You have landed, the bags are through, and all you want is the keys. When you choose Avis car rental at Dubai International Airport, we aim to get you on the road as quickly as possible. Avis has rental desks serving Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, so whichever airline brought you in, your car is close by.
Whether you are visiting for a week of beaches and skyscrapers, flying in for business, or collecting a car for a family road trip across the Emirates, you will find the same Avis standards you would expect anywhere in the world.
Choose how you collect your car
• Collect at the desk. Check in with our team on arrival for a friendly welcome and local advice on routes, parking and tolls. Our arrivals desks at Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are open 24 hours a day.
• Join Avis Preferred. Free to join, with priority service, faster collection and member rates on every rental.
• Sort the paperwork early. Have your driving licence, passport or Emirates ID and payment card ready, so collection takes minutes rather than a queue.
Top car rental locations around Dubai Airport
Where to find us at Dubai Airport
Dubai International is one of the busiest international airports in the world, and it is built around three terminals. Terminal 3 serves Emirates, Terminal 1 handles most other international airlines, and Terminal 2 serves flydubai and a number of regional carriers. Our desks cover all three, so you can collect your car at the terminal you arrive in. All DXB desks are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Discover cars to rent at Dubai Airport
What kind of trip is it? An economy saloon is ideal for city driving and hotel runs, while an SUV gives a family room for luggage and a comfortable ride to Abu Dhabi or the mountains. If you want something more special for a weekend on Sheikh Zayed Road, our premium range is available too. Browse the full range on our fleet page, or contact us to confirm the exact models available at DXB for your dates.
Plan your journey from Dubai Airport
DXB is around 15 minutes' drive from Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa in light traffic, which makes it one of the most convenient airports in the world for a city-break arrival. From there, the city is easy to explore by car.
Head to the Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah (roughly 30 to 40 minutes away) for waterfront dining and beaches. Spend an afternoon in Al Fahidi Historic District and the Dubai Creek for the old city, then browse gold and spices in the souks of Deira. Take the road out to Al Qudra Lakes for flamingos and cycling at dawn, or follow Jumeirah Beach Road to Kite Beach and the Burj Al Arab.
If you are travelling with children, Dubai Parks, Dubai Frame and the Dubai Aquarium all have ample parking, and having your own car makes the day far easier than juggling taxis with car seats.
Top tips for driving in Dubai
Which side of the road? In the UAE, drive on the right.
Road rules
• Use of handheld phones while driving is illegal and fined.
• Seatbelts are compulsory for the driver and all passengers.
• Children under 10 must not sit in the front seat, and younger children must use an appropriate child seat. It is the renter's responsibility to fit the child seat.
• The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy on drinking and driving.
• Speed limits are posted and enforced by cameras, so follow the signs. Urban roads are typically 60 to 80 km/h, with higher limits on highways.
• Leave a safe gap. Tailgating is heavily fined.
Parking
Most of Dubai's paid parking is managed by zone and can be paid by SMS or app. Rules are strictly enforced, so check the signs before you leave the car.
Beyond Dubai with your rental car
A hire car turns the whole country into a day trip. Abu Dhabi is under two hours away on the E11, with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi. Drive up to Ras Al Khaimah for Jebel Jais, home to the world's longest zip line, or head through the Hajar Mountains to the east coast at Fujairah and Khor Fakkan for a swim in the Gulf of Oman.
For something quieter, Hatta Dam and its mountain trails are around an hour and a quarter from the city. From Hatta, travellers with approved cross-border rentals can continue into Oman. See our Oman page for how this works, and speak to our team at least 72 hours before you travel.
Once you have cleared arrivals and collected your bags, head to the Avis desk at the terminal you landed in. Have your driving licence, passport or Emirates ID, and the payment card used for the booking ready, and our team will complete your paperwork.
Yes, subject to availability. A one-way fee may apply, so contact our team before you travel to confirm the cost.
It depends on the country that issued your licence. Visitors from many countries can drive on their home licence, while others need an International Driving Permit. Check the current rules for your nationality before you travel, or ask our team.