If you’re going to need an Abu Dhabi long term car rental, or one for short term, getting your car at the Abu Dhabi International Airport can be a great way to kickstart your trip.
The Abu Dhabi International Airport, also known as the Zayed International Airport is the second busiest airport in the UAE. We’re sure you can guess which airport holds the title for the number one busiest in the UAE (hint: it rhymes with July). Zayed International is also the primary airport serving the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, connecting over 20 million passengers to more than 85 destinations annually.
Abu Dhabi’s highways were made for drivers, and renting a car is the best way to explore the extremely beautiful Emirate capital. The ease and convenience a car provides in Abu Dhabi is second to no other means of transportation within the city. Despite its grandeur and extremely busy nature, securing a BMW rental Abu Dhabi at the Zayed International Airport can be as easy as a phone call away.
Although it may seem daunting for first time renters, this guide aims to help simplify the process of car rental in the Abu Dhabi International Airport and provide you with the basic information you’ll need before renting at the airport.
- Age limit and documentation: Bear in mind that you have to be at least 21 years of age to be eligible to rent a car in the UAE. In some cases, you have to be 25. Your license also has to be valid and over a year old with you. You must also have an original Photo ID and a Credit Card. An international driving permit is also required if you’re not from specific nations.
- Research rental companies and book ahead: Before your arrival at the airport, it would be wise to research the various companies that you might be interested in in order to get the best deals. Booking ahead ensures availability of your preferred vehicle and saves you time at the airport rental counter.
- Locating the rental counters: On your arrival at Abu Dhabi Airport, you can follow the signs to locate the car rental area, which are located in Terminals 1 and 3. If you arrive at Terminal 2, there are shuttle services available to transport you to the main terminals. Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has also just launched a new six car rental offices in Skypark Plaza.
- Visit the rental counter: Once you have located the counter of your desired car rental service, you can proceed to book your desired car if you haven’t already. You will be informed on the available vehicles and their rate. Here, you can present your required documents.
- Understand the rental agreement: This includes fuel policy, mileage limits, insurance coverage and terms and conditions. You are required to read through and understand the various agreements properly in order to avoid penalties, overcharging, and misunderstandings.
- Inspect the vehicle: Eager as you may be to get to your rental, you have to thoroughly inspect the vehicle you’re about to rent for pre-existing damages before you finalize your rental. Ensure they are all documented and you may also take pictures of them. Take photos of the fuel gauge and mileage before you leave the rental, to. This is necessary to avoid disputes upon return of the vehicle.
NOTE: Some marketplaces like OneClickDrive don’t require your physical presence in order to rent a car. All you need to do is book ahead of time on their website or get in touch with one of their suppliers via call, email or WhatsApp, and they will have your car delivered to the parking lot of the airport by the time of your flight arrival.
** If you are from the following countries, then you do not require an International Driving Permit: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea (North), Kuwait, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America.
Conclusion
Renting a car from the Abu Dhabi International Airport doesn’t have to be a hassle. It can be as easy as taking a walk in the park, and if you follow our comprehensive guide diligently, you’ll get from the plane to your very own rental car in a matter of minutes!
