Quick answer: Yes, you can rent a car in Dubai and drive to Abu Dhabi with BVCAR. You book from BVCAR’s Al Barsha South office. The car is yours to drive anywhere in the UAE, including Abu Dhabi. Economy cars start from AED 50 a day, with weekly and monthly plans too. Message BVCAR on WhatsApp to confirm your dates, car, and any delivery details before you go.
Can You Rent a Car in Dubai to Drive to Abu Dhabi?
Yes. BVCAR is based in Al Barsha South, Dubai, and every rental can go anywhere in the UAE. Abu Dhabi is no exception. You don’t need a separate branch or a counter in Abu Dhabi. Book through WhatsApp, confirm your dates and car, then arrange pickup, delivery, or drop-off with the team.
This works for a day trip from Dubai. It also works if you’re staying in Abu Dhabi for a few days and want the car delivered there instead.
Renting vs. a Taxi: What It Actually Costs
A one-way taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi runs about AED 250 to 300 on the meter. Ride-hailing apps cost more at busy times.
A BVCAR economy rental starts from AED 50 a day. For close to one taxi fare, you get the car for the whole day. That’s the drive out, the drive back, and every stop along the way. Weekly and monthly rates lower the daily cost further.
How Far Is Abu Dhabi from Dubai?
Abu Dhabi city center sits about 140 km southwest of Dubai. The drive takes roughly 90 minutes to two hours on the E11, known as Sheikh Zayed Road. Traffic adds time during the morning and evening rush. The road itself is wide and well maintained, so the trip is easy even in an economy car.
The Drive: Tolls and a Stop Along the Way
Two Salik toll gates sit on the E11, at about AED 4 each, billed based on actual use. About halfway, Al Samha makes a natural stop for fuel and a break. You’ll also pass an Abu Dhabi checkpoint near Ghantoot — not an immigration check, just keep your ID within reach.
BVCAR’s Fleet and Rates for the Trip
BVCAR’s fleet covers four categories: Economy HB, Economy Sedans, Mid-Size Sedans, and SUV. Economy HB starts at AED 50 a day with the Toyota Yaris. Economy Sedans starts at AED 55 a day with the Nissan Sunny. Mid-Size Sedans starts at AED 75 a day with the MG-5. SUV starts at AED 75 a day with the Renault Duster. Want more space? The MG-ZS runs AED 99 a day.
Most of the fleet seats five with automatic transmission, except the six-seat Renault Duster and the manual Toyota Yaris. For a straightforward highway run, the Yaris is the cheapest option and handles the drive fine. The Duster or MG-ZS gives more room for a full car heading to Yas Island. Full pricing is on BVCAR’s Dubai rental page.
What’s Included (and What Isn’t)
Every BVCAR rental includes comprehensive insurance, a mileage allowance, and free cleaning. Extras like CDW, an additional driver, or GPS cost more and are optional.
Salik toll charges, parking, and traffic fines are billed separately, based on what you actually use. There’s no hidden markup.
BVCAR charges one flat security deposit across its whole fleet, not a different amount for every car. It’s a card hold, not a cash payment. The exact figure moves with the market, so BVCAR confirms it with you directly on WhatsApp before booking. (For the full breakdown, see BVCAR’s security deposit guide.)
How to Book a Car for Abu Dhabi
- Message BVCAR on WhatsApp with your dates and preferred car.
- Confirm the rate and the deposit for your booking.
- Share your driving license and Emirates ID or passport.
- Agree on pickup, delivery, or drop-off details.
- Pick up your car, or have it delivered, and go.
Best Time to Visit Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi sits on the coast, so it’s hot and humid from June through September. Midday sightseeing gets uncomfortable fast in that stretch.
November through March is easier. Days are mild, evenings are cooler, and outdoor stops like the Corniche or Yas Island are far more pleasant.
Best Things to Do in Abu Dhabi With a Rental Car
Abu Dhabi’s main sights are spread across the city, so having your own car saves time between stops.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world. Its white marble domes and courtyards took over a decade to build. Entry is free, though dress should be modest. Budget an hour, more with a guided tour.
Louvre Abu Dhabi sits on Saadiyat Island under its landmark dome, with a collection spanning world art and history. Plan for about two hours.
The Corniche is a free waterfront promenade along the Arabian Gulf. It’s an easy stop between the mosque and the museum. Thirty minutes is enough for a walk.
Yas Island holds Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, and Yas Mall. It’s the most time-intensive stop, worth most of a day if you go inside any park.
A rental car lets you string these together on your own schedule. Park at each stop instead of waiting on a tour bus.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a car for a trip to Abu Dhabi?
Economy cars start from AED 50 a day through BVCAR. Weekly and monthly rates are lower per day. Exact pricing depends on the car and rental length.
How long does it take to drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Roughly 90 minutes to two hours, covering about 140 km on the E11 highway. Traffic during rush hour adds time.
Can I pick up a car in Dubai and drop it off in Abu Dhabi?
This depends on the booking. Confirm one-way pickup and drop-off directly with BVCAR on WhatsApp before you reserve.
Is there a security deposit for a rental used for Abu Dhabi?
Yes, one flat deposit applies across BVCAR’s fleet. It’s a card hold, not a cash payment, and BVCAR confirms the current amount on WhatsApp.
Do I need an international driving permit to rent a car for this trip?
Not always. Many nationalities can drive on their home license. Some also need an International Driving Permit. Check with BVCAR based on your nationality.
Can I take a BVCAR rental to other emirates besides Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Rentals can be driven anywhere in the UAE. Cross-border trips outside the UAE need prior approval and extra insurance.
Is it cheaper to rent a car or take a taxi to Abu Dhabi?
Usually renting. A one-way taxi runs about AED 250 to 300, more with ride-hailing apps. A BVCAR economy rental starts from AED 50 a day for the whole trip.
What’s the best time of year to visit Abu Dhabi?
November through March. Temperatures are milder than the summer months, which makes outdoor spots like the Corniche and Yas Island more comfortable.
Ready to book? Chat with BVCAR on WhatsApp to confirm your car and rate for Abu Dhabi.
