Clean cars
Customers describe the cars as clean, new and reliable, including a low-mileage SUV arranged during a stopover.
Thrifty Car Rental - DXB Airport Terminal 1
Al Garhoud
Thrifty Car Rental at Dubai Airport Terminal 1 serves both short- and longer-term UAE rentals, with cars ranging from compact models to luxury vehicles. Reviews particularly highlight clean Hyundai Creta SUVs, debit-card deposits and quick airport returns, although pickup parking can slow things down.
Reputation Score
4.5
★★★★★
1,365 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Debit cards
One stopover traveller chose Thrifty because the Terminal 1 counter accepted debit cards for the security deposit.
Flexible extensions
Reviews mention easy rental extensions, including help during a busy and critical period.
Last-minute help
A customer received a Hyundai Creta after arranging the rental at short notice.
Fair value
Customers mention good prices, competitive rates and value for money across short and yearly rentals.
Tips for a Better Visit
Keep ticket. Hand over the airport parking ticket at return; it is obtained from the gate machine when entering the rental car park.
Allow time. Build extra time into Terminal 1 pickup and return plans because the parking lot is often full and can delay both stages.
Ask alternatives. If the Terminal 1 lot is full, ask the counter about alternative parking or drop-off arrangements.
Check deposit. Confirm when the deposit will be refunded; one customer was told the AED2000 deposit would arrive within a month.
Check vehicle. Before driving away, check the supplied model and mileage, since one customer received a higher-mileage 2024 Mercedes A200 instead of the expected newer car.
Review charges. Monitor the card after returning the car and ask about any later transactions, as one customer reported repeated small charges.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Airport terminal 1 departure area - Airport Rd
Dubai Int'l Airport, Dubai
| Mon | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Tue | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Wed | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Thu | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Fri | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Sat | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Sun | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Common Concerns
Parking chaos
The Terminal 1 pickup and drop-off parking area can be chaotic and commonly causes delays.
Pickup delays
One customer experienced a three-hour wait before the car was replaced with a lower model and reported no compensation.
Card charges
A customer reported repeated AED 5–10 card charges after returning the car and froze the card.
Deposit hold
Another review says the card continued being charged after return and that the held amount was not released promptly.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Thrifty at Dubai Airport Terminal 1 is a car rental counter for short trips, longer contracts and UAE driving, with the reviews pointing to a useful mix of airport convenience and vehicle choice. Customers mention Hyundai Creta SUVs, a Mazda CX4, and quick arrangements for last-minute bookings. One stopover traveller also chose it because debit cards were accepted for the security deposit.
The strongest pattern is helpful, efficient service during returns and extensions. Several customers describe drop-off as quick enough for a tight flight schedule, while others found rental extensions straightforward. Cars are often described as clean, new or reliable; one traveller received a new, low-mileage SUV and found the return paperwork efficient.
Terminal 1 logistics are the main practical drawback. The pickup and drop-off parking area can be chaotic and frequently full, so allow extra time and ask about alternatives if needed. Keep the parking ticket from the entry gate for the return.
There are also important payment and vehicle checks to make. One review reports repeated AED 5–10 card charges after return, while another describes a delayed card hold. Confirm the deposit-release timeline, inspect the car’s model and mileage before leaving, and clarify any later charges in advance.