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Dallas offers several convenient car rental locations, each with distinct advantages depending on your travel plans.
| Location | Pros | Cons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DFW International Airport |
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Shuttle runs continuously from all terminals to the consolidated rental center |
| Dallas Love Field (DAL) |
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Rental counters in baggage claim hall; shuttle takes you to nearby car lot |
| Downtown Dallas |
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Consider this option if you won't need a car immediately after arrival |
| Suburban Locations (Plano, Arlington, etc.) |
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Good option for longer stays if you're comfortable arranging transportation |
On average, car rentals in Dallas cost around $61 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $19 per day.
Skip the airport premium: DFW and Love Field rentals ride an extra 18-25 % in fees. If you'll be downtown your first day, grab a rideshare into the city and pick up a car at a downtown or Uptown branch the next morning.
Shop suburban counters: Locations in Plano, Arlington or Irving often post the lowest base rates and lighter taxes. Just confirm their 8 AM-6 PM hours so you're not paying an extra day for late pickup.
Tweak your dates: In Dallas, mid-week pickups (Tue-Wed) and 5-7-day "weekly" quotes can undercut weekend or 3-day pricing by double-digits. Run a few date combos on the comparison grid before locking in.
Book then stalk the price: Make a free-cancellation reservation early, especially for summer, Thanksgiving or Cowboys home games. Check back weekly—last-minute dips happen and you can simply re-book the cheaper deal.
Watch the return costs: One-way to Austin or Houston can add a drop fee, but the reverse route sometimes has none. Flip the direction in the search box to see which way is cheaper.
Refuel smart: Top off 5-10 miles from the airport—stations on TX-183 or Belt Line Rd are usually 30-40 ¢/gallon less than the on-site pumps and save you the rental company's refill surcharge.
| Area | Availability | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Dallas | Moderate |
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| Uptown/Deep Ellum | Good |
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| Shopping Centers/Malls | Abundant |
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| Attractions | Varies by venue |
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| Hotels | Reserved for guests |
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Speed Limits: 30 mph on city streets; 60-70 mph on freeways within city limits
Right on Red: Allowed after a complete stop unless signed otherwise
Toll Roads: Dallas North Tollway, President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT) and Sam Rayburn Tollway are all electronic tolls (no cash booths)
School Zones: Speed limit drops to 20 mph when lights flash, usually 7-9 AM and 2-4 PM on school days
Hands-Free Law: No handheld phone use while driving; use Bluetooth or mounted phone holders
Move Over Law: When approaching stopped emergency vehicles that have flashing lights, move over one lane or slow down by 20 mph
Get a car rental to get to:
Fort Worth – Stockyards, Kimbell Art Museum
Arlington – AT&T Stadium, Six Flags Over Texas
Waco – Magnolia Market, Dr Pepper Museum
Austin – South Congress, Texas State Capitol

What documents do I need to rent a car in Dallas? You need a valid driver's license in English (or with an International Driving Permit), a major credit card in your name and your passport if you're visiting from another country.
Can I drive to other states from Dallas? Yes. Big rental companies let you drive to nearby states. Dallas is about 1 hour from the Oklahoma border, around 3 hours from Arkansas (Texarkana) and 5–6 hours from Louisiana (Shreveport or Baton Rouge, depending on your route).
How much is the security deposit? Rental companies usually hold $200–$300 on your credit card on top of the rental cost. They release the hold after you return the car without damage.
What other fees should I expect? On top of the main rental price, you'll also pay for airport fees (around 11%), vehicle license and recovery fees, sales tax (8.25% in Dallas), extra fees for young drivers (under 25) and fees for extra drivers (about $10 per day for each one).
How do I handle toll roads in a rental car? Most rental cars have an electronic toll tag. If you use toll roads, the rental company will charge you for the toll plus a service fee (usually $4–$10 per day, only on days you use a toll road). To avoid these fees, tell your navigation app to "avoid tolls."
What's the minimum age to rent a car in Dallas? You have to be at least 21. If you're under 25, you'll often pay a "young driver" fee of about $25–$30 per day and some companies won't let you rent fancy or special cars until you're 25.
Is it worth upgrading to an SUV for a Dallas trip? A smaller car is fine for driving in the city. Choose an SUV if you have four or more people, need more room for bags or plan to visit country areas or state parks.
What happens if I return the car outside business hours? You can return cars to the airport locations anytime. Many city locations have a secure box where you can drop the keys, but it's different for each place. You should check with your rental office ahead of time to be sure.