If you are planning to travel to Abu Dhabi after a few days in Dubai, you have probably wondered if it is possible to travel this route with a rental car? In most cases, the answer is yes. Many travelers start their trip in Dubai and if their car has unlimited mileage, they can travel between the two cities without worrying about additional costs. You are probably wondering what unlimited mileage is! Well, in this article, we will answer all your questions about unlimited mileage car rental Dubai for traveling long distances.
What Does Unlimited Mileage Mean?
Typically, car rental companies in Dubai set a daily mileage limit (for example, 250 kilometers per day) for cars. If you drive more than this distance, you will have to pay a fee for each additional kilometer. But when you see the words Unlimited Mileage or Unlimited Kilometers in the specifications of a car, it means that you can drive as much as you need during the rental period, without paying for each additional kilometer. So if you plan to drive freely in the UAE and between different cities for a few days, using unlimited mileage car rental Dubai is usually a smarter choice.
Can You Take a Rental Car Across Emirates?
In most cases, yes. Many car rental companies allow you to drive between different emirates. So if you are planning to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or other cities in the UAE, you will usually not face any problems. However, some companies may have restrictions on certain cars or luxury models. So if you are planning an intercity trip such as a Dubai to Abu Dhabi road trip, always ask before booking whether the rental agreement allows for travel between emirates.
Also, if your itinerary starts in the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, you can directly use the rent a car in Abu Dhabi service and start your trip from there.
Benefits of Unlimited Mileage for Dubai–Abu Dhabi Trips
Using unlimited mileage car rental UAE has several important advantages:
- Absolute peace of mind: When you don’t have to worry about reaching your daily mileage limit, you drive more focused and relaxed.
- Freedom to travel: The round trip distance from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is about 280 km. If your limit is 250 km, you will only be fined for the round trip! And this is without taking into account the sightseeing within Abu Dhabi itself.
- Economic savings on long trips: If you plan to travel between these two cities for several consecutive days or go to more distant parts of Abu Dhabi (such as Al Ain Oasis), the cost of purchasing the unlimited mileage option will be much lower than the additional kilometer fines.
- Accurate budget management: You pay a fixed fee at the very beginning and will no longer face unpleasant surprises and hidden costs at the end of the contract.
In fact, if you’re planning to experience a true Dubai to Abu Dhabi road trip, unlimited mileage will allow you to visit nearby attractions without worrying about extra costs.
What to Check Before Booking ?
For a good car rental experience, I recommend checking these 5 crucial factors with the car rental company before signing the contract and picking up the car:
1. Insurance Status
Make sure the car has valid third-party and comprehensive insurance. My suggestion is to make sure you use comprehensive insurance (LDW or CDW) so that in the event of an accident, your financial responsibility is minimized or zero. Also, ask if the insurance coverage includes road accidents on Abu Dhabi roads.
2. Road Tolls (Salik & Darb)
In Dubai, electronic road tolls are called “Salik”. When you pass through the Salik gates, a fee is recorded that you have to pay at the end of the trip. But be careful! Abu Dhabi also has its own toll system called “Darb”. Ask the car rental company how the fees recorded in the Abu Dhabi Darb system will be calculated for you.
3. Fuel Policy
Companies usually deliver the car to you with a full tank and expect to return it with a full tank (Full-to-Full). So it is preferable to fill the tank yourself before returning the car so that the company does not charge you extra. Of course, some companies may have different rules, so be sure to ask.
4. Additional Drivers
If your traveling companion also has an international license and wants to get behind the wheel, be sure to register their name as the second driver on the contract. Driving someone whose name is not on the contract is illegal and in the event of an accident, insurance will not cover any damage.
5. Cross-Emirate Restrictions
Although most companies allow travel between emirates, always check this in advance. Some special or luxury cars may have travel restrictions. This is especially important if you plan to use a self-drive car rental UAE for long trips.
Best Vehicles for Long-Distance UAE Travel
If you are looking for intercity car rental UAE, almost any vehicle can meet your needs. However, for routes like Dubai to Abu Dhabi, it is better to choose a car that not only offers good fuel efficiency but also provides a smooth and comfortable driving experience at highway speeds. The table below can help you choose the right vehicle.
| TYPE | OPTIONS | WHY CHOOSE |
|---|---|---|
| SEDAN | Corolla, Sunny, Elantra, Camry | Low fuel, smooth, low cost |
| CROSSOVER | Corolla Cross, Creta, Sportage, X-Trail | More space, comfy, good mileage |
| SUV | Land Cruiser, Patrol, Prado, Pajero | Big space, strong, family friendly |
| LUXURY | Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5, Lexus ES, Range Rover | Premium, smooth, luxury drive |
Choosing the Right Rental Company
If you want to rent a car in Dubai, you have many options, but not all of them offer the same services. Sometimes two companies have almost the same price, but the difference in the terms of the contract can completely change the final cost of your trip.
So before booking, it is better to check the following:
- Are the terms of the contract transparent?
- Are there hidden costs?
- Is the allowed mileage clearly stated?
- Is it possible to deliver the car at the airport or hotel?
- What is the insurance status?
- How is the Salik fee calculated?
- Is 24-hour support service provided?
- Are the cars technically serviced and up-to-date?
We also recommend checking user reviews and previous customers’ experiences on Google Maps or similar platforms to experience the best drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi rental car.
Conclusion
A road trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is one of the most popular tourist routes in the UAE, however, you need to choose wisely between companies that offer unlimited mileage car rental Dubai. If you are looking for a company with transparent contracts, complete information about insurance, additional costs and Unlimited Mileage options, you can also check out Saadatrent. The company offers transparent rental terms and unlimited mileage options for many of its cars, so you can plan your trip between Dubai and Abu Dhabi with more confidence.
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Written by : UAE Script Staff
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