When traveling with a group in Dubai, renting a van can be an ideal way to keep everyone together comfortably. Rental vans come in all sizes, from compact minivans to spacious minibuses, to suit family outings or corporate tours. For many visitors, the thought of navigating Dubai’s busy roads is daunting, so it’s important to know whether rentals come with a driver. One common question for travelers is whether these rentals include a professional driver, or if someone in your group must drive. In this article, we explore the types of vans available, compare self-drive versus chauffeur-driven options, and answer if van rentals in Dubai typically come with a driver.
Types of vans available for group tours
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Small Minivans (6–8 seats): Ideal for groups of up to 7 passengers. Vans from Honda, Toyota, or Kia are popular choices for comfort and decent cargo space.
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Medium Vans (9–15 seats): For midsized groups, 10–15-seat vans such as the Toyota Hiace or Nissan Urvan are common choices. These vehicles have ample seating and luggage room, and are relatively affordable — popular for city tours, airport transfers.
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Large Vans / Minibuses (16+ seats): For larger groups, a 15–19 seater Mercedes Sprinter is a common choice. These bigger vehicles have spacious interiors and often extra amenities. Because of their size, such rentals almost always come with a professional driver.
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Economy vs. Luxury Options: You can choose from economy or luxury models. For example, a basic 12-seater Toyota Hiace might be around AED 600–900 per day, whereas a premium 7-seater Mercedes could cost AED 1,000+.
Whether you need a basic people-mover or a luxury coach, Dubai’s van rental market offers options to suit every group and budget.
Van rental options: self-drive vs. chauffeur-driven
When renting a van in Dubai, you have two approaches: drive it yourself or hire a professional driver. Each has its pros and cons:
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Self-Drive: You take the wheel, giving you freedom to set your itinerary. This option is often cheaper and offers more privacy (no chauffeur fees). However, you must have a valid driver’s license and will handle all driving, navigation, and parking. Keep in mind a standard UAE car license covers vehicles up to 7 passengers only, so larger vans may not be offered for self-drive. You’ll also be responsible for fuel, tolls, and a security deposit.
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Chauffeur-Driven: The rental comes with a professional driver provided by the company. This option is convenient — the driver manages navigation, traffic, and parking, allowing your group to relax. Drivers usually know the city well. It does cost more than self-drive, but the price often covers the driver’s service and sometimes fuel or toll charges.
Do van rentals in Dubai include professional drivers?
Whether your van rental comes with a driver in Dubai depends on the service you choose. In many cases, group van rentals do include a professional driver, but not all. Here’s what to know:
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Chauffeur included in many rentals: Many tour-oriented van services include a licensed driver by default. Rental quotes are often inclusive of the driver’s service, and for large vans and minibuses, having a driver is typically standard rather than self-drive. For example, a full-day 12-passenger van with driver can start at roughly AED 450–500 in Dubai.
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Self-drive bookings: If you rent from a regular car hire company, no driver is included — your group must provide a qualified driver (though you may arrange a chauffeur for an extra fee).
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Professional drivers: When a driver is included, they are experienced and know local routes. This adds convenience and safety. Be sure to confirm what’s included (fuel, tolls, driver’s hours) to avoid surprises.
Comparison of Self-Drive vs Chauffeur-Driven Options
For a quick side-by-side overview, the table below compares self-drive and chauffeur-driven van rental options in Dubai:
| Aspect | Self-Drive Van Rental | Chauffeur-Driven Van Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Provided? | No – you drive the van yourself. | Yes – includes a professional driver. |
| License Requirement | Valid driver’s license required. (Tourists need an IDP.) Standard licenses cover up to ~7 passengers. | No license needed on your part – the company’s licensed driver operates the vehicle. |
| Convenience | Moderate – you handle driving, navigation, and parking. | High – driver handles all driving duties while you relax. |
| Cost | Lower base rental cost. Fuel, tolls, parking paid by you; a security deposit is required. | Higher cost (driver service added). Often includes some extras (e.g. fuel, tolls) in the rate; minimal or no deposit needed. |
| Ideal For | Small groups on a budget, or those with a confident local driver in the group. | Tourists, large groups, or anyone who prefers a hassle-free, guided experience. |
Understanding Your Options for Group Van Travel in Dubai
Choosing between self-drive and chauffeur-driven van rentals ultimately depends on your group’s situation. If your group is small and you have a confident driver, a self-drive van can be economical and give you flexibility. However, if convenience or accommodating a larger group is the priority, a chauffeur-driven van is often worth the extra cost, as it lets everyone relax. By understanding the range of van types and services available, you can select an option that best fits your budget and needs. Dubai’s rental companies provide everything from budget-friendly vans to premium chauffeured rides. With the right choice, your group will travel together safely and comfortably, making the most of your Dubai experience.