Are you planning a road trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi? It is one of the most regular trips for tourists in the UAE. The travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is about 140 kilometers long and usually takes 90 minutes on contemporary highways.
You can take buses and cabs, but renting a car gives you the most freedom to see the cities at your own pace. If you rent a car, you may easily get from the Dubai skyline to Abu Dhabi’s cultural sites. The guide tells you all you desire to know about the road, the tolls, and the restrictions for driving in the area.
Why Need a Car Rental for a Dubai to Abu Dhabi Trip?
Renting a car gives you the most freedom to get from one of these lively cities to the other. You can leave at any time without having to wait for a bus or a taxi. If you rent a car from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, you may easily get to all the important sights and make unplanned excursions.
Renting a car has multiple benefits for your trip around the Emirates. It offers more than just basic convenience. It also gives you a private, climate-controlled space that is very crucial in the summer.
You can skip busy bus stops and the exorbitant prices of taking many taxis, especially if you’re traveling with family or heavy luggage. Also, renting a car lets you explore places in Abu Dhabi that are hard to get to by public transportation.
Distance, Route, and Drive Time for Dubai to Abu Dhabi Trip
How to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi? The distance by road between the major cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi is about 140 kilometers. The simplest possible trip connects the two major Emirates through a network of meticulously maintained multi-lane highways.
Getting To Know The 140 Km Trip
This distance goes through an attractive region that includes vistas of skyscrapers in cities and deserts on the coast. Travelers should think about the fuel cost and the regional toll systems that keep track of how cars move along the main roadways.
Primary Highway Routes Are E11 And E12
The two main roadways that connect these cities. The E11 is the most direct route along the coast, while the E12 is an important link for people going to the cultural district.
E11 is the Main Route
The E11 is the busiest roadway in the country, and in Dubai, it is called Sheikh Zayed Road. It has several lanes, many service stations, and easy access to the primary business sector of Abu Dhabi.
E12 Another Way to Go
The E12 is Sheikh Khalifa Highway, a new option that avoids part of the traffic on the Mainland. It is especially helpful for getting to Saadiyat Island. It is easier to go into the northern suburbs of the capital with this smooth entry route.
Typical Time to Drive
The drive takes around an hour and a half under normal conditions. But travelers should prepare for up to two hours to adjust for variations in speed limits and getting through crowded city exits.
Traffic Routines and the Most Optimal Times to Travel
The busiest times are usually between seven and nine in the morning on weekdays. To have an ideal time, try to travel in the middle of the morning or late at night when there aren’t many people on the road.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi Drop-Offs and One-Way Car Rental
Travelers can return cars to several city branches of major rental companies, including “Hertz” and “IZI Rent A Car.” This adaptability is great for getting to the airport or shifting your plans between the Emirates.
How to Rent a Car One Way Work
With a one-way Dubai to Abu Dhabi car rental, you can pick up a car in Dubai and drop it off at a certain place in Abu Dhabi. For this service, most prominent agencies charge an upfront drop-off cost.
One-Way Rental Features for Customers
This choice is the most convenient for people who are flying out of a separate airport. You won’t have to drive back, which saves you a lot of travel time and fuel expenses on your trip.
How to Book a One-Way Car Rental
Before you finish your reservation for car hire in Dubai to Abu Dhabi, always double-check the drop-off cost and the exact return location. Booking early ensures that a car is available and lets you get the lowest pricing for traveling between cities in the Emirates.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi Trip Car Rental Costs
The costs may vary based on vehicle size, model, features, rental duration, and facilities available with the plan.
Vehicle Rental Daily Rates by Category
The cost of renting a car in the UAE depends on the type of vehicle and the time of year. Economy models give you the most value for your money, while luxury models make highway travel more comfortable.
Economy Vehicles
Economy automobiles are great for tourists on a budget as they only cost AED 80 to AED 150 per day. These small cars provide excellent fuel efficiency and are great for the ninety-minute drive between cities.
Medium-Size Sedans
Midsize Sedans provide better space for luggage in the trunk and legroom. These comfy cars can manage highway speeds well. You may anticipate paying between AED 120 and 200 per day rent.
Outstanding SUVs
Families or groups that require more room prefer SUVs. They cost between AED 200 and 400 daily. SUVs give you a great perspective of the road and more safety.
Luxury Vehicle Rentals
You can rent luxury cars like BMWs or Mercedes for an unforgettable experience. These high-end rentals cost between AED 500 and 1,000 per day for exclusive features and comfort.
Rental Discounts for Weekly and Monthly Plans
The daily pricing goes down more when you rent for a longer time. Agencies generally give savings of 10% to 20% for weekly bookings. Monthly subscriptions are the best deal for visitors who want to stay for a long time.
Extra Costs to Plan for
Visitors should plan for the travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, to check for more than just the regular rental amount. They should also plan for fuel, insurance updates, and any extra fees. If you return the automobile to another location, you may also have to pay a one-way drop-off fee.
Fees For Using the Road or Toll Charges
Abu Dhabi runs Darb, while Dubai employs the Salik toll system. The rental company will charge you four to six AED for each gate crossing after you return your vehicle.
Saving Tips for Renting a Car
- To get early-bird discounts, ensure you book the car at least two weeks in advance.
- Also, opt for a fuel policy that covers the whole tank.
- Use your smartphone’s route planner to avoid paying extra for GPS gadgets.
How to Rent a Vehicle for the Dubai to Abu Dhabi Trip
You need to provide an active passport, a visa, and a compatible driving license. To follow guidelines in most places, numerous individuals who travel abroad also need an international driving permit.
Simple Steps of the Car Rental Process
- Choose your car from the online fleet and confirm where to pick it up.
- Send in your passport, a visit visa, and a valid driver’s license.
- If your nationality requires it, get an international driving permit.
- Use a credit card in your name to pay the rental security deposit.
- Check the automobile carefully and take pictures of any damage.
- Sign the contract and get your keys so you may start driving.
Route Guide for Driving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Thanks to excellent infrastructure and clear indications along the stunning desert, the travel between these global hubs is smooth and convenient.
Commencing Your Trip from Dubai
To start your drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, go southwest from the city center to the E11 expressway. This main route goes straight from Dubai’s city center to Abu Dhabi.
Top Pickup Areas in Dubai
Downtown, Marina, and Al-Barsha are all popular places to pick up cars. These places are close to the main highway, which makes leaving easier.
Rental Areas for Dubai Airport
There are rental counters at Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Most of them are open 24/7. So you may pick up your car right after your flight arrives.
Exit Points and Landmarks
Look for the final exit food truck park close to the border and the famous Ghantoot region. These landmarks show that you are now in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi Toll and Salik Fee
Modern digital tolling makes it easy to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Dubai has the Salik system, and Abu Dhabi has the Abu Dhabi Toll System (Darb). Both systems automatically charge cars as they drive through.
How the Salik Toll System Works
Using RFID technology, Salik is Dubai’s digital toll system that uses tags. Rental vehicles already have a sticker on the windshield that lets you go through barriers at highway speeds without having to pay.
Expected Toll Charges
It costs about four to five dirhams to cross each Salik. When you enter Abu Dhabi, the Darb costs four dirhams during busy times. You should plan on spending about twenty dirhams for the whole trip.
Conclusion
The most effective way to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is to rent a vehicle. You can make your trip stress-free by knowing the highway routes, toll systems, and what documents you need. IZI rent a car can turn an ordinary ride into an exciting road trip in the UAE, whether you’re going for work or fun.
FAQs
How can I rent a vehicle from Dubai to Abu Dhabi for the lowest amount?
The most affordable approach to renting a small economy car is to schedule it online in advance. Selecting rental hubs in the city instead of at the airport might also help you save money on daily prices.
Is it possible to rent a car in Dubai and return it in Abu Dhabi?
The major rental companies let you drive one way between the cities. Typically, you’ll need to pay a one-way drop-off fee of between 100 and 200 AED.
What is the timeframe to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by car?
The trip usually takes between 1.5 hours and 2 hours. During peak times in the morning and evening, the volume of traffic can make the trip take more than two hours.
What is the estimated cost to drive from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?
Regular automobiles cost between AED 100 and 200 a day, not counting fuel. The cost of fuel ranges from AED 50 to 100, depending on your vehicle and the duration of your drive. Reserve an extra twenty AED for tolls on the highway.
What papers do I need to rent an automobile in Dubai as a visitor?
You require a genuine passport, a visit visa, and a valid driver’s license from your country of origin. Most foreigners also need a global license to drive legally.

