Shannon Airport cheap car hire

Compare car hire from trusted providers

Book car hire with confidence

Save big on car hire at Shannon Airport

Find the best car hire deal

Search for airport pick-up locations, open 24/7

Browse all airport pick-up locations

How much does Shannon Airport car hire cost throughout the year?

Our data shows that March is the cheapest month to rent a car from Shannon Airport. It’s around 33 € a day in March, compared to the yearly average which is 51 € a day.
Cheapest month avgMarch • 33 €
Yearly avg price51 €

Car hire near Shannon Airport

Consider travelling into Shannon to pick up your car - we found car hire deals from pick-up points in Shannon from €13.

The most popular car rental companies in Shannon Airport

Shannon Airport car hire: Facts on the fly

Average daily price51 €
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Cheapest price found13 €
Cheapest month to rentMarch
Providers at Shannon Airport17
Most popular providerBudget
Best time to book2 weeks before

Choose from the best car hire companies near Shannon Airport

Explore pick-up locations at Shannon Airport

There are 17 car hire providers at Shannon Airport. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

Driving in Shannon: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
You’ll need your driving licence, passport and a credit card to rent a car in Shannon.
Most drivers can use their regular licence. You may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your licence isn’t in English. Rental companies also ask for matching ID and a credit card at pick-up.
Navigating city driving
Roads are wide and easy to follow around Shannon.
Driving in Shannon is simple, with light traffic linking the airport, town and nearby villages. Navigation apps help you reach Limerick, Ennis and the start of the Wild Atlantic Way without difficulty.
Tolls, emissions zones and charges
Ireland uses toll roads, including some near Shannon.
Routes such as the M7 or M18 may include toll sections. Shannon itself has no emissions zones. Most tolls can be paid online or at booths, but check your rental company’s advice before longer trips.
Parking your car in Shannon
Parking is simple across most of Shannon.
Street spaces and car parks are easy to find, and hotels often provide parking. Airport parking can fill during busy travel periods, so give yourself a little extra time when collecting or returning your car.
Finding fuel or charging points
Fuel is easy to find, and EV charging stations in Shannon are increasing.
Petrol stations sit near major roads and retail areas. Charging points are growing across County Clare, with several in Shannon town. Apps like PlugShare or ESB eCars help you find available chargers.
Local driving style and tips
Traffic is calm, but rural roads can feel narrow.
Around Shannon, drivers move steadily and give space on smaller roads. You may meet tractors or cyclists when travelling between villages. Take care on bends, keep your speed steady and be ready for slower vehicles.
Find Shannon Airport car hire deals

How to get the best car hire deal in Shannon Airport

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy after you've touched down in Shannon Airport. 

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Shannon Airport (SNN)

  • Whether you need a compact for cruising around town or a bigger ride for longer drives, we'll help you find a cheap Shannon Airport rental car. Choose from options averaging 51 € a day and hit the road for less.

  • Daily rental prices at Shannon Airport start from just 13 €.

  • Planning to stay longer? Pick up a weekly rental from 66 € and say yes to more adventures across Shannon.

  • To land the cheapest price, book your SNN car hire around four weeks in advance.

  • Easirent, Budget and Carhire are some of the top providers at Shannon Airport.

  • Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Shannon Airport car hire policy, whether with Easirent or a different supplier. Some may leave it out of the standard package and offer it as an extra.

  • Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Simply check 'Return car to a different location' when browsing for a car for hire in SNN. Providers sometimes have to move vehicles between locations, which means you can lock in some excellent one-way prices.

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Shannon Airport with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. You'll also skip the costly refueling charges rental agencies tack on.

  • Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you travel without limits.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average 52 € a day.

  • Not far behind, this provider offers daily rates of around 86 €.

  • The third option also delivers savings with every booking. Expect to pay roughly 68 € a day for one of their rentals.

  • The Economy rental category is a dependable pick if you're not sure which ride is right for you. It's also the car type that's booked the most at SNN.

Compare car hire types from Shannon Airport (SNN)

  • Small: Whether you're navigating busy cities or taking a short trip, this cheap Shannon Airport rental car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and excellent mileage.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, space and fuel efficiency. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a reliable fit for most trips.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to fit it all in without a hassle. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this SNN car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for backroads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and improved safety features.

  • Van: If you need a car for rent in Shannon Airport that can handle a small crowd (and all their gear), a van has space to spare. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group trips, business use or moving.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your SNN car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Just remember that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.

  • Make travel easier when you rent a car in Shannon Airport by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to make wrong turns a thing of the past, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.

Good to know

  • You generally have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in Ireland. Being younger isn't always a deal-breaker — just expect some extra rules or charges. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before you book.

  • If the kids are tagging along, find out if you need to add a child car seat to your SNN car hire reservation. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.

  • Come prepared and save time at pick-up. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no digital copies) 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.

  • Driving in Ireland can seem unfamiliar if it's your first time. Don't forget all vehicles travel on the left side of the road.

  • Follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 45kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.

  • In Ireland, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you think you'll be drinking, hand the keys to someone else or arrange a ride-share or taxi instead.

Drive smarter from the start

  • Set off for anywhere you choose in your SNN car hire. If central Shannon is your starting point, you'll find it around 3 kilometres northeast of the airport.

  • Allow roughly 10 minutes to get from Shannon Airport to the city centre during peak hours.

  • Try to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother run in general. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.

  • If you don't need a set of wheels as soon as you arrive, consider picking up a car hire in Shannon instead of at the airport. Collect your ride when it suits you and avoid paying for unused rental days.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Shannon Airport (SNN)

  • You'll want to experience the major attractions in Shannon before you do anything else. View Point Bunratty Castle and Atlantic Air Adventures are a great way to kick things off.

  • Buckle up and make tracks to Cork. Around 97 kilometres south of SNN, you'll find must-see sights like Blarney Castle & Gardens and Blarney Castle House(Teach Caisleán na Blarnan).

  • Alternatively, jump into your Shannon Airport car hire and travel roughly 18 kilometres north to Ennis. Featuring Glor Irish Music Centre and Ennis Friary, its highlights live up to the buzz.

  • Want to stretch this drive a little longer? Waterford is a fun road trip destination that's around 129 kilometres east of SNN. Bishop's Palace and Christ Church Cathedral are ideal pit stops.

Hiring a car at Shannon Airport: FAQs

On average, car hire from Shannon Airport is around 51 € per day.
No. It's a little higher than Ireland's average daily car rental price, which is around 13 €.
There are lots of car hire companies to choose from at Shannon Airport - including Hertz, Thrifty, Surprice, Dollar, Easirent, Budget, Payless, Flizzr, and Sixt.
Currently, the lowest price for car hire at Shannon Airport we found is 13 €. And the cheapest rate for car hire nearby is from 13 €. It can often be cheaper to hire a car from somewhere near to Shannon Airport, especially if there's an extra airport pick-up fee. But when you consider the cost of travelling from Shannon Airport to the pick-up location, and back again at the end of your stay, collecting your wheels as soon as you touch down might still work out more economic, faster and easier.
Yes – you can hire a car when you touch down in Shannon Airport and drop it off in another location, which can save you time and money.
The most popular according to travellers is Payless, with a 4.8 rating for things like cleanliness, customer service and value. The cheapest company is currently Easirent.
Currently, it looks like Easirent has the cheapest car hire deal in Shannon Airport – for 15 € per day. Budget also has car hire deals from 20 € per day.
Although you can often find a cheaper car hire deal away from Shannon Airport, remember to consider: extra cost of public transport, a taxi to your hotel, or on to that pickup location on top of that price.
Yes. We understand that plans can change last minute, or you might even find a better car rental deal from Shannon Airport. That's why we highlight the rental cars you can book now and cancel later when you search.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals in and around Shannon. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Shannon Airport.
When you rent a car near Shannon Airport, most major providers require you to be at least 21 years old. Some companies charge an extra fee if you're under 25, so make sure you check before booking.
You can book car hire at Shannon Airport in three simple steps. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.
The documents you need to rent a car at Shannon Airport vary depending on the car hire provider. In most cases, you’ll need a valid driving licence, photo ID and a credit card. You can check with the car hire provider when you book.
Finding the best car hire deal at Shannon Airport is quick and easy with Skyscanner. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage, and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.