One-Way Car Rental from Dubai to Abu Dhabi | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals Dubai to Abu Dhabi

Can I rent a car from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for AE residents

Documents required for international visitors

Form of ID: A valid physical United Arab Emirates national photo ID
Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported credit cards include Visa, Master, AMEX, DinersClub, JCB, and UnionPay. Debit cards are not accepted.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 75. For drivers aged 21-24, a young driver fee applies: US$ 2.75 per day (capped at US$ 27.53) or US$ 5.00 per day depending on the rental provider.

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year. Accepted driving licence include:
• GCC Driving License (for GCC Nationals: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE)
• Original driving licence + UAE IDP (for drivers from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA)
• Original driving licence + UAE Embassy Authentication (for Korean, Japanese, Turkish, and Greek nationals)
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (for all other countries)
• Full driver's license issued in United Arab Emirates.

Notes: Please note that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.
Form of ID: A valid passport
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported credit cards include Visa, Master, AMEX, DinersClub, JCB, and UnionPay. Debit cards are not accepted.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 75. For drivers aged 21-24, a young driver fee applies: US$ 2.75 per day (capped at US$ 27.53) or US$ 5.00 per day depending on the rental provider.

How much does renting a car from Dubai to Abu Dhabi cost?

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

US$ 23/day

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 25/day

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 37-US$ 175	US$ 0-US$ 104	US$ 67-US$ 327	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 41-US$ 44	US$ 0	US$ 74-US$ 97	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 54-US$ 280	US$ 0-US$ 104	US$ 87-US$ 445	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 37-US$ 247	US$ 0-US$ 104	US$ 75-US$ 375	Large groups, long drivers
Premium	US$ 84-US$ 253	US$ 0-US$ 84	US$ 175-US$ 547	Families, comfort seeker
Van	US$ 58-US$ 228	US$ 0-US$ 104	US$ 114-US$ 324	Large families, groups

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fee: Most rental companies charge an extra fee for dropping off the car at a different location. Be sure to confirm the one-way fee ahead of booking.
Cross-Border Drive Restrictions: If planning to drive across emirates or into neighboring countries, check for restrictions and relevant permits with your rental provider.
Insurance Requirements: Verify that the rental agreement includes sufficient coverage for both cities and any regions you intend to drive through.
Rental Period Flexibility: Choose a flexible rental agreement in case plans change during your trip between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Drop-Off Location Options: Ensure there is a convenient drop-off location near your destination in Abu Dhabi.

Smart Planning Tips:

Reserve in Advance: Book your rental car early to secure the best rates and a wider selection of vehicles.
Choose the Right Vehicle: Select a car size that fits both your passenger needs and intended baggage load.
Fuel Policy Awareness: Understand the fuel policy of your rental agreement to avoid additional costs at drop-off.
Familiarize Yourself with Traffic Laws: Review UAE driving regulations, especially differences between Dubai and Abu Dhabi traffic rules.
Vehicle Condition Check: Inspect the car thoroughly before departing and document any existing damage.
Plan Your Route: Pre-plan your driving path and stops between Dubai and Abu Dhabi to save time and enjoy the scenery.

Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

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Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

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Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the car before returning to avoid additional charges.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Check the rental company's fuel policy to avoid misunderstandings.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel cost for this route is approximately AED 2.95 per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel consumption.

Ensure tires are properly inflated before starting the trip.

Avoid excessive use of air conditioning, especially at lower speeds.

Dubai Parking

Parking in Dubai is available in designated paid zones.

Use RTA parking meters or mobile apps for payment.

Free parking is available in some residential areas during off-peak hours.

Abu Dhabi Parking

Abu Dhabi offers paid parking zones marked with blue and white lines.

Use Mawaqif for convenient parking payment.

Free parking is available on Fridays and public holidays in certain areas.

Recommended Parking Apps

RTA Dubai App for parking in Dubai.

Mawaqif App for parking in Abu Dhabi.

Parkopedia for finding parking spaces across the UAE.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi:

The E11 Sheikh Zayed Road

Highway 1 hour 20 minutes

A straight and efficient route connecting Dubai with Abu Dhabi, perfect for urban and smooth driving.

Jebel Ali Free Zone , Ghantoot

E311 Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road

Alternate Route 1 hour 30 minutes

A less congested alternative offering wide roads and excellent signage.

Dubai Investment Park , Al Falah Region

E611 Emirates Road

Outer Route 1 hour 45 minutes

This route passes through suburbs and offers scenic countryside views.

Sharjah Industrial Area , Al Rahba

Look into These Popular Stops and Rides:

Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi

1 hour 40 minutes

Located in Abu Dhabi, this museum showcases remarkable art and architecture.

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

1 hour 45 minutes

An entertaining destination suitable for families, featuring themed attractions.

F1 Yas Marina Circuit

1 hour 50 minutes

Known for its thrilling Formula 1 events and excellent car track experiences.

Qasr Al Hosn

1 hour 55 minutes

A historical fort showcasing traditional Emirati culture and heritage.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Check your rental agreement: Ensure your one-way rental terms are clear to avoid additional charges.

Plan your route: Decide whether to take the main highway or explore alternative scenic options.

Fuel policies: Understand pre and post-fuel policies to manage costs effectively.

Safety measures: Be aware of driving rules and always follow speed limits.

Avoid cost disputes: Inspect the car thoroughly and note any prior damages before driving off.

Pack smart: Prepare for the weather and keep essentials like water and sunscreen handy.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Choosing the perfect rental company for your one-way trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$	High	Wide	No extra one-way fees for select plans , Flexible return times
Avis	$$	Medium	Moderate	Premium vehicles available , 24/7 customer support
Europcar	$$	Medium	Wide	Affordable one-way packages , Free GPS included
Sixt	$	High	Moderate	Luxury car selection , Transparent pricing

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Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:

Pricing Considerations

Base rental rate per day
One-way drop-off fees
Additional driver charges
Insurance costs
Fuel policy and potential charges

Vehicle Selection

Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
Fuel efficiency for long drives
Comfort features for highway driving
Navigation and entertainment systems
Vehicle condition and mileage

Company Reliability

Customer service reputation
Transparency in fees and policies
Roadside assistance coverage
Cancellation and modification policies
Reviews from other one-way renters

Dubai Car Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Most rental centers operate daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Location:

Rental centers are available across Dubai, especially near the airport and popular districts.

Transportation Services:

Free shuttle services from airports to rental centers are available.

Pro Tips for Dubai Airport(DXB) Car Rentals

Ensure to book your vehicle in advance and confirm the one-way rental policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental, and how does it work?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a rental vehicle at one location (e.g., Dubai) and return it to a different location (e.g., Abu Dhabi). This is convenient for travelers who do not wish to make a round trip. Rental companies typically include an additional fee for this service.

What are the requirements for renting a car for this route?

To rent a car, you typically need a valid driver’s license, a credit card for the deposit, and to meet the company’s age requirements (usually 21 years or older). International travelers might also require an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Are there any tolls or charges when driving between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Yes, the route includes Salik toll gates in Dubai, each costing a set amount per passage. These fees are recorded and billed to you by the rental company. Confirm the toll policy with your rental provider to avoid surprises.

Can I find gas stations easily along the route?

Yes, there are multiple gas stations available along the Sheikh Zayed Road and surrounding highways to ensure you can fill up as needed during your journey. Most are conveniently located and provide essential services for drivers.

Is there any additional fee for returning the car at Abu Dhabi instead of Dubai?

Most rental companies charge a one-way fee for returns at a different location. Ensure you verify the specific amount and terms with the rental agency prior to confirming your reservation.

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