Yes, you can drive a rental car from Dubai to Abu Dhabi! This is one of the most frequently asked questions by tourists and residents alike in Dubai.
With a modern highway between the two cities, this is an easy, pleasant trip by road, preferred by many visitors to explore both cities at will.
You get to see great views, landmarks, and flexibility in time management as you are able to choose when and how you want to do it. Before hitting the road, here are some key things you need to know:
Is it Legal to Drive a Rental Car from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Yes, it is absolutely legal to drive a rental car from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Most car rentals in Dubai allow cross-emirate travel.
But it’s worth telling the rental agency that you will drive to Abu Dhabi to avoid any potential problems with the rental agreement.
The rules about cross-emirate travel are pretty straightforward, but an advance check with the rental agency keeps everything smooth.
Road Trip Essentials
Before you start off on the road from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, make sure you have with you all the relevant documents, besides the car rental, which also needs to be in good condition with safety and insurance met.
Documents to Carry
On your drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, the following are some of the important documents you should have with you:
- A valid driver’s license (an international driving permit may be required for some nationalities).
- Your passport and visa details.
- The rental car agreement.
- Car registration documents are provided by the rental company.
These will keep you ready for any roadside police checks.
Car Insurance
Car insurance is another big factor when driving across emirates. Make sure your car on rent is fully insured to drive outside Dubai.
Though most of the rental companies provide comprehensive insurance, some of them may charge an additional amount for crossing the border. Confirm the details with the rental company to avoid any shocks.
What to Expect on the Road?
The road from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is pretty smooth, and there are relatively specific signs. This is what you can expect on this trip.
Distance and Travel Time
The distance between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is approximately 140 kilometres, which normally takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the flow of traffic.
This will be along the E11 highway, otherwise known as Sheikh Zayed Road, which is one of the most important in the UAE.
Highway Route
E11 is the main highway connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This E11 runs along the coast, hence giving breathtaking scenic views of both the desert and the skyline.
This is a wide highway with several lanes on each side of the road, allowing easy passage for a driver. There are road signs in both Arabic and English; therefore, there will not be any problem when finding your way.
Speed Limits and Fines
The E11 highway has different speed limits; usual speed is from 100 km/h to 140 km/h. Of course, it depends on the concrete road, yet mind the posting of the speed limit.
There are also several speed cameras along the route. Of course, there are heavy fines against speeding in UAE, and besides that, car rental companies may ask you to pay fines in case of such violations. The bottom line is to drive responsibly.
Traffic Conditions
Still, the traffic is normally bearable between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. During peak times, especially on working weekdays, one may witness congestion of traffic. Other relatively lean traffic timings include weekends and holidays.
If possible, driving at rush-hour traffic, especially during early mornings and late evenings, should be avoided because it’s usually busy at these times in the heart of commuters between the two cities.
Rental Car Company Policies
Each car rental company in Dubai has its set of rules for traveling across emirates; these are important to understand before setting off.
Cross-Emirate Travel Policies
Most car rental companies in Dubai permit their cars to be driven across Emirates, but, as a rule, always the best thing to do is to notify the company that you are planning on driving over to Abu Dhabi.
Some of them might require advance notice, and a small fee may be involved with this service. Make sure to clarify this when you rent the car to avoid any misunderstandings.
Additional Fees
Some car rental companies have additional costs for inter-emirate travel. It could be extra insurance or extra for using some of the roads. One has to go through the fine print to understand all these extra costs. Always ask the rental company if there are any hidden costs involved in driving to Abu Dhabi.
Returning the Car in a Different Emirate
If you plan to rent a car in Dubai and then return it in Abu Dhabi, first check that the agency allows this. Some agencies may allow you to drop off the car at a different location for an additional fee. However, this isn’t an option with every company, so it is always best to check ahead of time.
Conclusion
In fact, this whole driving experience from Dubai to Abu Dhabi at a rental car level is convenient and fun, attempting to expose one’s self to two of the most lively cities in the UAE. With a well-maintained highway, beautiful views of the desert, and the capability to travel at your own pace, this road trip truly gives both tourists and residents an unusual experience.
As long as one proceeds within the legal requirements, understands the policies of the car rental company books, and prepares oneself for the journey, a trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi will be smooth and memorable.
Also Read: Can i rent a car in dubai with us license?
