Best Cheap Car Rental Dubai Options for Budget Travellers
The media portrays Dubai as a playground for luxury and extravagance, but does that mean you need to break the bank in order to experience the city and see its sights? Well, the answer is no! Whether you’re talking about glitzy skyscrapers or golden sand dunes, Dubai blends modernity with rich heritage in a perfect way, and you can experience it all without breaking the bank. One of the most practical ways to enjoy the city on a budget and make it convenient for yourself is by renting a car and having the freedom of going where you want and when you want. Dubai’s expansive roads and flawless infrastructure allow you to explore the city at your leisure and pace, which can be much more economical than relying on cabs or Uber.
Many people assume that renting a car is an expensive affair and it is a statement that applies more to Dubai than any other city. However, the truth is, you can find very cheap car rentals in Dubai, catering to both tourists and residents. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a couple of weeks, there are many ways you can ensure you are getting the best deal possible and rent the right car at the right price. By knowing where to go and what to look for, you can drive away to enjoy all that Dubai has to offer on your own budget and at your own convenience.
Why a Budget Traveller Should Consider Renting a Car in Dubai
Many people believe that renting a car is an expensive affair and that is why they tend to only look at public transport as a feasible alternative. While Dubai’s metro and bus system are some of the most efficient and economical public transport options in the world, they can limit you to what you can visit in a day. Let’s see why renting a car is a better idea:
You Have Greater Freedom
One of the best things about a rented car is that it gives you the freedom to drive around wherever you want and whenever you want. If you wanted to see the sunrise in the desert and then watch the sunset at JBR beach, then a car would be your best friend. With a car, you have access to everything, unlike public transport, which limits you to what is near your location.
It Is Time Efficient
Time is money, and as a budget traveller, you do not want to waste time by waiting for buses or not getting on a crowded metro. Having a car allows you to stick to your itinerary and enjoy a stress-free vacation, making the most of your time in Dubai.
Cost-Effective for Group Travellers
If you are travelling with friends or family, splitting the car cost between you will make it much more economical compared to having each of you taking a cab or a bus. While cabs or metros can be more affordable in Dubai, it’s usually more convenient to split the cost of the car and have more freedom in your itinerary.
You Have Access to Less Popular Places
One of the greatest benefits of renting a car is that it allows you to access places which are not very popular. Places like Al Qudra Lakes, Hatta Dam, or even Abu Dhabi can be a 2-hour drive away from Dubai and, without a car, you’d have to take a guided tour to get there, which is quite expensive.
Things to Look for in a Cheap Rental Car
While finding an affordable car doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice quality, it does mean that you have to do some research to ensure you get what you need at the best price. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
Car Type
Most small hatchbacks and economy cars are the most fuel-efficient vehicles, and therefore, they also come at a lower price per day. While it will depend on what you are carrying with you, small cars are ideal for the city unless you are looking to go off-roading.
Fuel Policy
One of the most crucial things to look for is a full-to-full fuel policy. With this, you only pay for the fuel you used and do not have to worry about paying extra fees.
Miles
You should look for unlimited miles, especially if you’re going to be driving around the city for most of the trip. Otherwise, limited mileage can quickly rack up a bill, which can make your holiday more expensive.
Included Insurance
Insurance should be a part of the deal, but make sure you understand what you’re getting. Some rental companies may exclude things like accidents and others like natural disasters, and you might want to get a better deal.
Best Areas in Dubai to Find Cheap Car Rentals
You don’t have to drive into a certain area to find a cheap car. There are different rental places in Dubai that will give you better prices than others. Here are some of the best areas to look for affordable rentals:
Al Barsha
Al Barsha is close to the Mall of the Emirates and has easy access to public transport, which makes it one of the best areas to rent a car from. Al Barsha has many cheap hotels and many rental offices which are often ready to cater to tourists and residents alike. The neighbourhood is also convenient if you’re staying in mid-range or budget hotels in the area.
Deira
Deira is one of the oldest areas in Dubai, and it is full of markets, low-cost hotels, and cheap rentals. Being close to the airport makes it a good place to rent from if you are looking to pick up a car immediately after you land. Plus, there are many car rental companies here which often provide great rates.
Bur Dubai
Another older and affordable area in Dubai, Bur Dubai blends culture and budget-friendliness. Being close to Dubai Museum, Dubai Creek, and cheap restaurants makes it an excellent place to rent a car from if you are looking for an affordable stay and to be near to a variety of places. There are also many car rental companies in the area, providing great deals.
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Although slightly out of the city, Silicon Oasis is a neighbourhood full of long-term residents and office buildings. Car rental offices in the area cater to long-term customers, so they often have cheap deals.
Al Quoz
A more local and not-so-glamorous neighbourhood, Al Quoz, makes an excellent place to rent from. You will find it hard to find any fancy buildings or restaurants in this area, but that is what makes it cheaper. It is a great place to rent from if you are planning to stay for a few days or weeks and do not mind a short drive to most places.
When to Book a Car to Get the Best Deal
There are certain periods in the year when it is harder to find cheap deals. Knowing when to rent a car will make it easier for you to find the best price:
Off-Peak Season
Summer is often not a favourite time to visit Dubai, as it is too hot, but it is when you can get great deals on rentals. It will be harder to find a bargain if you are travelling in winter.
Weekdays Over Weekend
Try not to rent on the weekend, especially Thursday and Friday, when there is a spike in the demand. It will cost you more on a weekend compared to a weekday, so book on a day when there is a lower demand.
Advance Booking
You should always book your car in advance and not wait until the last minute. Many times, walk-in deals can result in you paying more and not being able to get your car right away.
Major Events
Avoid renting during major city events like New Year’s Eve, Dubai Expos, and international events, if you want to find a cheap deal. Often, many car rental offices charge a lot during such events because of the increased demand.
Tips to Save Even More on Your Rental
Compare Prices Online
Before you book your car, you can compare prices on multiple websites. You can also see the deals on offer and whether there are any hidden fees or exclusions.
Go For Manual Transmission
Many times, manual transmission cars are cheaper to rent than automatic ones. If you know how to drive one, it will be a great deal.
Do Not Buy Extras
The rental companies often try to upsell you on a GPS, child seats, or insurance. Unless you really need them, do not go for them. Your phone probably has all the GPS features you need.
Look for Coupons
Before you book your rental, search for coupons or other deals on a variety of sites. There are many websites which offer promo deals to tourists and travellers.
Drop the Car on Time
Avoid dropping the car after the agreed time, as you may be charged extra. Keep track of your time, as every hour counts and the rental company can easily charge you more.
Parking and Driving Tips in Dubai for Budget Travellers
Having an affordable rental deal does not mean you are going to save money by driving in Dubai. Here are some tips which will help you save more money while you are on the road:
Use RTA Parking Apps
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) have a great mobile app which lets you pay for street parking. This will save you money from paying fines for using a meter past the given time.
Avoid Salik Roads
Salik tolls charge you for every time you pass through the toll gates. While you cannot always avoid them, you should avoid passing through as much as possible.
Park in Smart Places
Malls often have free parking for the first few hours, so try to plan your sightseeing and eating around these locations.
Follow Speed Limits
It is often said that Dubai police will not let you get away with anything. They have speed cameras everywhere and are not shy to penalise people. Speed limits are there for a reason, and exceeding it will cost you a fortune.
Ideal Itinerary Using a Budget Rental Car
With your cheap rental car, here is a two-day plan which will help you visit all the major attractions without burning a hole in your pocket:
Day 1 – Old and Central Dubai
- Begin the day in Deira and visit the Gold Souk and Spice Souk.
- Take an abra ride on Dubai Creek for AED 1.
- Visit Al Fahidi Historical District and the Dubai Museum.
- Lunch at a cheap restaurant in Bur Dubai.
- End the day at Dubai Frame or Zabeel Park, which are great and affordable places to visit.
Day 2 – Modern Dubai
- Start the day at Jumeirah Beach and enjoy the free public beach access.
- Visit La Mer or Boxpark for a budget-friendly meal and great views.
- Visit City Walk for shopping and street-style life.
- End the day at The Dubai Mall and watch the famous Dubai Fountain show.
Conclusion
For those looking to experience everything Dubai has to offer without overspending, renting a car is one of the best things you can do. With the right research and the right deal, you can save a lot of money and explore some of the best places in Dubai at your own pace and time. Dubai is a very drivable city with many well-connected roads and extensive car rental options, which makes it easier for tourists and locals alike to explore the city at their own convenience.
Finding affordable car rentals is not hard, especially if you know what you are looking for. With the right research, well-timed bookings, and the right deal, you can drive away in style, see all the iconic sights, and make Dubai yours.
