Shannon Airport Guide

Shannon Airport

About Shannon Airport

Shannon Airport is the westernmost airport in Europe and has served an important role in transatlantic travel. In the days when planes needed to refuel frequently in order to complete long-haul flights, Shannon was a last stop before crossing to North America. In fact, it was for this original purpose that the airport was launched.

The original airstrip began operating in the 1940s, but an overhaul in March of 2000 brought the terminal into the 21st century. One of the key features of Shannon Airport is the pre-screening facilities operated by US Customs and Border Protection. Passengers taking public and private flights across the Atlantic can complete immigration and customs proceedings in Ireland, and then pass through domestic channels upon landing in the US.

Around 2 million passengers pass through Shannon Airport every year. Flights connect to several regional destinations in Ireland and a few UK travel hubs. Overseas flights travel to New York’s JFK Airport, Newark, Toronto Paris CDG, Malaga, Palma, Tenerife and a few other cities.

Aer Lingus is one of the major carriers at the airport. Most of their traffic is to London, with seasonal transatlantic flights to Boston and New York. Ryanair offers the greatest number of routes and remains the most popular discount carrier in Shannon. Beyond this, Aer Lingus Regional, Delta Airlines, Thomson Airways and United Airlines – along with a few smaller carriers and charter services – are active at the terminal.

Book car rental Shannon Airport.

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Shannon Airport Public Transport

Shannon Airport is an important gateway to south-west Ireland. The majority of visitors fly into the airport and immediately travel on. Limerick is 25 kilometres north of the city, with Ennis equal distance to the east. A range of public transport options are available, but none are as convenient as hiring a car from the airport.

By Car

For those travelling by car from Shannon Airport, the N18 is one of the most important arteries. It passes the terminal to the east connects to several important regional motorways. Roads connecting Dublin, Galway and Cork to Dublin have been recently redeveloped and are in particularly good condition.

There are roughly 1,000 parking spaces on offer at Shannon Airport, including short- and long-term options. The car parks are operated by the local airport authority, and they’re regularly patrolled by airport police. Around three-quarters of the parking facilities are designated for long-term parking. The short-term car park is across from the terminal entrance, within walking distance of the Arrivals and Departure Halls.

By Bus

Travellers who don’t mind touring Ireland by bus find two major operators at Shannon Airport. Bus Éireann connects to Galway (1 hour, 45 minutes), Cork (2 hours, 30 minutes) and Ennis (about 1 hour). Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver or from the ticket office in the terminal. JJ Kavanagh & Sons runs lines to Dublin (3 hours, 15 minutes) and Limerick (30 minutes).

By Taxi

Taxis operate between Shannon Airport and area destinations whenever flights are running. Fares are expensive, but it’s sometimes possible to save a few Euro by purchasing a ticket from the desk inside the terminal. The desk is located in the centre of the Arrivals Hall, and information on travel routes and distances can be viewed on the airport website.

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Returning Your Rental Car to Shannon Airport

Where do I return my rental car

Returning your hired car at Shannon Airport couldn’t be easier as our drop off location is located in the same area as you picked up the car just outside the terminal. The turn-off from Airport Road (N19) is clearly marked, and our associates are on site from 06:00 to 18:00 to handle your return. If you are returning a car outside of these hours, simply park the car in the short term car park and return the keys to our car rental desk in the terminal building.

We recommend that you allow 30 minutes for the return procedures just in case there any delays. In reality returning your vehicle should only take a few minutes but arriving early lessens the stress involved and allows you to beat the queues and enjoy the top class facilities at Shannon Airport

What to expect when returning a car?

When you arrive to drop off your car, a member of staff will greet you and check over the car, see how much fuel is in the tank and sign you off. You’ll then be free to either walk the short distance to the terminal or take our complimentary shuttle bus if you have a lot to carry or the weather’s bad.

Can I return a car at another location?

You can return the car at any of our rental locations however charges may apply. You will be able to see what charges may if you check on the booking engine. Our other locations are Dublin City, North Dublin, Navan, Athlone, Cork Airport, Galway, Shannon Airport, Kerry Airport and Knock Airport.

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