Dublin Airport Car Rental — We Meet You When You Land
Dublin is where most visitors to Ireland arrive, and the standard car hire experience here is the worst of any Irish airport — signs to the desks, a queue, then a shuttle bus to an off-site compound several kilometres away. After a transatlantic flight, it can take an hour before you have keys in your hand.
We do it differently. Give us your flight number and a member of our team meets you in the arrivals hall at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 with your name on a board — just like a private transfer. The handover happens in the terminal and you’re on the road within minutes of clearing customs.
Every Vehicle Is Automatic
If you’re visiting from the US, Canada or Australia, this is the most important thing on the page. Most Irish rental fleets are predominantly manual, and automatics are a limited, more expensive option that sells out in summer.
Our entire fleet is automatic and right-hand drive. It matters more in Dublin than anywhere else — you’re on the M50 within minutes of leaving, in real traffic, on the opposite side of the road. Not having to think about gear changes at the same time makes a genuine difference.
The M50 Toll — The Thing That Catches Visitors Out
The M50 is the ring road around Dublin and you will almost certainly use it. It has a barrier-free toll, which means there is no booth, no barrier and nothing to stop for. Cameras read the plate as you pass, and the charge must be paid online by 8pm the following day.
Visitors miss this constantly, because nothing on the road tells you it has happened. We explain how it works at handover and tell you exactly what to do for your route. Other Irish tolls — the M1 north, the M7 and M8 south — have conventional booths where you stop and pay cash or card.
Terminal 1 or Terminal 2
Dublin has two terminals and they are a few minutes’ walk apart. Confirm which one you’re arriving into when you book — it’s on your airline confirmation — and we’ll meet you in the right arrivals hall.
Most transatlantic flights land at Terminal 2, along with Aer Lingus and Delta. Terminal 1 handles Ryanair and most UK and European carriers. If you’re unsure, tell us the flight number and we’ll work it out.
Dublin Airport Car Rental — What You Need to Know
Our Dublin base is on the Old Airport Road in Cloghran, minutes from both terminals. We operate seven days a week — Monday to Friday from 06:00 to 21:00, and weekends from 06:00 to 14:00.
Pick up at Dublin and drop off at Cork Airport, Shannon Airport, Belfast City, Belfast International, or Mullingar — we don’t charge extra for one-way rentals between our locations, and cross-border travel into Northern Ireland is fully insured at no additional cost. Flying into Dublin and out of Shannon is a popular itinerary and it avoids doubling back.
Why Choose Value Car Rental at Dublin Airport
We’re Irish-owned and have been doing this since 2010. We’re not a franchise and we’re not an aggregator reselling someone else’s fleet. Every booking is handled by the same team that meets you at arrivals, so if something changes mid-trip you ring us directly rather than a call centre in another country.
Full insurance is included as standard with a €350 excess, stated upfront rather than raised at handover when you’re tired and there’s a queue behind you. No hidden extras, no surprise charges, no bait-and-switch on vehicle class. Book direct for the best rate.
Dublin Airport Car Rental — Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you meet us at Dublin Airport?
Our representative meets you in the arrivals hall — Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 depending on your flight — holding a board with your name. You don’t need to find a desk or follow car hire signs. Just walk through arrivals and we’ll be there.
Are your cars automatic?
Yes — our entire fleet is automatic and right-hand drive. Unlike most Irish rental companies, we don’t treat automatics as a limited paid upgrade that sells out in summer. If you drive an automatic at home, you’ll get one here.
What do I need to bring when collecting my car?
Your full valid driving licence held for at least two years, the credit card used to make the booking, and your booking confirmation. If you hold a licence issued outside Ireland or the UK, please bring an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence. Drivers must be 25 or over.
How does the M50 toll work?
The M50 has a barrier-free toll — no booth, no barrier, nothing to stop for. Cameras read your plate and the charge must be paid online by 8pm the following day. Visitors miss it constantly because nothing on the road signals it. We explain exactly what to do at handover. Other Irish motorway tolls have conventional booths where you stop and pay.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
We monitor flight arrivals, so if your flight is delayed we’ll know. Our representative adjusts to your actual landing time — you won’t be left waiting and you won’t lose your booking because of a delay outside your control.
Is the meet and greet service included in the price?
Yes. The meet and greet is part of our standard Dublin Airport service — it’s not an add-on or an upgrade. When you book with Value Car Rental at Dublin Airport, someone will be there to meet you. That’s just how we operate.
Is it difficult to drive out of Dublin Airport?
It’s busier than Shannon or Cork — you join the M50 quickly and there’s real traffic. Give yourself a few minutes in the car park before setting off, and take the first roundabout slowly. Our representative will talk you through the first part of your route before you leave.
Can I pick up in Dublin and drop off at another location?
Yes — one-way rentals are available across our full network at no extra charge. Pick up at Dublin Airport and drop off at Cork Airport, Shannon Airport, Belfast City, Belfast International, or Mullingar. Cross-border rentals into Northern Ireland are fully insured with no additional complications.
Do I need to get a shuttle bus to collect my car?
No. Unlike most car hire companies at Dublin Airport, we don’t send you to an off-site compound via shuttle bus. Your handover is handled in the terminal by our representative, so you can be on the road without any unnecessary waiting.
7 & 9 Seater Hire at Dublin Airport
Travelling as a group into Dublin? Our 7 seater car hire at Dublin Airport is an automatic Skoda Kodiaq with three genuine rows, met directly at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 arrivals. For larger parties, our 9 seater car hire seats nine in an automatic Ford Tourneo Custom and sits within a standard car licence — no minibus licence needed. No shuttle, no rental-desk queue.
Pick Up in Dublin, Drop Off Anywhere in Ireland
Dublin Airport is our busiest meet & greet location, and it works well as the start of a one-way tour. Head west and return the car at Shannon Airport car hire, or south to Cork Airport for Kerry and West Cork. Northern Ireland drop-offs at Belfast International Airport and Belfast City carry no cross-border fee. If you are staying in town rather than flying, we also offer Dublin city car rental, and our Mullingar office serves Westmeath and the midlands. First time driving here? Our guide to driving on the left in Ireland covers the roundabouts, road signs and the things that catch visitors out.