How To Save On Salik Charges — A Guide For Dubai Drivers

Salik is Dubai’s electronic road toll system. It helps manage traffic and reduce congestion. But frequent Salik charges can add up quickly. If you’re looking to reduce toll costs, here are practical tips that can help. For a full breakdown of how the Salik system works, see this ultimate guide to Salik in Dubai.

What Is Salik?

Salik is an automatic toll system operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai. Each time a vehicle passes through a Salik gate, a fee of AED 4 to AED 6  is deducted. As of July 2025, there are 8 active Salik toll gates across Dubai.

Current Salik Gates 

If you’re new to Salik, here’s how to register and activate your Salik tag.

How To Save On Salik Charges?

1. Plan Routes to Avoid Toll Gates

Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to check routes before travelling. Choose roads that bypass Salik gates, especially for non-urgent trips. For example:

• Use Al Khail Road (E44) or Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) instead of Sheikh Zayed Road.
• Use Business Bay Crossing instead of Al Garhoud or Al Maktoum Bridges.

2. Travel During Off-Peak Hours

As of 31 January 2025, Dubai introduced a dynamic Salik pricing model that varies by time of day to ease congestion.

Key points:

• Weekdays: Peak crossings cost AED 6, off‑peak remain AED 4, late nights are free.
• Sundays: Flat AED 4 all day, with toll‑free hours from 1 AM to 6 AM.
• Late-night freedom: Travelling between 1–6 AM incurs no charge.

Check the RTA website or app for updated timing schedules. Read more about the new Salik variable pricing based on time.

3. Carpool or Use Public Transport

Sharing rides reduces the number of trips through toll gates. Also, public transport options like the Dubai Metro, buses, and trams are toll-free. As per RTA stats, Dubai Metro served over 275 million riders in 2024, saving users money on road tolls.

Note: Private carpooling is not allowed unless registered with the RTA.

4. Try To Live Closer to Work or School

Living near your daily destination reduces tolls and fuel costs. Many residential areas have been developed outside Salik zones, like:

• International City
• Dubai Silicon Oasis
• Mirdif

5. Use Toll-Free Roads for School Runs

Many school buses are routed through toll-free roads. Using school buses or carpooling with neighbours can help reduce Salik expenses.

6. Monitor Your Salik Account

Keep track of your Salik usage online. Regular checks help you see patterns and adjust routes. Sign up for SMS or email alerts from the RTA portal. Or you can track Salik trips through the RTA Dubai app. You can also learn how to recharge your Salik account using various online and offline methods.

Knowing how to avoid Salik charges can help reduce your monthly travel costs. With proper planning and route management, it is possible to save money while travelling across Dubai.

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