Car Hire in Belfast at the best price

One of the world leading car hire brokers, Auto Europe, has been present on the car rental market for more than 60 years. We offer great deals in over 180 countries around the world. Are you planning a trip to Northern Ireland? Make the best of your travels and book a car hire in Belfast at competitive rates. You can pick up your car at the popular Belfast International Airport, the smaller Belfast City Airport, and at a number of downtown locations. Renting a car in Belfast is fast and simple with us. You can either make your reservation independently online, or contact our reservation specialists to assist you with your booking.

Belfast is a popular destination with travellers of all ages. As Belfast is a compact and sizeable city, you can easily see all sights on foot. There are, however, upsides of having a car rental in Belfast, and those are full mobility and flexibility on your holiday. Full of history and still bearing a witness to more recent turbulent events, the city is undergoing a well visible change and is slowly becoming the favourite spot for hedonists, foodies and art lovers. Visit our Belfast car hire reviews page to read the latest opinions of the many other people who recently booked a car hire in Belfast with Auto Europe.

How is the traffic in Belfast?

Driving in Belfast compared to Dublin is more relaxing and overall easier since the city is less crowded and smaller. Motorists in Northern Ireland also drive on the left side of the road. While driving in Belfast can be challenging, the benefits of a car rental over public transportation are worth it. Pay close attention to street signs and traffic lights, and give yourself plenty of time to brake, as cars tend to drive closely making quick stops hazardous. Pay special attention not to drive along bus lanes as this can result in a hefty fine.

Car passengers must have their seatbelts fastened during the drive and the use of mobile phones are prohibited unless you have a hands-free kit. Always be sure to have your driving licence, insurance documents and ID with you when driving your rent a car in Belfast. A relatively new speed limit has been introduced to the city centre. This means that the downtown zones with heavy pedestrian and bicycle traffic are now 20mph.

Where can I park my car hire in Belfast?

It is worth noting that the majority of on-street parking spots in Northern Ireland are free of charge. There are also three zones where parking is charged and most of the places in Belfast that normally belong to these zones have free parking on Sundays. Depending on the zone and proximity to the centre, parking prices vary quite a lot. Always make sure to read the information on the meter.

Belfast Airport

Belfast has two airports which host a large number of domestic and international flights. The city airport serves mainly domestic flights with a few exceptions such as flights to favourite summer destinations in South Europe.

Belfast City Airport
IATA: BHD
Website: Belfast City Airport
Address: Belfast BT3 9JH, UK
Telephone:+44 28 9093 9093

The main and much bigger airport is Belfast International Airport which is the second busiest on the island, right after Dublin. The airport is located 18 miles north-west of the city. There are approximately four million passengers a year flying some of the five airlines that serve the airport.

Belfast International Airport
IATA: BFS
Website: Belfast International Airport
Address: Airport Rd, Belfast BT29 4AB, UK
Telephone:+44 28 9448 4848

What to do in Belfast

Belfast is not a big city but it does have something for every taste. In addition to historical sights and museums, you can enjoy the countryside and spend some time sampling excellent foods in some of the famous Belfast restaurants. Here is a short list of the top things Auto Europe recommends to see while in Belfast:

• Titanic Belfast: Titanic Belfast is the most famous sight in Belfast. This tourist attraction has been voted the best in the world and is popular with visitors of all ages. You will be able to see interactive galleries, visit the shipyard and learn about the myths, legends and true stories about the ill-fated ship which sank on its journey to New York after the collision with an iceberg in 1912.


• Botanic Gardens: The botanic gardens in Belfast are a real retreat after a busy day. See exotic plants and unusual tree species alongside the lovely Palm House, which will immediately give you a feeling of being in the middle of a lush jungle. The gardens belong to the Victorian heritage still present in Belfast.

• City Hall: Belfast City Hall is a beautiful imposing building designed in 1906 to show off the newly acquired status of the city. You can sign up for a free one-hour tour of the hall with a guide. There are organised tours every day and you are welcome to sign up at least 15 minutes before they start.
• Ulster Museum: This is a place which will take you onta captivating journey from Ireland to many parts of the world. You will see pieces of meteorites, Egyptian mummies, and skeletons of dinosaurs. You will also learn about new facts in natural sciences and see an atomic energy lab. A visit to Ulster Museum is a real pleasure for the whole family.
• Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum: The museum tells the story of the old Irish linen and the Lagan Valley. You can explore the history of linen, weaving and related handicrafts not only by seeing the exhibits but also by taking part in free workshops where you can get a real hands-on experience. This is ideal for families with children.

Best day trips with my car rental in Belfast

• Giant's Causeway

This breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-do on every nature and history lover's list. The countryside is stunning and contains a spectacular collection of basalt columns created by a volcanic eruption. The Giant's Causeway belongs to the UK natural wonders.

• Game of Thrones Tour

One of the most popular fantasy series ever, Game of Thrones, has partially been shot in a number of locations around Belfast. No wonder since the dramatic landscape, historic buildings and the rugged coast make an ideal setting for the show. Pick one of the famous locations or book a GOT-inspired tour to visit several locations in one day.

• Belfast Mural Tours

Go on a tour of murals around the city to get a close hands-on experience and insight into the city's political history. You will learn a lot especially about the recent history and the so called "Troubles" period.

• Dublin

Drive your car hire from Belfast to Dublin just for the day or even a weekend and immerse yourself in the rich history and tradition of the Irish capital. Walk the streets of Dickens' Dublin, try various sorts of Guinness and simply enjoy Dublin's romantic cobbled streets and cosy pubs.

Geographic Information & History

Belfast is a bustling city and a major industrial port. The Northern Ireland capital is most widely recognised as the place where the infamous Titanic was built. Belfast and the surrounding countryside is host to a variety of archaeological curiosities, monuments, and fascinating architectural structures. The hills surrounding Belfast are purported to have been the inspiration for the sleeping giant portrayed in Dublin author Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels while he stayed in Lilliput Cottage in Belfast.

A significant amount of parks dot the city landscape and host a wealth of recreational sports activities, concerts, and regular pedestrian traffic. Thanks to Belfast's seaside location and the influence of the Gulf Stream, the city climate is typically mild through all four seasons. There is a significant amount of rainfall and a handful of snowfall in winter.
The first settlement within modern city limits dates back to the Bronze and Iron Age. Its name reflects its natural surroundings and originates from the Gaelic phrase "Beal Feirste" meaning "mouth of the sandy ford". Belfast's history has been quite tumultuous for centuries. The modern era and the beginnings of the very city started in the 17th century. Back in the day, with only 1000 inhabitants, Belfast was a thriving trade centre with a developed export import branch for goods such as meat, butter, and wool. After two large Catholic riots were subdued in the 17th century, Protestant and British rule over Ireland was firmly established.

After WW2, the Civil Rights Movement grew and the British Army was heavily present on the streets in the '70 s. The entire next two decades are marked by troubles, fights and severe violence. It was not until 1994 that all military operations ceased. Belfast saw significant transformation and a lot of investment in the next decade following the Good Friday Agreement. Major development works have taken place in the downtown area and tourism has started to grow substantially in the recent years.

How to get around Belfast

Traveling by car is the most independent means of transportation not only within Belfast, but throughout whole Northern Ireland. However, there are also public transport services available.

Bus Lines

Translink and its subsidiaries are the primary source of bus transportation in Belfast and Northern Ireland. Smaller, privately owned and operated bus lines are also available.

Railway

Railway passage is another service provided chiefly by Translink. There are four major routes that run within Belfast. Northern Ireland Railways also offer a select number of suburban routes.

Ferries

Passenger ferries run from Belfast to mainland UK on a regular basis to Cairnryan in Scotland, and Liverpool in England. Seasonal transport is available to Douglas on the Isle of Man.

Taxis

Also referred to as a hackney, Black Cabs are public taxicabs that are legally licensed by local authorities to transport passengers.

Useful links

Tourist Guide Belfast

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