How to find a cheap car hire deal in Waterford
Pick up a cheap rental car in Waterford and hit the road for around 271 € a day. From solo adventures to group travel, we'll help you find the right rental for your plans.
113 € is the cheapest daily price for a rental in Waterford.
For longer trips, grab a weekly rental from 791 € 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 125 € a day.
Offering daily rates of around 285 €, this provider is next in line.
The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly 287 € 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
Generally, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Ireland. Younger drivers can sometimes still qualify — just expect some added charges or limits. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before you book.
If you're going away with the kids, check if you need to add a child car seat to your Waterford car rental booking. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
Bring the right documents and keep pick-up quick and easy. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (not a screenshot or digital version) and a second photo ID. Bring a credit card with enough balance for the deposit too. If there's anything extra, it'll be listed in your booking.
Take your time getting acquainted with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, find the lights and blinkers, and get used to its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stick to the left side of the road in Ireland.
Local speed limits are usually about 45kph through built-up areas and around 110kph on highways. Check the road signs, as limits may vary.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Ireland. The safest way to stay legal to drive is to avoid drinking altogether.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 5pm. Make travel easier by steering clear of peak periods.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) for everyday expenses here. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cash and cards to ensure you're covered in all situations.
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.
