Launched on 31 January 2025, Salik’s variable toll pricing system introduced a new approach to toll charges in Dubai. The toll fee depends primarily on the time motorists pass through a toll gate. According to the standard schedule, motorists pay AED 6 per crossing during peak hours and AED 4 during off-peak hours, excluding VAT. Moreover, they are not required to pay toll fees between 1:00 am and 6:00 am.
To accurately calculate toll costs, motorists should count the number of crossings and note their timings. This is because toll charges vary depending on the time of day and the day of the week. In addition, VAT at 5% has applied to Salik toll transactions since 1 June 2026.
Current time bands and charges
Salik determines the cost of a toll crossing depending on the time motorists pass through a toll gate. Generally speaking, from Monday to Saturday, the toll is AED 6 per crossing during peak hours, from 6:00 am to 10:00 am and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. During off-peak hours, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm to 1:00 am, the charge is AED 4 per crossing. Passage is free between 1:00 am and 6:00 am daily under the standard schedule. An important point to consider is that these prices exclude VAT.
The time bands change during the holy month of Ramadan. Different arrangements may apply during official holidays and special occasions or events. This is why it’s advisable to check the latest official updates and announcements to know the exact cost.
Sundays, holidays and overnight periods
Sundays have a different charging schedule as the cost of a toll crossing is AED 4, excluding VAT, during chargeable hours. However, when there is a public holiday or special event on Sunday, the prices might differ accordingly. Overnight travel, specifically from 1:00 am to 6:00 am under the standard schedule, is free. Furthermore, Ramadan has a different time frame for free toll crossings, from 2:00 am to 7:00 am.
Gate and crossing rules
Salik toll fees are automatically deducted from the motorist’s prepaid account as soon as the vehicle passes through a toll gate, provided the vehicle has an active Salik tag and the account has a sufficient balance. The Salik system uses radio-frequency identification technology to identify passing vehicles. Therefore, drivers do not need to slow down or stop their vehicles to pay toll fees.
Nevertheless, some toll crossings are subject to specific rules. For instance, passing through both Al Safa North and Al Safa South, or both Al Mamzar North and Al Mamzar South, in the same direction within one hour requires only one toll payment per pair. Moreover, all motorists should check their Salik account balance regularly to ensure they have sufficient funds to cover their toll costs.
Three worked trip-cost examples
Example 1: A trip during peak hours
(following the standard schedule outside Ramadan)
A motorist passes through two chargeable Salik gates between 6:00 am and 10:00 am on a weekday. Each crossing costs AED 6.30, including VAT.
Two crossings × AED 6.30 = AED 12.60
Example 2: A trip during off-peak hours
(following the standard schedule outside Ramadan)
A driver passes through three chargeable gates between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm on a weekday. Each crossing costs AED 4.20, including VAT.
Three crossings × AED 4.20 = AED 12.60
Example 3: A trip during the free overnight period
A motorist passes through four Salik gates between 1:00 am and 6:00 am under the standard schedule.
The four crossings are free of charge.
How to check balance and official updates
Motorists can easily check their Salik account balance through the official website or app. They can also view the costs of recent trips and recharge their accounts. The app also sends notifications when the balance is low and provides other account-related updates.
To stay updated on peak hours, new rates, and free periods, motorists should follow announcements published on the official Salik website and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) website. Staying informed before travelling helps motorists understand the exact charges they may incur.
