Car Rental Dubai Airport
Renting a car at Dubai Airport gives you freedom and flexibility to explore not only Dubai’s top attractions but also scenic destinations in the UAE at your own pace. The process is straightforward: most major international and local car rental companies have desks inside the arrivals areas of DXB’s three terminals.
Booking your rental car in advance — ideally at least a few weeks before your trip — can help you secure lower daily rates and better choice of vehicles.
Where the Rental Desks Are Located
Rental car desks and pick-up counters are generally found in the Arrivals area of each terminal:
- Terminal 1: Rental counters and pick-up desks just after baggage claim in arrivals.
- Terminal 2: Smaller terminal, but still serves several major companies.
- Terminal 3: Large selection of car rentals inside the arrivals space. Follow the airport signs once you exit customs.
Most vehicles are parked close to the terminals or nearby rental hubs. In some cases, companies may offer a courtesy shuttle to the parking area
Check your terminal before your flight — this can help you find the counter faster once you land.
Approximate Prices & Popular Models
Rental prices vary depending on the vehicle category, season, and how far in advance you book.
Typical Daily Rental Costs (approx):
- Economy / Small cars: from ~AED 40–70/day (~$11–$19)
- Medium sedans: ~AED 70–100/day (~$19–$27)
- SUVs: from ~AED 90/day (~$24)
- Vans or larger vehicles: from ~AED 100+/day (~$27+)
Renting slightly outside peak travel seasons (e.g., summer) often brings lower rates.
Most Popular Types of Rental Cars
- Compact & economy cars: ideal for city sightseeing and budget-friendly travel.
- SUVs: preferred by many visitors for comfort, extra space, and trips beyond the city.
- Sedans: practical for daily use and highway driving.
- Luxury & performance vehicles: available at higher rates for a premium experience.
If you’re planning day trips outside the city or travelling with family and luggage, an SUV or mid-size sedan is often more comfortable than a small hatchback.
Popular Destinations by Car from DXB
With a car, many great places are easily reachable from Dubai Airport:
- Burj Khalifa & Dubai Mall: ~20–25 minutes.
- Jumeirah Beach & Marina: ~30–40 minutes.
- Desert areas & Dune Parks: ~45–60 minutes — perfect for off-road adventures.
- Abu Dhabi: ~1.5–2 hours on the highway.
- Al Ain: ~1.5–2 hours, great for cultural and natural attractions.
If you plan longer drives outside the UAE (e.g., to Oman), check with the rental company about cross-border policies — most require special permits and additional insurance.
Car Rental Requirements & Insurance
Required Documents
To rent a car in the UAE you typically need:
- A valid driver’s license from your home country
- Passport or national ID
- A credit card in the driver’s name for the security deposit
- Some companies may require an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in English or Arabic
Always check age requirements — many companies require drivers to be at least 21–25 years old, and some premium cars may have higher minimum age rules.
Insurance & Protection Options
Basic coverage is usually included, but it may carry a deductible (amount you pay first in case of damage). Additional cover options often include:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): reduces or eliminates the damage excess.
- Theft Protection: covers theft or attempted theft.
- Third-Party Liability: mandatory coverage for damage you cause to others.
- Personal Accident Insurance: covers driver/passenger injuries.
Purchasing additional coverage can significantly reduce your financial risk if there’s an accident — especially useful for city or highway driving in an unfamiliar country.
Other Considerations
- Fuel Policy: Most companies operate a “same to same” fuel policy — return the car with the same fuel level it had at pick-up.
- Toll Roads (Salik): Toll charges on highways (e.g., Salik) may be billed by the rental company — check terms before driving.
- Parking: Many Dubai attractions and malls have paid parking — plan your budget accordingly.
Take photos of the car’s condition at pick-up and drop-off to avoid disputes over pre-existing damage.
Car rental companies
In Dubai Airport you can find the following car rental companies:
Autostrad Rent A Car
Avis
Budget
Caro
Dollar
Enterprise
Europcar
Hertz
Inter Rent
National
Sixt
Thrifty
