Car Hire in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Car Hire Belfast

You will find Avis in both the Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport. In both airports Avis car hire can be found in the arrival lounges after you have collected your luggage.

For those not arriving by plane there are approved taxi services from Belfast city centre, a shuttle bus service that operates between the airport terminal and the adjacent rail stop at Sydenham as well as the regular 'Antrim Air link' from nearby Antrim train station. Book now

Your top rental locations in Belfast

Explore Belfast in your car rental

Over the last few decades Belfast has transformed itself into a hip and happening metropolis. The vibrant capital of Northern Ireland is brimming with historic and contemporary architecture. It is also considered a foodie destination with many bars, clubs and restaurants to choose from. Park up your Avis hire car and explore this bustling city's museums and art galleries on foot.

The most modern and iconic of these is Titanic Belfast. Housed over six floors this is the world’s largest dedicated Titanic museum. Based close to where the ship was built, it tells the full story of the liner and its ill-fated maiden voyage. On Sundays you can indulge in afternoon tea in a grand room complete with opulent staircase, White Star Line crockery and crisp white linen.

Historical landmarks worth visiting include Belfast Castle which is located on the slopes of Cave Hill, and the Ulster Museum which showcases the city's rich heritage. The Crumlin Road Gaol is also worth a visit – a notorious prison that housed more than 25,000 prisoners from the Victorian times until its closure in 1996. Guided tours are available.

To enjoy the city’s historic character and artsy atmosphere, head straight for Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. Located in the vicinity of St Anne’s Cathedral, this district hosts a variety of creative events throughout the year such as the Belfast Film Festival and the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival. An abundance of trendy cafes, bars, restaurants and art galleries can be found here too.

Belfast is a great place to pick up unique and custom-made souvenirs. St George’s Market, one of the city’s oldest attractions, is the place to go to sample fresh local food and browse fine wares such as crafts and antiques. Head to the busy shopping streets of Donegall Place and Royal Avenue and hunt for exclusive items such as bespoke clothing and contemporary handmade jewellery. Small, independent boutiques sell locally made arts and crafts, including ceramics, linen and stationary.

The political murals are not to be missed. Depicting Belfast's troublesome past the murals have become symbolic works of art. If you have time on your road trip, try to catch a matinee or evening performance at the Grand Opera House or the Lyric Theatre.

There's so much to discover here. Rent a car in Belfast to explore the city in style and comfort.

Beyond Belfast by hire car

Northern Ireland is a beautiful country with some of the lushest scenery you'll ever see on the Emerald Isle. From breathtaking scenery featured in Game of Thrones, to historic tours and UNESCO World Heritage sights, there’s much to see on a road trip around Belfast’s surrounding regions in your car rental.

Hire your car in Belfast city to explore locations across Northern Ireland.

The Antrim Coast and Giant's Causeway
The Antrim Coast is a popular getaway location from Belfast. A scenic drive here leads to some friendly little towns, castle ruins and beaches. The main attraction along the coast is the Giant's Causeway, a four-mile-long stretch of shoreline that's famous for its interlocking basalt columns. Geologists state the UNESCO World Heritage Site was formed 60 million years ago by volcanic eruptions. Others believe it was built by giants. Whatever you decide to believe the Giant's Causeway is a natural wonder certainly worth seeing. To really make the most of the scenery, walk the 8km route of the Giant’s Causeway Cliff Path and be rewarded with stunning views of the rugged coastline.

Strangford Lough
Game of Thrones fans flock to Castle Ward in Strangford Lough, County Down, to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities at the Clearsky Adventure Centre – the filming location for Winterfell. The medieval courtyard and surrounding grounds host pursuits such as archery, clay pigeon shooting, climbing, orienteering, kayaking and mountain biking. Just a 40-minute drive east of Belfast, all this is easily reached in your rental car.

Londonderry / Derry
Londonderry (also known as Derry) is less than an hour and 30-minute drive away in your rental car from Belfast. Drive down the M2 and pass Newtonabbey along the way. Guildhall Square, the heart of the city, and the mile long 17th century city walls are great starting points to gain a sense of the city's history. The Peace Bridge that crosses the River Foyle leads to the newly developed Ebrington - formerly an army barracks and now a square and café with views overlooking the city and riverside.

Portrush
A one-hour drive from Belfast is Portrush. Head up the A26 and enjoy some great views as you cruise by Loch Neagh. This is an ideal base for exploring the highlights of the Antrim Coast. Portrush is a refined seaside resort and its laidback atmosphere makes it a popular choice for a short holiday or weekend break. The area has plenty of amusements from arcades to golf courses. In summertime locals and visitors take advantage of the good weather and walk along the toy harbour before heading to the sandy beaches.

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Northern Ireland driving guide

Want a quick guide to the rules of the roads in Northern Ireland? We've unlocked them for your journey.