How to Rent a Car in Dubai Airport

The advantages of renting a car for a vacation in Dubai are not limited to the obvious — freedom of movement and independence. The UAE has excellent roads, and the entire infrastructure is created taking into account the needs of motorists: wide motorways, readable and understandable signs, free parking at hotels, shopping malls, beaches, amusement parks.

There are many interesting places and attractions in Dubai and the surrounding area, which can be reached either by car or as part of an organized group. As you know, field trips are always a clear schedule, which is not liked by everyone.

By renting a car for several people, you can significantly save on travel. Car rental prices in Dubai are low, and gasoline is cheap, while rental cars in most cases are in excellent technical condition and have a low mileage. Rental companies carefully monitor their fleet and regularly update and replenish it with new models.

Renting a car at Dubai Airport is a process that can be completed upon your arrival at the airport. 

• Research and Booking: Before taking a trip to Dubai Airport, make your research and  reservation online. This can be done through the online channel of a rental company, third-party booking platforms or your travel agency.
• Arrival at the Airport: As you land at the Dubai airport, make your way to the terminal arrivals area. Dubai Airport has three terminals, each serving different airlines and destinations: The first terminal would be called Terminal 1, the second terminal was Terminal 2 and the third terminal would be labeled Terminal 3.
• Documentation: When you come in to rent a car, you will be asked to produce your original driver's license, passport, and credit card. Some rental companies might also ask for additional identification or proof of insurance. 
• Choose Your Vehicle: At the booking desk, there will be a variety of cars to pick from according to what you like, your budget and the extent of your trip. From the starter small car that's ideal for urban driving to the larger SUV that's suited to road trippers who want plenty of passenger and cargo room.
• Review Rental Agreement: Before signing the rental agreement as well as paying the fee proposed by the car rental company it is important to go over the contract in order to avoid any misunderstandings. Pay attention to factors given such as rental period, insurance cover, fuel policies, and any other extra fees or charges.
• Take Your Car: First you just need to fill in all the required forms and do the necessary payment. Then you will be guided to the car pick-up area which can be found inside the airport terminal. A person from the rental company will lead you to the vehicle, perform a short inspection to figure out if there is any damage already, and guide you on how to use the vehicle.

What Cars Are Available to Rent at Dubai Airport

Regardless of personal preferences or needs, you will find a suitable option among the wide choice of models ranging from a city sedan to a magnificent SUV. Here are some of the most common types of cars available for rent at Dubai Airport:

• Economy Cars: Ideal for travelers on a budget or for solo adventures, economy class cars are both economic to run and compact in size. Therefore, they are best suited to moving about in Dubai’s busy streets.
• Compact Cars: A bit bigger than an economy car, compacts are somewhere between the efficiency and comfort of the two cars. They are an ideal choice for small groups of travelers or families on a budget looking for compact and affordable transportation alternatives.
• Sedans: Widely used by business travelers and couples, sedans offer comfortable space for passengers and their belongings during the ride, together with the impressive quality of the driving. Such features as an automatic transmission and advanced safety systems make sedans the best option for urban driving.
• SUVs: If you have in mind to go desert driving or do some kind of off - road adventures then an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) is exactly what you need. Equipped with the rugged features, spacious cabins, and lofty seats, SUVs provide variability and comfort on daily commutes and weekend expeditions.
• Luxury Cars: VIP car rentals are also offered at Dubai Airport. Whether it is fast sports cars or relaxing sedans, luxury cars enable passengers to travel at the heights of comfort, style and power.
• Minivans: If you're with a large group such as a family, a minivan will allow you to ride in spacious interiors with other seating configurations so you can accommodate everyone comfortably. The minivan, due to its big cargo space and some convenient features, is perfect for long hauls and trips away from the city.
• Hybrid and Electric Cars: Eco-friendly tourists favorably think about a choice to rent a new generation of hybrid or electric cars at Dubai airport. Efficient fuel utilization and reduced emissions from eco-friendly autos have produced a sustainable choice for transportation without any trade-offs in power or convenience.

How the Delivery Works?

Renting a car at Dubai airport gives you the flexibility to have your car ready as it is waiting for you upon arrival, avoiding looking for other means of transportation.

• Terminal Selection: Dubai Airport has three terminals, it is very important to tell the car rental company which terminal you are arriving at. 
• Flight Information: Let rental service know about your flight details, e.g. arrival time and flight number, when you plan your car rental through us. This provides the rental company with real time visibility to your flight status and makes arrangements for your vehicle to be waiting for you even in case of delays or changes to your schedule.
• Meet and Greet Service: After arriving at Dubai Airport, go ahead to the car rental area within your terminal. Car rental  will arrange name badged car rental providers  to welcome and facilitate the check-in process.
• Documentation and Inspection: It's time to produce your driver's license, passport, and credit card for identification and verification purposes. Then, the agent will lead you through the rental contract, by the terms & conditions that are essential. Before leaving, do a complete inspection of the vehicle to find out any previous damages before you arrived.
• Key Handover: After the paperwork has been done and the inspection taken care of, the rental agent will then give you the keys to your vehicle along with all the instructions on how it operates as well as the features such as the navigation systems, entertainment, and security options.
• Departure Instructions: Before leaving the airport, get directions to your destination from the internet or the rental company and be sure to note any special requirements mentioned by the company (e.g., fueling, return). In case you don't have enough information or some questions bother you, feel free to contact the rental agency support team. 
• Return Arrangements: The return of the car depends on the rental time you've taken. In case of a longer rental period, it must be organized properly. 

Dubai airport car delivery saves passengers a notable amount of time so that they can dive right into the adventure of Dubai with more comfort and flexibility.

Parking at Dubai Airport

The Dubai Airport has several parking options available for travelers that rent cars while they are in this city. Whether you're in need of short-term parking while picking up or dropping off your rental car or long-term during your whole stay, the airport has ample and secure space for different duration of time. If you're interested in learning more about parking in Dubai, be sure to check out our previous article. We've covered everything from convenient locations to tips for finding available spots during peak times.

Driving from Dubai International Airport to Downtown Dubai

After you picked up the rental car, let the magical trip from the airport to downtown Dubai start.

• Sheikh Rashid Road: When you get off the airport, you would find yourself right on Sheikh Rashid Road, one of the main routes connecting the airport to the city center of Dubai.
• Navigate Sheikh Rashid Road: When you get to Sheikh Rashid Road, be sure that you are using the correct lanes and do not break the traffic flow. This road will be the one that takes you to downtown Dubai, showing you different spots and views through which it passes.
• Continue on Sheikh Zayed Road: After a couple of minutes on Sheikh Rashid Road, you will take an interchange where you will merge onto Sheikh Zayed Road. Literally speaking, the business roads of Dubai, the iconic highway, goes along the central business district.
• Enjoy the Scenic Drive: Looking from your vehicle through the window at Sheikh Zayed Road is something that you will find impressive, with amazing views of Dubai's skyline and some of its top skyscrapers, including world-class architecture like the Burj Khalifa.
• Follow Signs for Downtown Dubai: Watch for traffic signs that guide you to the exit for the downtown Dubai area. Please make sure you follow these signs to ensure that you are on the right route to your chosen destination.
• Navigate Downtown Streets: Sheikh Zayed Road Road will take you downtown Dubai after driving out from this road. Road signs and street markings of the city locality could help people avoid going into the wrong direction in downtown Dubai.
• Arrive at Your Destination: Keep going driving until you reach your destination in downtown Dubai. Either a hotel, a shopping mall, or a tourist attraction—these locations are just a few examples of things that can be found in the Downtown Dubai area. Choose from GPS navigation or a map to find the exact destination in Downtown Dubai.
• Find Parking: Once you get there, look for a place to park that will be less expensive and convenient. Several parking places in towns, malls, and famous places in downtown Dubai are selected for the convenience of the visitors.
• Park and Explore: Upon arrival, look for parking which should allow you to safely exit your vehicle and start walking around Downtown Dubai. Soak in the magnificence of this lively city!

Following these simple sets of directions will help you to arrive in downtown Dubai from the international airport. If you're keen to discover more about Dubai, check out our earlier article on Dubai's best places to explore in a car. It's packed with tips on where to go for thrilling desert adventures or upscale shopping sprees. Dive in and uncover all the exciting driving spots Dubai has waiting for you!

Other Popular Pick-Up Locations

Besides Dubai International Airport, there are lots of other rental locations in the city where travelers can get cars and start their Dubai trip.

• Hotels: A lot of hotels in Dubai have onsite car rental agencies or partnerships with local car rental agencies which makes it very easy for the travelers to pick up the rental car right from their hotel.
• Apartments and Vacation Rentals: The travelers may choose apartment or vacation rentals and have the rental cars be delivered to their accommodations thus providing direct transportation upon arrival.
• Downtown Areas and Shopping Districts: Car rental offices are typically located in the heart of a city and shopping malls, which makes it easy for tourists to hire cars when on their city excursions, with a chance to see the town's sights and shopping attractions.
• Landmarks and Attractions: The popular tourist sites and attractions could as well be the area hosting the rental car offices, hence travelers will find the car rentals offices conveniently located near the destinations they like.
• Transportation Hubs: Apart from Dubai International Airport, transportation centers such as Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai could have rental car facilities as well, providing the option for visitors to pick up the car at any of those points in the city.

FAQ

How to rent a car in Dubai airport?

Follow these steps:

• Take time for reserving your rental car at the right time before your arrival.
• After arrival, get to the car rental area in your terminal.
• Display your valid driver's license, passport, and credit card to the rental agent.
• You can choose a car from among the offered options.
• Re-read and sign a rental agreement.
• Take your keys and instructions from the rental agent.
• Say bye to the airport and have a wonderful adventure in Dubai!

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

To rent a car at Dubai Airport, you'll typically need the following:

• Valid driver's license: Visitors from another country may require the International
• Driving Permit (IDP) along with their own country's driving license.
• Passport, or the government identification document.
• Credit card for the payment and security deposit.
• Minimum age requirement: The majority of rental companies ask for drivers who are at least twenty one years old, however, some rental companies may have a different minimum age based on their rental company or vehicle choices.

Can I rent a car at any terminal of Dubai Airport?

The car rental services are accessible at all three terminals of Dubai Airport (Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3). 

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

In addition to the rental rate, rental company may ask for additional charges, for example:

• Airport surcharge: Some rental companies may change the price if the car should be picked up or returned at the airport.
• Insurance options: Basic insurance coverage is usually included, additional coverage will cost  an extra money.
• Fuel: Most rental companies follow a "full-to-full" fuel policy, requiring you to return the rented car with a full tank of fuel. If you fail this point, you’ll pay additional charges. 
• Toll fees: If you plan to use toll roads during your rental period, you'll be responsible for any toll charges incurred.
• Additional driver fee: If you wish to add an additional driver to the rental agreement, there will be a daily fee for this service.

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

In case the rental car requires assistance in an emergency or breaks down, then contact the rental company's 24-hour roadside assistance hotline for immediate help. Be sure to keep your rental agreement and emergency contact information at hand for any reference.

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

Yes, some car rental firms in Dubai do provide you with various areas to drop the car off. This means that you can return it at any other point in the city if you like. But, with the possible extra fees for the one way rentals, it is better to check with the car rental company in advance.