Compare cheap 7 seater car hire at Belfast International Airport. The Causeway Coast, Giant’s Causeway tickets, the Dark Hedges and driving south into the Republic.
Driving south into the Republic? Speed limits switch to km/h at the border, and Dublin’s M50 toll must be paid by 8pm the next day. Read the cross-border section before you set off.
Belfast International Airport handled 6.677 million passengers in 2025, its second-best year on record, just behind 2024 (Irish News).
The airport is about 17 miles north west of Belfast, roughly 30 minutes by the M2 (Visit Belfast). For a family of seven touring the north coast, one big car keeps everyone together.
The Causeway Coast
The Causeway Coastal Route runs between Belfast and Derry~Londonderry, roughly 75 to 115 miles depending on the loops you take (Discover Northern Ireland). The Giant’s Causeway is 1 hour 25 minutes from Belfast by road (Discover Northern Ireland).
The Causeway itself is 2 miles from Bushmills and 13 from Ballycastle (National Trust), so the two towns make good bases for a few nights.
Giant’s Causeway tickets and parking
A Visitor Experience ticket costs £16 for an adult and £8 for a child, and a family ticket for two adults and up to three children is £40. Reserved parking on site is included, and the National Trust strongly recommends booking ahead (National Trust).
Walkers can use the Causeway Coast Way car park instead, at £12 per vehicle through the JustPark app (National Trust). National Trust members park free at both, so bring your card.
At the Dark Hedges, the famous avenue of beech trees near Armoy, motor vehicles are banned from the Bregagh Road to protect the trees (News Letter). Park nearby and walk in.
Belfast International 7 Seaters, compared
One search lines up the 7 seaters at Belfast International, with the deposit and fuel terms for each.
Driving into the Republic of Ireland
Speed limits in the Republic are in km/h, from 120 on motorways down to 50 in towns. Traffic still keeps left (Gov.ie).
The drink-drive limit in the Republic is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood, and 20 mg for learners and other specified drivers, such as professional drivers (An Garda Síochána). Northern Ireland’s limit is 80 mg (nidirect), so the safest plan is not to drink at all if you are driving.
GOV.UK says a hired UK vehicle taken abroad needs a VE103 certificate, and that you should check the hire firm’s insurance (GOV.UK). Tell the desk if you plan to cross the border, and get any permission in writing.
Dublin’s M50 has no toll booths. You must pay by 8pm the following day, online or at a Payzone outlet, and many hire firms pay the toll and recharge you (eFlow). Ask which applies before you go.
Northern Ireland rules for visitors from Great Britain
A UK licence works in Northern Ireland just as it does at home. Children must use a child car seat until they are 12 years old or 135 cm tall, whichever comes first (GOV.UK).
Belfast International is a UK airport, so there is no passport control or EU Entry/Exit System for flights from Great Britain. Check your airline’s photo ID rules before you fly.
Room for seven and the cases
A large suitcase takes 80 to 110 litres (Markenkoffer). With all seven seats up, the roomiest common 7 seaters have about 340 to 350 litres of boot (Auto Express).
For a big case each, look for the ACRISS FV class, meaning seven or more seats with more space. On the narrow coast roads near Ballintoy, a shorter car is easier to place.
Collecting the car at Belfast International
Visit Belfast lists the car hire desks in the arrivals hall, open for every inbound flight (Visit Belfast). Your voucher shows whether your firm has a desk there or meets you outside.
Heading south by air instead? Our Dublin Airport guide covers the Republic, and the Ireland guide has its national rules. For the rest of the UK, see the UK guide.
Keeping a Belfast 7 Seater cheap
- Book the Causeway online. The family ticket includes reserved parking and costs £40.
- Pay the M50 on time. Missing the 8pm deadline brings penalties, and some hire firms add a fee.
- Compare the full price. Check the excess and deposit against the fuel terms and second driver fees.
- Book early for summer. The north coast is busiest in July and August, so lock in a cancellable rate.
See Belfast International prices for your dates
Enter your flight times to compare low-cost 7 seater rates for the north coast.
Belfast International questions answered
How far is Belfast International Airport from Belfast?
About 17 miles, roughly 30 minutes by car on the M2.
How much is the Giant’s Causeway with parking?
A family ticket for two adults and up to three children costs £40, including reserved parking.
Can I drive a Belfast hire car into the Republic of Ireland?
Usually, but tell the hire firm first and ask about a VE103 certificate.
How do I pay the M50 toll in Dublin?
Online or at a Payzone outlet by 8pm the next day, unless your hire firm pays it for you.
How do I compare cheap 7 Seater deals at Belfast International Airport?
Use one search across several hire firms. Ours shows the 7 seaters at the airport with the total price for each.
