How to Rent a Car in the Dubai Airport

Dubai is a city that you need to drive in, this is simply a fact. The city does have public transportation options, but to really be able to get where you want to go, you need to have your own wheels.

Fortunately, there are tons of options available for rentals all over the city. The number of options means competitive prices, and you will have your choice of virtually any kind of car you want to rent.

The Car Rental Process at the Dubai Airport

The car rental process is fairly straightforward, both for short-term and long-term car rentals, but there are several things to keep in mind.

Research and Booking

When you plan your trip to Dubai, it is a good idea to research agencies in advance. If you are looking for a particular car and want to be sure you can secure it, you should find the right airport car rental companies and book your car in advance. That way, you won’t have to waste time when you arrive, and you can be sure to get exactly the car you want.

Documentation

When you arrive in Dubai, you should be sure you have all the required documentation on you. You will be required to have your passport on you, as well as your driver’s license from your country of origin. If you are from the US, the UK, Canada, or GCC countries, you will not need an international license as well. But if you are from anywhere other than these countries, you will be required to have an international driving permit.

You will also be required to get insurance for your car hire. Be sure to choose the most comprehensive insurance that you can, so that you know you will be covered in the event of an accident. Some plans will not cover damages to your car, so review the policy that you choose carefully before you sign the agreement.

Choose your vehicle and review your rental agreement

If you haven’t booked in advance, you can choose from what will surely be a wide range of vehicles when you get to the airport. Once you have decided the right car for you, you will be given a rental agreement by the agency for your review. Look it over carefully to be sure that you understand all the points on it. Then you can take your car and go!

Available car types

There are, of course, many available rental options to choose from. These include the following:

• Economy cars. If you are thrifty and looking for a standard car that gets good mileage, an economy car will probably suit you just fine. Most car rental companies have a wide range of makes and models to choose from.
• Compact cars. If you are traveling alone and looking to fit into tight parking spaces, perhaps you should choose a compact car. You can find a nice hatchback that will drive with ease, and you won’t have to worry about squeezing in next to bigger cars.
• Sedans. If you’re taking a bunch of stuff with you, you might want to consider a sedan. That way, you can put your stuff in the trunk easily and not allow it to be seen by others.
• SUVs. If you’re traveling with your family, of course, you will need something bigger. SUVs are always a good option for people traveling with kids.
• Luxury cars. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or for whatever reason want to live it up during your trip, there are many different luxury cars at Dubai rental agencies. Rolls Royces, sports cars, pretty much anything you want will be available for you.
• Minivans. If you’re traveling with a group, a minivan could be a good option. Minivans will allow whole groups to get around and not be subject to the schedules of bus companies or other public transportation providers.
• Hybrid or electric cars. Even though Dubai has some of the cheapest fuel prices in the world, there are still some environmentally-conscious types that would rather drive hybrid or electric cars. You will also find these in abundance at car rental Dubai airport.

How delivery works

There is a specific process involved in renting a car from the Dubai airport. The first thing that you will need to do is inform your chosen agency of your terminal and flight information. You will then be greeted by the agency’s Meet and Greet Service in the arrivals hall if you order pickup services. What this means is that a representative of the agency will come to your arrival gate carrying a sign with your name and the company’s logo on it. This way, you won’t have to waste time running around the airport trying to find the agency.

You will then be escorted to the rental spot, where your car will be waiting for you. The representatives will go over all the documentation with you and make sure that the terms of the agreement are correct. After this, you will together inspect your vehicle to assess any scratches or existing problems that it might already have. It is important that you do this thoroughly because you don’t want to end up being liable for damage that was caused by someone before you.

The final stages of the handover are your taking the keys to the car, inspecting and making note of where the gas gauge is, and finalizing your agreement for how to return the car. You will then be free to go into the city.

Parking at the Dubai Airport

Parking at the Dubai Airport is based upon the number of minutes that you will leave your car. Rates start at 30 AED for 15 minutes, and they increase gradually. Long-term parking starts at 50 AED per day.

Route from Dubai International Airport to downtown Dubai

When leaving the airport and heading into the city, you will need to start out on Sheikh Rashid Road. From there, make your way onto Sheikh Rashid Road, and keep going until you hit Sheikh Zayed Road. Along the way, you will enjoy a very pleasant and scenic drive.

Keep following the signs for downtown Dubai. You will have to navigate a certain number of the downtown streets. With the right navigation tools, though, this shouldn’t be too difficult. When you arrive at your destination in the city centre, find a parking spot and be sure to take note of the zone that you are in so that you know what parking rates you will have to pay. Many hotels will have their own parking spaces, of course.

Other popular pickup locations

If you don’t want to rent a car from the airport, there are plenty of other locations all over town that will allow you to get a car. This includes some apartment complexes and vacation rental spots, and many different parts of the downtown/shopping districts. There will likely also be cheap car rentals near historic landmarks and other kinds of attractions. Transportation hubs of other sorts may have agencies, as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you rent a car in the Dubai airport?

The process of renting a car isn’t difficult. Simply go online and look for rental agencies that have locations in the airport. Even if you don’t do this in advance, you can find plenty of them when you arrive.

What are the requirements for renting a car at the Dubai Airport?

To rent a car at the Dubai airport, you need to have a valid license, your passport, and be at least 21 years old. You also need to have a valid credit card.

Can I rent a car at any terminal of the Dubai airport?

The terminals with car rentals are Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. If you fly into a different terminal, you should be prepared to go to one of these two to get a car.

Are there any additional fees or charges when renting a car at the Dubai airport?

This depends on your agency, the number of drivers in your car, and whether or not you go through tolls.

What should I do in case of an emergency or breakdown with the rental car?

If you have an emergency with your car hire, you should call the agency immediately. If you are in an accident with another driver, be sure to get the other driver’s information for insurance purposes.

Can I return the rental car to a different location within Dubai?

This depends on the individual rental agency. Some will let you do this and others won’t. It also depends on the conditions of your individual rental; it might cost more for you to leave the car at different off locations than where you started from, including Abu Dhabi or other Emirates.

What's in Terminal 1 of the Dubai International Airport?

More than 50 international airlines fly into Terminal 1 of the Dubai airport. It is one of the most significant air terminals.

Can you rent a car from the Dubai International Airport?

Yes, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 have numerous rental agencies.

Can you walk from Terminal 1 to 3 in Dubai?

Yes, you can walk between these terminals on foot and without having to pass through a security check.

Is Dubai Airport Terminal 3 only for Emirates?

No, there are several carriers that fly into and out of Terminal 3. 

How much does it cost to rent a car in Dubai?

Rental prices vary, but they start at about the equivalent of 19 USD. Prices go up considerably for larger and luxury-style vehicles.

Which airlines use Terminal 3 in Dubai?

Currently, Emirates, flydubai, Air Canada, United Airlines, and Qantas fly into Terminal 3.

Is there a shuttle from Dubai Airport Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 in the Dubai International Airport?

The Dubai metro runs between Terminals 1 and 3. There are also shuttle services.