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+64-99508740
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+51-17009061
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+66-25088458
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The Complete Ireland Driving and Rental Guide

Located in the North Atlantic, the Republic of Ireland features beautiful landscapes, including hills and cliffs which makes it a popular filming spot for movie shows. Here are some instructions for you to facilitate your driving there.

  • Speed Limit and Traffic Signs
  • Seatbelt and Child Safety
  • Parking, Fuel and Toll
  • Traffic Violation
  • Driving Licence and Age Requirements

Speed Limit and Traffic Signs

Driving in Ireland is on the left-hand side. Before you drive on Irish roads, we recommend you to choose a compact car since roads in Ireland - especially those in countryside - tend to be narrow. Do not forget that honking around residential areas from 23:30 to 7:30 is prohibited.

Speed Limit

Some general speed limits should be kept in mind while driving. There are speed limits of 31 mph (50 km/h) in built-up areas, 50 mph (80 km/h) for non-national roads, 61 mph (100 km/h) for national roads and 75 mph (120 km/h) in motorways unless signs say otherwise. 

Traffic Signs

Traffic signs in Ireland can be mainly classified into 3 types: regulatory signs, warning signs and information signs. 


Irish regulatory signs are mostly circular and feature red, with some exceptions. 

Ireland_Traffic_Sign_StopStopIreland_Traffic_Sign_YieldYieldIreland_Traffic_Sign_Yield_in_IrishYield (In Irish)Ireland_Traffic_Sign_Max_Speed_Limit_80_km_hMax Speed Limit (80 km/h)

Ireland_Traffic_Sign_No_OvertakingNo Overtaking

Ireland_Traffic_Sign_Pedestrianized_StreetPedestrianized Street

Warning signs are diamond shaped with a yellow background.

Ireland_Traffic_Sign_Slippery_Road_AheadSlippery Road Ahead

Ireland_Traffic_Sign_Series_of_Bumps_or_Hollows_AheadSeries of Bumps or Hollows Ahead

Ireland_Traffic_Sign_Level_Crossing_with_Lights_and_BarriersLevel Crossing with Lights and BarriersIreland_Traffic_Sign_Pedestrian_Crossing_AheadPedestrian Crossing Ahead

Ireland_Traffic_Sign_Deer_or_Wild_AnimalsDeer or Wild Animals

Irish regulatory signs are mostly rectangular with different background colours.

Ireland_Traffic_Sign_Airport_SignAirport Sign

Ireland_Traffic_Sign_Advance_Sign_for_Facilities_in_Lay_bayAdvance Sign for Facilities in Lay-bay

To read more about Irish traffic signs, you can refer to Ireland Traffic Signs Manual 2010.

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Seatbelt and Child Safety

Seatbelt Laws

All passengers are required to have their seatbelt fastened at all times when the vehicle is moving. Drivers are obliged to make sure passengers under 17 are suitably restrained. Failing to do so can result in a fine of €60 which must be paid within 28 days.

Booster Seat Laws

All children under 17 must be in an appropriate restraint system when they are in a vehicle. Kids under 150cm (4ft and11in) in height or 36kg (79lbs) in weight must sit in correct child restraints that are appropriate to the weight of the child and must be in accordance with EU or UN standards. Rear facing child restraints must not be used in seats protected by an active frontal air-bag.

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Parking, Fuel and Toll

Parking

· Forbidden Parking


You must not park on the following spots:


- Opposite to another vehicle on a narrow road


- At the entrance or exit of a fire station, police station, ambulance station or hospital


- Where you would block other road users' views of a traffic signal or the road ahead


- 15 metres before or 5 metres after pedestrian crossings or traffic lights


- Where parking is forbidden by traffic signs or road markings, as detailed below


- When there is a single yellow line as a road mark with an upright information plate nearby, you must not park during the times shown

Ireland Single Yellow Line(Image from bcmtouring.com)


- When there are double yellow lines, you are not allowed to park at any time

Ireland Double Yellow Line(Image from bcmtouring.com)


- Parking spots with a disabled person symbol are only available for people suffering from a disability

Ireland Parking Spot for the Disabled(Image from bcmtouring.com)


· Parking Sign


Permitted and prohibited parking signs in Ireland may specify multiple times, places, durations, restrictions and vehicle categories in a condensed form on a single sign.

Ireland_Traffic_Sign_Parking_PermittedParking PermittedIreland_Traffic_Sign_Parking_ProhibitedParking Prohibited

You may also find this sign with two-way diagonals indicating a specific area must be kept clear during the specified times of the day.

 Ireland_Traffic_Sign_ClearwayClearway

· Paid Parking

Disc parking and Pay-and-Display parking system are both valid in Ireland. You are most likely to find a solar powered meter for Pay-and-Display, which prices usually range from 80 cent to €2.9 per hour.

Fuel Prices

The average value for Ireland gasoline price during November to December, 2017 is 1.4 Euro, while diesel is 1 cent lower.

Toll

Both Irish residents and foreign tourists using a toll road should pay for the fee. There are eleven toll roads in Ireland.

Ireland E Toll Road Map(Image from eflow.ie)


You will need to stop at the toll plaza to pay the tolls either by cash or by card, and 10 of the toll roads in Ireland are equipped with barrier toll plazas except for the M50. To use the M50, you need to pay before 8pm the following day. Failure to do so will result in a fine of €3.00


If you plan to rent a car and use the toll roads in Ireland, it is advisable for you to rent an electronic tag from the car hire company, enabling an automatic payment of the toll fee directly from your credit card. Please note that electronic tags are subject to availability at the rental desk. If you have any question related to your toll fee billing, feel free to contact QEEQ' 24/7 customer service team for assistance. 

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Traffic Violation

DUI Laws

In Ireland, drink driving is a serious offence. The legal limit varies and depends on drivers’ qualifications. Full licenced drivers are not allowed to consume more than the legal alcohol limit which is 50 micrograms per millilitres of blood while professional and learner drivers are limited at 20mg/100ml. Being deemed as drunk driving will result in a two-year ban and a €1,500 fine.

Traffic Fines

If you are caught speeding on the road, you need to pay €80 as a fine and give out 3 penalty points in 28 days. If you miss the deadline, you need to pay €120 in another 28 days. If you still have not proceeded to the payment after 56 days, a court case will be filled against you. 


Parking offence will result in a fine from €40 to €80 depending on the situation. 


Car hire companies will pass on the driver’s information to the authorities in case of traffic infringement, while the post or email notification enlisting breach details will only be issued by the traffic authority. 


Note that the fine usually comes with a service/administration fee as well. It is advisable for you to contact QEEQ' 24/7 customer service team if you have any question on this matter. 

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Driving Licence and Age Requirements

To drive in Ireland, the driver must present a valid national driving licence that has been held for at least 2 years. The minimum age to drive in Ireland is 21 years old (age may vary by car category).


To hire a car in Ireland, you must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category). Each car hire company has its own age requirements and a deviation from the minimum age is possible depending on the vehicle.

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Guest reviews

1 /
gunars zakaritis

December 14, 2024

Destination: Dublin

3Never ever again!

Stay away from these lads,my first and last time i rent any car of anybody and they try to scam me straight away. Gave me car with chip in windscreen,which i piccked up after half an hour and took a picture of it. After returned car they tried to charge me 560e,but next they they said it's only 160e as it doesn't need to be fully replaced. Them boys should be sacked,dishonest liars and chancers.

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S.Crump

December 1, 2024

Destination: Kerry

8Pretty standard.

It was ok generally allthough it had more damage on it than was annotated on the forms and we were just told to photograph it and we made a video. The extra insurance we took out to cover damages was very misleading as Eurocar still took an imprint of our credit card in case we damaged it and then we were told we would have to claim it back through the insurance plan. The insurance was very expensive and it feels like you were just trying to make up the cost of the cheap hire by loading the insurance heavily. All this needs to be made a lot clearer and not put in small print.

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A.Cahill

November 4, 2024

Destination: Cork

3BEWARE BEWARE BEWARE. DO NOT RENT FROM EUROPCAR DUBLIN

I picked up the rental car at 22:15 in the dark and dropped it to Dublin approx 8:00 also in the dark. I was accused of scratching the car which I did not do. I showed them (Europcar Dublin airport) the cctv footage of the scratch 15 mins after pickup and they said it didnt matter because I didnt make them aware within the 12 hour window. I only had the car in my possession for 10 hours and the Cork office told me I had 24 hours to report any issues. (Cork Airport office was great). My review here does not allow me to choose my score which is wrong. The car was ok and drove well. it had scratches you would expect from a 2 year old rental car with 85,000kms. The issue is that they wanted to charge me $1500 first, then dropped it to $850 and then to $800 for damage I did not do. Even with video proof they still charged me and I am never ever going to use them again. I had insurance through QEEQ which covers me but it is the principle of the thing. The car had many other scratches on it 7 of which were highlighted in the pre inspection paperwork. so you think they have done their job and notated all the scratches. Make sure you take pics even in the dark as they obviously charged other people before me and never repaired the scratches that those people were charged for. I have 25 rentals on QEEQ alone and this is the only time I have been taken advantage of. DO NOT RENT from EUROPCAR. Plenty other decent companies renting in Dublin Airport. Hertz Dollar Trifty Alamo Budget Avis have all treated me well recently. I would have scored 5 for Europcar Cork Airport and 0 for Europcar Dublin Airport.

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September 27, 2024

Destination: Dublin

8Third car worked out fine

It took us 3 cars until we could actually use one. The first one was full of smoke smell and was worse than an ashtray. The second car, we took off the lot, but then 2 km down the road, the low tire pressure warning light came on, so we had to return. Finally we got a third car that was ok. However this entire process took us more than an hour and so used part of our holiday time until we could get a working car.

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September 27, 2024

Destination: Dublin

7Just what we required

Would be helpful to have info about toll roads.

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C.Brierley

September 3, 2024

Destination: Shannon

9A great way to enjoy the beauty of Southern Ireland.

Europcar was quick and efficient. Two points worth noting though 1. They seem to hold one of the highest deposits compared to theirs we spoke to. 2. They say they are in the airport but it is only their desk there. You take a free shuttle just a short distance to their actual compound. On arrival we waited 10-15 mins for the shuttle but it was immediate on departure. It is also just about a half mile away.

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M.Hefferon

August 22, 2024

Destination: Knock

10Excellent

Everything was fine

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B.Wallace

August 19, 2024

Destination: Cork

7Good car when received but very poor service during the booking process.

Hidden costs that were not highlighted during the booking process. Had to go back in and resubmit the times for the car drop off even though I clearly gave them during the phone booking process. When I went back in to resubmit I was charged an additional cost for the drop off. Not impressed with the process.

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Ryan

August 16, 2024

Destination: Dublin

10Reliable, swift, great vehicle selection and customer support!

Super helpful, smooth and wonderful experience! Highly recommend!

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Delia Jonathan

July 28, 2024

Destination: Dublin

10Excellent

Satisfied

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Ella Baldwin

July 26, 2024

Destination: Dublin

2Poor

Aggressive insurance upselling, Chinese credit cards not accepted.

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Owen Thorndike

July 26, 2024

Destination: Dublin

10Excellent

Satisfied.

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Fay Snow

July 25, 2024

Destination: Dublin

10Excellent

Very enthusiastic, clear explanation, simple process.

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Rex Mike

July 23, 2024

Destination: Dublin

10Excellent

Both pick-up and drop-off were very convenient, the procedures were simple, and the staff were very nice.

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Poppy Boyle

July 22, 2024

Destination: Dublin

10Excellent

Satisfied, although the model was not what I wanted.

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Rupert Hansom

July 19, 2024

Destination: Dublin

10Excellent

Extremely satisfied

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Zebulon Abraham

July 17, 2024

Destination: Dublin

10Excellent

Very satisfied

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Bing Dorothea

July 14, 2024

Destination: Dublin

10Excellent

Pretty good.

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Steward Jenkin(s)

July 2, 2024

Destination: Dublin

10Excellent

Satisfied, we opted for an upgrade and paid an additional 15 euros per day to upgrade to a Volvo XC90, which is much more spacious and convenient for luggage.

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Rachel

July 2, 2024

Destination: Knock

10Great value friendly service

Excellent friendly speedy service thank you

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Mavis Eveline

June 25, 2024

Destination: Shannon

10Excellent

Initially, they said the car was broken and I had to wait for an hour. They waived one day's rental fee for me. After a long wait, they provided a smaller car and further reduced some fees. Additionally, I could return the car with an empty tank. Although the wait was long, the solution was acceptable.

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Nydia Huntington

June 22, 2024

Destination: Dublin

8Very good

Overall it was good, except for the half-hour wait to pick up the car. The return process was quite fast.

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Stan Saroyan

June 22, 2024

Destination: Dublin

8Very good

Overall good experience, except for the half-hour queue during pickup; the return was pretty quick.

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Cliff McCarthy

June 21, 2024

Destination: Dublin

10Excellent

Satisfied

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Jean Coffey

June 19, 2024

Destination: Dublin

10Excellent

The Audi A4 diesel they provided was powerful, but the luggage space was slightly small.

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Peter Wallace

June 16, 2024

Destination: Dublin

10Excellent

The pick-up and drop-off service at the airport was excellent. They were very enthusiastic and guided us to the parking lot for car collection. Returning the car was quick.

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Saxon Dulles

June 13, 2024

Destination: Cork

10Excellent

Very satisfied

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Tim Pearce

May 30, 2024

Destination: Dublin

7.7Will not be recommending either company to any one

See description of QEEQ, as both as bad as each other.

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P.Griffith

May 30, 2024

Destination: Cork

9Excellent

First car offered wasn’t suitable. It was changed for something like what was ordered.

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Gilbert Foster

May 28, 2024

Destination: Dublin

10Excellent

Convenient and fast, new models with navigation and driving assistance.

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Ingemar Katrine

May 25, 2024

Destination: Dublin

10Excellent

Good

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C.Hoare

May 13, 2024

Destination: Dublin

10a one stop shop!

was seamless. very pleased all round

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Michael Bishop

May 10, 2024

Destination: Dublin

6Ok-ish

Car was new but clutch was not good making it tricky to drive. I drive all over the world and this was the worst I've experienced

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Eileen Doherty

May 2, 2024

Destination: Dun Laoghaire

10Excellent

Actually, it's the same company as Sixt, they are sister companies.

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Phil

March 29, 2024

Destination: Knock

10Straightforward. Best price available.

Really easy and friendly. Didn't pressurise me about extra insurance.

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Walter Davy

March 25, 2024

Destination: Galway

10Excellent

Satisfied

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March 20, 2024

Destination: Dublin

3.6Shitty shitty bang bang

It was a bunch of crap. I pre paid for a small car and they said they didn’t t have one because of st Patrick’s day. They then make me pay $80 over what I already paid for the car they switched me into. Normally when this happens I do not pay an up charge for the vehicle they want switch me into. I had no choice as this rental location required off site pick up from the airport and there were no other rental car companies near by. Felt totally taken advantage of. I don’t think they even applied my area payment to the rental. When I tried to dispute the charges I was made to feel as though take it or leave it. This was a terrible experience.

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February 28, 2024

Destination: Dublin

7.7Good

1. The car provided was smaller than originally booked. 2. There was a small problem with the rental car, so we drove back the next morning to change the car, and the car we changed was more in line with the original reservation, but it was an older car. 3.Returning the car is very fast.

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Andy Carmen

February 28, 2024

Destination: Dublin

8Very good

The car rental service was just average. When I picked up the car, it was a windy and rainy night with poor lighting, making it hard to see any small scratches on the car's body. Fortunately, when returning the car, aside from the scuffed wheel cover, there were no other issues, and the repair cost was reasonable.

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J.Mc

February 28, 2024

Destination: Knock

9.3Easy Rental

Staff were friendly, efficient and made it all very easy.

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Rosalind Black

February 14, 2024

Destination: Dublin

10Excellent

Very good

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PMCDW

January 21, 2024

Destination: Dublin

6Average

A long wait for shuttle bus on pick up. Staff at counter a little slow

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G.Rhodes

January 20, 2024

Destination: Cork

9.3I've used qeeq twice in the last twelve months, one in japan and one in Ireland, spot on with both.

We booked a fiesta and was upgraded to a larger vehicle. This was a welcome upgrade.

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Vivian Crichton

January 20, 2024

Destination: Dublin

4Average

The pick-up point is not at the airport, you need to take a shuttle bus which comes every 15 minutes. If you miss it, you'll have to wait in the cold for a long time, especially during winter. I recommend not renting at this spot if you're in Dublin. Moreover, the car provided was poorly equipped! It was an older Suzuki without cruise control, had a poor sound system, and the gear shift felt mediocre.

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Elsie Agnes

January 17, 2024

Destination: Dublin

10Excellent

I was quite satisfied with the service. The local handsome staff introduced various helpful services. It was my first time driving a right-hand drive car by myself. Moreover, I have been driving for less than two years, with half a year of lockdown. Usually, I only drive occasionally on weekends in the city, so I opted for a car with a rearview camera and upgraded the insurance (though it wasn't necessary). Overall, it was a good experience, both picking up and returning the car were convenient and easy to find. Initially, I was not very familiar with roundabouts, but once I looked up and saw instructions on how to navigate them on the car window, which was quite funny.

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Humphrey Marlowe

January 14, 2024

Destination: Kerry

10Excellent

Very fast

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Joshua George

January 10, 2024

Destination: Dublin

6Average

Standard and satisfactory.

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January 5, 2024

Destination: Dublin

6Hard sell

Hard-sell on everything there is to hard sell on, threats of consequences if we didn't take their total cover insurance ("we always find something wrong when you return it otherwise"). It isn't my first time using them, and have mixed experiences so far, but this time took the biscuit. Oh, and the guy "helping" us claimed to be the manager - I hope not for the other employees.

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January 3, 2024

Destination: Dublin

8Very Basic

Car advertised was toyota corolla or similar. The car I was given was a Opel Crossland. Fuel was not filled to the max. Windscreen wipers needed replacing. Tyre Pressure warning light came on after 1 day driving. No reverse camera. Unable to use a debit card to to secure insurance excess, had to pay for full insurance for complete duration. Only 1 staff member at desk on arrival, took a very long time to process pick-up.

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M.Dalton

January 2, 2024

Destination: Shannon

10Excellent.

Probably the best car rental desk in Shannon airport. Seemless pick up and the car was great. I was very happy

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Best car rental deals in Ireland

Best rates found by QEEQ users in the last 30 days.

Frequently asked questions

Q1.What is an insurance excess?

The excess is the amount you'll only be liable for in case of damage(under Collision Damage Waiver) or theft(under Theft Protection) of the vehicle.
Information about the excess will be clearly stated in the price inclusion when you reserve a car on QEEQ.

Q2. How can I add an addtional driver?

You are advised to make a request upon your arrival at the rental counter. Additional charge per day will incur unless '1 Additional Driver Included' is stipulated on the rental.
Please note that the same licence and age requirement applys to the additonal driver. The addtional driver is supposed to present the required licence document along with the main driver at pickup.

Q3.What if I want to pick up or drop off my rental car out of office hours?

QEEQ will show you the car offers available at your chosen time on the search results.
However, pick-up or drop-off out of general opening hours may subject to an extra fee unless self-service pick-up or drop-off is available.
After you reserve a car on QEEQ, we will inform you of specific policy of the car hire company by email.

Q4. Can I take the hired car to another country or cross border?

If you want to pick up your car in one country and drop it in another, your search results will show you cars you can do that with.
If you're planning to cross any borders during your trip, bear in mind:
1. You may have to pay more.
There are often extra fees, taxes or additional cover you'll pay at the car hire counter.
2.It may not be allowed.
Depending on where you're hiring, you may not be able to take your car to another country.
Please email us if you want to take your hire car into a different country during your trip, and we'll talk you through your options.

Q5. Can I pick up my car at one location and return it at different location?

Yes. You can pick up the vehicle in one place and drop it off in another. An ‘one-way fee’ will incur. Whether it is inclued in the rental price or what additional cost may arise will be clearly stated at the time of booking on QEEQ.
Please inform the car hire company of your drop-off location when you pick up the vehicle or contact them directly during your trip. You will find a phone number on the rental agreement you signed at pickup.

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