Airport Rentals makes renting a car at Dubai Airport Terminal 1 easy
Dubai Airport is a bustling international hub, serving millions of passengers every year. Airport Rentals brings together all of the car hire options at Dubai Airport Terminal 1, so all you have to do is make a search to compare different car rental company prices and availability. Cars for rent will be displayed in the search results, with the cheapest vehicles at the top. Narrow down the many possibilities with our handy filters. Create a shortlist based on your preferences for features like transmission type, number of seats, vehicle size, and rental car brand. If you have any questions about the reservation process of your short or long-term car rental, our friendly Airport Rentals team can talk you through it - we’re available via phone 24/7.
Finding car rentals at Dubai Airport Terminal 1
There are three terminals at Dubai International Airport (DXB), handling millions of passengers per year. Terminal 1 welcomes airlines from around the world, so if you're arriving internationally, this is most likely the terminal you will arrive at. We recommend you determine where your flight departs from or arrives before traveling.
The car rental counters in Terminal 1 at Dubai Airport are located in the Arrivals Hall, on Level 2. Here, you will find a range of different car rental companies, including:
- Avis
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Green Motion
- Alamo
- Dollar
- Hertz
- Dollar
- National
- Thrifty
Once you have checked-in with your chosen rental company, they will direct you to the nearby carpark to collect your rental car.
![Grab a hire car in Dubai and experience the beauty of this futuristic city of glowing skyscrapers and luxury.]()
Types of cars available for rent at Dubai Airport Terminal 1
There is every category of hire car available from the airport. That includes Compact, Economy, Intermediate, Large, SUV, People Carriers/Vans, Premium/Luxury, Hybrid/Electric and Utility vehicles. There are a range of vehicle models, such as Kia, Ford, Toyota, Hyundai, Mazda, Nissan, Tesla, Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz.
Once you have have made a search, you can filter by vehicle type, so that you only see the types of vehicles you are interested in renting.
Drivers license requirements for renting a car from Dubai Airport Terminal 1
If you are from a Gulf Cooperation Council Country (GCCC), or a country like the United Kingdom, Unites States, Australia or Canada, you can use your current drivers license to rent a car in Dubai. However, an International Driving Permit (IDP) will also be required to prove your drivers license is valid. The IDP must be issued by the same country as your drivers license.
Other Terminals at Dubai Airport
Dubai Airport has three passenger terminals, linked by a transit area, with all the major airlines serviced. The airport itself is spread over a massive 8500 acres of land, with an array of shops and duty-free outlets, and is a ten-minute drive into the city centre. If you're not arriving at Terminal 1, you can also rent a car from:
- Dubai Airport Terminal 2
- Dubai Airport Terminal 3
![Driving your Dubai Airport car rental can be a little hectic, so make sure you know where you’re going and be aware of your surroundings.]()
Driving from the Dubai International Airport to downtown Dubai
Drive your car hire from the airport to the city in 15 minutes via this route: Exit the airport onto Casablanca St/D70 toward Al Garhoud. Keep right at the fork, following signs for E11 and merge onto E11/Al Garhoud Bridge. Stay on E11 until taking exit 50A for D71 W toward Jumeira to arrive in the dazzling downtown. Note: this route has tolls.
Useful tips on driving Dubai rental cars
If you haven’t driven a car in the Middle East before, here are some things you should know:
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It’s an incredibly busy place, with fast and large roads. Stay calm, watch your speed and use your mirrors regularly.
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Be aware that you may see the odd camel strolling along while driving your car rental in Dubai. Concentrate at all times behind the wheel.
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Know where you are going. When you rent a car Dubai Airport has, pre-plan your route or use a GPS to help you navigate.
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The rental cars are left-hand drive and you should drive on the right.
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Pedestrians have the right of way on zebra crossings, which are known as pedestrian crossings in Dubai.
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The Salik toll system has been in place for a number of years. Speak to your chosen rental car company for clear instructions on how and when to pay.
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The heat is a major factor in the Middle East. If you are travelling extensively, in a car or otherwise, always have plenty of water on hand.
Parking car rentals at the airport and in Dubai
Wondering where to park your rental car? Dubai Airport offers short-term and long-term parking for all three terminals. Terminal 1 and 3 charge AED 10 and an additional AED 5 per every half hour. Use Car Park B in T1 for cheaper all day rates at AED 100 or park in either lots at Dubai International Airport Terminal 2 for the cheapest rates at the airport, all within walking distance.
Find parking garages and metered on-street spaces across the busy city. Metered spots are enforced from 8am to 10pm Saturday to Thursday. Fridays and public holidays are free parking days. Use the ‘pay-to-park’ system which accepts coins, or download the RTA Dubai App to make payments and find nearby spaces.
