Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is a modern city spread across islands and the mainland. For long-term travelers or expats on a tight budget, transportation can become a significant expense. With some planning, however, you can balance cost and convenience. Whether you rent a car or rely on public transport and taxis, understanding your options will help you get around without overspending. This guide explores how monthly car rentals, public transit, and other methods can keep your travel costs low while you enjoy Abu Dhabi.

Monthly Car Rental in Abu Dhabi: Freedom and Savings

One popular strategy for extended stays is opting for a monthly car rental. Renting a car on a monthly basis in Abu Dhabi often works out much cheaper per day than short-term hires. According to Octane Rent (https://octane.rent/monthly-car-rental-abu-dhabi/), a leading car rental platform in the UAE, customers can save up to 40% compared to daily rates when opting for monthly packages – especially beneficial for business travelers and digital nomads. Monthly rates range roughly from AED 1,364 to AED 7,000 (about $370 to $1,900) depending on the car category. Economy cars sit at the lower end of this range, while larger or luxury vehicles cost more. The key benefit is that long-term rentals come with discounted rates, offering better cost-efficiency and convenience for those staying several weeks or more. You get the convenience of having a personal vehicle for your entire stay, without the commitment of buying a car.

Monthly rentals also usually include basic insurance and maintenance, which means fewer surprise expenses during your stay. Some companies even provide free delivery or pickup of the vehicle for long-term customers. All of this lets you focus on exploring the UAE rather than worrying about car upkeep. The freedom to drive anywhere at any time is especially useful in Abu Dhabi – you can easily visit sights around the city or take road trips to places like Al Ain or Dubai on your own schedule.

There are a few cost considerations to keep in mind. Fuel is one: the UAE’s petrol prices are quite low by global standards (around AED 2.6 per liter for gasoline as of mid-2025), so fuel won’t cost you as much as it might in Europe or the US. Parking is another factor – many areas have paid street parking (Mawaqif) that costs a few dirhams per hour. If your accommodation includes a parking spot or you use public parking during off-peak hours, this expense is manageable, but it’s wise to budget for it. Also, be aware of any mileage limits in your rental agreement; unlimited mileage plans are ideal if you expect to drive a lot. Finally, ensure you meet the rental requirements (a valid driving license accepted in the UAE, typically being 21+ years old, and a credit card for the deposit). Comparing offers from different rental agencies can help you find the best monthly deal with the least extra fees.

Public Transportation: Buses on a Budget

Abu Dhabi’s public transport network offers a very affordable way to get around the city. The bus system is extensive and comfortable, with air-conditioned buses connecting most neighborhoods. The fares are exceptionally low: a trip within the city costs just AED 2 (about $0.50) when using a rechargeable Hafilat card. In Abu Dhabi, bus fares are paid with this Hafilat smart card (a one-time purchase of AED 10, valid for years) instead of cash. Traveling to the suburbs costs only slightly more (a base AED 2 plus a small per-kilometer charge). For frequent travelers, the best option is to purchase a bus pass. A monthly Hafilat pass costs around AED 80 and grants unlimited rides on Abu Dhabi buses – meaning you could ride the bus every day for a month for roughly the price of two or three taxi rides.

Using the bus regularly can keep your transport expenses ultra-low, well under AED 100 per month. The main trade-off is time and flexibility. Buses run frequently and even offer 24-hour service on some routes, but you’ll need to plan around their schedules and possibly spend longer in transit compared to driving. Still, the network is reliable. Long-term visitors quickly learn the major bus routes or use the ITC’s journey planner apps to navigate efficiently. Overall, if you don’t mind a bit of extra travel time, the bus system lets you explore the city and commute at an incredibly low cost. Even intercity buses are very cheap (for instance, about AED 25 to go from Abu Dhabi to Dubai).

All buses are air-conditioned and widely used by residents, so public transit is a comfortable and safe choice for budget travelers.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Occasional Convenience

Taxis are another convenient transportation option in Abu Dhabi, and they are relatively affordable for occasional use. They charge a roughly AED 5 flagfall plus about AED 1.8 per km (with a minimum fare around AED 12). A typical cross-town ride might cost only AED 20–40 ($6–$11), far cheaper than in many Western cities. You can hail taxis on the street, find them at taxi stands, or book one through the Abu Dhabi Taxi app (a phone booking incurs a small fee of AED 4–5). The taxis are regulated and safe, and drivers generally speak basic English. For an expat or traveler, taxis are a comfortable way to get around when you’re not driving; but using them daily would become costly.

Uber and Careem ride-hailing apps also operate in Abu Dhabi, with fares usually comparable to taxis (though they can surge higher at busy times). They offer the convenience of booking and paying by phone.

Abu Dhabi even offers car-sharing services (like Udrive and Ekar) where you can rent a car by the minute via an app. This pay-as-you-go model (around AED 1 per minute, fuel included) can be economical if you only need a car occasionally, without committing to a full rental.

Getting Around Affordably in Abu Dhabi

Long-term travelers in Abu Dhabi have multiple strategies to stay mobile while keeping costs under control. If your priority is independence and speed, a monthly car rental provides excellent value and convenience – you can drive anywhere, anytime, and likely save on a per-day basis compared to constant short-term rentals or many taxi rides. On the other hand, if you’re keen to save money and don’t mind a bit of extra travel time, the public bus system can cover your needs for under AED 100 a month with a 30-day pass, an unbeatable bargain for unlimited city travel. Most long-term visitors find a balance: for example, using buses for routine trips, and renting a car or hailing a taxi on occasions when they want extra comfort or need to reach places the bus doesn’t easily go. By mixing and matching transportation modes, you can enjoy all that Abu Dhabi offers without overspending on transit.

Abu Dhabi is continually investing in its transportation infrastructure – from smart bus services to future metro lines – making it easier each year for residents and visitors to get around affordably. With a bit of planning, you can navigate the UAE’s capital on a monthly budget and still experience everything, from the grand mosque to the remote dunes, all while keeping your costs in check. Whether you choose to rent a car for maximum freedom or ride the bus to maximize savings, Abu Dhabi welcomes long-term travelers with options for every budget and preference.