Hire a Car from Dublin Airport
Your journey in Ireland begins the moment you land at Dublin Airport. Our rental desks are located in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, where our team is ready to welcome you with friendly service and a wide choice of vehicles for every type of trip. Whether you are visiting for business, exploring Ireland’s dramatic coastline or travelling to see family, we make car hire simple and dependable from the start.
Dublin Airport is one of Europe’s busiest travel hubs and sits only 10 kilometres north of the city centre. Its location provides quick access to the capital as well as the motorways that connect you to every corner of Ireland.
Where to Find Avis and Collect Your Car at Dublin Airport
Our rental desks are located in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, making it easy to begin your journey as soon as you arrive.
Terminal 1
After leaving baggage reclaim, walk into the Arrivals Hall. The Avis desk is positioned to the right and is clearly visible from the main walkway. Our team will confirm your booking, answer any questions and direct you to the shuttle pick up point for vehicle collection.
Terminal 2
From Arrivals, follow the signs for Car Rentals and continue along the passageway towards the terminal car park. As you enter the dedicated car rental area, the Avis desk will be on your left. Once your booking is confirmed, our team will guide you either to your vehicle in the terminal car park or to the shuttle for the Eastlands Car Hire Facility. Guaranteed terminal pick up is available when prebooked during your reservation.
Shuttle to Eastlands Car Hire Facility
All standard rentals are collected from our Eastlands facility, just a short shuttle ride from both terminals.
From Terminal 1
Exit the Arrivals Hall, turn right and walk around 40 steps to the central median where the Avis shuttle bus collects passengers.
From Terminal 2
Leave the car hire desk through the glass doors and enter the lift area. Take the lift to Level 0 and wait by the glass doors for the shuttle bus.
Avis Preferred
Preferred members enjoy an even faster start to their journey. You will be directed to the terminal car park, located 500 metres from the airport desks, where your vehicle will be ready for immediate collection. Membership is free and offers priority service along with exclusive benefits.
Staying Close to the Capital
Dublin Airport is only 10 kilometres from the city centre, making it easy to explore the capital before heading further afield. Take the M1 motorway for a direct route into the heart of Dublin. The city is compact and full of character, with Georgian squares, riverside walks and world famous cultural attractions. Whether you are visiting Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse or the lively streets of Temple Bar, the capital offers plenty to enjoy within a short drive of the airport.
Exploring County Dublin and Wicklow
Beyond the city centre, Dublin’s coastline and neighbouring Wicklow offer a completely different pace. Howth, Dun Laoghaire and Bray are all within easy reach and provide scenic cliff walks, harbourside cafés and sweeping views across Dublin Bay. These coastal towns feel a world away from the busy city streets and are ideal for relaxed day trips.
Further south, the Wicklow Mountains offer some of Ireland’s most impressive landscapes. Powerscourt Estate, with its gardens and waterfall, is a popular stop, while Glendalough’s monastic settlement and glacial valley provide a memorable mix of history and natural beauty. These areas are well signposted and easily accessible by car, making them perfect for visitors looking to experience Ireland’s outdoors without travelling far from Dublin.
Exploring Ireland from Dublin Airport
The M50 motorway circles Dublin and connects directly to Ireland’s national road network. This ring road also includes a barrier free toll section between Junction 6 and Junction 7. There are no toll booths. Your vehicle is recorded automatically as you pass the gantry and the charge is billed to the payment card on your reservation after your rental ends. With the M50 providing fast access to every major route, Dublin Airport is one of the most convenient starting points for exploring the entire island.
Where to go?
Local Tip: Ireland’s road network is well signposted, but rural areas can include narrow roads, sharp bends and limited mobile coverage. Adding GPS to your rental is recommended, especially if you plan to explore coastal routes, mountain passes or countryside
M1: Dublin to Belfast and Ireland’s Northeast
The M1 runs north from Dublin Airport and is the gateway to the historic and culturally rich northeast. Shortly after leaving the airport, you will pass through the Boyne Valley, home to Newgrange, the Hill of Tara and Trim Castle. This area is steeped in ancient Irish mythology and medieval history.
Continue north and you will reach Belfast in around 1 hour 45 minutes. Belfast is known for its Victorian architecture, modern waterfront developments and a thriving arts scene. Highlights include the Titanic Quarter, St George’s Market and the Ulster Museum. Beyond the city, the Antrim Coast offers some of Ireland’s most dramatic scenery, including the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and the Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge.
M4 and M5: Dublin to Sligo, Westport and the Wild Atlantic West
Heading west, the M4 leads towards Ireland’s lake dotted midlands before reaching the Atlantic coastline. This route brings you to Sligo, a county known for its rugged beauty, surfing beaches and the distinctive outline of Benbulben mountain. Sligo also has strong cultural ties to the poet W. B. Yeats, whose work was inspired by the region’s landscapes.
From the M4, the M5 continues towards Westport, one of Ireland’s most charming towns. Westport is the gateway to Croagh Patrick, Clew Bay and Achill Island, where dramatic cliffs, quiet beaches and winding coastal roads define the scenery. This region marks the northern stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way, offering some of the most memorable driving routes in the country.
M6: Dublin to Galway and Connemara
The M6 takes you directly from Dublin to Galway in around two and a half hours. Galway is a lively harbour city known for its colourful streets, traditional music and excellent seafood. It is a favourite destination for festivals, nightlife and coastal walks.
From Galway, the landscape becomes wilder as you enter Connemara. Expect winding roads, lakes, mountains and sweeping Atlantic views. Highlights include Kylemore Abbey, the Sky Road in Clifden and the Twelve Bens mountain range. This region is ideal for scenic drives and outdoor adventures.
M7 and M8: Dublin to Limerick, Cork and Ireland’s South
The M7 heads southwest towards Limerick, a city with a proud medieval heritage and a growing cultural scene. King John’s Castle, the Hunt Museum and the riverside boardwalk are popular attractions.
From the M7, the M8 branches south to Cork, Ireland’s second largest city. Cork is known for its food markets, Georgian architecture and easy access to the coastal towns of Kinsale, Cobh and Clonakilty. The wider region offers excellent driving routes along the southern stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way, including the Beara Peninsula and West Cork’s scenic bays.
M9: Dublin to Kilkenny and Waterford
The M9 travels southeast towards Kilkenny, a compact medieval city famous for its castle, craft scene and lively pubs. Kilkenny is one of Ireland’s best preserved historic centres and is ideal for a day trip or a weekend break.
Continue south to reach Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city and home of Waterford Crystal. The surrounding coastline, known as the Copper Coast, is a UNESCO Global Geopark with cliffs, coves and scenic driving routes that are perfect for a relaxed coastal journey..
Returning Your Avis Rental Car
Dublin Airport
Return your vehicle to the Eastlands facility where our team will check it in using Rapid Return technology. This ensures a quick and efficient process. A shuttle bus will bring you directly to Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.
Out of Hours Returns
If your flight departs early in the morning or late at night, we offer an out of hours return service. Contact us in advance and we will arrange everything for you.
One-Way Rentals:
One-way rentals must be prebooked at time of rental or organised with a staff member on pick up. For informaiton on returns at other locations click here.
Car Rental Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Avis car hire desk at Dublin Airport?
Avis has desks in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
How do I collect my rental car?
All standard rentals are collected from the Eastlands Car Hire Facility via shuttle.
Does Avis offer guaranteed terminal pick up?
Yes, to Avis preferred members and when prebooked during your reservation on avis.ie
How does the M50 toll work for rental cars?
The toll is recorded automatically and billed to the payment card on your reservation after your rental ends.
Can I drive my rental car into Northern Ireland?
Yes. Please prebook cross-border coverage or speak to the team at the desk.
Are child seats and GPS available?
Yes. These can be added during booking or at the rental desk.
Dublin Airport is an Avis Preferred Location
You deserve a reward, and that reward is Avis Preferred. We want to say thank you to our most loyal customers for renting regularly with Avis by enabling you to unlock an array of benefits such as pre-prepared paperwork, vehicles parked in the most convenient spaces, complimentary upgrades and priority Avis Preferred Counters, to name a few.Simply sign up to 'Avis Preferred' free of charge today and the more often you rent with us the more benefits you will receive.
Share the spotlight
You can easily add an extra driver during the booking process, just make sure they bring along their driving licence when picking up at Dublin Airport.
Modern Maps
With the very best Satellite navigation systems available at our Dublin Airport location, you can get lost in the moment without actually getting lost on the map.
