Cheap 7 Seater and People Carrier Hire rates worldwide for Irish travellers. Book MPVs in Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, UK, USA, Cyprus, Greece etc
Heading off on a family or group holiday abroad? If you’re five or more people with luggage in tow, a people carrier — a 7 Seater or MPV — is usually the easiest, most flexible option.
This website is tailored for Irish travellers looking to hire a 7 Seater in popular holiday destinations across Europe and beyond. No fluff: just the facts, advice, and real-world tips you actually need.
Why a People Carrier Makes Sense Abroad
Carrying a family or group in a standard car can quickly turn into a nightmare: cramped seats, luggage piled high, and unhappy passengers. People carriers solve this with:
- Space: Three rows of seating plus luggage room.
- Flexibility: Foldable or removable third-row seats.
- Ease of Driving: Still drives like a car — important in narrow European streets.
- Practical Features: Air conditioning, sliding doors, roof rails, and optional extras like GPS or roof boxes.
Popular Countries and Airports for Irish Holidaymakers
Irish families and groups frequently hire people carriers at key holiday hubs:
- Spain: Malaga (AGP), Alicante (ALC), Barcelona (BCN), Palma de Mallorca (PMI) — ideal for Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Balearics.
- France: Nice (NCE) for the Riviera, Paris (CDG / ORY), Lyon (LYS) for road trips in Provence or the Loire Valley.
- Italy: Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP), Venice (VCE), Naples (NAP) — great for Amalfi Coast or Tuscany itineraries.
- Portugal: Faro (FAO) for Algarve beaches, Lisbon (LIS) for city + day trips.
- Greece: Athens (ATH) or Heraklion (HER) for Crete, Corfu (CFU), or Rhodes (RHO) island adventures.
- United Kingdom: London Heathrow/Gatwick (LHR / LGW), Manchester (MAN), Edinburgh (EDI), Glasgow, Birmingham, Bristol, Luton, Stansted — ideal for multi-generational city or countryside trips.
- Ireland: Dublin Airport, Belfast, Shannon, Cork, Knock, Kerry – Don’t forget, there is always more to discover in Ireland even if you live here!
- USA: Orlando Airport, Sanford, Miami – Vacation memories that will last forever
Choosing the Right 7 Seater Car Hire
Not all 7 Seaters are created equal. Here’s what to check:
- Seats: Many vehicles have a 5+2 layout; third-row seats are better for kids or short drives.
- Luggage capacity: Seven adults with bags? Check the boot space — roof boxes or trailers may be required.
- Fuel type: Diesel is common in Europe for torque and economy; confirm what your rental requires.
- Transmission: Manual is standard in most European countries; automatics are more expensive and less common.
Typical Models You’ll Encounter
| Model | Seats / Layout | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Galaxy | 7 (5+2) | Families, long drives | Good third-row access; widely available across Spain, France, Italy. |
| Volkswagen Sharan / Caddy | 7 (5+2) | Airport transfers, city driving | Sliding doors; common in Spain, Portugal, Germany. |
| Renault Grand Scénic | 5+2 | Couples with extra kids or luggage | Compact MPV; economical on fuel; common in France and Italy. |
| Skoda Kodiaq / 7-seat SUV | 7 | Mixed terrain, comfort | Elevated seating and smoother ride; widely available in Europe. |
MPV Rental Tips for Irish Travellers
- Book early: Peak summer weeks in Spain, Italy, Portugal are busy; 7 Seaters sell out fast.
- Confirm seat configuration: Third row usability is key if adults will sit there.
- Extras: Child seats, roof boxes, additional drivers — reserve these at booking.
- Fuel policy: Full-to-full is standard; some countries offer pre-purchase but check costs.
- Insurance: CDW included but with excess; consider excess reduction or third-party cover for peace of mind.
Driving Abroad — What Irish Drivers Need to Know
- Keep to local traffic laws: speed limits vary by country and road type.
- Watch for narrow streets: historic towns in France, Italy, and Spain can be tight.
- Parking: town centres often require careful planning; sliding doors and compact MPVs help.
- Toll roads: France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal often have tolls; keep cash or a card handy.
- Fuel: Diesel or petrol, check fuel type at collection to avoid costly mistakes.
Before you book your people carrier abroad, it’s wise to check the latest guidance for Irish travellers. Citizens Information provides clear advice on passports, travel documentation, and your rights when renting vehicles overseas.
Additionally, the Road Safety Authority outlines important rules for driving abroad, while Transport for Ireland offers practical tips on licences and road regulations that Irish drivers should be aware of before hitting the road in a foreign country.
Airport Pickup & Return
Most major holiday airports have multiple rental counters. Key points:
- Have your licence, passport, and credit card ready.
- Inspect the vehicle thoroughly: scratches, tyre condition, third-row usability.
- Take timestamped photos of the car before driving away.
- Check opening hours for returns — some airports allow after-hours drop-off, others don’t.
Cross-Border or Island Travel
If your holiday includes cross-border travel (e.g., from Spain to Portugal, or mainland Greece to islands), declare this at booking. Many suppliers require notification and insurance confirmation.
Rental Extras Worth Considering
- Additional driver: reduces fatigue on long drives.
- GPS or offline maps: essential if local mobile data is unreliable.
- Roof box / tow bar: useful for ski trips in the Alps or Algarve golf equipment.
- Excess reduction: limits financial risk in case of minor damage abroad.
Checklist for Smooth Rentals
- Confirm passenger and luggage numbers.
- Check model examples in the vehicle group.
- Reserve extras (child seats, roof boxes, additional drivers).
- Inspect the vehicle and photograph damage at pickup.
- Refuel to the required level before return and keep receipts.
FAQ
Can I drive a 7 Seater abroad with a standard Irish licence?
Yes, most people carriers fall under normal car licence rules. Only larger minibuses or vehicles above 3.5 tonnes may require additional licences.
Will a 7 Seater fit seven adults with luggage?
Depends on the layout. Many 5+2 vehicles have limited third-row space, better suited for children or short trips. For full adult comfort with bags, consider a larger MPV or minibus.
Are manual or automatic transmissions more common abroad?
Manual is standard in most European countries. Automatics are available but usually more expensive and less common.
Do rental insurance rules differ by country?
Yes. CDW is standard but the excess, liability coverage, and additional driver rules vary. Always check local conditions before booking.