Renting a Car in Dubai? What the Price Tag Doesn't Tell You
May 10, 2025
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Renting a car in Dubai offers fantastic freedom and flexibility, letting you explore the city's wonders and beyond at your own pace 
[12]
[22]. It's often seen as a convenient alternative to relying solely on public transport or taxis, especially for families or those venturing outside the main city hubs [12]. But let's be honest, figuring out the actual cost can feel a bit like navigating a desert maze. The price you see advertised isn't always the final price you pay. This guide focuses on the pricing structures of major traditional rental companies like Hertz, Budget, Sixt, Europcar, and Thrifty, helping you understand the full picture.
The base rental rate is your starting point, and it usually gets cheaper per day the longer you rent – think daily, weekly, or even monthly rates 
[17]
[32]. Several key things influence this initial price. Expect to pay more during peak tourist seasons compared to the quieter summer months. Naturally, a zippy economy car will cost less than a spacious SUV or a luxury sedan 
[29]
[34]. Booking ahead, especially during busy times, can sometimes snag you a better deal. Also, keep in mind that picking up your car right at the airport might come with an extra surcharge compared to a city branch location 
[7]
[9]
[35].
Beyond the Base Rate: Decoding Common Extra Fees
Okay, so you've got your base rate. Now, let's talk about the extras – the bits that can sometimes catch you by surprise if you're not prepared. Understanding these common fees associated with car rental cost Dubai is crucial for accurate budgeting.
Salik Toll Charges
Dubai uses an electronic toll system called Salik, and you'll find gates on major routes like Sheikh Zayed Road and key bridges and tunnels 
[2]
[6]
[8]
[10]
[20]. Your rental car will come fitted with a Salik tag [2][6][8][10]. Each time you pass under a gate, a toll is registered [6][8][10]. The standard toll is AED 4 per crossing [6][8]
[25]. However, rental companies typically add an administrative fee, charging you around AED 5 to AED 6 per crossing [7]
[13][25][32]. These charges are tracked and added to your final invoice, often deducted from your security deposit [6][7][25]. Heads up: starting January 2025, Salik charges are planned to vary by time of day, potentially costing AED 6 during peak hours 
[31].
Mileage Limits & Costs
While many standard rentals in Dubai offer unlimited mileage, it's not always the case, especially with certain promotions or high-end vehicles [17]. Always double-check your agreement. Some companies might impose daily, weekly, or monthly limits (for instance, Europcar has examples like 250 km/day or 5000 km/month on some plans) [7][13][32]. If you go over the limit, you'll be charged for each extra kilometer, often ranging from AED 0.26 to AED 0.75 depending on the car and company [7][13][32].
Fuel Policies & Refueling Costs
The most common fuel policy you'll encounter is "Full-to-Full" [13]
[26][32]. This means you pick up the car with a full tank of petrol, and you're expected to return it full as well [13][26][32]. Make sure you check the fuel gauge before driving off [26]. If you return the car with less fuel, the rental company will refuel it for you, but usually at a much higher price per liter than the pump price, plus a hefty service charge (one example cited a 20% service fee) [13]. Finding a petrol station near your drop-off point just before returning the car is usually the most cost-effective approach.
Insurance Explained: CDW, SCDW, and the Excess
Basic Third-Party Liability (TPL) insurance, covering damage you might cause to others, is legally required and included 
[18][22]. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is also often included or mandatory; it limits your liability for damage to the rental car itself 
[16][18]
[21]
[33]. However, CDW comes with an 'excess' (or deductible) – this is the amount you have to pay first if there's damage, typically ranging from AED 1,500 to AED 5,000 or more, depending on the car [7][13][16][18][22]. To reduce or eliminate this excess, companies offer Super CDW (SCDW) at an additional daily cost [13][16][18][21][22]. Crucially, for any insurance claim (CDW or SCDW), you almost always need a valid Police Report obtained at the scene of the incident [13][16][21]. Remember, standard insurance usually won't cover things like tire damage, windscreen chips, undercarriage damage, or damage caused by negligence (like driving off-road inappropriately or under the influence) [16][21].
Airport Surcharges
Picking up your rental directly from Dubai International Airport (DXB) or Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is convenient, but often comes with an airport surcharge added to your bill [7][9][35]. This fee can be around AED 50, as cited by Avis for DXB and DWC rentals [35]. Check if this is included in your quoted rate or added separately.
Additional Driver Fees
Planning to share the driving? Anyone else who wants to drive the rental car must be officially registered on the agreement and meet all the license and age requirements [7][13]
[23]
[24][32]. There's usually a daily fee for each additional driver added [7][13][32]. For example, Europcar Abu Dhabi previously listed this at AED 25 per day per extra driver, capped at AED 150 per contract [13].
Young Driver Surcharges
Traffic Fines & Admin Fees
This is a big one! As the renter, you are fully responsible for any traffic fines incurred during your rental period – speeding, parking violations, etc. [7][13]
[27][32]. The rental company will usually pay the fine on your behalf and then charge the amount back to you, adding their own administration fee on top (Europcar cited a 10% service charge previously) [7][13][32]. Be aware that these charges might not appear immediately and are often deducted from your security deposit weeks after you've returned the car 
[11]
[28].
Other Potential Costs
Keep an eye out for a few other potential charges. A standard 5% Value Added Tax (VAT) applies to rental costs and services in the UAE [7][13][32]. Some companies might add a small daily Vehicle Registration Fee (VRF), like the AED 5/day cited for Avis [35]. If you plan to pick up the car in one location and drop it off in another within the UAE, a one-way rental fee might apply (Europcar mentioned AED 200 for inter-emirate drop-offs) [7]. Optional delivery or collection services to your hotel or residence will also incur extra fees [7]
[30][32].
The Security Deposit: Why It's Held & When You Get It Back
Ah, the security deposit – a common point of confusion for many renters. Virtually all traditional rental companies require one 
[5]
[14][27]. Its purpose is to cover potential costs like unpaid Salik tolls, traffic fines, fuel discrepancies, potential damage repair excess, or late return fees [7][11][27][28]. It's usually taken as a pre-authorization block on your credit card, not an actual charge, meaning the funds are held but not debited unless needed 
[3][13][27][28].
The amount blocked varies depending on the company and the type of car you rent – expect higher deposits for luxury vehicles [3][13][27]. The range is typically between AED 1,500 and AED 5,000, sometimes more [5][7][13][17]. Now, about getting it back: once you return the car and all checks are clear, the rental company releases the block. Official regulations state this should happen within a maximum of 30 days [27]. However, the time it takes for the funds to actually show as available in your account depends heavily on your bank's processing times, often taking 14 to 28 working days or even longer [11]
[15]
[19][28]. Delays happen, often because the rental company is waiting for potential traffic fines to appear in the system [11][19].
Budgeting Tips: How to Avoid Unexpected Car Rental Costs in Dubai
Nobody likes surprise charges. Being proactive can save you money and hassle when dealing with Dubai car rental pricing. Here are some practical tips drawn from common pitfalls:
•
Inspect Thoroughly: Before you even turn the key, walk around the car with the rental agent. Point out and ensure every single existing scratch, dent, or scuff is noted on the check-out form [26]. Take date-stamped photos or a video for your own records. Check the interior too!
•
Drive Defensively: The easiest way to avoid hefty fines (and admin fees) is to follow the rules. Stick to speed limits, ensure everyone wears seatbelts, don't use your phone while driving, and park legally [26].
•
Return On Time: Returning the car late can result in extra charges, sometimes even a full extra day's rental. Return it in the agreed condition, reasonably clean.
•
Keep Your Paperwork: Hold onto copies of your rental agreement, check-out and check-in forms, fuel receipts, and any other documentation until your deposit is fully released and your final invoice is settled [26].
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