Cheap car hire in Waterford, Ireland

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Choose from 6 pick-up spots

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There are 6 car hire providers in Waterford. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Waterford

Hiring a car in Waterford: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyDollar
Most popular carCompact, Estate
Average daily price155 €
Best time to bookLess than 1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Waterford

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Waterford car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Waterford

  • Pick up a cheap rental car in Waterford and hit the road for around 155 € a day. From solo adventures to group travel, we'll help you find the right rental for your plans.

  • 36 € is the cheapest daily price for a rental in Waterford.

  • For longer trips, grab a weekly rental from 93 € and pack more sights into your itinerary.

  • Land the best price on a Waterford car hire by booking in advance. You're more likely to get the best value with the most choice.

  • Find your perfect ride with Enterprise, Hertz or Thrifty. They're some of the most reliable providers in the city.

  • The coverage Enterprise or another company offers for your Waterford car hire can vary, so be sure to check the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.

  • Booking one-way could snag you a cheaper rate on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Simply select 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Waterford.

  • Save money on fuel by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.

  • Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you drive as far as you want.

Best value car hire options right now

  • Taking first place for value is this company, with average prices of 33 € a day.

  • Offering daily rates of around 36 €, this provider is next in line.

  • The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly 52 € a day with this supplier.

  • The Compact rental category is a reliable choice if you're unsure what kind of ride you need. It's also the car type that's booked the most in Waterford.

Compare car hire types in Waterford

  • Small: Whether you're weaving through city traffic or taking a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and excellent fuel efficiency.

  • Medium: A dependable choice when you need something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg space compared to smaller options.

  • Large: Offering greater driving comfort and enhanced tech features, this Waterford car hire category includes full-size cars. With bigger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for backroads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and advanced safety features.

  • Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Waterford handles big loads and group travel with ease. They're spacious, versatile, and ready for whatever task you throw at it.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Waterford car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Keep in mind that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.

  • From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip when you rent a car in Waterford.

Good to know

  • To rent a vehicle in Ireland, you usually have to be at least 21 years old. Some places may allow younger drivers to rent vehicles for an additional fee, so always check the policies before finalizing your ride.

  • Add a car seat to your Waterford car hire reservation if you're planning to travel with the kids. Requirements change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, size and weight is always the safest way to go.

  • You'll need some documents when you get to the rental counter. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.

  • If you've never driven in Ireland, remember that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.

  • Stay within local speed limits of about 45kph through built-up areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Ireland is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.

  • Around 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.

  • The euro (EUR) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and activities. Pay with a card when it's convenient, but carry a little cash when electronic payments aren't accepted.

Best hotels in Waterford for drivers

  • Pull in and get ready to relax at Grannagh Castle House. Offering parking as well as luggage storage and a garden, this hotel is around 5 kilometres from central Waterford.

  • Granville Hotel gets the details right with parking and features like bicycle rentals and express check-in. It's roughly 0.32 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Explore the full range of hotels in Waterford and choose the stay that suits your travel style. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.

  • After you've locked in a car hire deal in Waterford and your hotel, the only thing left is to decide where to go first. Kick things off with popular attractions like Bishop's Palace, Christ Church Cathedral and Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Waterford

  • Shift gears and make tracks to Kilkenny. Around 48 kilometres north of central Waterford, it's home to must-do sights like Kilkenny Castle and Medieval Mile Museum.

  • They've got hospitality down to a fine art at Lyrath Estate and The Hoban Hotel Kilkenny, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Kilkenny.

  • Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Waterford and travel around 64 kilometres north to Carlow. Featuring Cathedral of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary and Burrin Manor Park & Gardens, its attractions make a strong case for visiting.

  • Take it easy after a day spent exploring Carlow at Seven Oaks Hotel or Woodford Dolmen Hotel Carlow. These hotels have arrangements for guests with cars.

  • Hit the hay in Tallaght at either Plaza Hotel Tallaght or Glashaus Hotel. They've got a bed waiting for you and a spot for your wheels too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Waterford will set you back around 155 € per day or 343 € per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Waterford is an intermediate van or truck. The most popular is Compact, Estate.
The cheapest car hire company in Waterford is currently Dollar, followed by Thrifty.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Waterford is currently August.
On average, around 343 €. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Waterford is 93 €.
If you're looking for freedom to explore Waterford, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Waterford that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Waterford.
Most places – Waterford included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is 43 € per day. The average price per day is around 43 €.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Dollar, Hertz and Enterprise offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Dollar as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Waterford.