Global Major Cities Guide

Options and considerations for renting cars in Belfast, especially for exploring beyond the city.

Sections

1. Car Rental Companies in Belfast

Belfast has a variety of car rental companies, ranging from international brands to local providers. Most rental companies operate out of Belfast International Airport (BFS), George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD), and city center locations.

Major Car Rental Companies:

Enterprise Rent-A-Car (multiple locations, including airports and city center)
Hertz
Avis
Europcar
Sixt
Budget
Alamo
Thrifty

Local Car Rental Companies:

Value Car Hire
Belfast Car Hire
McCausland Car Hire

2. Costs of Renting a Car

The cost of renting a car in Belfast depends on factors such as the type of car, rental duration, time of year, and additional services. Here’s a general breakdown:

Economy Cars: £25–£50 per day
Mid-Size Cars: £40–£70 per day
SUVs or Premium Cars: £70–£150+ per day
Weekly Rentals: Discounts are often available for longer rentals, with economy cars starting at around £150–£250 per week.

Additional Costs:

Fuel: Most rentals operate on a "full-to-full" policy, meaning you return the car with a full tank.
Insurance: Basic insurance is included, but additional coverage (e.g., collision damage waiver) can cost £10–£30 per day.
Young Driver Fees: Drivers under 25 may face a surcharge of £20–£40 per day.
Extras: GPS, child seats, and additional drivers typically cost £5–£15 per day each.

3. Required Documents

To rent a car in Belfast, you’ll need the following:

Driver’s License:
- UK/EU licenses are accepted without issue.
- Non-EU visitors (e.g., from the USA, Canada, or Australia) can use their home country license, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English.
Passport or ID: For identity verification.
Credit Card: Most companies require a credit card for the security deposit. Some may accept debit cards, but this is less common.
Proof of Address: Occasionally required for local renters.

4. Age Restrictions

Minimum Age: Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may require drivers to be 23 or 25 for certain vehicle categories.
Maximum Age: Some companies impose restrictions for drivers over 75 years old, though this varies.
Young Driver Surcharge: Drivers under 25 often face additional fees.

5. Insurance Options

Car rental companies in Belfast typically include basic insurance in the rental price, but additional coverage is highly recommended.

Types of Insurance:

Third-Party Liability Insurance: Covers damage to other vehicles or property (usually included).
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Reduces your financial liability for damage to the rental car. Often comes with an excess (deductible).
Super CDW/Excess Waiver: Eliminates or reduces the excess to zero. Costs £10–£30 per day.
Personal Accident Insurance: Covers medical expenses for the driver and passengers.
Theft Protection: Covers the cost of the car if it’s stolen.

Tip: Check if your travel insurance or credit card offers rental car coverage to avoid paying for duplicate insurance.

6. Driving Rules in Belfast

Driving in Belfast is relatively straightforward, but here are some key rules and tips:

Drive on the Left: Like the rest of the UK, cars drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Speed Limits:
- Urban areas: 30 mph (48 km/h)
- Rural roads: 60 mph (96 km/h)
- Motorways: 70 mph (112 km/h)
Seat Belts: Mandatory for all passengers.
Mobile Phones: Illegal to use while driving unless hands-free.
Roundabouts: Yield to traffic coming from the right.
Parking: Pay attention to parking signs. Many areas in Belfast have pay-and-display parking or require permits.
Fuel: Petrol stations are widely available. Diesel and unleaded petrol are the most common options.

7. Local Considerations

City Driving: Belfast city center can be busy, especially during rush hours (8–9:30 AM and 4:30–6 PM). Plan your trips accordingly.
Road Conditions: Roads in and around Belfast are well-maintained. However, rural roads in Northern Ireland can be narrow and winding.
Cross-Border Travel: If you plan to drive into the Republic of Ireland, inform the rental company. Some companies charge a cross-border fee, and additional insurance may be required.
Toll Roads: There are no toll roads in Northern Ireland, but you may encounter tolls if driving into the Republic of Ireland (e.g., the M1 near Dublin).

8. Tips for Navigating Belfast and Surrounding Areas

GPS/Navigation: Consider renting a GPS or using a smartphone app like Google Maps. Be aware that mobile data roaming charges may apply if you’re from outside the UK.
Parking in Belfast:
- Use public car parks or on-street pay-and-display zones.
- Free parking is available in some areas outside the city center.
Exploring the Countryside:
- The Causeway Coastal Route is a must-see drive, offering stunning views of the coastline.
- Visit the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and Dunluce Castle.
- Allow extra time for rural drives, as roads can be slower and less direct.
Weather: Northern Ireland’s weather can be unpredictable. Drive cautiously in rain or fog, and check forecasts before long trips.
Fuel Up in Advance: Rural areas may have fewer petrol stations, so fill up before heading out of the city.

9. Alternative Transportation Options

If you’re unsure about driving, Belfast has other transportation options:

Public Transport: Buses and trains connect Belfast to major towns and cities.
Taxis: Widely available but more expensive for long distances.
Tours: Guided tours are available for popular destinations like the Giant’s Causeway.

10. Final Tips

Book your car rental in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (summer and holidays).
Inspect the car thoroughly before driving off and take photos of any existing damage.
Familiarize yourself with the car’s controls, especially if you’re not used to driving on the left.

By renting a car in Belfast, you’ll have the freedom to explore not only the city but also the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Ireland. Safe travels!

Belfast

Car Rentals