Dubai & Abu Dhabi Commute Cost Calculator
Compare your daily commute cost across Metro, bus, car, taxi, and ride-hailing. Includes Salik tolls, fuel prices, and Nol card fares.
How It Works
Find the most cost-effective commute in three steps
Choose Transport
Select your emirate and preferred commute mode — Metro, bus, car, taxi, or Careem/Uber.
Enter Details
Input your one-way distance and mode-specific details like zones, fuel type, or parking.
Compare Costs
See daily, monthly, and annual costs with automatic comparisons to alternative modes.
UAE Transport Costs at a Glance
Key rates and prices for 2025–2026
Metro & Public Transport
- Silver Nol: AED 3–7.50 per trip
- Daily cap: AED 19 (unlimited rides)
- Monthly cap: ~AED 350
- Free bus transfers within 30 min
- Red & Green lines cover key areas
Car Ownership Costs
- Fuel: ~AED 2.90/L (Super 98)
- Salik: AED 4 per gate crossing
- Insurance: AED 250–500/month
- Registration: ~AED 1,200/year
- Parking: AED 0–800/month
Taxi & Ride-Hailing
- Taxi flag fall: AED 12 (day)
- Taxi rate: AED 1.96/km
- Careem Go: 20–30% cheaper than Uber
- Surge pricing during rush hours
- App booking fee: AED 3–4
Fares and fuel prices are estimates based on 2025–2026 rates and may change. Fuel prices are updated monthly by MOHEI. Taxi and ride-hailing costs may vary due to traffic, surge pricing, and route selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Dubai Metro cost?
Dubai Metro fares depend on zones crossed and your Nol card type. Silver Nol: AED 3 (same zone), AED 5 (adjacent zone), AED 7.50 (2+ zones). Gold class is approximately double. Daily cap is AED 19 (Silver) — unlimited rides after that. A monthly cap of around AED 350 applies for regular commuters.
How much is a Nol card in Dubai?
A Silver Nol card costs AED 25 (AED 19 balance + AED 6 card fee). Gold Nol costs AED 25 (AED 19 balance + AED 6 fee). You can also get a personalised Nol card for AED 70 (AED 50 balance). Nol cards can be used on Metro, tram, buses, and water buses.
What is Salik and how much does it cost?
Salik is Dubai's road toll system. Each gate crossing costs AED 4. There are currently 8 Salik gates across Dubai. If your commute crosses 2 gates each way, that's AED 16/day or approximately AED 352/month. Abu Dhabi does not have a road toll system.
How much does a taxi cost in Dubai?
Dubai taxi rates: AED 12 flag fall (AED 13.50 at night), plus AED 1.96/km. Airport pick-up adds AED 25 surcharge. A typical 15km trip costs approximately AED 40–45. App-booked taxis (Careem, Hala) add AED 4 booking fee but often provide better availability.
Is it cheaper to drive or take the Metro in Dubai?
For most commuters, the Metro is significantly cheaper than driving when you factor in fuel, Salik tolls, insurance, maintenance, and parking. A typical Metro commuter spends AED 200–350/month, while a car owner commuting similar distances spends AED 1,500–3,000/month including all costs.
How much does petrol cost in the UAE?
UAE fuel prices are set monthly by the Ministry of Energy. As of 2025, Super 98 petrol is approximately AED 2.90/litre and diesel is AED 2.95/litre. Prices fluctuate based on global oil markets. The UAE has some of the cheapest fuel in the world, but prices have risen significantly since 2021.
Is Careem or Uber cheaper in Dubai?
Careem Go (economy) is typically 20–30% cheaper than Uber X for the same journey. Both have dynamic (surge) pricing during peak hours (7–9am, 5–7pm). Compare both apps before booking. For regular commuters, ride-hailing is generally more expensive than driving but avoids parking and car ownership costs.
Does Abu Dhabi have a Metro?
Abu Dhabi does not currently have an operational metro system. The Abu Dhabi Metro is planned and under development. Currently, public transport in Abu Dhabi consists of buses (using Hafilat cards) and taxis. A monthly bus pass costs AED 100 for unlimited rides.
How much does car insurance cost in the UAE?
Comprehensive car insurance in the UAE costs approximately AED 3,000–6,000/year (AED 250–500/month) depending on the car value, driver profile, and coverage level. Third-party insurance starts from around AED 750/year. Insurance is mandatory for vehicle registration.
What is the cheapest way to commute in Dubai?
The cheapest commute options in Dubai are: (1) Dubai Metro + feeder bus — AED 200–350/month, (2) RTA public bus — AED 130–220/month, (3) Carpooling — share fuel and Salik costs. The Metro is usually the best value for distances along the Red and Green lines, with free transfers to buses.
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