Galway car rentals from $8/day

This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a car rental in Galway with a pick-up date of 4/30 and drop-off date of 5/7. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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Galway car rental information

Pick-up locationGalway
Car typesCompact, Compact station wagon, Economy, Luxury, Mini, Standard
Rental locations8
Airport locations0
Popular agenciesBudget, CARHIRE.ie, Payless

Cheap car rentals in Galway

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Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Galway

  • You can never go wrong with car rentals in Galway if you are visiting Ireland. Unlike public transportation, which has fixed schedules, car rentals offer convenience and flexibility for exploring the region’s attractions within the town and further afield. Some scenic drives in Galway include the area between Galway and Lettermore, Lough Corrib, and the Oranmore to Gort historic drive. If you are here for an extended period, you will spend less on car rentals than on buses and trains.
  • Hiring Galway car rentals at the airport ensures you leap into adventure as soon as you land. The city is served by two airports: Ireland West Airport (NOC) and Shannon Airport (SNN), both lying about an hour’s drive from the city center of Galway. If you arrive via Ireland West Airport, you will find numerous car agencies running their counters within the terminal, to the left as you enter the arrivals hall. Also, car rental desks at Shannon Airport are in the arrivals hall. Agencies operating at both airports include Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, and Thrifty.
  • As a small, medieval city, finding numerous one-way streets and narrow roads in Galway is unsurprising. Nevertheless, car rentals in Galway should be a manageable task. Ensure you learn and understand the various letter coding in the city. For instance, L stands for local roads (often tiny), M is for motorway tolls, N represents national roads, and R refers to regional routes. Remember that the region features roundabouts. Therefore, when driving Galway car rentals, the cars already in the roundabout have the right of way.
  • Significant cities in Ireland experience road congestion during rush hours, and Galway is no exception. Sometimes, the satellite navigation system may not pick the L roads, and you risk finding yourself on a narrow alley behind a tractor. As such, consider using a paper map to complement the GPS. Winters in Galway are usually cold and freezing, resulting in wet surfaces. It is thus a good idea to fix your car rentals in Galway with winter tires as a safety precaution. Also, there is poor visibility, requiring drivers to use dipped headlights during the day to be easily seen and keep a safe distance from the car in front.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Galway for $33 or less
  • Book your rental car in Galway at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Mini rental cars in Galway are around 28% cheaper than other car types, on average

Galway car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in Galway 
Verified travelerDec 2023
Print your reservation as soon as it is made.
DavidJul 2023
It was fine once you get used to it. Takes a few hours to get used to being on left side of the road.

FAQs about renting a car in Galway

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in Galway?

    On average a rental car in Galway costs $52 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Galway found in the last 2 weeks is $23.

  • What is the cheapest car rental company in Galway?

    In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Budget ($8/day), CARHIRE.ie ($8/day) and Payless ($19/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest rental car price was found at Budget 12 Eyre Square null (1 miles from city center).

  • Can I rent an automatic car in Galway?

    Yes, automatic cars are available in most car renting companies in Galway. As cars with manual transmission are more common in many countries, you might have to pay an additional charge for renting an automatic car.

  • How much is gas price in Galway?

    The average gas price in Galway is $7.07 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $85 and $113, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Galway?

    Mini (Toyota Aygo or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Galway.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in Galway?

    Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

  • How much does a Mini car rental cost in Galway?

    A Mini car rental in Galway costs $51 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Economy car rental cost in Galway?

    An Economy car rental in Galway costs $52 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Compact car rental cost in Galway?

    A Compact car rental in Galway costs $77 per day, on average.

  • What is the most popular rental car location in Galway?

    In Galway, cars are most frequently rented at Budget 12 Eyre Square (1 miles from city center).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Galway?

    On average a rental car in Galway costs $366 per week ($52 per day).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Galway?

    On average a rental car in Galway costs $1,568 per month ($52 per day).

  • Should I get insurance when renting a car in Galway?

    Most car rental providers in Galway offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Galway, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.

  • How many car agencies are operating in Galway?

    KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 7 car rental agencies in Galway.

  • What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Galway?

    Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).

  • Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in Galway?

    KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Galway so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Galway?

    Ireland and Galway are known for their tiny roads and streets; getting a smaller car might be the best way to navigate these streets. To this end, choose the smallest possible vehicle when hiring car rentals in Galway, provided it can accommodate your luggage and yourself. Bear in mind that most car rental agencies in the region are manual. Suppose you can only drive automatic cars. In that case, endeavor to reserve in advance. Furthermore, a smaller car is more fuel efficient, and you’ll spend less on transportation.

  • What’s the speed limit in Galway?

    Observing speed limits will save you from trouble with traffic authorities. Always pay attention to the speed signs as they override other traffic regulations. Motorists must keep it 30 km/h (18 mph) in school and residential zones; 50 km/h (30 mph) in urban areas; 80km/h (50 mph) on regional roads, and 100km/h (62 mph) on national roads. For those who like cruising, you should be at most 120km/h (74 mph) on motorways. You may drive slower than the stipulated speeds during rush hours and on windy days.

  • Where are the best places to park in Galway?

    On-street parking is free in Galway between 6:30 pm and 8:30 am from Monday to Saturday and Sunday. In between, the slots are metered by a pay-and-display system. Still, check the signs when parking to know if you understand the rules and charges. Covered car parks are plenty, and the rates start from €2.00 ($2.15) per hour—be sure to book online for cheaper rates.

Galway car rental reviews and directory

Europcar

10.0

Wonderful

1 review
Best rated

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

One location in Galway

Show locations

Locations in Galway

MOTOR PARK, 3rd EXIT OFF KIRWAN RB

+353 91 396 555

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Dec 2022

KAYAK
Our sales associated (gentleman from the UK) made our experience!

1 out of 1

Budget

7.6

Most popular

Cleanliness

8.6

Comfort

8.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.5

Value for money

7.0

One location in Galway

Show locations

Locations in Galway

12 Eyre Square

+353 91 566 376

Monday09:00 - 18:00
Tuesday09:00 - 18:00
Wednesday09:00 - 18:00
Thursday09:00 - 18:00
Friday09:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 18:00
Sunday09:00 - 18:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Oct 2022

KAYAK
The man at the counter was incredibly helpful and very kind. He gave me the information I needed, and was professional throughout. Would absolutely rent there again. Cars are a short walk from the rental place, and easy to get in and out of the parking structure.

10.0 Wonderful

Aug 2022

KAYAK
We were reluctant to rent a car outside the US, but our concerns were unfounded. The process was easy, the car was clean and comfortable.

6.0 Okay

Dec 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff at counter was personable and professional.

Cons:

Two block walk to pick-up location, agent did not disclose specific location, vehicle was on the fourth floor. Instructions for drop off equally uncertain.

4.0 Mediocre

Oct 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

My experience at Budget in Galway last week was pretty abysmal. Adrian met me out front and asked if I had a reservation, which I did. He then started off by demanding who I stayed with the previous night and where they live (really not sure why they need this information). Next he asked about insurance at which point I provided my letter from Chase (PDF on my phone) outlining my eligibility for "worldwide coverage under the Auto Rental Collision Damage waiver benefit." I had called Chase before my trip specifically to confirm that Ireland was not excluded from their coverage (given past rules) and they assured me that Ireland was included in their worldwide coverage benefit, and sent me this letter as proof. Adrian insisted that the letter must specifically state Ireland and refused to rent me the car I had reserved until I was able to provide one. The other options he provided were to go elsewhere or to get coverage through Budget and quoted me $500. At this point I would have loved to walk away but really needed the car and to get on the road. I called Chase and the woman I spoke with kindly offered to speak to Adrian but he declined, stating it would do not good without a letter. I then asked for his name but he refused to give me his last name saying he was not required to do so (was not wearing a badge or any form of identification). I then asked to speak with someone else and he called his manager, who confirmed that "worldwide coverage" is sufficient, and told him to move forward with my reservation. He proceeded to go through the steps and never once apologized for his misunderstanding of the policy. I am not one to write reviews and generally give people the benefit of the doubt- but I do feel like feedback is warranted in this case in hopes that others can avoid this experience. Adrian and Galway Budget aside, the car I rented was great and I had no issues with the drop-off at Shannon Airport. Despite this I will be avoiding Budget in the future.

Cons:

Better treatment of the customer and understanding of the policies. Wearing a name badge seems appropriate, and apologizing for the error would have also gone a long way.

6.0 Okay

Sep 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Dropoff difficult. Busy street. No instructions on how to park.. once I over came that, courteous and simple return. BUT see below.

Cons:

I was given a credit on my credit card for the tank of gas that had been reserved. Two days later and the credit has not shown up on my account.

4.8 Mediocre

Aug 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

The car did not break down

Cons:

Service was not great at galway. Car was a bit small. High price and new drop off fee. I am also being charged 119$ for no reason and it has not gone off my credit card yet. I would like a call from someone at budget to clear this charge because I refuse to pay it since we dropped it off with fue

1 out of 6

Payless

5.9

Cleanliness

7.2

Comfort

6.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.3

Value for money

4.9

One location in Galway

Show locations

Locations in Galway

12 Eyre Sq

+353 91 394 374

Monday09:00 - 18:00
Tuesday09:00 - 18:00
Wednesday09:00 - 18:00
Thursday09:00 - 18:00
Friday09:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 18:00
Sunday09:00 - 18:00

Filters

Reviews

8.0 Very good

Dec 2023

KAYAK
Overall, the car was great. We did have a problem as we were renting it, though. I reserved an automatic transmission car, and, fortunately, I printed the reservation as soon as it was completed. When I went to pick the car up, they had changed the reservation to manual transmission.. As we were sitting there waiting for our car, a customer came in with the same exact issue. She went to get in her car and start driving and it was a manual transmission even though she had reserved an automatic transmission. This is a major problem for people who don’t know how to drive manual. it makes me wonder why this company doesn’t just keep more automatic transmission cars in stock if that’s what tourists need.

3.2 Poor

Oct 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing.

Cons:

I was quoted one price and then when I went to pick to pick the car up they made me pay 3.5x the price because I was booking on a Euro credit card not and American credit card. Then they have you walk 4 blocks and to the top of a parking garage to collect the car. God help you if you have bags or it’s raining. If it was cheap to rent I would t have minded walking. But at that outrageous cost you’d expect a little bit of service maybe bring the car to the rental shop?!

2.0 Poor

Jul 2023

KAYAK
I was charged $69 online. I have collision damage coverage through Chase credit card. But when picking up the car the man that checked me in basically refused to honor and ended up charging me their insurance. I did do an upgrade but before I left the charge was $572.

6.0 Okay

Jun 2023

KAYAK
It felt a little deceptive. The rental was purchased for a day at $66. When I went in to pick up the vehicle, there was an additional $115 in fees added to the rental (insurance and other costs). The gentlemen were kind enough but condescending when asked for a clarification of the charges. The pick up experience left a bitter taste in my mouth. Other than that, the car drove nicely and the drop-off was smooth. I was just caught off guard by the overall cost as I booked online.

10.0 Wonderful

Jun 2023

KAYAK
We had an overall smooth experience with our car rental: booking, picking up and returning. The car was comfortable & clean.

8.0 Very good

Aug 2022

KAYAK
It was extremely expensive and severs ad-ons when we picked it up, but we were happy with the car.

1 out of 3

keddy by Europcar

9.0

Wonderful

No reviews available

One location in Galway

Show locations

Locations in Galway

Motor Park, 3Rd Exit Off Kirwan Rb

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

CARHIRE.ie

6.0

Okay

No reviews available

Cheapest deal

One location in Galway

Show locations

Locations in Galway

Motor Park

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Easirent

No score available yet

One location in Galway

Show locations

Locations in Galway

Shannon Springs Hotel, Ballycasey

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Aug 2022

KAYAK
Even though they were not located at the airport, there was a shuttle that picked me up within minutes, supplied me with an upgrade at a cost much lower than other companies. The return process was also seamless, no lines, quick processing and dropped off at the airport within minutes.

6.0 Okay

Aug 2022

KAYAK
We were told at pick up that cars could be left at the hotel at the airport. But when I spoke to the team the day before drop off they said this was not possible and that we would need to bring the car to the rental office location. They also said they would be open at 6. However on the day the first employee showed up at 610. To be fair to him he brought us straight to the airport in the vehicle so we did not have to transfer luggage across and he was very pleasant and helpful when he arrived.

6.0 Okay

Jul 2022

KAYAK
Our rental car started having issues so we called and were told they would meet us with a new rental at 1:30. They didn’t come until 3 so we ended up waiting three hours.

8.0 Very good

Jul 2022

KAYAK
Flight was cancelled by United and car cannot be held or paid for over the phone. Car rental said contact Kayak and Kayak said contact car rental. Easirent finally fixed it so we had a car for our month long visit. Would’ve been disastrous otherwise. Thanks Paddy and James!!

6.0 Okay

Apr 2022

KAYAK
My reservation (through Kayak) did not have the vender phone number printed so upon arrival to Shannon airport I couldn’t contact them for pickup, wasted a taxi fee to get to off site location. Is that Kayak or Easirent? The car was great, with navigation system, which was of value throughout trip. Return of car & shuttle to airport was trouble free.

10.0 Wonderful

Apr 2022

KAYAK
We had a smooth, perfect rental experience. Airport pickup and obtaining the car was quick and easy. We ended up with a free upgrade. Upon return, Patrick even shuttled us to the covid testing site, waited, then delivered us to the airport. I would highly recommend!

1 out of 2

Sunnycars

No score available yet

3 locations in Galway

Show locations

Locations in Galway

12 Eyre Square

Opening times not available

Ballybrit

Opening times not available

Shannon Clare

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

No score available yet

One location in Galway

Show locations

Locations in Galway

Ballybane Industrial Estate

+353 91 758 468

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 18:00
Sunday11:00 - 14:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Mar 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

I have rented from both companies in Galway...they are like night and day. Enterprise is very reliable, customer oriented and efficient. Cars have all been high quality, in stark contrast to their competitors at Budget. The prices advertised by Enterprise are often higher than Budget, but in my experience the quality far exceeds the price difference and the folks at the Galway Budget office will intimidate you and flat out lie to get you to buy extras that you don't need...entirely unprofessional, but they know you often don't have the option to walk out on the rental by the time you get to the desk. I have rented from Enterprise 7-8 times and have been thoroughly impressed with their professionalism, honesty and efficiency every time.

8.8 Very good

Feb 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

It was clean and easy to use

Cons:

I was worried the car couldn't handle long distances.

1 out of 0

36 travelers who rented a car in Galway gave the car agency they used an average rating of 6.9

Car rental locations in or near Galway

Good to know

Most popular agency

Budget

Most popular car type

Mini

Average price

$52/day

Good deal

$33/day

When to book a rental car in Galway

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches