Local Service Guide

Flexible Travel Made Simple: One Way Car Rentals in Dubai

December 31, 2025
4 min read
EllaBy Ella
Flexible Travel Made Simple: One Way Car Rentals in Dubai

Do you know that you can pick up a rental car in Dubai and drop it off in another city without driving back? This smart option saves you time, fuel money, and the hassle of returning to your starting point. One way rentals are changing how people travel across the UAE and beyond.

What is One Way Car Rental Dubai

One way car rental lets you pick up a vehicle in one location and return it to a different branch within the UAE. Think about flying into Dubai Airport for business meetings, driving to Abu Dhabi for more appointments, and catching your flight home from Abu Dhabi Airport. You save an entire day of driving back. Interesting Fact: Most rental companies charge a drop off fee based on the vehicle type and distance between cities. However, this fee is often cheaper than the fuel and time spent driving back to return the car.

How It Works

The process is simple. You book online and check the box for different drop off location. The rental company calculates any additional charges right away. You specify your pickup location and rental dates, then choose your return location by ticking the return to different location option. Everything gets confirmed before you pay.

Popular One Way Routes

Dubai to Abu Dhabi Car Rental with Driver

Business travelers love this route. Abu Dhabi is located on an island in the Persian Gulf and is only a 1.5 hour drive from Dubai. Many companies offer dubai to abu dhabi car rental with driver services. The chauffeur handles traffic while you work on your laptop or make calls. Professional drivers know the fastest routes and all the parking spots near major business districts.

Rent a Car Dubai One Way Within Emirates

Moving between emirates is the most common one way rental. Sharjah, Ajman, and Fujairah are all easily reachable. Companies rarely charge extra fees for moves within nearby emirates. You can explore the entire country without backtracking.

Cross Border Travel Options

Rent a Car from Dubai to Saudi Arabia

Driving a rental car from Dubai into Saudi Arabia is possible but comes with strict conditions, as most UAE rental agreements prohibit taking the car outside the UAE unless special permission is granted. Many major companies stopped cross border rentals recently due to policy concerns. A handful of rental agencies will accommodate UAE to Saudi travel if you arrange it in advance and meet all requirements, including obtaining extra paperwork and paying additional fees. Thrifty Car Rental is one of the few majors known to accommodate travel between Gulf countries by issuing a No Objection Certificate and arranging insurance for cross border travel. You need proper visa documents for yourself and special permits for the vehicle. Without a No Objection Certificate and cross border insurance, crossing the border can lead to fines or being denied entry.

Documents Required for International Travel

A No Objection Certificate from the rental company is required if you plan to drive the car outside the UAE, and without this document, border authorities will not let you cross. Regular UAE insurance does not cover other countries, so you need to purchase extra insurance that protects you while driving in places like Saudi Arabia. Always inform your rental company during booking about your travel plans.

Cost and Fees

Prices vary by company and distance. Longer distances cost more. Charges depend on the type of vehicle rented and city limits. Luxury cars have higher fees than economy models. Weekend trips benefit most from this service. Imagine exploring desert dunes in Liwa on Friday, staying overnight, and returning your car in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. You avoid hours of boring highway driving.

Money Saving Tips

Book early for better rates. Some companies waive one way fees during promotional periods. Monthly rentals often include free drop off at different locations. Compare multiple companies before deciding. Small local agencies sometimes offer flexible terms that big chains do not.

Things to Remember

Check fuel policies carefully. Some companies want the tank full, others use a fair fuel policy. Take photos of the car before leaving to document existing damage. Keep all rental documents with you, especially if crossing emirates. Always keep the rental company's emergency number with you during your trip and save important contacts like roadside assistance, police, and medical services. Having numbers ready saves time during emergencies.

Book Your One Way Car Rental Dubai with 24baba

Planning a trip that does not end where it starts? 24baba makes renting a car in Dubai one way bookings effortless. Our network covers all major cities across the UAE. Choose from economy cars for budget travel or luxury vehicles for special occasions. We handle all the paperwork for dubai to abu dhabi car rental with driver services.  Conclusion One way car rental Dubai opens up countless travel possibilities. Whether moving between emirates for business or planning a road trip that ends in a different city, this service delivers convenience and saves valuable time. The small additional fee is worth avoiding long return drives. With proper planning and the right rental company, you can explore the UAE and neighboring countries on your own schedule. Smart travelers choose flexibility over rigid schedules.

FAQ — Common Questions Answered.