How to find a cheap car hire deal in Abu Dhabi
Pick up a cheap rental car in Abu Dhabi for an average of R 1,500 a day and hit the road happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the top providers, helping you find and book the best deal fast.
R 297 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Abu Dhabi.
Planning an extended stay and want to go further than the usual stops? R 2,079 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
To score the best price on a Abu Dhabi car hire, it's a good idea to book in advance. Rates tend to rise as your travel dates approach, and any last-minute deals can vanish like a disappearing act.
Get behind the wheel with Europcar, Alamo or Hertz. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Abu Dhabi car hire policy, whether with Europcar or any other supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a bargain if the provider needs to move vehicles between sites. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid any unexpected charges by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and pay only for what you use.
Want to explore more without stressing about how many miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra costs.
Best value car hire options right now
Topping the list for value is this company, with average prices of R 752 a day.
Offering daily rates of around R 1,570, [this provider](this provider](https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/budget/686)) is next in line.
The third option also helps keep costs down. Expect to pay roughly R 1,879 a day for one of their rentals.
The Small rental category is a reliable option if you're unsure which ride is right for you. It's also the vehicle type that's rented the most in Abu Dhabi.
Flying to Abu Dhabi? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Abu Dhabi, get moving sooner by booking a car hire at Zayed International Airport. The drive from this airport to the city centre is around 32 kilometres and takes about 30 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Abu Dhabi
Small: These cheap rental cars in Abu Dhabi may be small in size, but they come with big advantages. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, great on mileage, and a match made in heaven for city driving.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and extra tech features, this Abu Dhabi car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a wide-angle view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're weaving through remote countryside or cruising down long stretches of highway, many offer all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Abu Dhabi is built to handle heavier loads and bigger groups. They're spacious, functional, and ready for whatever the journey demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your Abu Dhabi car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it's a safety net if something happens. Just remember that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Think about which extras will suit your needs when you rent a car in Abu Dhabi.
Good to know
Age requirements for rentals can vary by provider (and even car type), so know the rules before you book. Some suppliers in the United Arab Emirates may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you're outside the typical age bracket, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
If you're bringing the kids along, check if you need to add a car seat to your Abu Dhabi car rental booking. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
Bring the right documents and save time at pick-up. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no copies) and another form of photo ID. Also keep a credit card handy to cover the required excess. If anything extra is required, you'll find it in your booking.
If you've never driven in the United Arab Emirates, don't forget that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's usually around 55kph in built-up areas and 125kph or so on highways. Always obey the posted signs.
Avoid getting behind the wheel if you'll be consuming alcohol. The United Arab Emirates enforces a zero-tolerance policy on drinking and driving, and penalties may apply.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid busy hours generally for a smoother drive.
The United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) is the currency you'll be using for everyday expenses and activities. Pay with a debit or credit card when it's possible, but carry a little cash for places that don't accept electronic payment.
Best hotels in Abu Dhabi for drivers
Spend less time worrying about where to park and more time relaxing at InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi by IHG. About 5 kilometres from central Abu Dhabi, it comes with accessible parking, ironing services and a restaurant.
InterContinental Hotels Residences ABU Dhabi by IHG gets the details right with valet parking and features like a garden and a bar. It's roughly 5 kilometres from the city centre.
Need more ideas before you book? Browse the full lineup of hotels in Abu Dhabi. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If your car's electric, you can use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
It's time to start exploring now you've found a car hire deal in Abu Dhabi and your hotel. From Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Mosque and Emirates Palace, there's loads to keep you busy here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Abu Dhabi
You'll be well taken care of at Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre and Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Muşaffaḩ.
Al Qurayyah has some comfortable accommodation options such as Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate and Ibis Abu Dhabi Gate. Both give you somewhere to leave your car during your stay.
Want to stretch this drive a little longer? Khawr Fakkān is a popular road trip destination that's around 225 kilometres northeast of Abu Dhabi. Make a few pit stops at Hisn Khorfakkan and Khorfakkan Public Beach.
Book a room at Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort & Spa or Najd Al Meqsar, By Sharjah Collection - Adults Only. Make one of them your base and enjoy everything Khawr Fakkān has to offer. They come with space for your wheels too.
