So, you’re planning a trip to Dubai? Nice. Whether you’re dreaming of speeding through the city in a convertible Mustang or cruising out to the desert in a sturdy SUV, there’s one question almost every traveller ends up asking: Should I hire a car in Dubai—or is public transport good enough?
Let’s put it this way. Dubai is a place where malls have ski slopes, police cars are Lamborghinis, and brunch is a full-blown event. It’s all about scale, speed, and style. So if you’re wondering whether to navigate the city by metro, bus, or behind the wheel of your own rented ride, we’ve got you covered.
This guide is your passport to understanding:
- How much it really costs to rent a car in Dubai
- Whether it’s worth it compared to public transport and taxis
- Where you can drive to (and how far)
- And most importantly—how to make it part of your dream trip
Let’s hit the road.
🏙️ Getting around in Dubai – what are your options?
Before we jump into car rentals, let’s take a quick lap around your other transport options:
1. Dubai metro
Fast, efficient, and air-conditioned (bless). The Red and Green lines cover many major tourist areas like the airport, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Marina.
Downside? It doesn’t reach everywhere, and during peak times it gets very packed.
2. Taxis & ride shares
Taxis are everywhere and relatively affordable compared to many Western cities. Uber and Careem also operate here, and you can usually grab a ride in minutes. Downside? Fares add up quickly, especially if you plan to explore beyond central Dubai.
3. Buses & trams
The bus network is extensive and connects most residential and business areas. The Dubai Tram is handy for places like JBR and the Marina. Downside? Slower, and not always ideal for tourists unfamiliar with routes.
4. Walking
Dubai isn’t the most walkable city—especially in summer. Distances are deceiving, and sidewalks often end without warning.
🛣️ Where can you go if you hire a car?
This is where it gets fun. With your own wheels, you’re no longer limited to metro stops or city blocks. You’re free to chase sunsets in the desert, dive into hidden beaches, or road-trip through the Emirates.
Here’s a look at some day trips and how far they are from Dubai:
| Destination | Distance (KM) | Distance (Miles) | Approx. Drive Time | What’s There to See? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | 140 | 87 | 1.5 hours | Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Ferrari World |
| Sharjah | 29 | 18 | 30 minutes | Art museums, Blue Souk, heritage districts |
| Al Ain | 130 | 81 | 1.5 hours | Oasis town, camel market, Jebel Hafeet mountain drive |
| Fujairah | 127 | 79 | 2 hours | Scuba diving, beaches, Al-Bidyah Mosque |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 112 | 70 | 1.5 hours | Jebel Jais (UAE’s highest peak), hiking, zipline |
| Hatta | 130 | 81 | 1.5 hours | Kayaking, mountain biking, traditional heritage village |
And all of these are within a single tank of petrol. Now that’s freedom.
🚗 So, how much is it to hire a car in Dubai?
Let’s break it down by car type and what kind of vibe you’re going for:
| Vehicle Type | Daily Rate (AED) | Approx. USD | Supplier Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy (Nissan Sunny) | 49 – 75 | $15–$22 | OneClickDrive |
| Sedan (Toyota Corolla) | 78 – 130 | $26–$45 | StressFreeCarRental |
| SUV (JAC S3 or similar) | 78 – 140 | $26–$52 | StressFreeCarRental |
| Luxury (BMW 5 Series) | 399 | $155 | Dubizzle Rentals |
| Premium (Mercedes G63) | 1350 – 2250 | $500–$890 | Dubizzle Rentals |
Note: Prices fluctuate based on season, rental length, and availability. Booking early = cheaper rates.
🏎️ Speeding in Dubai? Big no-no
If you’re thinking, “Ah, Dubai! The land of supercars,” you might feel untouchable. But be warned! Traffic lights and speed cameras do not care where you are.
Dubai
Dubai does offer a 20 km/h buffer above posted limits, so a 100 km/h sign means you can push up to 120 km/h before triggering a fine). But that’s not a golden ticket:
- Go 1–20 km/h over the radar threshold → AED 300 fine
- 20–30 over → AED 600
- 30–40 over → AED 700
- 40–50 over → AED 1,000
- 50+ over → up to AED 3,000, 12–23 black points, vehicle impoundment
Plus, in special zones (e.g. school areas, tunnels), no buffer applies, and you’ll get pinged for even 1 km/h over . Rental? Expect fines channeled through your agency—with admin fees.
Abu Dhabi
And since many visitors to Dubai hop over to Abu Dhabi for a look, see, we are including some info here. And that is – forget any buffer here! The posted speed is the actual limit, and even 1 km/h over will get you fined. Authorities removed the 20 km/h grace in August 2018, updating signs accordingly. Fines start at around AED 300 for 1–20 km/h over, scaling to AED 3,000 plus black points and potential impoundment for extreme violations.
Local insight sums it up well (source: Reddit):
“There is no speed buffer in Abu Dhabi. If the sign says 80 and you go 81 you will by law be fined…”
Contrast that with Dubai:
“In Dubai, radars don’t usually flash you below 90 km/h… the 20 km/h speed buffer also applies…”
🧐 Is hiring a car in Dubai worth it?
Let’s weigh it up.
✅ Why it’s worth it
- Unlimited exploration: From Abu Dhabi’s Louvre to mountain villages in Hatta—no limits, no waiting.
- Great roads: The infrastructure is world-class. Multi-lane highways, clear signage (in English), and plenty of service stations.
- Air-con on wheels: Essential during summer. Trust us.
- Privacy and comfort: Music, snacks, and your own pace—what’s not to love?
🚫 When it’s not ideal
- If you’re staying put: If you’re just doing Burj Khalifa > Dubai Mall > Marina, you might not need a car.
- Traffic jams: Like any big city, peak hours can be intense (think: 8–10am and 5–7pm).
- Parking fees: Most hotels and malls offer free parking, but street parking in busy areas can be paid.
- Driving style: Locals drive fast. Be alert, stay calm, and go with the (very fast) flow.
🔑 Pro tips for first-time drivers in Dubai
- License check: Most visitors can drive with their home country licence + an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- No toll tag? No problem: Salik (toll) fees are auto-deducted from your rental bill—around 4 AED per toll gate.
- Zero alcohol tolerance: Seriously—don’t risk it. Even one drink could get you jailed.
- Avoid speeding: Fines are high, and cameras are everywhere.
✨ Final verdict: should you hire a car in Dubai?
If you plan to get off the beaten path, hit the desert, visit neighbouring Emirates, or simply want the flexibility to move at your own pace—then yes, hiring a car is a no-brainer.
For couples, road-tripping mates, or families wanting to save on taxis and explore beyond skyscrapers and souks—a rental car is your golden ticket.
If you’re only in Dubai for a couple of days and sticking to metro-friendly attractions? You’ll survive just fine without one. But let’s be honest, showing up to Atlantis in a rented Mustang convertible just feels more Dubai, doesn’t it?
