Travelers arriving at Dubai’s airports often rent cars for flexibility, but airport locations can be pricey. In this guide, we compare the rental processes at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) and share practical tips to avoid overpaying. We cover where to find rental counters, required documents, pick-up/return procedures (including common grace periods), and money-saving strategies like booking online, avoiding extra insurance, and fuel policies. A comparison table highlights the trade-offs between renting at the airport versus a city branch.

Renting at Dubai Intl. Airport (DXB)

• Counter Locations: DXB has three terminals (T1, T2, T3), each with an arrivals-area rental desk. Follow the “Car Rental” signs after baggage claim. For example, at Terminal 1 Arrivals the Hertz counter is located in the hall (open 24/7). Budget, Avis, and others have similar arrival-hall counters. At Terminal 2, Enterprise notes: “Proceed towards the exit, common car rent counter is located on the left side just before the exit” (hours here may be limited, with no after-hours returns). Terminal 3 similarly has its rental desk on Level 1 (arrivals area); Enterprise reports the T3 counter is “operational 24/7” for pick-up and returns.
• Pick-Up Logistics: After clearing immigration, go to the rental desk. Present your documents (see below). Some agencies shuttle you to the parking lot, but many DXB desks (e.g. Budget T1) are a short walk from the lot. Inspect the vehicle together and note any damage or fuel level. At pickup you may pay or pre-authorize your credit card deposit.
• Return Procedures: Follow “Car Rental Return” signs. Most branches allow a short grace period (typically ~30 minutes) on returns; if you exceed it, late fees (hourly or daily) apply. Return the car to the specified lot/parking area (e.g. Budget T1 returns go to Car Park A2). Refill the tank to the level agreed in your contract (see fuel tips below). Walk into the office to finalize the drop-off. Staff will check the car; it’s wise to have printed fuel receipts if needed.

Renting at Al Maktoum Intl. Airport (DWC)

• Counter Locations: DWC is smaller (one terminal) and hosts major brands in the same arrivals hall. Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, Thrifty and several local agencies all have desks inside the terminal. After baggage claim you’ll find rental counters nearby.
• Hours and Accessibility: Most DWC agencies operate 24/7, so even late-night arrivals are covered. There is no shuttle; the car park is adjacent. Note that DWC is farther from downtown (about a 40-minute drive), but exit traffic is usually light.
• Pick-Up & Return: Process is like DXB. Book ahead, then on arrival go to the desk, sign papers and pick up your keys. When returning, drive to the designated parking area and complete the drop-off. DWC follows similar grace periods as other UAE rentals (~30 min).

Required Documents

Dubai rental agencies are strict about documents. You’ll generally need:

• Passport and Visa: Copy of your passport and UAE entry visa/stamp (even if visa-exempt).
• Driver’s License: A valid driving license held for at least one year. Tourists from most countries must show an International Driving Permit (IDP) together with their national license. (Citizens of EU/GCC countries may use their domestic license without an IDP.) UAE residents show their UAE license.
• UAE ID (Residents): If you have a UAE residence visa, bring your Emirates ID and copy of your visa page.
• Payment: A credit card in the primary driver’s name is required for deposit. (Debit cards are often accepted but may incur extra fees.)

Note: Each agency sets age limits (typically 21–25 as minimum, with higher fees if under 25). Always verify age and license requirements when booking.

Picking Up Your Rental

When collecting your car:

• At the Counter: Present all required documents. The agent will review them, charge the deposit, and confirm insurance and fuel terms. Politely decline unneeded add-ons (e.g. GPS, roadside assistance) – these can often be rented separately if needed.
• Inspect the Car: Walk around the vehicle with the agent. Note any existing scratches or dents in the agreement. Check the fuel gauge. Take photos on your phone for extra proof.
• Fuel Policy: Agree on a fuel policy. We strongly recommend full-to-full: the car is given to you with a full tank, and you return it full. This ensures you only pay for fuel you actually use. (Other policies like “empty-to-empty” or “prepaid fuel” often cost more.) If on full-to-full, drive out and stop at the first nearby petrol station to top off to full – keep the receipt.

Returning the Car

To end your rental:

• Fuel Up: If on full-to-full policy, refill just before return. Rental companies charge refueling fees well above local pump prices if they have to refill for you.
• Park and Hand Over: Drive to the designated return area (often the same car park used for pickups) and park. In terminals with multiple levels, there are usually signs (e.g. “Rental Car Return”). Staff may meet you curbside, or you may need to walk back to the counter.
• Grace Period: Return within the agreed time. Most Dubai rentals include a brief grace period (~30 minutes) to accommodate traffic or short delays. If you return after that, daily or hourly late charges kick in.
• Final Check: The agent will inspect the car. You may be asked to wait while they process; confirm final charges (fuel, tolls, damage) on the spot. Keep copies of the paperwork.

Money-Saving Tips

Book Online and Early: Don’t wait to book at the counter. Pre-booking through rental websites or aggregators locks in lower rates and spares you from walk-up surcharges. In fact, a 2025 UAE study found airport counter rates are on average 22% higher than city branches. Prices also fluctuate by season, so booking well in advance (ideally weeks before, especially in peak season) can save hundreds. Comparison sites let you scan multiple companies and promo codes at once. (Even for DWC, Kayak advises reserving at least 1 week ahead for the best price.)

• Avoid Unnecessary Insurance: UAE law mandates basic third-party insurance, but it comes with high deductibles and many exclusions. Rental agents often push extra coverages (Collision Damage Waiver, Theft Protection, etc.) which can double your cost if you accept blindly. Beforehand, check if your credit card or travel insurance covers rentals. If you decline CDW at the desk, be prepared to handle damages yourself. Alternatively, buy a pre-paid collision insurance online (usually cheaper) rather than at pickup. Always get a clear explanation of what each insurance package covers.
• Watch for Hidden Fees: Airport locations levy extra fees. Typically a “convenience” or “premium location” fee of AED 50–150 (10–15% of the base rate) is added. You’ll also pay UAE’s 5% VAT on the total. Ask about any out-of-hours surcharges (late-night pickups sometimes incur an extra fee). These can often be avoided by renting from a city branch; many companies will deliver a car to your hotel or a downtown office at no airport surcharge.
• Full-to-Full Fuel Policy: As noted above, the cheapest fuel policy is full-to-full. If you choose a prepaid fuel option or allow the agency to refuel, you’ll pay much higher rates (sometimes 30–50% above market price). Keep the tank gauge at “Full” when you hand the car back to avoid dispute.
• Compare Airport vs. City Branches: Sometimes it’s cheaper to pick up downtown. City branches usually waive the airport premium fee and may have lower base rates. However, airport pickups are often 24/7 and immediate upon arrival, which is a big convenience. See the table below for a side-by-side comparison.

Airport vs. City Rental – Key Differences

Aspect	Airport Branch (DXB/DWC)	City Branch (e.g. Downtown Dubai)
Rates	Higher by ~20–25% on average. (Plus airport surcharge)	Lower base rates (no airport surcharge).
Airport Surcharge	Typically AED 50–150 added (concession/premium fee).	None (your rate omits the airport pick-up fee).
Convenience	Immediate access on arrival, no extra travel needed.	Must travel (taxi/metro) to/from branch.
Hidden Costs	Fuel and insurance upsells at airport booth; premium fuel refills if used.	Fewer surprises (no airport fee); watch insurance.
Fuel	Full-to-full still available (recommended), but airport refs are costly.	Same fuel policies; often one can refill downtown more easily.
Fleet Variety	Wide choice of popular models (though high-demand cars may rent out quickly).	Similar variety and sometimes better deals on older/less popular models.
Operating Hours	Often 24/7 (DXB T1/T3 are round-the-clock; DWC agencies usually 24/7).	Usually limited to daytime hours (e.g. 8am–8pm; some close weekends).
Pick-up Service	N/A (counter pickup included)	Some offer free hotel delivery within city.
Tolls (Salik)	Immediate tolls apply once you leave (DXB has city toll booths).	Same tolls once driving.

From the table, note that airport rentals cost more but win on convenience. If budget is tight, compare quotes for a nearby city location (e.g. Dubai’s tourist areas) and factor in taxi time versus the airport convenience.

DXB vs. DWC: Any Differences?

• Company Selection: DXB’s three terminals host all major international rental brands (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Sixt, Europcar, etc.) with large fleets. DWC carries many of the same (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, etc.), but overall inventory is smaller. If you need a very specific car (e.g. large SUV or luxury model), DXB usually has more in stock.
• Process: Largely the same. Both airports have in-terminal desks, 24/7 service, and follow UAE RTA rules on documents and insurance. Kayak notes that at DWC the desks are “conveniently located inside the airport” and most agencies offer 24/7 pickup. So logistical differences are minimal.
• Traffic & Location: DWC is on the outskirts (Jebel Ali area) with easy highway access and typically light traffic. DXB is closer to the city but can have heavy ramp and city congestion. Some travelers find DWC more relaxed for pickup, but be aware it’s farther from Dubai’s main sights.
• Demand & Pricing: During major events or holidays, DXB rates can spike (high demand). DWC often has lower demand, so with advance booking you might snag a better deal there. (One travel tip: Kayak advises booking DWC cars a week ahead for below-average prices.)
• Extras & Fees: Both airports levy surcharges. However, any promotions or local offers might vary between locations, so it pays to compare. In practice, most advice (like avoiding extras, booking early, fuel policy) applies equally at DXB and DWC.

Summary of Money-Saving Strategies

• Plan Ahead: Book at least a week in advance, and preferably a month ahead in high season.
• Shop Around: Use aggregator sites to compare DXB and DWC quotes and include nearby city offices.
• Avoid Extras: Decline expensive add-ons (GPS, insurance add-ons) unless you need them.
• Refuel and Return On Time: Use a full-to-full fuel policy and top off before returning. Aim to return within the 30-minute grace period.
• Check Deposit Holds: Know that agencies typically place a hold (300–500 AED or more) on your card. This will free up after some weeks if everything is fine.

By following these tips—understanding the process at both DXB and DWC, and being savvy about fees—you can save substantially on your Dubai airport car rental without sacrificing the convenience of having your own wheels.