You’ll cross at least one toll gate while driving to Abu Dhabi’s attractions like the Corniche, Yas Island, or to the airport. It is unavoidable. But here’s a thing- even though it’s in the route most of the visitors have no idea how the Darb toll system actually works, that actually leads them to unexpected charges on their rental car bill.
The following question must be known before you hit the roads in Abu Dhabi-
These are simple questions yet make a lot of difference if not taken into consideration. Whether you’re here for a short trip for a weekend or planning a longer stay, understanding Abu Dhabi toll gate timing will help you prepare the budget and drive smartly. Also, if you’re renting a car from Phantom, knowing the toll process means zero surprises when you return the vehicle.
Darb is Abu Dhabi’s smartest toll system, charging vehicles electronically when they pass through the specific toll gates during peak hours. This system was launched on January 2, 2021 as part of the government’s strategy to regulate traffic congestion and encourage public transport usage.
Older toll systems required physical toll booths or stopping, whereas Darb does not. It uses automatic number plate recognition technology to identify vehicles and deduct fees automatically from registered accounts. No stickers, no last moment rush, and no tags, just smooth driving and a system that handles everything.
The Department of Municipalities and Transport introduced this system to manage growing traffic. With the city’s population increasing over 50% in the past decade, managing traffic becomes an unavoidable task.
Dard has four strategic toll gates, all positioned on the bridges connecting Abu Dhabi Island to the mainland. These are the locations:
Each of these locations has electronic sensors that automatically detect a vehicle’s license plate as you pass through during charging hours.
Here’s the critical information every driver should know when driving in Abu Dhabi about revised Darb timing:
Outside the above mentioned hours, you can cross these toll gates without any charges. The free hours:
So if you’re searching for “Abu Dhabi Salik free timing” or “darb timing,” the answer is steer clear- tolls only apply during those specific peak hours and free during off hours.
Both Darb and Dubai Salik are toll systems but operate independently. Some of the key differences you should know about them-
Some vehicles land into the group of exempted one from Darb charges:
Note- If you qualify for an exemption, the process must be completed through the official Darb portal with required documents.
The toll fee is AED 4 per crossing during peak hours. Abu Dhabi removed the daily and monthly toll caps for private vehicles. Before September 2025 there was a maximum daily charge of AED 16, meaning 4 crossing a day is allowed with free additional crossing. Monthly caps were AED 200 for the first vehicle, AED 150 for a second, and AED 100 for additional ones.
In 2025, every single crossing during peak hours costs AED 4 with no upper limit. This rule does not change much for occasional drivers and tourists. For the daily commuters it is important to plan the routes smartly to the same toll costs.
Special Ramadan Timings- During this holy month Abu Dhabi toll timing adjusts to match changed work schedules. The timings look like this:
In case of your own vehicle you have to compulsorily register. Below is the process to get it done smoothly:
Step 1- Get to the official Darb website or use their platform.
Step 2- Click “create new account” and choose “individual”
Step 3- Enter your email address and complete OTP verification process
Step 4- Select the emirate where your vehicle is registered
Step 5- Enter your traffic code number present at your vehicle registration details
Step 6- Enter your mobile number and complete the OTP verification process
Step 7- Enter a password and log in. Go to your dashboard and complete the vehicle registration process by entering the plate number details.
Notes-
Note-
Abu Dhabi has a growing graph when it comes to transport infrastructure. While the current four toll gates handle traffic perfectly well, yet the authorities are planning to add new gates on high-traffic routes as the city grows. The system is becoming smarter and better with AI-based traffic management. Future updates will include better mobile app features, real-time notifications, and closer integration with Dubai’s Salik system for better cross-emirate traveling.
Abu Dhabi toll timing and charges in 2025 is pretty straightforward once you understand the basics. This system works during weekday peak hours, charging AED 4 per crossing with no daily caps. For visitors renting cars, the process gets simpler- your rental company handles everything.
When you rent from Phantom Rent A Car, the toll charges automatically get tracked and added to the bill. You just have to plan your travel times and routes smartly. Avoid peak hours whenever possible, take the car out on Sundays, and use navigation to plan your routes.
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