Dublin Airport Car Rental: Terminals 1 and 2
Quick summary: Dublin Airport car rental is the most popular way to start a road trip in Ireland. The airport lies around 10 km north of the city, about 15 minutes by the M1 or M50 outside rush hour. In Terminal 1, rental desks are after baggage claim, to the right, while Terminal 2 desks are reached via the pedestrian bridge to the multi-level parking garage. From the airport, motorways lead quickly north to Belfast, west to Galway and south to Cork.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | Around 10 km north of Dublin city |
| Terminal 1 | Desks after baggage claim, to the right |
| Terminal 2 | Via the pedestrian bridge to the parking garage |
| To the city | About 15 minutes via the M1 or M50 |
| Tolls | M50 barrier-free toll; others at toll plazas |
| Tours | Transfers |
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Where are the rental desks?
In Terminal 1, rental desks are in the arrivals area after baggage claim, to the right. In Terminal 2, follow the signs to the multi-level parking garage via the pedestrian bridge. Some companies operate off-site with a shuttle bus, so check your booking.
What do you need to collect the car?
A full driving license, a credit card in the main driver’s name and your passport or ID. The minimum age is usually 21, with extra charges for younger drivers. A license not in English may need a certified translation or an International Driving Permit.
How do you pay the M50 toll?
The M50 has no toll booths. You pay online or by phone by the deadline on the signs, or your rental company may handle it. Ask at the desk.
Should you drive into Dublin?
Not if you can avoid it. The center has bus lanes, one-way streets and expensive parking. Many visitors spend a few days in the city first, then collect a car at the airport. See Dublin tours for campervan travelers.
Where can you drive from Dublin Airport?
| Destination | Approximate drive |
|---|---|
| Newgrange | Under an hour north |
| Glendalough | Around an hour south |
| Belfast | Around 2 hours north |
| Galway | Around 2.5 hours west |
| Cork | Around 3 hours south-west |
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Frequently Asked Questions
In Terminal 1, after baggage claim to the right; in Terminal 2, via the pedestrian bridge to the parking garage.
Around 10 km north, about 15 minutes outside rush hour.
The M50 has a barrier-free toll, paid online or by phone. Check if your rental company handles it.
Usually yes. Check your rental terms for cross-border travel.