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Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car deals in Abu Dhabi. Compare rates and make bookings in one place. Pick up at Abu Dhabi International Airport for 24/7 counters or choose city car hire to avoid airport surcharges and often lower rates. Plan drives to Dubai, Al Ain or Yas and Saadiyat with clear info on Darb tolls, Mawaqif parking and fuel policies.
When renting a car in Abu Dhabi, you have two main pickup options, each with distinct advantages:
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| AUH Airport |
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| City Locations |
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Main city locations are in the Tourist Club area, Corniche and Yas Island. Airport taxis cost 70-100 AED, and some companies offer hotel delivery for a fee.
The airport is approximately 30km from downtown Abu Dhabi.
On average, car rentals in Abu Dhabi cost around 362 AED per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from 39 AED per day.
Compare city vs airport pickup. Airport counters are usually about 10% pricier. A taxi from AUH to a city office is 70-100 AED, which can still net a win over airport rates.
Book earlier only for peak periods. For F1 week and Nov–Mar, lock in 2-3 weeks ahead. In summer and off-peak, watch prices and book when they dip.
Go weekly for 5+ days. Weekly deals are typically 10-15% cheaper than daily x7. Monthly is even better for long stays.
Choose the smallest car that fits. Midsize often costs 20-30% more than economy. SUVs can be 50-100% more.
Trim Darb tolls. Tolls apply Mon–Sat 7-9am and 5-7pm. Cross outside those times or combine trips to stay under the 16 AED daily cap.
Leverage free or low-cost parking and fuel smart. Street parking is free on Sundays, standard zones offer a 15 AED day pass, malls often give 3-4 hours free with validation. Return full to avoid premium refuelling charges.
| Location | System | Rates | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street Parking | Mawaqif system (paid) Mobile app or ticket machine |
|
8am-12midnight Monday-Saturday Free on Sundays |
| Malls | Free parking (time-limited in some) | Usually free for limited time with validation | Mall hours |
| Hotels | Mostly free for guests Valet available |
Complimentary for guests Visitors: varies by hotel |
24 hours |
| Attractions | Dedicated parking lots | Generally free or nominal fee | Attraction hours |
Abu Dhabi has resident permit zones in many neighbourhoods at night. Areas marked with blue and black signs indicate permit zones from 9pm-8am, where only permit holders can park. Visitors should use public spaces in these areas or risk fines.
Speed limits: Strictly enforced with NO buffer (unlike Dubai)
Minimum speed: On some highways, left lanes have minimum speed requirements (often 120 km/h on 140 km/h roads)
Darb toll system: Active on bridges to Abu Dhabi island
Radars and cameras: Numerous throughout the city and on highways
Seatbelts: Mandatory for all passengers
Get a car to see:
Al Ain – Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road
Liwa Oasis
Yas Island – Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld
Saadiyat Island – Louvre Abu Dhabi, beaches
What documents do I need to rent a car in Abu Dhabi? You will need a valid passport, an international driving permit or licence from an approved country and a credit card in your name. Most companies ask that drivers are at least 21 years old, or 25 and over for luxury cars.
How does the Darb toll system work with rental cars? The rental company pre-registers the car in the Darb system for you. They will charge any tolls (4 AED per crossing during peak hours) to your credit card after you return the car, sometimes adding a small admin fee.
Can I drive between Abu Dhabi and Dubai? Yes, you can drive freely between the emirates. The E11 highway connects both cities and the drive takes about 1.5 hours. Just know that Abu Dhabi and Dubai enforce speed limits differently.
Is it necessary to buy additional insurance? The rental car includes basic insurance, but you'll have to pay a high excess of 1,500-5,000 AED if you have an accident. You can buy extra cover for a daily fee to lower or remove this excess. You should decide if you want it based on how much risk you're comfortable taking.
How strictly are traffic rules enforced in Abu Dhabi? Police enforce traffic rules very strictly. Unlike Dubai, Abu Dhabi's highways have no speed buffer and there are many cameras. Fines are high, starting at 300 AED for small mistakes and getting much bigger for serious offences.
What happens if I get a traffic fine? The rental company will charge your credit card for the fine and add an admin fee of 50-100 AED. This might happen even after you get home, because it can take a while for fines to show up in the system.
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