Let’s be honest—figuring out transportation in Dubai can be confusing. Should you rent a car, rely on taxis, or stick to the metro?
I get it. You’re trying to save money without spending your entire vacation waiting for rides or sweating in the heat.
Here’s the thing: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on how long you’re staying, how many people you’re with, and where you’re going.
So let’s break down the real costs (updated for 2025) and figure out what actually makes sense for your trip.
The Quick Answer
Don’t have time to read everything? Here’s the TL;DR:
- Traveling solo for 2-3 days? Metro + occasional taxi is cheapest
- Couple staying 4+ days? Car rental gives you more bang for your buck
- Family or group of 3+? Car rental wins, hands down
- Business trip? Rent a car—it’s more professional and often cheaper
- Just hitting major tourist spots? Metro works fine
- Still with me? Let’s dive into the actual numbers.
What Are Your Options in Dubai?
Dubai Metro
The metro is clean and modern and covers the main tourist areas. Two lines (Red and Green) connect places like Dubai Mall, Marina, and the Gold Souk.
- What it reaches: Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa area, Marina, JBR, Old Dubai, Airport
- What it doesn’t: Palm Jumeirah, many beaches, Bluewaters Island, most residential areas
- Real talk: It’s great for what it covers, but you’ll still need taxis for a lot of places.
Taxis & Ride Apps (Uber, Careem)
Dubai’s full of clean, metered taxis. Uber and Careem (like Uber but local) work here too.
- The good: Door-to-door, no parking stress, available 24/7
- The bad: Adds up FAST, especially for families
Car Rental
Rent from places like BV Car Dubai and go wherever you want, whenever you want.
- The good: Total freedom, often cheaper for groups, AC whenever you need it
- The bad: You have to drive (though Dubai’s roads are actually pretty easy)
The Real Costs (2025 Prices)
Let’s compare real scenarios with actual prices.
Scenario 1: Solo Traveler, 3 Days
Using Metro:
- 3-day metro pass: AED 60
- Nol card deposit: AED 25 (you get it back)
- Taxis for places metro doesn’t reach: AED 80-100
- Total: AED 165-185
Using Taxis Only:
- About 6 trips per day
- Average AED 30-50 per trip
- Total: AED 540-900
Renting a Car:
- Economy car: AED 100/day × 3 = AED 300
- Fuel: AED 100
- Parking: AED 40
- Tolls (Salik): AED 50
- Total: AED 490
Winner: Metro + occasional taxi saves you AED 300-400
Scenario 2: Couple, 5 Days
Metro + Taxi Mix:
- 5-day metro passes (×2): AED 200
- Taxis for other trips: AED 300-400
- Total: AED 500-600
Taxis Everywhere:
- Splitting costs helps, but it’s still expensive
- Total: AED 1,200-1,800
Car Rental:
- Sedan: AED 120/day × 5 = AED 600
- Fuel: AED 180
- Parking: AED 80
- Tolls: AED 100
- Total: AED 960
Winner: Metro + taxi is slightly cheaper, BUT—for AED 360 more, you get WAY more freedom with a car. Your call.
Scenario 3: Family of 4, One Week
Metro + Taxi:
- 7-day passes (×4): AED 560
- Taxis (you need bigger cars): AED 1,000-1,500
- Total: AED 1,560-2,060
Taxis Only:
- Bigger cars, more trips
- Total: AED 2,800-4,000 (ouch)
Renting an SUV:
- 7-seater SUV: AED 220/day × 7 = AED 1,540
- Fuel: AED 350
- Parking: AED 120
- Tolls: AED 140
- Total: AED 2,150
Winner: Car rental. Plus, you’re not dragging kids on and off metros in 45°C heat.
Scenario 4: Group of 5 Friends, Weekend
Taxis:
- Need 2 cars every trip
- 10 trips over the weekend
- Total: AED 1,000-1,600
Renting a 7-Seater:
- AED 250/day × 2 days = AED 500
- Fuel: AED 150
- Parking & tolls: AED 100
- Total: AED 750
- Split 5 ways = AED 150 per person
Winner: Car rental. Not even close.
Here’s What Nobody Tells You
Metro Hidden Costs:
You’re not just paying for the ticket. You’re also:
- Walking in the heat (sometimes 10-15 minutes from station to destination)
- Taking taxis anyway for places metro doesn’t reach
- Limited to metro operating hours (roughly 5am-midnight)
Taxi Hidden Costs:
- Surge pricing during peak times (can be 50% more)
- Waiting 5-15 minutes for each ride
- That awkward moment when you forget something and have to pay AGAIN to go back
Car Rental Hidden Costs:
- Parking (though most malls are free)
- Salik toll gates (AED 5 each time you pass)
- Fuel (but you control this)
- Be honest with yourself: If you’re taking 4+ taxi rides a day, the car probably makes more sense.
When Each Option Actually Makes Sense
Choose Metro When:
- You’re solo and on a tight budget
- Staying near metro lines
- Only visiting major tourist spots
- Here for 2-3 days max
- Don’t mind walking a bit
Choose Taxis/Uber When:
- Very short stay (1-2 days)
- Only making a few trips
- Going out at night (especially if drinking)
- Hotel to specific restaurant/appointment
- You hate driving in new cities
Choose Car Rental When:
- You’re a family or group
- Staying 4+ days
- Want to visit places outside Dubai (Abu Dhabi, Hatta, etc.)
- Traveling with kids
- Value flexibility and comfort
- Doing any desert/mountain trips
The Break-Even Point
- Solo traveler: Car becomes cheaper after 5-6 days
- Couple: After 3-4 days
- Family of 3+: Car is cheaper from DAY ONE
- Group of 5+: Car saves you 40-50% immediately
2025 Price Reference
Metro (RTA)
- Single journey: AED 4-9
- Daily pass: AED 22
- 7-day pass: AED 150
- 30-day pass: AED 365
Typical Taxi Costs
- Airport to Downtown: AED 85-110
- Marina to Dubai Mall: AED 55-75
- Short trip (5 km): AED 25-35
- Starting fare: AED 12 (AED 25 from airport)
Car Rental (Daily Rates)
- Economy car: AED 90-130
- Sedan: AED 120-180
- SUV: AED 200-320
- 7-seater: AED 220-380
Weekly and monthly rentals get serious discounts—sometimes 40% off
My Honest Recommendations
For Budget Solo Travelers:
Stick to the metro and add taxis when needed. Download both Uber and Careem and compare prices before booking.
For Couples:
If you’re staying less than 4 days and sticking to tourist spots, metro + taxi works. Longer than that? Just get a car—the freedom is worth it.
For Families:
Don’t even think about it—rent a car. Trying to manage kids, strollers, and shopping bags on public transport in Dubai’s heat is miserable. Plus, you’ll actually save money.
For Business Travelers:
Rent a car. Shows up better for client meetings, and you’re not at the mercy of taxi timing. Get a nice sedan and expense it.
For Groups:
Car rental every single time. Split the cost and enjoy actually spending time together instead of coordinating multiple taxis.
Quick Money-Saving Tips
If Using Metro:
- Get the 7-day pass if staying 5+ days
- Skip Gold Class—Silver is fine
- Travel outside peak hours when possible
If Using Taxis:
- Compare Uber, Careem, and RTA taxis
- Avoid airport taxis (they charge extra)
- Book rides in advance when possible
If Renting a Car:
Book with BV Car Dubai for competitive rates
- Weekly/monthly rates are WAY cheaper
- Choose smaller cars (easier to park, less fuel)
- Fill the tank yourself (cheaper than letting rental company do it)
- Use Google Maps instead of paying for GPS
- Avoid Salik tolls if you can (but honestly, it’s hard)
Special Situations
- Going to Abu Dhabi? Definitely rent a car. A one-wa taxi costs AED 300+
- Theme parks (IMG Worlds, Dubai Parks)? Car rental. Public transport barely goes there.
- Desert safari? Book a tour—they include pickup. Don’t try this in a rental sedan.
- Night out drinking? Uber/Careem. Dubai has ZERO tolerance for drinking and driving.
- Beach day? A taxi works if it’s a one-off. Car if you’re beach-hopping.
Why People Choose BV Car Dubai
Look, I’m not going to give you a hard sell. Here’s just what’s real:
- Fair pricing—what you see is what you pay
- Good cars—maintained properly, clean
- Easy process—not a million forms and questions
- Helpful staff—actually answer questions
- Airport pickup—Start your trip right away
- No surprises—clear on what everything costs
That’s it. No fluff.
Bottom Line
For most people visiting Dubai for more than 3 days, especially families or groups, renting a car just makes sense.
You save money, get more freedom, and don’t waste vacation time waiting for taxis or figuring out metro connections.
Solo travelers on super short trips can save a bit with metro + taxi, but you’re trading money for convenience and time.
Do the math based on YOUR situation. Count how many trips you’ll actually make. Be honest about what you want to see. Then choose what works.
Ready to book? Check out our fleet and get a quote—no pressure, just real prices.
FAQs
Is it hard to drive in Dubai as a tourist?
Nope. Roads are excellent, signs are in English, GPS works great. If you can drive at home, you can drive here. Just watch the speed cameras.
Can the metro get me everywhere?
No. It covers major spots but misses a lot—Palm Jumeirah, many beaches, residential areas. You’ll need taxis for complete coverage.
Are taxis safe in Dubai?
Very safe. Highly regulated, metered, professional. They’re just expensive if you use them constantly.
How much is parking in Dubai?
Most malls: Free (first 2-4 hours). Street parking: AED 2-4/hour during business hours. Hotels usually free for guests.
What’s this Salik thing?
Electronic toll. AED 5 every time you pass a toll gate. Rental companies charge you later. Normal use = AED 20-50/day.
Can I split rental costs with friends?
Yes! That’s why it’s so cheap for groups. AED 200/day split 4 ways = AED 50 per person.
Do I need international driving permit?
Depends where you’re from. US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia—no. Most Asian/African countries—yes. Check before you arrive.
What if I only need a car for one day?
Many places including BV Car Dubai do daily rentals. Good for day trips to Abu Dhabi or Hatta.
How long does rental pickup take?
15-30 minutes if you have documents ready and booked online. Walk-ins take longer.
Any hidden fees I should know about?
Nope, not with reputable companies. Just remember: deposit (refunded later), Salik tolls, fuel, and parking. That’s it.
