Abu Dhabi to Dubai by Road: The Complete Travel Guide
The trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi could be quite an adventure. Almost everyone who is coming to the UAE for the first time, wants to cover these two iconic cities, and this is understandable: Dubai has the largest “everything” in the world, while Abu Dhabi also has some unique attractions to offer. So, how far are these cities from each other? How to get there? And, the most important question, how to save some dirhams and find the best way of getting around like a pro?
As anywhere else in the UAE, the transport system between these two favorite tourist spots is well-established and efficient. In short, you have a choice between a bus ride, a taxi, or a car rental and also some extra tips and tricks that we will reveal below for savvy tourists.We will take you through all these ways of transportation step by step. Let’s start!
The distance between Dubai and Abu Dhabi depends on the starting point of your journey, and usually you will find the numbers somewhere between 144 kilometers (if you start from the Bur Dubai area) or 150 kilometers (if you start from the Deira area and the airport).
If you want to get to Abu Dhabi right from Dubai airport, you need to plan the route beforehand, as that includes a bit of transferring and changing. First, you need to get out of the airport. The finest balance between convenience, swiftness and cost will be to go by metro (stops Terminal 1, Terminal 3 ) to the Al Ghubaiba Bus Station or Ibn Battuta Bus Station. Keep in mind that public transport requires the use of NOL cards (no cash accepted), which may also be purchased and topped up at the airport.
From these bus stations, you can take buses to Abu Dhabi – details on these routes will be provided below. In total, the trip will cost you at least 40 AED and the overall travel time will be no less than 2 hours.
Fastest Way: Taxi for a Quick and Comfortable Ride
If speed and comfort are your priorities, taking a taxi is your best bet. Taxis in the UAE are required to use a meter, so the fare is based on distance. On average, you’ll pay between 170 and 350 AED, depending on traffic and the time of day. The trip can take 1 hour or stretch to nearly 2 hours during peak times.
The official RTA taxis are easy to spot, reliable, and reasonably priced. You can flag one down at most bus stations, tourist hubs, or book through the RTA app.
Prefer using apps like Careem or Uber? They’re great for booking in advance and paying cash-free, but they come at a premium. For example, Careem offers a fixed fare of 330 AED for trips between the cities but only if the ride is under 135 kilometers and lasts less than 90 minutes. Longer trips mean extra charges.
Pro Tip: If you're traveling as a group, split the fare between the group members and enjoy a cost-effective ride together.
Most Affordable Option: Hop on the Bus
If you’re looking to save money, buses are your top choice. There are three main routes: E100, E101 and E102. No surprise, they are so popular among tourists: the price is considerably lower compared to taxis. What is more, all buses are air-conditioned, with USB charging ports at every seat and free Wi-Fi (although the connection can be a bit patchy).
If you want to travel to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, you have two main bus options: E100 and E101, both departing from Ibn Battuta Metro Station in Dubai. Here’s how they compare:
E100 is a more frequent service, running 122 trips per day. However, it takes a winding route through Dubai, which can lead to delays during rush hour. The journey may take up to 2.5 hours, so it’s best for those who don’t mind a slower, but more regular, schedule.
On the contrary, E101 is somewhat quicker and much straighter. It skips all the busiest parts of Dubai to avoid traffic, reducing travel time to only about 1.5 hours. Unfortunately, this route runs a little less frequently, so check the schedule to make sure it accommodates your plans.
To get to the Mussafah District in Abu Dhabi, go for the E102 bus which also departs from Ibn Battuta Metro Station. Notably, the Mussafah area is not a tourist attraction in any way, so this route is not the most popular one. However, the E102 bus stops at Abu Dhabi International Airport on request. The price is only 25 AED which makes it the most affordable way to get to the airport.
Whichever bus you take, 25 AED is the shared fare for each individual passenger.
Car Rental: You Decide on Where You Go
For those who value flexibility and independence, renting a car is an excellent way to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Numerous car rental services, including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Dollar Rent A Car, offer competitive rates. On average, renting a basic sedan for a day costs around 150–300 AED, depending on the car model and rental company.
To rent a car in Dubai, you’ll need:
- A valid driving license (an international driving permit may be required).
- Your passport or Emirates ID (for residents).
- A credit card for payment and deposit purposes.
Driving between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is straightforward, thanks to the E11 highway. Renting a car also allows you to explore off-the-beaten-path locations, making it a versatile option for adventurers and families. On the other hand, this is still a costly option. Besides, it carries some downsides such as the hassle of looking for a place to park the car and getting road fines.
Guided Tours: Hassle-Free, All-Inclusive Option
If you want to explore Abu Dhabi’s highlights without worrying about logistics, a guided tour is a fantastic choice. Tour companies offer packages that include transportation, sightseeing, and return trips.
Of course, this convenience is not a cheap one. Tours are usually more expensive than other options, and you’ll have limited time at each stop. But if you’d rather relax and let someone else handle the details, it’s worth it.
Free Option: Airline Buses for Smart Flyers
If you’re flying with Emirates or Etihad Airways, you’re in luck. Both airlines offer free intercity bus services for their passengers.
Emirates: Buses run between Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi city center, with six trips per day.Etihad Airways: Buses run between Abu Dhabi International Airport and Dubai Marina Mall, with ten trips daily.
You’ll need to book your seat in advance and show your flight ticket to board.
Flydubai also offers a bus service between Terminal 2 in Dubai and Al Nasr Street in Abu Dhabi, but this one costs 40 AED.
Final Thoughts
For the quickest and most comfortable ride, a taxi is your best choice as it gets you to the destination in about an hour.
If you’re trying to save some cash, hop on a bus for 25 AED. Just be ready for a longer trip.
For a completely free option, use airline-provided buses in case you are a passenger of these airlines.
No matter which option you choose, the journey between Dubai and Abu Dhabi offers beautiful views and exciting stops along the way, so make the most of it!