rental Ireland website (Budget Ireland (official rental website))

“On arrival into Dublin Airport you will find Hertz rental desks conveniently located in both terminal 1 and terminal 2. With Ireland’s biggest and best rental fleet.”

— Hertz Ireland website (Hertz Ireland (major car rental company))

“On-airport locations. A speedy, hassle-free experience with desks in all terminals at Dublin, Cork & Shannon Airports. Free 24/7 Breakdown.”

— NewWay Car Hire (NewWay Car Hire (no-deposit specialist))

For anyone flying into Dublin in 2025, the smartest move is to compare total prices – not just daily rates – using a mix of aggregators and direct booking. Those who prioritise no-deposit policies have a clear winner in NewWay, while Budget and Hertz offer loyalty perks for frequent travellers. The choice depends on whether you want the lowest upfront cost or the peace of mind of inclusive insurance. For budget-conscious travellers, the decision is clear: book early, use a comparison site, and consider NewWay to avoid the deposit sting. For business travellers, Hertz’s Gold Plus Rewards may be worth the extra deposit.

Additional sources

tripadvisor.com

For those looking to avoid hefty upfront payments, our no deposit car hire guide offers a detailed comparison of zero-deposit policies by terminal.

Frequently asked questions

Can I return a rental car at Dublin Airport after hours?

Yes, most providers offer a key-drop service. Check the specific company’s policy when booking, as late returns may incur an extra day’s charge.

Do I need a credit card to rent a car at Dublin Airport?

Almost all companies require a credit card in the driver’s name for the deposit. Debit cards are generally not accepted unless you purchase full insurance cover.

Is insurance included in the base price of car hire at Dublin Airport?

Typically not. Basic third-party liability may be included, but collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection are usually added as extras. NewWay and some brokers include them in the advertised price.

What documents do I need to pick up a rental car at Dublin Airport?

A valid full driving licence (held for at least one year), a credit card in the driver’s name, and a passport or national ID card. International licence holders may need an International Driving Permit.

Can I hire a car at Dublin Airport with a debit card?

It is possible with some providers, but usually only if you purchase a full insurance package. Expect a larger deposit hold if using a debit card.

Are there any age surcharges for drivers under 25 at Dublin Airport?

Yes, most companies charge a young driver surcharge (typically €15–€30 per day) for drivers aged 21–24. Some companies require drivers to be at least 23 for certain vehicle categories.

How do I cancel a car hire booking at Dublin Airport?

Cancellation policies vary. Direct bookings often allow free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up. Broker bookings may have stricter terms. Always check before confirming.

Can I take a rental car from Dublin Airport to Northern Ireland?

Most providers allow cross-border travel, but some charge an additional fee. NewWay includes cross-border coverage in its all-inclusive price (NewWay Car Hire (no-deposit specialist)). Always inform the rental company in advance.