In the UAE, many residents travel from one emirate to another, either to work, visit their family, or simply explore new places. In this article, we will cover all the available transportation means for you to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi easily and smoothly.
This is because both emirates are where most expats live and commuting between them is the most common.
- The Best Ways to Get From Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Travelling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
If you are wondering how to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, then don’t worry as there are plenty of options available, such as buses, taxis, rental cars, or shuttles.
The journey from Dubai to Abu Dhabi typically takes about 90 minutes by road. For the fastest and most convenient trip, use the multi-lane highways connecting the two cities. However to avoid delays, plan your travel outside peak traffic hours.
These services’ prices depend on many factors, such as:
- how many kilometers from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
- Level of comfort
- Number of passengers.
We’ve compiled the best ways to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
1. Bus Service from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
First of all, bus services are considered the cheapest means of transportation in the UAE to get you from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. In addition to being affordable and convenient, they have fixed schedules as well.
Buses take trips from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and vice versa multiple times a day, so no matter when you want to travel, a bus will always be there at your convenience.
In addition, if you are wondering where to get the bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, then there are three main itineraries that get you to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station 1 from Dubai:
- From Al Ghubaiba Bus Station 9
- From Ibn Battuta Metro Station
- From Ibn Battuta Bus Station 8
These bus transportation from Dubai to Abu Dhabi services take place every 20 minutes, and they both cost AED 30 for a one-way ticket. Furthermore, those trips take around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Learn all about transportation options in the UAE—navigate with ease click here to learn more
Bus From Dubai Airport to Abu Dhabi
If you are headed straight from Dubai Airport to Abu Dhabi, then you most probably will take the detailed route in the table below; it starts at Terminal 3 Dubai Airport and reaches Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station:
| From | To | Duration | Bus Line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 3, DXB | Gold Souq Bus Station External | 33 minutes | C01 |
| Gold Souq Bus Station External | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station 7 | 8 minutes | X13 |
| Al Ghubaiba Bus Station 9 | Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station 1 | 2h 20min | E100 |
Finally, if you think that riding is not comfortable, then you might reconsider after knowing about the great qualities those busses offer:
- Air conditioning
- Wifi
- Comfortable seating
- Priority seating for women, kids, and handicaps
- Luggage room
- Designated section for women, children, and families
- Cafeteria & vending machines at all bus stops
2. Taxi
This is the second available public transport from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Whether you are taking a taxi from Abu Dhabi to Dubai or the other way around, the fares will still be the same.
Although taking a taxi to Abu Dhabi from Dubai isn’t cheap, a lot of people prefer this option for their convenience, comfort, and privacy.
Besides, a taxi ride from Dubai to Abu Dhabi would take around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and it will cost approximately AED 220.36 – AED 275.50.
Taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi Airport
Furthermore, if you want your own taxi ride from DXB (Dubai International Airport) to Abu Dhabi, a taxi car will be waiting for you right outside the airport.
Here are more details on the journey:
| From | To | Duration | Distance | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Airport (DXB) | Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station | 1h – 25 minutes | 151.5 km | Opening fare of AED 25(AED1.75/km) |
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3. Airport Shuttle Services
There are many transportation companies that provide airport shuttles to take you from the airport to any location you want.
For example, GetTransfer.com provides this service for those going to Abu Dhabi from Dubai or the other way around. Moreover, their fleet varies between many types of ride, as shown below in more detail:
| Ride Type | Number of Passengers | Allowed Luggage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | 3 passengers | 3 suitcases | AED 253.42 |
| Comfort | 3 passengers | 3 suitcases | AED 304.83 |
| Business | 3 passengers | 3 suitcases | AED 367.27 |
| Premium | 3 passengers | 3 suitcases | AED 385.63 |
| VIP | 3 passengers | 3 suitcases | AED 628.03 |
| SUV | 5 passengers | 5 suitcases | AED 301.16 |
| VAN | 8 passengers | 6 suitcases | AED 396.65 |
| Minibus | 16 passengers | 16 suitcases | AED 771.27 |
| Bus | 50 passengers | 50 suitcases | AED 1,531.52 |
4. Car Rentals
On the other hand, some people prefer renting a car to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. For instance, many people take road trips from Dubai to the Louvre Abu Dhabi to explore this amazing museum.
A trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi’s Louvre would take around 1 hour and 15 minutes, which is approximately 134.9 km.
In addition, most car rental services have pick-up and drop-off locations for cars. This means that you can rent a car in Dubai and drop it off in the designated location in Abu Dhabi, so there is no need to drive it back to Dubai.
This service comes in real handy for many people travelling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
Options for Car Rentals from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
- Avis UAE
Avis is a worldwide car-renting service. They have a varied fleet to suit all their customers’ needs. Not only are their services convenient and luxurious, but they are also very reliable as well.
Moreover, they offer 24-hour road assistance for emergencies in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- Avis Dubai Locations
- Sheikh Marwan building, Sheikh Zayed road, near the Financial Centre metro station
- Office no G09, Murjan 1, Jumeirah Beach Residence
- Dubai International Airport, at Terminal 1, 2, and 3 arrivals as well as Terminal 1 departures.
- Avis Abu Dhabi Locations
- Al Otaiba building, Hamdan Bin Mohammed street, beside World Trade Centre offices (main office)
- Parking level 4, Skypark Plaza building, Abu Dhabi International Airport
Contact Details
- +971 (0)4 3307272
- +971 (0)2 6218400
Opening Hours
- Monday – Friday: 8 am – 8 pm
- Saturday – Sunday: 8 am – 5 pm
5. Other Transportation Services
There are plenty of other transportation services if you want a private trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by car at any time.
Many people love taking Uber or Careem because of their wonderful service, premium cars, and great convenience. Find below the prices for these car services depending on which ride type you choose.
- Uber
These are the average prices for a car lift from Dubai to Abu Dhabi if you are considering taking Uber:
- Comfort: AED 507.22
- UberXL: AED 539 – AED 554
- Black: AED 733.59
- Family: AED 474 – AED 490
- Green: AED 507.22
- Careem
Recently, Careem added an option for intercity travelling which takes you from any emirate you want to another. Here are their average prices also based on the ride type:
- Economy: AED 352
- Business: AED 370
- Max: AED 404
- Careem Kids: AED 348
- A 5-hour personal captain: AED 580
- A 10-hour personal caption: AED 805
FAQ
You can easily travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi by bus as it’s a convenient and affordable option.
The travel time from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is approximately 2 hours. Both bus services offer a comfortable and affordable way to travel between the two emirates.
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and Dubai, the region’s air travel hub and glitzy tourist destination, are located approximately 140 km (87 miles) apart from each other.
In addition, the shortest distance (air line) between the two cities is 130.42 km (81.04 miles), while the shortest route between them is 150.23 km (93.35 miles), according to the route planner. The driving time between the two cities is approximately 1 hour and 34 minutes.
For the most budget-friendly journey, consider the E100 or E101 bus service operated by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). These buses depart regularly from Dubai’s Al Ghubaiba Bus Station and Ibn Battuta Bus Station, respectively, and arrive at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.
To travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, taking a taxi offers a quick and direct route, which typically lasts around an hour and fifty minutes, according to traffic flow.
Beside, Taxis are available across Dubai and can be easily hailed on the streets or booked through different ride-sharing application. This provides a convenient option for those prioritizing speed and comfort in their commute.
A taxi ride from Dubai to Abu Dhabi usually costs around AED 300 for a standard sedan, accommodating up to 4 passengers. For larger groups, you can go for an SUV, which is priced at approximately AED 250 and fits 6-7 passengers. If you’re traveling with an even bigger group, vans are available, with fares ranging from AED 600 to AED 700. Prices can vary depending on the service and type of vehicle chosen
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, it can be achieved through a combination of bus and subway services with prices ranging between AED 35 to AED 55.
Besides, this journey typically takes approximately 2 hours and 56 minutes. If you’re in need of a quicker option, taking a taxi is the fastest route, with an estimated travel time of 1 hour and 15 minutes and fares ranging from AED 230 to AED 280.
For those looking to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by bus, the service kicks off early at 4:20 AM from Monday to Friday, with the final bus of the day departing at 11:25 PM.
Over the weekend, on Saturdays and Sundays, buses also start at 4:20 AM, but the last one leaves a bit earlier at 11:20 PM. And the journey time takes approximately two hours to reach your destination
The most affordable way to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is by using public transportation. You can take the line 106 bus, switch to the subway, and then catch another bus to Abu Dhabi.
This journey costs between AED 30 and AED 60 and takes about 2 hours and 56 minutes. It’s a budget-friendly option, although it takes a bit longer than other modes of transport.
This guide answers all your questions on how to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and the other way around. Commuting from Dubai to Sharjah is also common for many expats who seek affordable living in Sharjah.
