You can get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by bus, private transfer, taxi, and rental car.
The cheapest option to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is by public bus, which costs only USD 7. The journey takes about 2 hours, depending on your final destination.
The most popular option to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is the bus, which offers a direct, affordable, and convenient journey!
The fastest way to travel to Abu Dhabi from Dubai is by private transfer, taxi, or rental car, which takes only 1 hour and 30 minutes!
The United Arab Emirates is a land of contrasts and wonders; I’ve experienced it all!
Leveraging this experience, I’m here to guide you through the most effective travel options from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, making your trip memorable and hassle-free!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
Transportation Options from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
The following table outlines all transportation options from Dubai to Abu Dhabi:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Public Bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi | ~2 hrs | $7 |
| Dubai to Abu Dhabi Private Transfer | ~1.5 hrs | $98 to 181 |
| Uber or Taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi | 1.5 hrs | $70 to 170 |
| Rental Car | 1.5 hrs | – |
How far is Abu Dhabi from Dubai?
The distance from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is 86.2 miles or 138.7 kilometers.
Traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes by car.
Getting to Abu Dhabi from Dubai
1. Public Bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Journey Duration: ~2 hours
If you’re planning a trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, taking the public bus is a great option that offers both affordability and convenience.
With three bus services, the E100, E102, and E101, available for pick-up from various locations in Dubai, you can easily find a bus that suits your needs.
For those residing in Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, JBR, or JLT, the E101 and E102 buses are the best options, with pick-up and drop-off points at Ibn Battuta Mall, which also has a taxi stand and a metro station for easy access to your next destination.
If you’re staying in Downtown Dubai or Old Dubai, take the E100 bus from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station. All the buses are air-conditioned, comfortable to travel with, and well worth the cost!
To make your journey hassle-free, top up your NOL card, an electronic bus pass system in the UAE. With the NOL card, you can purchase a one-way ticket for the RTA bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi for just AED 25 or about USD 7!
2. Private Transfer from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Journey Duration: Custom Time
If you’re looking for a more comfortable and private way to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, a private transfer might be the perfect option!
This mode of transportation is ideal for those who prefer the convenience and flexibility of a private car and those traveling with a group of people or with luggage.
Several private transfer companies operate in the UAE, offering a range of vehicles, from luxury sedans to spacious SUVs and mini-buses.
Booking a private transfer in advance ensures that a driver will be waiting for you at your desired pick-up location in Dubai, whether it’s your hotel or the airport, and will take you directly to your destination in Abu Dhabi.
Additionally, if you’re arriving in the UAE for the first time and are unfamiliar with the area, having a knowledgeable driver can help you navigate the roads and find your way around the city.
While private transfers can be more expensive than other modes of transportation, they offer comfort, convenience, and flexibility, making them a popular choice among travelers!
Prices vary depending on the type of vehicle, number of passengers, and the distance of your journey, so be sure to check out the different options to find the best deal for you!
Prices for a private transfer from Dubai to Abu Dhabi:
- Up to 4 passengers: USD 98
- Up to 9 passengers: USD 105
- Up to 3 passengers: USD 107
- Up to 3 passengers: USD 119
- Up to 6 passengers: USD 163
- Up to 6 passengers: USD 181
3. Driving with a Rental Car from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Journey Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
For those who prefer the freedom and flexibility of driving themselves, renting a car is a popular option for traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
Rental cars are widely available in Dubai and can be rented from major car rental companies at the airport or city.
Driving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is relatively easy, as a well-maintained highway connects the two cities. The journey takes around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic, and there are several rest stops along the way.
Renting a car also allows you to explore Abu Dhabi and its surrounding areas at your own pace without relying on public transportation or taxi services.
You can easily visit popular attractions such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Ferrari World, or Yas Island and be free to stop and take in scenic views!
However, it’s important to note that renting a car can be more expensive than other transportation options, and there are additional costs such as fuel, parking fees, and tolls.
It’s also important to be aware of the local driving laws and regulations, such as speed limits and seatbelt laws, to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
Just make sure to factor in the cost and plan before booking your rental car!
4. Uber or Taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Journey Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
And lastly, taking a taxi is another viable option for those looking to travel quickly from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
Taxis in the UAE are known for their reliability, safety, and convenience and can be easily found throughout Dubai.
Catching a taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is more expensive than taking the bus, but it offers a more comfortable and direct option.
The journey takes around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and your starting and final destination.
Be sure to ask the driver for an estimated fare before starting your journey, and have enough cash to pay the fare, as not all taxis accept credit cards.
Expect the price to be around USD 70-USD 80.
Uber and other ride-hailing services are also available in this region, so you can also use them to get from Central Dubai to Abu Dhabi. The estimated fare ranges from USD 103 to USD 170, based on the Uber app option you choose.
Taking a taxi or Uber from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is a convenient and direct option for those looking for a comfortable and hassle-free journey!
Best day tours in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place!
Here, you can find some of the best tours in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Abu Dhabi Hotel Recommendation
1. Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi
If you plan a trip to Abu Dhabi, I highly recommend staying at Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi!
The hotel’s modern design, spacious rooms, and stunning views of the marina make for an unforgettable stay.
And the hotel’s luxurious amenities, on-site dining options, attentive staff, and prime location only add to the experience!
For a luxurious and memorable stay in Abu Dhabi, Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi is a perfect choice!
2. Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island
Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island is our second recommendation for a luxurious stay in Abu Dhabi!
This luxurious hotel is in a prime location on Saadiyat Island, with breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf.
With its stunning private beachfront location, exceptional amenities, and fantastic dining options, this five-star hotel will surely provide an unforgettable experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
The cheapest way to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is by bus, with a one-way ticket costing AED 25 or USD 7!
What is the fastest way to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
The fastest way to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is by car. The car journey from Dubai to Abu Dhabi takes only 1.5 hours.
How long does it take to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by bus?
The journey takes approximately 2 hours, depending on traffic and the specific bus route.
Can I get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by metro?
The Dubai Metro does not have a direct connection to Abu Dhabi. However, you can travel to Ibn Battuta Mall Metro Station on the Dubai Metro’s Red Line and then take the Abu Dhabi bus from the Ibn Battuta Metro Bus Stop.
Are there any tolls or additional fees when traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Yes, there are tolls and additional fees, such as parking fees and fuel costs, when traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. It’s important to factor in these costs when planning your trip and budget accordingly.
More Routes in the UAE
Disclaimer: I was a guest at Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi and Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island. My opinions, as always, are solely my own.
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AnaMaria is a dedicated SEO specialist and content strategist with profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
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Jean Nájera is the CEO of GuateGo, an online marketplace to buy transportation tickets in more than 200 cities. He has profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
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