Small
Ford Ka
Car Hire- Free cancellation up to 24 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Manual
- 4 seats
from €58/7 days
See offer →
Rent a Car at Shannon Airport (SNN)
Compare deals from 14 rental companies right at the airport. Start your trip the moment you land.
LocationAirport
Providers14
Price tipBook 2-4 wks ahead
Min. ageUsually 21+
Quick answer: At Shannon Airport you can compare rental cars from 14 providers. We show prices and terms upfront so you can choose wisely - not just cheaply.
Best priceBook 2-4 weeks ahead for better selection and lower rates.
Zero dramaChoose "full-to-full" fuel and film the car at pickup.
DepositHave a credit card in the driver's name ready - that's where most people get caught out.
Cheapest car rentals in Shannon Airport right now
7-day rental, pick-up 5 Dec. Prices collected 5 Nov.
Car HireMid-size
Hyundai i30
Car Hire- Free cancellation up to 24 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Manual
- 5 seats
from €62/7 days
See offer →SUV
Ford Puma
Thrifty- Free cancellation up to 24 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Manual
- 5 seats
from €80/7 days
See offer →Car rental companies in Shannon Airport: sorted by rating
| Supplier | Rating | Pick-up | From |
|---|---|---|---|
 Enterprise | (37) | Inside the terminal | €114 |
| Thrifty | (29) | Inside the terminal | €76 |
 Budget | (201) | Inside the terminal | €75 |
 SIXT | (118) | Inside the terminal | €116 |
| Car Hire | (43) | Inside the terminal | €58 |
 Flizzr | (33) | By shuttle bus | €72 |
 Alamo | (20) | Inside the terminal | €122 |
 Hertz | (5) | €122 | |
 Dollar | (3) | Inside the terminal | €76 |
 Keddy | (14) | Inside the terminal | €68 |
 Europcar | (9) | Inside the terminal | €123 |
 National | (2) | Inside the terminal | €158 |
 Avis | (3) | Inside the terminal | €122 |
 Easirent | (165) | By shuttle bus | €65 |
Prices for a 7-day rental in EUR, collected 5 Nov, and may have changed. Ratings 1-10 from customer reviews. Search with your dates →
About Renting a Car at Shannon Airport
Shannon Airport (SNN) is Western Ireland's most important international airport and a perfect place to pick up your rental car upon arrival. With 14 car rental companies on site, you'll always find competitive prices and a wide selection of vehicles. From here, you're just 25 km from Limerick and 90 km from Galway.
Shannon Airport lies on the Shannon River and is the gateway to Ireland's wildest nature. The Cliffs of Moher are 75 km north via N18 and R478 - a drive of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes along the dramatic Atlantic coast. Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is only 15 km east of the airport.
Book your rental car in advance during the summer months - Shannon is one of Ireland's busiest airports and availability can be limited. Choose a car with GPS or download offline maps, as mobile coverage is weak along the Wild Atlantic Way. Fill up near the airport in Newmarket-on-Fergus to avoid higher prices in tourist areas.
Where are the rental cars at Shannon Airport? The rental desks are located in the arrival hall, and cars are picked up in a dedicated car park directly connected to the terminal. How long does it take to drive from Shannon to the Cliffs of Moher?
The drive is approximately 75 km and takes about 1 hour 20 minutes via N18 and R478 through Ennistymon. Can I return the rental car in another location in Ireland? Yes, most of the 14 rental companies at Shannon offer one-way rentals, but an additional fee typically applies for one-way rental.
We compare prices from all major providers at Shannon Airport so you can see the total cost upfront - including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.
What to Know Before Picking Up at Shannon Airport
🚗 1) Pick the Right Terms
- Fuel: "Full-to-full" is usually the fairest deal.
- Extra driver: can cost extra - check before booking.
- Automatic: often pricier and in shorter supply.
Pro tip: Cheapest rate + expensive terms = an expensive rental in disguise.
🪪 2) Bring the Right Documents
- Driver's license (usually held for at least 1 year)
- Passport or national ID
- Credit card in the driver's name for the deposit
A valid license is accepted in most of Ireland. Check if an IDP is needed.
📸 3) Drama-Free Pickup
- Film the car from all angles + the dashboard.
- Photograph scratches, wheels and windshield.
- Keep your fuel receipt when returning.
60 seconds now can save 6 weeks of email disputes.
Rental Companies at Shannon Airport
Providers you can compare here (availability varies by date and season).
Essential Info for Renting at Shannon Airport
Practical answers and tips before you book.
✅ Quick Answers ▼
At Shannon Airport you can compare rentals from 14 providers on SmartCarRental. We show prices and terms upfront so you know what you're paying.
- Book 2-4 weeks ahead for better selection and prices.
- Choose "full-to-full" fuel whenever possible.
- Have a credit card in the driver's name ready for the deposit.
🚙 Driving in Ireland ▼
In Ireland you drive on the left side.
- Urban speed limit: 50 km/h
- Rural roads: 80 km/h
- Motorway: 120 km/h
- Alcohol limit: 0.5 per mille
🅿️ Parking & Tolls ▼
Parking is available in cities, but may be expensive.
Road tolls: Have cash or a card ready for payment.
Frequently Asked Questions - Car Rental at Shannon Airport
Which rental companies are available at Shannon Airport?▼
You can compare 14 rental companies at Shannon Airport on SmartCarRental. Availability varies by season and dates, so the best way to see current options is to search with your travel dates.
Do I need an international driving permit in Ireland?▼
Requirements depend on your home country. EU, US and UK licenses are generally accepted, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license isn't in Latin script.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
Is there an age limit for renting a car at Shannon Airport?▼
The minimum age to rent in Ireland is typically 21 years. Drivers under 25 often pay an additional young driver surcharge.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What are the traffic rules in Ireland?▼
In Ireland you drive on the left side. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads and 120 km/h on motorways.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What do I need to bring for pickup?▼
When collecting your car at Shannon Airport you'll typically need: 1) A valid driver's license (held for at least 1 year), 2) Passport or national ID, and 3) A credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
How does the fuel policy work?▼
Most providers at Shannon Airport use a "full-to-full" policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. This is typically the simplest and cheapest option.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
When is it cheapest to rent a car at Shannon Airport?▼
Generally, booking 2-4 weeks in advance, choosing a mid-week pickup, and avoiding peak season gives you the lowest prices.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
15-Day Weather Forecast for Shannon Airport
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Check prices from 14 providers at Shannon Airport - pick your dates and see what's available.
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Shannon Airport
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