Dubai Toll Roads: rules, prices and alternative routes

27.10.2025

Are you going to rent a car in Dubai through BKF‑auto and go on an independent trip around the emirate? Do not forget to study the Salik toll road system – without this knowledge, a trip can present unpleasant surprises. In this article, we will tell you about everything that is important for a driver to know: from fares and payment methods to alternative routes.

History and operating principle of Salik

The Salik system ("passage" in Arabic) was launched in Dubai in 2007 to regulate traffic and finance the development of the road network.

The principle of operation is simple: electronic gates with sensors are installed on key highways. When a car passes under them, the system reads a special tag linked to the driver's account and charges the fare. Everything happens automatically – there is no need to stop. The travel data is recorded in real time, and the payment is deducted from the Salik account balance. It is convenient and fast, but requires pre-registration and replenishment of the account.

How much does it cost to travel on Salik?

The fare through one Salik gate is fixed and amounts to 4 dirhams (approximately 1,1 USD).

Important: A fee is charged for each gate entry, regardless of the time of day or day of the week. You can cross toll gates multiple times per day, and each time you pass through them, you'll be charged 4 dirhams. For example, if you pass through three Salik gates, the total fee will be 12 dirhams.

How to Pay a Toll Road in Dubai: A Step-by-Step Guide

To use Dubai's toll roads seamlessly through the Salik system, you need to complete several mandatory steps: purchase and activate a special tag, top up your balance, and monitor its status. Below are detailed instructions for each step.

Important: Without a valid tag and sufficient account balance, driving through the Salik Gate will result in a fine, so we recommend understanding the process in advance. This is especially important for those planning to rent a car in Dubai.

Registering a Salik account and how to top up your balance

Account registration and activation:

Get a Salik tag. You can purchase it at authorized retailers (e.g., Salik customer service centers, Emirates petrol stations, or Zoom stores).
Register the tag online on the official Salik website or through the mobile app. You will need your vehicle registration number, passport details, and contact information.
Activate your account by confirming your registration via SMS or email.

Bank balance top-up methods:

Online via the Salik website or app (bank cards, e-wallets).
At Salik service centers (cash, cards).
Via terminals in shopping malls and petrol stations.
Via SMS (send a code to a short code).
Through UAE banks (online banking, branches).

Important: The minimum opening balance is 100 dirhams. It is recommended to maintain a positive balance to avoid penalties.

Features for car renters

If you're renting a car in Dubai through BKF-auto, ask the manager:

Whether the car has an active Salik tag.
Is the Salik fee included in the rental price.
How can I top up my balance if the tag is already installed.

Some rental companies offer cars with pre-activated tags. In this case, you can top up your balance yourself or pay through the agency.

Dubai toll roads map: Salik toll plaza locations

Salik's main gates are located on key highways:

Jebel Ali (the southern entrance to Dubai).
Al Safa (the intersection of Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Wasl Road).
Al Barsha (on Sheikh Zayed Road).
Al Maktoum (in the Dubai World Central area).
Al Garhoud (near the Al Garhoud Bridge).

You can check the exact location on the interactive map on the Salik website or in the app. This will help you plan your route and avoid unexpected expenses.

Features of traffic Salik during rush hours

During peak hours (7:00-9:00 and 17:00-19:00), traffic on toll roads increases. However, the fare remains fixed at 4 dirhams.

Recommended:

Use navigation apps (Google Maps, Waze) to monitor traffic.
Plan trips outside of peak hours to save time.
Monitor your Salik balance to avoid being blocked due to insufficient funds.

Alternative routes to Dubai without toll roads: cost savings on travel

If you want to avoid paying for Salik, you can use free roads. Below are the main workarounds.

Bypass route around Jebel Ali, Al Safa and Al Barsha

Instead of Sheikh Zayed Road (where the Al Safa and Al Barsha gates are located), use:

Al Khail Road is a parallel highway connecting the areas from Jumeirah to Dubai Silicon Oasis.
Emirates Road (E611) is a free alternative for travel between the southern and northern areas.

Bypass of Al Maktoum and Al Garhoud

To bypass Al Maktoum Gate:

Use Dubai-Al Ain Road (E66) to travel toward Al Maktoum Airport.

To avoid Al Garhoud:

Take Creek Road or Al Ittihad Road, which connect Deira and Bur Dubai.

Other free roads

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) is a partially toll-free highway connecting Dubai with Abu Dhabi.
Al Ain-Dubai Road (E77) is suitable for travel to the eastern districts.

Important: Free routes may be longer and more congested. Check travel times in advance using your GPS.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to check if you have unpaid fines Salik

Unpaid violations in Dubai can lead to serious consequences, from blocking departure from the UAE to problems with extending a resident visa or registering a car. Below are detailed instructions on all available verification methods.

1. Through the official Salik website

This is the most popular and convenient method:

Visit the official Salik website;
Select "Check Violations" in the main menu;
Enter the vehicle's license plate number or the Salik tag's identification number;
Enter the captcha code to protect against bots;
Click the "Search" button.

A complete list of unpaid fines will be displayed on the screen, indicating:

Date and time of the violation;
Passing location (Salik gate name);
Fine amount (the standard fine is 100 dirhams for each unpaid trip);
Payment status.

2. Via the Salik mobile app

The official Salik app (available for iOS and Android) lets you check fines anywhere:

Install the app from the App Store or Google Play;
Log in to your account or register if you don't already have one;
Go to the "Violations" section;
Select a search method: by vehicle license plate number or tag number;
Enter the required information and click "Search."

In the app, you'll see:

A list of all current violations;
The total outstanding amount;
The option to immediately pay fines online;
A history of previous violations (if required for reporting purposes).

3. At Salik customer service centers

If you prefer in-person service or are experiencing technical difficulties with online verification, visit any authorized service center.

Steps:

Find the nearest center on the map on the official Salik website;
Bring your passport and vehicle registration documents;
Ask a representative to request a fine verification;
Provide the requested information (vehicle license plate or tags).

The representative will:

Verify your account;
Print a detailed violation report;
Consult you on payment methods;
Help resolve any issues (such as erroneous fines).

Important recommendations:

Check for fines at least once a week, especially if you frequently use toll roads.
Keep your payment receipts – they may be needed in case of disputes.
If you notice an erroneous fine (for example, a fare was paid but the system didn't record it), immediately contact Salik support via the website or service center.
When renting a car, ask the manager how to track fines.

Conclusion

Understanding the Salik system is essential for comfortable driving in Dubai. If you plan to rent a car in Dubai through BKF-auto, confirm the details of the tag and payment in advance. This will allow you to: