Toll Roads in Dubai: What You Should Know as a Renter
The gleaming highways, modern road infrastructure, and overall effective road network make Dubai one of the easiest places to drive in the world. From commuting to work to going on vacation, from renting a car to exploring a new city—many ways call for you to use the road. But, like with any journey, you need to prepare well to enjoy the experience. Understanding the toll roads in Dubai and how they impact your budget is one of them. If you rent a car in Dubai, you can count on convenience and mobility to a whole new level. Yet, there’s a need to also keep track of toll roads. Although this article aims to help you with that.
The Salik system
Salik is Dubai’s toll system, and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) operates it. Salik translates to ‘open’ or ‘clear’ in Arabic, a befitting term for a system meant to clear traffic congestion and promote free flow on Dubai’s busiest roads.
Salik is a cashless, fully electronic toll system.
In the case of Dubai car rentals, the vehicle is fitted with a Salik tag, and any tolls incurred during the rental period are included in the final bill.
How much does Salik cost?
There is no cap on the total amount charged for the day, and while it’s the driver’s responsibility to pay, your rental company may have an internal policy that you should adhere to.
Summary of Salik Costs:
AED 4 per gate pass
You are charged each time you cross a toll gate
You are charged in either direction, even if you drive under the same gate multiple times in a day
Where are the Salik toll gates located?
There are currently eight toll gates across the major roads of Dubai. Toll gates are strategically placed at choke points to manage the city’s traffic flow.
Here’s a list of the toll gates:
Al Barsha Gate – Sheikh Zayed Road
Al Safa Gate – Sheikh Zayed Road
Al Garhoud Gate – Near Garhoud Bridge
Airport Tunnel Gate – Near Dubai International Airport
Al Mamzar South Gate – Ittihad Road (if coming from Sharjah)
Al Mamzar North Gate – Ittihad Road
Jebel Ali Gate – Sheikh Zayed Road (further south)
If you’re moving around the city between key areas like Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, or Deira, you’re likely to pass one of these toll gates.
Salik and Dubai car rentals: how does it work?
The rental car comes fitted with a Salik tag. You don’t have to prepay the tag or even add funds to the Salik account. However, when you pass through a toll gate, the toll fee (AED 4) is recorded and invoiced at the end of the rental period.
What car renters need to know:
Toll charges are automatically recorded and billed
Prepaying the Salik tag isn’t necessary
Some rental companies may pre-load the tag with the right amount of funds
To avoid being surprised by an added expense, ask your rental company about how toll charges are billed and if there are any fees involved before you take the car.
Which routes usually incur tolls?
When you have an idea of the places you’d like to visit and how you want to get there, you can determine the tolls you’re likely to encounter. Here are a few common routes and if you’ll need to drive through a toll gate.
1. Dubai Marina to Downtown Dubai
Tolls incurred: AED 8+ per trip
2. Dubai International Airport to Jumeirah
One of the two toll gates may apply: Airport Tunnel or Al Garhoud
3. Deira to Dubai Mall
You may pass through Al Maktoum Bridge (depending on if it’s open for free for certain times)
4. Sharjah to Dubai
It’s hard to avoid the Al Mamzar gates on this route
5. Jebel Ali to Dubai Marina
Drives through Jebel Ali Gate
How can you minimize toll charges?
Although tolls are part and parcel of driving in Dubai, there are a few ways you can minimize the amount you pay. Especially if you’re staying long-term or driving frequently:
1. Use alternative routes
While toll roads are quicker, there are many routes around Dubai that don’t have toll gates. For example, Al Khail Road and Emirates Road bypass most of the city’s major traffic choke points.
2. Time your commute
The Al Maktoum Bridge is open toll-free at certain times of the day. For example:
From 10 PM to 6 AM on weekdays
On Sundays and public holidays
Use this information to your advantage if you need to commute between business hubs.
3. Bundle up your errands
Plan your errands together so you don’t need to make multiple round trips.
4. Plan your travel pattern
If you realize you’re driving under the same gate multiple times, plan your route around a different gate to avoid additional tolls.
Salik toll rules for inter-emirate travel
Then you’ll need to note the following:
Toll rules for Abu Dhabi
You can’t pay a toll between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but there’s a toll in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi has its toll system called Darb.
Talk to your rental company to see if Darb tolls are included in the car rental cost or charged separately.
Toll rules for Sharjah or other emirates
Almost all routes from Dubai to Sharjah pass through Al Mamzar toll gates.
Toll charge remains AED 4 per gate.
What do you do if you believe you were incorrectly charged?
Although uncommon, sometimes you may get charged erroneously.
What you can do:
Check the rental agreement – make sure you understand how tolls are billed
Ask for a toll report – some rental companies provide a detailed log of toll charges during your rental
Contact RTA – for questions on Salik, you can contact RTA through their website or app
What additional costs do you need to be aware of?
Apart from the AED 4 per gate, your rental company may add a small service fee (usually AED 1–2) per toll charge. This small amount can quickly add up, especially if you drive daily through several toll gates.
To keep it as clear as possible:
Ask for a detailed receipt or toll report at the end of the rental
Check the routes you’ll likely drive and the toll gates to estimate your cost beforehand
Use the RTA app or Google Maps/Waze to identify toll gates
Other safety cameras near toll gates
Besides the traffic police, toll gates are also located in areas with heavy surveillance. For example:
Speed cameras
Red light cameras
Lane discipline cameras
Always adhere to the speed limit, which may vary from 60–120 km/h depending on the road. Driving above this speed may result in fines and black points against your license or additional charges in the case of a rental.
Summary
You can now drive around Dubai with ease, using the city’s state-of-the-art roads. And as part of that, you’ll need to learn about toll roads if you are a frequent renter. Although it’s simple and fully automated, there’s a need to understand the location of toll gates, their charges, and how they affect your travel budget. Whether you’re commuting to work, exploring the city’s tourist attractions, or travelling between emirates, a little knowledge can go a long way in saving money. Most importantly, don’t forget to read the rental agreement to understand how toll charges are calculated and billed. Also, check if the rental company charges an additional admin fee. Once you understand the basics, you can drive around Dubai and focus on the fun part of it—having a great experience.
