When five, eight or twelve people travel together, the question is not only which car fits everyone, but what it comes to per head. Sometimes one minivan is clearly cheaper than two sedans, sometimes it is not. Below we compare the options using real prices from our catalogue as of October 2026, and the current price is always on each car page.
Three options for a group
- 7 to 8 seats: SUV or people carrier. Good for a family or friends up to eight people. There are the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe with 7 seats, the Kia Carnival Noblesse with 8 seats (199 AED a day), the Toyota Granvia with 8 seats (450 AED), and the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride with 8 seats (300 AED each).
- 11 to 16 seats: minivan or minibus. The Hyundai Staria with 11 seats (350 AED), the Toyota Hiace and Nissan Urvan with 13 seats (300 AED each), the Ford Transit with 14 seats (320 AED) and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with 16 seats (400 AED).
- Two ordinary cars. For example two Toyota Camry at 180 AED each, ten people between them.
Partner 7 seaters such as the Suzuki Ertiga (from 115 AED a day) or Toyota Innova are cheaper, but they have their own terms: a 1,000 AED deposit and a 7-day minimum. They suit a week-long trip, not a weekend.
What it costs per person
The table shows the rental cost for 3 days without delivery, and the cost per person when every seat is taken, driver included:
| Option | Seats | Per day, AED | 3 days, AED | Per person for 3 days, AED |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Carnival Noblesse 2022 | 8 | 199 | 597 | about 75 |
| Toyota Granvia 2024 | 8 | 450 | 1,350 | about 169 |
| Hyundai Staria 11 Seater 2024 | 11 | 350 | 1,050 | about 95 |
| Toyota Hiace 13 Seater 2023 | 13 | 300 | 900 | about 69 |
| Ford Transit 14 Seater 2024 | 14 | 320 | 960 | about 69 |
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 16 Seater 2024 | 16 | 400 | 1,200 | 75 |
| Two Toyota Camry 2025 | 10 | 360 | 1,080 | 108 |
The conclusion is simple: 13 to 16 seat minibuses are the cheapest per person, but only if the whole group really travels in them. For eight people the Kia Carnival Noblesse is the cheapest option. The Granvia costs noticeably more: it is the choice when you want a premium cabin, not savings.
The price drops for a week: the Toyota Hiace is 1,800 AED for 7 days, which is about 138 AED per person with 13 passengers.
Seats and luggage
The number of seats includes the driver. In 13 to 16 seat minibuses there is little luggage room when every seat is taken, so count the big suitcases in advance. In 7-seat SUVs the third row is usually best for smaller passengers and short trips, and with a full load the boot almost disappears. For five or six people with suitcases it is more comfortable to take a 7 or 8 seater than to squeeze in.
Rental terms for a group
- Delivery. On rentals of 7 days or more, delivery and return within Dubai are free, and on shorter ones they cost 210 AED together. It is handy if you need to meet the group at the airport or hotel.
- Licence. The driver must be at least 21 with at least one year of experience. Whether your national licence is enough depends on your country. For minibuses with 13 or more seats, check with us before booking which licence category is needed.
- Deposit. Most cars need none, and if one is needed it is shown on the car page.
- Payment. Cash, card or e-wallets. When paying by card, the rental amount may be held as a pre-authorisation.
- Salik and fines. Paid at actual cost by the renter.
Parking and routes
A large vehicle in Dubai needs a little more attention. Malls and business districts have parking spaces designed for ordinary cars, so a long 14 to 16 seat minibus is often easier to leave in an open car park than to take underground. Entrance height on car parks can be limited, so watch the signs. At hotels, ask in advance whether there is room for a minivan.
Two cars are sometimes easier in this respect: they are simpler to park, and the group can split up for different plans. The downsides are obvious: two drivers, two sets of Salik and fines, and keeping together in traffic.
For trips out of town (Hatta, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi) one car suits a big group better: less fuel per head and no losing each other on the road. Driving into Oman is discussed when booking.
The mileage is 250 km a day, as with other cars. For one shared vehicle that is a single allowance, while two cars each have their own.
