Every rental car in Dubai already has a Salik tag, so toll gates charge automatically — you don't need to do anything at the gate. Each crossing (AED 4–6 depending on time of day) is rebilled to you after the rental by the rental company, usually to the card used for the deposit, often with a small admin fee per crossing.
What Salik is
Salik is Dubai's electronic toll system. Gates sit on the main routes — including several along Sheikh Zayed Road — and read the tag on the windscreen as you pass; there are no barriers and nothing to stop for. Pricing varies by time of day: crossings cost AED 4–6, with peak hours at the top of that range, off-peak cheaper, and a free window in the early hours.
How the tolls reach you
- The rental company receives the toll record and rebills it after your rental, normally to the card used for your deposit.
- Charges can arrive days or even weeks later — this is one reason deposit holds aren't released immediately.
- Many desks add a small admin or handling fee per crossing — the rental conditions shown at booking state whether yours does.
If a toll charge looks wrong
Keep your voucher and note your driving dates. If a Salik charge appears that you don't recognise, open a support ticket with your booking reference and the charge details, and we'll help you query it with the rental company.
Plan your trip
Tolls are a normal part of driving in Dubai and rarely add much to a trip. Compare rental cars to find your rate, and see car rental help for the rest of the driving essentials.