DAL Rental Car Guide: Dallas Love Field
Renting a car at Dallas Love Field (DAL) in Dallas, Texas. This guide covers the pickup process, top brands on-airport, pricing, hidden fees, and the specific tricks for saving money at DAL that you would not learn from the rental company itself.
Where to pick up your rental at DAL
Each brand has a counter in the hallway leading to baggage claim. After check-in, board your company's shuttle on the lower-level ground transportation curb for the short ride to its lot near the airport. Enterprise says its shuttle runs every 5 to 7 minutes.
Go to the counter first, then the shuttle. For returns, follow the Rental Car Return signs; several company lots are off Cedar Springs Road.
DAL pricing & hidden fees
Average daily rate: varies by season, so compare all-in quotes for your dates.
Mandatory airport fees: Texas' 10% motor vehicle rental tax (rentals of 30 days or less), a customer facility charge, and a concession recovery fee. Check your agreement for the airport fee amounts.
These charges are added on top of the quoted base rate, so a cheap headline price at DAL can look very different at checkout. Always check the all-in total when comparing across brands.
Top rental brands at DAL
DAL lists 9 rental brands at the airport:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Payless
- Thrifty
Best for premium service: National (Emerald Aisle) and Hertz (Gold) let loyalty members skip the counter
Cheapest base rates: Compare Payless, Dollar and Thrifty against the majors, since the gap changes with your dates
For each brand's specific fuel policies and refueling charges, see our deep-dive guides:
Hertz fuel policy · Enterprise fuel policy · Avis fuel policy · Budget fuel policy · National fuel policy
DAL-specific quirks worth knowing
Should you rent off-airport instead?
Neighborhood branches in Uptown and Oak Lawn are a short ride from Love Field and may skip airport charges. DART's Love Link bus connects the airport to Inwood/Love Field Station.
Worth considering for longer rentals: For week-long rentals, price a nearby Dallas branch against the airport total, including your ride there.
How to save the most at DAL
- Compare the all-in total. At DAL, the cheapest headline rate is not always the cheapest final bill.
- Skip prepaid fuel. Self-fill is usually cheaper: fill up close to the return location, since the company refuel charge is usually well above the pump price. Check your agreement for the exact rate.
- Check your coverage before you go. Many credit cards and auto policies cover damage to a rental, but card coverage never includes liability, so confirm what you have before declining the counter's offer.
More tips: how to avoid hidden rental fees.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you pick up a rental car at DAL?
Check in at your company's counter near baggage claim, then take its shuttle from the lower-level curb to a lot near the airport.
What is the average rental car price at DAL?
There is no reliable average for DAL: rates follow season and big events like the State Fair of Texas. Compare all-in quotes for your dates.
What hidden fees should I watch for at DAL?
Texas' 10% motor vehicle rental tax, a customer facility charge and a concession recovery fee.
Which rental car company is best at DAL?
National (Emerald Aisle) and Hertz (Gold) let loyalty members skip the counter. Price Payless, Dollar and Thrifty against them.
Is it cheaper to rent a car off-airport from DAL?
Possibly: Uptown and Oak Lawn branches are a short ride away and may skip airport charges.
Are there any quirks to renting at DAL?
North Texas toll roads are cashless, so a rental toll program can add daily fees fast. Love Field is close to downtown Dallas.