Planning a one-week trip to Dubai? Whether you're here for sightseeing, business, shopping, or a quick family vacation, one question always comes up:
What's the best way to get around Dubai for a week? While Dubai offers several transportation options, not every choice is convenient, affordable, or flexible - especially if you're planning to visit multiple attractions.
If you're wondering "How to travel in Dubai for 1 week?" Here's everything you need to know.
Is It Better to Rent a Car in Dubai or Use the Metro? It depends on your itinerary.
Dubai Metro is clean, affordable, and great for commuting between major business districts. However, many popular attractions are not directly connected to metro stations.
For example:
Palm Jumeirah Dubai Miracle Garden Global Village Jumeirah Beach Al Qudra Lakes Hatta Desert safari meeting points You'll often end up combining the metro with taxis, which quickly increases both travel time and costs.
If you're visiting Dubai for just one week, having your own car gives you complete flexibility. You can explore whenever you want without planning your day around public transport schedules.
Do Tourists Need a Car in Dubai? Not everyone does - but many tourists find it worthwhile.
A rental car is especially useful if you:
Want to explore beyond Downtown Dubai Are travelling with family or friends Plan multiple sightseeing trips every day Have luggage to carry Want to avoid waiting for taxis or surge pricing Dubai roads are modern, well-maintained, and navigation is easy with Google Maps.
For most visitors, a weekly car rental in Dubai offers the best balance of convenience and value.
Is Uber Expensive in Dubai? Uber is reliable, but it isn't always the most economical option.
A few airport rides, shopping trips, beach visits, and dinner outings can easily add up over a week.
Here's an example:
Transportation Approximate Weekly Cost Uber & taxis AED 700–1,500+ Metro + taxis AED 350–700 Weekly rental with SelfDrive UAE Starting from just AED 59/day
If you're making multiple trips every day, renting a car is often the smarter financial choice.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Travel in Dubai? If your goal is purely to save money, the Metro remains the cheapest option.
However, if you're balancing:
Convenience Time Comfort Freedom Overall travel costs then a short-term rental often delivers better value.
Instead of paying separately for every ride, you get unlimited flexibility throughout your trip.
Why Choose a Weekly Car Rental? A 7-day rental is ideal because it gives you enough time to experience Dubai at your own pace.
You can comfortably visit:
Burj Khalifa Dubai Mall Dubai Marina Palm Jumeirah Bluewaters Island JBR Beach Miracle Garden Global Village (seasonal) Abu Dhabi (day trip) Desert adventures No waiting.
Just pick up the keys and drive.
Airport Car Rental Makes Your Trip Even Easier One of the biggest advantages of renting a car is starting your journey immediately after landing.
Instead of standing in taxi queues or figuring out metro connections with luggage, you can simply collect your vehicle and head straight to your hotel or first destination.
An airport car rental also saves valuable vacation time, especially if you're arriving late at night or travelling with family.
Why Rent with SelfDrive UAE? If you're looking for car rental in Dubai for tourists , SelfDrive UAE makes the process simple.
Here's what you get: Daily rentals starting from AED 59/day Affordable weekly rental plans Huge selection of economy, SUVs, luxury, and family cars Easy online booking Flexible rental durations Quick pickup and delivery options User-friendly mobile app Whether you need a compact hatchback for city driving or an SUV for family trips, SelfDrive UAE has options to suit every budget.
Summer Sale is LIVE! Planning your trip this summer?
Use promo code: SUMSD & Get AED 50 OFF on Daily & Weekly Rentals .
It's the perfect opportunity to save even more on your Dubai adventure.
Book in Minutes Using the SelfDrive UAE App Skip the paperwork and reserve your car in just a few taps.
With the SelfDrive UAE app , you can:
Browse available cars Compare prices Book instantly Manage your reservation Access exclusive offers Whether you're visiting Dubai for leisure or business, booking through the app makes the entire experience smooth and hassle-free.
Final Thoughts If you're spending one week in Dubai, transportation can significantly shape your experience.
While public transport works for some travellers, a weekly car rental in Dubai offers unmatched flexibility, comfort, and value—especially when you're planning to explore beyond the city's main metro routes.
With SelfDrive UAE AED 59/day , enjoy flexible weekly rentals, and take advantage of the Summer Sale SUMSD to get AED 50 OFF on daily and weekly rentals.
Your Dubai itinerary shouldn't be limited by transportation. Drive where you want, when you want, and make the most of every day.
