Car Hire Waterford Airport

Car Hire

This small airport serves Ireland’s oldest city as well as the rest of the southeast region of the country. It is located nearly five miles from Waterford and allows for access to the picturesque coastal highlands, the Comeragh Mountains and some gorgeous Blue Flag beaches. Taxis make the 15-minute journey north into the city, though a more convenient way to get there is with car hire in Waterford Airport. There is no public transport here, but private bus operators can be organized for large groups.

Who to Book With
Well-known agents such as Budget, Argus and Hertz have presence in the airport. Counters can be found in the terminal’s Arrivals hall and vehicles are collected right at the airport. It is suggested to book a car online ahead of time, as better deals can be had.

Need to Know Essentials
You will need to present the following documents to be able to drive off in your car rental:

- A current driver’s licence
- A valid credit card, preferably the one used to make the reservation
- Proof of identity other than your driver’s license
- Booking verification

For more info read our FAQs.

Driving
Driving in Waterford city is not recommended as most of the city centre is pedestrianised. As well, many of its streets are very narrow and prone to traffic jams, especially during peak hours. Still, a car is a great way to get out of the city and explore the rest of the region. The M9, N24 and N25 connect it with the rest of Ireland and all of these routes are toll-free. Petrol stations accept UK-issued credit cards for payment and are both automatic and serviced by an attendant.

See our Guide to Ireland for more information on driving here.

Transport

Arriving passengers will quickly find that there is no public transportation linking the airport to the city. This means that the only options available for accessing the city are expensive taxis or convenient car hire.

Trains
Trains do not operate from Waterford Airport, though Waterford’s Plunkett Railway Station can be reached by taxi. From here, Irish Rail runs trains to Dublin and commuter trains to Limerick. The journey to Dublin takes just over two hours and costs roughly £17, while the trip to Limerick costs around £20.

Taxis
A taxi rank can be found just outside of the airport’s Arrivals hall. There is also a courtesy phone in the terminal building to call for a taxi. Rates usually go up when travelling between 20:00 and 08:00 and additional fees are added for extra passengers.

Taxi prices:
Waterford Airport to Waterford City is around £12
Waterford Airport to Dunmore East is around £12
Waterford Airport to Tramore is around £12

Buses
There are no local buses serving the airport, though private bus transfer can be arranged with Cronin’s Coaches for those arriving in a group. Once in the city local Bus Éireann buses travel around the city as well as to its suburbs and other nearby cities, including Tramore and Dunmore East. Buses run from 07:30 to midnight, though each route has its own set timetable.

Facilities

Terminals
Waterford Airport has just one terminal building, and around 80,000 passengers travel through it each year. Low-cost carrier Flybe is currently the only airline that utilises the airport, offering flights between here and Birmingham. Additional flights will soon be added to and from Manchester.

Parking
There are 200 car park spaces on site, with pay stations located inside the terminal building. Cars can only be accessed during the airport’s operating hours; 06:00 to 23:00 Sunday to Friday and 07:30 to 21:00 on Saturday. The car park is directly in front of the terminal and costs around £2 per hour, £7 for 24 hours and £30 per week.

Wi-Fi
Free wireless internet is available throughout the entire passenger terminal. Passengers that are travelling without their own laptop can use one of the computers in the Departures lounge free of charge.

Information Services
There is an information desk in the terminal building’s public area.

Useful Numbers
Information: +353 51 846 600

Accessibility
Waterford is completely accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. Assistance can be provided for those arriving and departing on request or by going to the passenger services desk on the ground level of the terminal building. There is also an intercom button at the start of the car park for those requiring aid before entering the terminal.

Restaurants and Bars
There are two cafés located inside the terminal, one of which is in the Departure lounge. Avanti Coffee and Snack Bar is in the public area and as its name suggests it serves coffee and snacks. The Skylounge Café/Bar offers departing passengers fresh made sandwiches and snacks as well as alcoholic beverages.

VIP Lounges
There are no VIP lounges in Waterford Airport, though there is a baby/parent room for those travelling with young children.

Money and ATMs
There are no ATMs in the airport itself, though there are plenty in Waterford City. There are also numerous banks in town where visitors can change their money into euros.

Shopping
There are currently no shopping facilities at Waterford Airport. Snacks, juice, water and coffee can be bought at its two cafés, though other travel necessities should be purchased beforehand.