Galway car rental guide
Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Galway
The best car rental companies in Galway are Sixt, Europcar, Hertz. Prices start from €29/day for an economy car, the minimum age is 23, and airport pickup adds about 10%.
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Ranked comparison
Top 10 rental companies in Galway
Ranked by customer rating, price transparency and pickup convenience. Each opens a pre-filled search.
#1
Sixt
Editor’s pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 23Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€32/day
all-in estimate
View Sixt deal
#2
Europcar
Top ratedFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 23Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€31/day
all-in estimate
View Europcar deal
#3
Hertz
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 23Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€33/day
all-in estimate
View Hertz deal
#4
Avis
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 23Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€32/day
all-in estimate
View Avis deal
#5
Budget
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 23Free cancellationAirport
From€29/day
all-in estimate
View Budget deal
#6
Enterprise
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 23Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€34/day
all-in estimate
View Enterprise deal
#7
Alamo
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 23Free cancellationAirport
From€30/day
all-in estimate
View Alamo deal
#8
National
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 23Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€35/day
all-in estimate
View National deal
#9
Galway Car Hire
Local pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 23Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€25/day
base rate
View Galway Car Hire deal
Prices are indicative market estimates · Last checked 2026-07-21 · 2 public sources (DiscoverCars + market data)
Price guide
Prices by car type in Galway
| Car type | From / day | Example | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | €29 | Ford Fiesta | 4 |
| Compact | €34 | VW Golf | 5 |
| SUV | €48 | Nissan Qashqai | 5 |
| Minivan (7-seat) | €68 | VW Touran | 7 |
| Luxury | €95 | Audi A4 | 5 |
Pickup locations
Where to pick up a car in Galway
Airport — Shannon Airport (SNN)
SNN sits about 90km south of Galway, roughly a 1-hour drive via the M18 motorway, with rental desks in the main arrivals hall.
Downtown — Galway city center (Eyre Square area)
Downtown desks near Eyre Square suit travelers who want a car mainly for the Wild Atlantic Way, Connemara, or the Cliffs of Moher beyond the walkable center.
Fees
Fees at a glance
| Fee | Typical amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Airport surcharge | ~10% of base rate | SNN airport pickup |
| Young-driver fee (23–24) | €15–25/day | Drivers under 25 (Irish agencies typically set a minimum age of 23) |
| Additional driver | €5–8/day | Per extra driver |
| Cross-border coverage check | Usually included | Driving into Northern Ireland (Derry, Belfast) |
| Excess/damage waiver upgrade | €10–20/day | Recommended given narrow rural roads |
| Refundable deposit | €250–500 | Standard hold at pickup |
Local intelligence
Things to know before renting in Galway
- Shannon Airport (SNN) is Galway's main gateway, about 90km south, roughly a 1-hour drive via the M18 motorway.
- Most Irish rental agencies set a minimum driver age of 23 (not 21), with young-driver surcharges applying up to age 25.
- Galway is the standard starting point for the Wild Atlantic Way and the drive into Connemara's mountains and loughs.
- The Cliffs of Moher are about an hour south, reached via narrow coastal roads best suited to a compact car or SUV.
- Galway uses EUR as Ireland's official currency, so no conversion is needed for travelers from the eurozone.
- Rural roads throughout County Galway and Connemara are narrow with stone walls close to the verge — many visitors add the extra excess/damage waiver.
- The city center around Eyre Square and the Latin Quarter is fully walkable, so a car is mainly useful for touring the coast and countryside.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Galway
Do you need a car in Galway?
Yes, essential for the Wild Atlantic Way, Connemara, and the Cliffs of Moher; the city center itself is walkable.
How far is Shannon Airport from Galway?
About 90km, roughly a 1-hour drive via the M18 motorway.
What is the minimum driver age for renting a car in Galway?
Most agencies require 23, with young-driver surcharges applying up to age 25.
Can I drive from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher?
Yes, about an hour south via narrow coastal roads.
What currency are prices shown in for Galway?
Prices are shown in EUR, Ireland's official currency.
Are Galway's rural roads difficult to drive?
Many are narrow with stone walls close to the edge — an excess/damage waiver is worth adding.
What is the cheapest car type in Galway?
Economy cars like a Ford Fiesta start around €29/day. An SUV starts around €48/day.
Nearby trips
