Car hire in Derry, United Kingdom

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Choose from 7 pick-up spots

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There are 7 car hire providers in Derry. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Derry

Hiring a car in Derry: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyDollar
Most popular carCompact, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceR 1,064
Best time to book3 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Derry

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Derry car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Derry

  • Searching for a cheap rental car in Derry? You're right where you need to be. With prices averaging R 1,064 a day, we compare all the best offers so you can book faster, spend smarter, and hit the road happy.

  • Daily rental prices in Derry start from just R 682.

  • For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from R 2,708 and pack more sights into your itinerary.

  • Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Derry car hire. Try booking around two weeks before your departure date.

  • Dollar, Avis and Hertz are some of the best-known providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.

  • The coverage Dollar or another supplier offers for your Derry car hire can vary, so remember to read the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge extra for it.

  • Booking a one-way car hire can be the key to finding a deal. Simply check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes have to move vehicles from one site to another, which means you can lock in some excellent one-way prices on a car for rent in Derry.

  • Avoid any unexpected charges by booking a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.

  • Roam without limits by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you like with no extra cost.

Best value car hire options right now

  • The best value can be found with this company, with average prices at R 1,335 a day.

  • Offering daily rates of around R 2,402, this provider is next in line.

  • The third option also makes your money go further. Expect to pay roughly R 1,357 a day for one of their rentals.

  • Need a car that covers most travel plans? The Compact rental category comes in as the leading choice for travellers visiting Derry.

Flying to Derry? Think about an airport pick-up

  • Make an early start on your Derry plans by picking up a car hire at City of Derry Airport. The city centre is about 11 kilometres away from this airport, which is a drive of around 20 minutes.

Compare car hire types in Derry

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Derry may be small in size, but they come with big advantages. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, great on mileage, and just the thing for city driving.

  • Medium: A solid choice when you want something that has a few more features but is still easy to drive. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg room compared to smaller cars.

  • Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and extra tech features, this Derry car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and an open view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged backcountry or zipping along smooth highways, many come with all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.

  • Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Derry makes light work of big hauls and group travel. They're tough, dependable, and ready to take on any task.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying an expensive excess fee. Different Derry car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.

  • Travel smarter when you rent a car in Derry by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep you headed the right way, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.

Good to know

  • The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United Kingdom is generally 21 years old. However rules can vary by provider, so always read your rental company's terms to see what applies to you.

  • Travel plans include the kids? Child car seat laws vary by location, and the correct setup may depend on their age, weight and height. Find out if you need to add one to your Derry car hire booking.

  • Make sure you have the necessary documents when you get to the rental desk. As a general rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.

  • If it's your first time driving in the United Kingdom, keep in mind that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.

  • Local speed limits can vary, but it's typically around 40kph in urban areas and 100kph or so on highways. Always obey the road signs.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United Kingdom is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the surest choice is to avoid drinks so you remain legal to drive.

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

  • You'll be using the British pound (GBP) for all your purchases and expenses here. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cash and cards so you always have a backup option.

  • English is the language spoken in most parts of the country.

Best hotels in Derry for drivers

  • Offering accessible parking, City Hotel Derry takes the stress out of finding a place for your car. This hotel is around 0.64 kilometres from central Derry and also comes with a shop and luggage storage.

  • The Belfray Country Inn is also a good option if your plans involve plenty of driving. It features parking, plus a bar and a 24-hour front desk. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Explore the full lineup of hotels in Derry and pick the stay that fits your itinerary. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.

  • You're ready to make some memories now you've found a car hire deal in Derry and your hotel. From Derry-Londonderry to Free Derry Corner and Walled city Londonderry, there's plenty to keep you busy here.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Derry

  • Around 97 kilometres southeast of central Derry, Belfast deserves a place on your itinerary. Make your way to can't-miss sights like Titanic Shipyard and Titanic People.

  • Leonardo Hotel Belfast and Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre are reliable accommodation options with parking in Belfast.

  • Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Derry and then set off for Craigavon. About 88 kilometres southeast of Derry, Oxford Island Nature Reserve and Edenvilla Park & Edenvilla Secret Garden are major attractions that are worth going out of your way for.

  • Up for a bonus adventure? Carlisle is a popular road trip destination that's about 274 kilometres east of Derry. Plan to make a few pit stops at Carlisle Cathedral and Solway Aviation Museum.

  • Browse the room options at Carlisle Station Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by BW or Crown & Mitre Hotel. They make it a breeze to discover everything Carlisle has to offer. They also have parking available.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Derry will set you back around R 1,064 per day or R 6,934 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Derry is an intermediate crossover (similar to SUVs). The most popular is Compact, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire company in Derry is currently Hertz, followed by Avis.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Derry is currently November.
On average, around R 6,934. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Derry is R 2,708.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Derry for a whole month is R 35,984. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Derry, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Derry that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Derry.
Most places – Derry included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is R 728 per day. The average price per day is around R 1,035.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Dollar, Enterprise and Avis offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Dollar as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Derry.