Why Hertz

  • Best price guarantee - in the unlikely event you find a lower Hertz price, we'll refund the difference
  • No cancellation or amendment feesWhen the booking is cancelled within two days of being made.
  • No hidden extras to pay - theft and damage cover included
  • No credit card fees

Hertz car hire in Derry

Having earned the title of UK City of Culture in 2013, Derry is well and truly on the map as one of Northern Ireland’s foremost artistic hubs. It’s an energetic city with medieval heritage and a huge range of exciting events and attractions. From the historic walls to Saint Columb’s Cathedral and the momentous Peace Bridge, this riverside city is packed with amazing things to see and do.

The spectacular Coastal Causeway Route is all yours when you hire a car in Derry. Cruise along the rugged northern coastline – taking in the Giant’s Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Belfast as you go.

We have collection points across the city – including one at City of Derry Airport – so you can pick-up and drop off your car at your convenience. Simply book online and we’ll have your car waiting at your nearest location. Every part of our reservation process is quick and easy, so you can get on the road without a fuss and explore everything Derry has to offer.

Pickup Locations Derry

  • City of Derry Airport

    Opening hours: Mo 0700-1800 2100-2200, Tu-We 0900-1800 2100-2200, Th 0900-1900 2100-2200, Fr 0900-2200, Sa 0900-1400 1700-1800, Su 1200-2200.

    Address: Airport Road, Arrivals Hall, Northern Ireland, Derry, BT47 3GY, United Kingdom

    Phone: +44 (0) 28 718 11994

Driving in and around Derry

Located on the banks of the River Foyle, Derry is a city of two halves. The A515 Foyle Bridge is one of two bridges connecting east with west. The other is the Craigavon Bridge, which crosses the river further south.

Derry is well-connected to the rest of Northern Ireland due to its proximity to the A2, which runs along the coast. It means it’s just a 15-minute drive from Derry city centre to the airport.

Meanwhile, the southbound A5 will take you to Strabane and Omagh. Take the A6 for the quaint town of Maghera – continue and you’ll reach Belfast in 90 minutes.

The Causeway Coastal Route offers one of the finest driving experiences you’ll get anywhere in the world. Running around the coast of Northern Ireland to Belfast, the drive boasts spectacular views of the Atlantic coastline. There are 23 stops along the way, including Carrickfergus Castle, the Gobbins and the Cushendun Caves – one of the settings of Game of Thrones.

Northern Ireland’s motorway network is clustered around Belfast, with A roads serving the rest of the country. While the speed limits here vary slightly with Ireland’s, the vast majority of motoring laws apply both sides of the border. On motorways, you can drive at 70mph (110km/h) while in towns and cities the limit is usually around 30mph (48km/h).

When it comes to parking in Derry, you have plenty of options. There are lots of car parks around the city centre, including at Quayside and Foyleside shopping centres. You’ll also find free car parks on the east banks of the river.

A quick guide to Derry

With a wealth of history dating back to the medieval era, Derry has transformed into a cultural hub in recent years. It attracts travellers keen to explore its urban creative scene and rural gems alike.

With a hire car, you’ll be able to take in all Derry’s highlights and head further afield to explore Northern Ireland’s epic coastal scenery – all at your own pace.

Walk the walls

One of the most enduringly popular features are the Derry Walls, which form a complete walkway around the inner part of the city. Built for defence during the early years of the 17th century, today they offer some of Derry’s best vantage points.

These 1.5km-long walls retain four original gates – as well as three that were added in later years. As you stroll along, you’ll spot a historic cannon which was used during the sieges of the city in the 17th century. The walls are open every day and entry is free. Guided tours are also available.

Must-see museums

If you’re keen to learn more about local history, head to the Museum of Free Derry. First opened to the public in 2007, it examines the Troubles of 1968-72. It’s a poignant reminder of the strife Derry has experienced, including the Battle of the Bogside and Bloody Sunday.

Just a few streets away is the Tower Museum, home of the Armada Shipwreck exhibition. This eerie experience tells the story of a Spanish ship that sank off the Irish coast in 1588, complete with artefacts recovered when the wreck was rediscovered by divers in the early 1970s.

Historic landmarks

Another essential for history buffs is Saint Columb’s Cathedral, the oldest surviving building in the city. Parts of the church date back to the 17th century – you can still see the original stone foundations near the entrance – while other embellishments were added in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Not far away is the Guildhall – an imposing neo-Gothic, copper-topped structure that has stood just outside the city walls since 1890. The building was impressively restored in 2013, the same year Derry was crowned the first-ever UK City of Culture. Head inside to admire the historic wooden staircase and stained-glass windows, as well as exploring the exhibitions on display.

Scenic drive

Sometimes travelling is as much about the journey as the destination. The Causeway Coastal Route illustrates this point – it’s an absolutely breathtaking 190km drive featuring intriguing stop-off points along the way.

Park up at Roe Valley Country Park near Limavady to enjoy scenic walking trails and wildlife spotting or stroll along the sand at Magilligan Point. Head off the main route and scale new heights at Binevenagh mountain, where you can enjoy spectacular views from the summit. Explore secret caves, discover hilltop temples and breathe in the fresh, salty air blowing straight off the Atlantic.

With a hire car in Derry, all this and much more is yours to enjoy.