Know your options! How to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Residents and visitors often have to travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai for work or to explore the various attractions in each emirate. If you are interested in scheduling an Abu Dhabi day trip from Dubai, multiple modes of transportation are available to help you get to the capital. Wondering how to go from Dubai to Abu Dhabi? Here are your options.
How to go to Dubai from Abu Dhabi?
If you are going from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, the journey would roughly take an hour and a half. Wondering how to go to Abu Dhabi from Dubai? You can do so via taxis, buses and airport shuttles. Remember, these choices vary in terms of routes, fare and other features.
How far is Dubai from Abu Dhabi?
The distance between the two emirates is approximately 140 km by road. However, the estimate depends on where you start and end your journey.
Let’s explore the various ways to travel, including buses, taxis and car rentals, to help you determine the best option for your travel preferences and budget.
Taxi
Booking a Dubai to Abu Dhabi taxi is a good option for those looking for a faster commute. This journey typically takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
- Taxis can be found throughout Dubai, either hailed on the street or booked through a ride-hailing app. Dubai airport taxis are well-maintained and offer a comfortable and air-conditioned ride, but their rates for the complete journey may be higher than those of regular taxis.
- Those arriving at Dubai International Airport Terminal 1, 2 or 3 can use RTA Airport Taxis to reach the UAE capital. These taxis have a base fare of AED 25 and charge AED 2.19 per kilometre.
- A standard taxi trip from Downtown Dubai costs between AED 250 and AED 300 one way. The ride costs AED 5 if you travel during the day, with an additional AED 2.19 per kilometre charged after that. This may be expensive, but it’s the easiest way to get to Abu Dhabi. If you travel at night (after 10:00 pm), the meter starts at AED 5.50.
Bus
If you are looking for a cost-effective and convenient way to travel, the Dubai to Abu Dhabi intercity bus service is a great option. Buses operating between Dubai and Abu Dhabi typically depart every 20 to 30 minutes, with a one-way fare of AED 25 to AED 30. The journey duration ranges from about 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on the specific route and prevailing traffic conditions.
- E100: Operates between Al Ghubaiba Bus Station and Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (CBS)
- E101: Operates between Ibn Battuta Bus Station and Abu Dhabi CBS
- E102: Al Jafiliyah to Mussafah (for specific destinations)
NOL tickets can be purchased from the stations before boarding. The bus is equipped with soft, comfortable seats, air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Remember to check Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus timings on the RTA official website during Eid and other national holidays.
Which Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus should I choose?
If you are coming from Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, JBR, or JLT, then E101 is your best bet, arriving at and departing from Ibn Battuta Mall. The shopping centre also has a taxi stand and a metro station, so you can easily continue to your next destinations.
However, residents of Downtown Dubai or Old Dubai will find it easier to board the E100 at Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Bur Dubai. These shuttles are air-conditioned.
Don’t forget to top up your Dubai RTA NOL card, an electronic bus pass system introduced by the Roads and Transport Authority(RTA) in the UAE. With this smart card, you can purchase a one-way ticket for the RTA bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi for AED 25.
Airport Shuttles
Etihad Airways and Emirates offer complimentary Dubai to Abu Dhabi airport bus shuttles for economy-class passengers. They run multiple times a day.
Etihad Shuttles
If you are an Etihad passenger, you can get a coach from the pick-up point at the lower levels of Zayed International Airport Arrivals. The coach is air-conditioned and offers Wi-Fi access. Al Wasl Centre is the pick-up/drop-off location in Dubai.
Please book a seat on the Etihad Coach at least 24 hours in advance to avoid inconvenience.
Emirates Shuttles
The complimentary coach service for Emirates passengers is available from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport. The Emirates bus from Dubai Airport to Abu Dhabi is also air-conditioned, ensuring a comfortable journey. This bus service must be booked at least 48 hours in advance to avoid inconveniences.
Additionally, some hotels may offer a free shuttle bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi for their guests, so it’s a good idea to check with your hotel in advance.
You can also opt for the following buses if you want to travel to Abu Dhabi directly from Dubai:
- Board the C01 bus from Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Gold Souq Bus Station External (approximately 33 minutes).
- Take the X13 bus from Gold Souq Bus Station External to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station 7 (about 8 minutes).
- From Al Ghubaiba Bus Station 9, board the E100 bus to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station 1 (approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes).
Rent-a-car
For those who want the flexibility to explore both cities at their own pace, Dubai to Abu Dhabi car rental is a suitable option. This provides the convenience of door-to-door transportation, but one should familiarise oneself with the rental process and driving regulations in the UAE before beginning the journey.
If you want to get to Abu Dhabi from Dubai alone, car rental services in Dubai can also assist you. Some top choices include Avis, Speedy Drive, One Click, Sixt, Al Emad Cars and Thrifty. Another option is Hertz, which allows you to reserve a slot online.
Other Options
Those new to the capital have also been known to rely on ride-hailing apps in Abu Dhabi — the most popular being Uber and Careem. The price depends on the type of ride selected, estimated length and traffic conditions.
Uber
Taking an Uber to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi may come with these charges:
- Green: AED 507
- Comfort: AED 507
- Family: AED 474 – AED 490
- UberXL: AED 539 – AED 554
- Black: AED 733
Careem
Careem has also introduced an intercity travel feature, allowing you to book rides between any emirate in the UAE.
Below are the average starting prices for different ride types:
- 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
FAQS about entering Abu Dhabi from Dubai
Any tips when considering Dubai to Abu Dhabi travel options or vice versa?
- Avoid peak traffic hours (morning and evening) to reduce travel time.
- Always check bus and shuttle timings during holidays and special events.
- Use the NOL card for bus travel to save time and hassle.
- Book airport shuttles at least 24–48 hours in advance.
- Consider ride-hailing apps for flexible, on-demand travel.
What is the cheapest way to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
The cheapest way is via bus. Those on a budget may consider this the best way to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
How far is Abu Dhabi from Dubai?
The driving distance between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is around 140 km. Are you moving to the capital permanently? Know what to do while moving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
Is there a Dubai to Abu Dhabi train service?
Interestingly, the Dubai to Abu Dhabi train will soon become a reality when Etihad Rail passenger trains are fully functional. The entire journey on the train from Dubai to Abu Dhabi will take less than an hour!
How to get from Abu Dhabi to Dubai quickly?
Wondering how to go from Abu Dhabi to Dubai quickly? The best way to reach your desired location is by boarding a taxi or driving yourself. It will get you to your destination within one hour and ten minutes.
Want to go to other emirates from Dubai or Abu Dhabi? Consider the Inter–emirate bus services in the UAE.
How to reach Abu Dhabi from Dubai by Metro?
The Dubai Metro doesn’t directly connect to Abu Dhabi. However, you can use the Dubai Metro Red Line to reach Ibn Battuta Mall Metro Station and board the Abu Dhabi bus (E101) from the Ibn Battuta Metro Bus Stop.
How to go to Abu Dhabi from Dubai by bus?
If you want to return to Dubai from Abu Dhabi, you can take the E100 and E101 RTA buses. Check out the official bus routes for the Abu Dhabi to Dubai intercity buses.
Once you reach the capital city, don’t forget to check out the major tourist spots in Abu Dhabi. There are also plenty of Instagrammable destinations in Abu Dhabi to visit!
We hope this guide helps you plan your travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. No matter which mode of transportation you choose, you can ensure that your journey between these two cities is smooth and enjoyable by planning and selecting the option that best fits your needs.
Let us know in the comments section below if you know of other means of travelling between the two emirates.
