Yes, you can drive a rental car from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Most rental companies in the UAE allow travel between emirates without extra fees. The 150 km drive takes about 90 minutes on well-maintained highways, making it a convenient option for tourists and residents.
Renting a car is one of the easiest ways to travel between these two cities. You’re not stuck to bus schedules or train times. You can leave when you want and stop wherever you like along the way.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Check your rental agreement first. Some companies have restrictions on where you can drive. Most don’t care if you go to Abu Dhabi, but it’s better to ask than assume.
You’ll need a valid driver’s license. Tourists can use an international driving permit along with their home country license. Some countries have special agreements with the UAE, so their licenses work directly.
Insurance is usually included in your rental. Make sure it covers trips outside Dubai. The basic insurance should be fine for Abu Dhabi since it’s still within the UAE.
The Route Between Cities
The main road is Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, also called E311. It’s a straight, smooth highway. You can’t really get lost. Just follow the signs for Abu Dhabi.
The speed limit is 120 km/h on most parts. Speed cameras are everywhere, so stick to the limit. Going even 20 km/h over the speed limit can get you a hefty fine.
Toll gates are automatic. The rental car will have a Salik tag that records tolls. You pay these fees when you return the car. Each toll costs about 4-5 dirhams.
Cost Breakdown
Rental cars in Dubai start around 80-100 dirhams per day for basic models. Gas is cheap in the UAE; you’ll spend about 30-40 dirhams on fuel for the round trip.
Tolls add up to around 20 dirhams both ways. Parking in Abu Dhabi costs 2-4 dirhams per hour in most areas. Total cost for the day trip runs about 150-200 dirhams.
If your budget is low, you can go for carpool services. Apps like Careem or Uber offer shared rides that split costs between passengers. This cuts your expense to 30-50 dirhams per person.
Tips for the Drive
Fill up with gas before you leave Dubai. It’s slightly cheaper there than in Abu Dhabi. Most rental cars come with a full tank. You need to return them the same way.
Leave early if you’re going on weekends. Traffic gets heavy on Friday mornings when families head out. Weekday mornings around 7-9 am are also busy with commuters.
Download offline maps on your phone. Google Maps works great in the UAE, but having an offline backup helps if your data runs out.
What About Parking
Abu Dhabi has paid parking zones called Mawaqif. Blue zones are for short stays, brown zones for longer visits. You pay through SMS or the Mawaqif app.
Mall parking is usually free for the first few hours. If you’re visiting the Louvre or the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, they have dedicated parking areas.
Alternative Options
Buses run between Dubai and Abu Dhabi every 30-40 minutes. They cost 25 dirhams and take about 2 hours. It’s slower, but you don’t have to drive.
Taxis are another choice. A one-way taxi costs 250-300 dirhams. That’s expensive if you’re traveling alone, but reasonable for groups of 3-4 people.
Private drivers charge 400-500 dirhams for a round trip with waiting time. This works if you want someone else to handle all the driving.
Best Option: Car lift services from Dubai to Abu Dhabi are the best option to travel between cities without spending a high amount. You will get a luxury travel experience without wasting an extra amount on rental cars.
Things to Remember
Keep your rental agreement in the car. Police might ask to see it if you’re stopped. Your passport copy should be with you too.
Driving rules are strict here. Don’t use your phone while driving. Wear seatbelts at all times. The fine for phone use is 800 dirhams and four black points.
Gas stations have attendants who fill your tank. Tipping isn’t required, but 5 dirhams is appreciated.
The drive is safe and straightforward. Roads are excellent, and signs are clear in English and Arabic. You’ll have no trouble making the trip in your rental car.
