Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the two biggest cities in the United Arab Emirates. Many travelers fly to Abu Dhabi Airport on budget airlines like Wizz Air, then need to reach Dubai. The distance from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is about 130-150 kilometers. In this Abu Dhabi to Dubai transport guide explains all transport options with prices, travel times, and tips to help you choose the best way.
The main road between the cities is the E11 highway. How far is Dubai from Abu Dhabi? It depends on your exact locations, but typically 130-150 kilometers. Travel time ranges from 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes.
Here is a quick comparison:
Bus (E101/E102): AED 25, 1h 15min to 1h 40min – Best for budget travelers
Airport Express: AED 35, 1h 15min – Best for 24/7 service
Taxi: AED 200-400, 1h 15min to 1h 45min – Best for comfort and groups
Rental Car: AED 100-150/day plus fuel, 1h 15min to 1h 45min – Best for flexibility
Bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai: Budget-Friendly Option
The cheapest way to get from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is by bus. Several routes connect the cities.
E100 Bus starts from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station and goes to Al Ghubaiba in Old Dubai. Travel time is 2 hours 15 minutes. Cost is AED 30. This route is good for Old Dubai destinations.
E101 Bus runs from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai. Travel time is 1 hour 40 minutes. Cost is AED 25. At Ibn Battuta you can connect to Dubai Metro Red Line to reach Dubai Marina or Downtown Dubai.
E102 Bus goes from Abu Dhabi Airport directly to Ibn Battuta Station. Travel time is 1 hour 15 minutes. Cost is AED 25. This is perfect if you are arriving at the airport and want cheap transport to Dubai.
Abu Dhabi Airport Express runs between Abu Dhabi Airport and Ibn Battuta Station. Travel time is 1 hour 15 minutes. Cost is AED 35. It runs 24 hours a day with buses every hour. You can pay with cash or card. No NOL card needed.
NOL Card
A NOL card is required for E100, E101, and E102 buses. You cannot pay with cash on these buses. Buy the NOL card at Abu Dhabi Airport vending machines. The card costs AED 25 deposit plus credit for your journey. Tap the card when boarding and exiting the bus. You can use the same NOL card on Dubai Metro and buses.
Pros: Very cheap, safe, regular schedule, connects to Dubai Metro
Cons: Takes longer, crowded during busy times, need to carry luggage, requires NOL card for most routes
Taxi from Abu Dhabi to Dubai: Fast and Comfortable
For the fastest and most comfortable journey, take a taxi. All Abu Dhabi taxis are official grey colored vehicles. Use Hala Taxi (silver in Abu Dhabi, cream in Dubai) for the best government rates. Avoid big black luxury taxis that charge much more.
How to Book: Stop a taxi on the street, use Careem app, take one from the airport taxi stand, or ask your hotel to call one.
Abu Dhabi to Dubai Taxi Fare
Typical costs:
– Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai Marina: AED 250-280
– Abu Dhabi Airport to Downtown Dubai: AED 220-250
– Abu Dhabi city to Dubai Marina: AED 250-300
Prices vary based on time of day (night costs more), exact destination, traffic, and taxi type. All official taxis have meters. You can pay by cash or card.
When to Choose Taxi: Good for 3-4 people sharing cost, lots of luggage, late night arrival, time-sensitive travel, families with children, or when you want door-to-door service.
Pros: Fastest option, very comfortable, door-to-door, available 24/7, good value when shared
Cons: Most expensive for solo travelers, price varies with traffic
Rental Car from Abu Dhabi to Dubai: Maximum Flexibility
Renting a car gives you complete freedom to travel when you want and explore beyond the two cities.
Why Rent a Car: Travel anytime, stop along the way, explore other UAE destinations, good for families, privacy, cost-effective for groups.
How to Rent: Book online in advance for best prices. International companies (Hertz, Budget, Europcar, Avis) and local UAE companies operate at Abu Dhabi Airport and city locations.
Required Documents: Valid passport, international driving license or home country license in English, credit card for deposit. Minimum age usually 21 years.
Driving from Abu Dhabi to Dubai
The E11 highway is modern and well-maintained with signs in English and Arabic. Normal driving time is 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. Speed limits are 120-140 km/h with many cameras. Avoid rush hours: 7-9am and 5-8pm on weekdays, Thursday evening, and Sunday evening.
Costs: Salik toll gates cost AED 4-5 each (about AED 10-15 total). Fuel costs about AED 30-40 one way. Parking in Dubai costs AED 2-4 per hour on streets, with hotel parking often AED 50-100 per day.
Insurance: Basic insurance is included but full coverage costs extra AED 30-50 per day. Extra driver costs AED 20-30 per day.
Pros: Complete freedom, good for families, explore more places, cost-effective for groups
Cons: Need driving license, responsible for car, parking and fuel costs, driving in unfamiliar place
How to Get from Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai
Many tourists arrive at Zayed International Airport (Abu Dhabi Airport) and need transport to Dubai.
Bus Options:
– E102: AED 25, needs NOL card, runs every 90 minutes
– Airport Express: AED 35, accepts cash/card, runs 24/7 every hour
Both go to Ibn Battuta Station with metro connection.
Taxi: Available at airport taxi stand. Costs AED 220-280 depending on Dubai destination. Takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Rental Car: All major companies have desks at airport. Book online in advance for cheaper rates. Process takes 20-30 minutes.
Best Choice by Traveler Type:
– Solo budget: E102 bus
– Solo comfort: Airport Express or taxi
– Couple: Share taxi (good value)
– Family: Taxi or rental car
– Group of 3-4: Share taxi
– Planning UAE exploration: Rental car
Travel Time Comparison
Transport times from Abu Dhabi to Dubai:
| Transport Type | Minimum Time | Maximum Time | Average Time |
| Car/Taxi | 1h 15min | 1h 45min | 1h 30min |
| E102/Airport Express | 1h 15min | 1h 45min | 1h 30min |
| E101 Bus | 1h 40min | 2h 10min | 1h 50min |
| E100 Bus | 2h 15min | 2h 45min | 2h 30min |
What Makes Travel Longer:
– Rush hour traffic (7-9am, 5-8pm weekdays)
– Thursday evening (weekend starts)
– Sunday evening (weekend ends)
– Special events and holidays
– Road accidents
Best Times to Travel: 10am-12pm or 2pm-4pm for lightest traffic.
Cost Comparison by Group Size
Solo Traveler:
– Bus E102/E101: AED 25 (cheapest)
– Airport Express: AED 35
– Taxi: AED 200-280 (expensive alone)
– Best choice: Bus
Two People:
– Bus: AED 50 total (AED 25 each)
– Taxi: AED 200-280 (AED 100-140 each)
– Rental car: AED 145-195 total (AED 72-97 each)
– Best choice: Bus or taxi for comfort
Three to Four People:
– Bus: AED 75-100 total
– Taxi: AED 250-280 (AED 62-93 each)
– Rental car: AED 145-195 (AED 36-65 each)
– Best choice: Taxi or rental car
Money Saving Tips for Abu Dhabi to Dubai Transport Guide
- Book your rental car online in advance to secure better rates than booking upon arrival.
- Share a taxi with other travelers heading to the same general area to split the fare, especially for the Abu Dhabi to Dubai route.
- Travel during off-peak hours to avoid potential surge pricing that can affect both ride-share services and traditional taxis during busy times.
- Purchase a NOL card if you plan on using Dubai’s public transportation (Metro, Tram, Bus, Water Bus) for multiple trips; it’s the most cost-effective way to travel within the city.
Tips for a Smooth Journey
Before You Travel:
- Check traffic on Google Maps for estimated travel time and alternative routes.
- Have your destination address clearly written in both English and Arabic, as not all drivers are fluent in English.
- Always allow extra time for potential delays, especially during peak hours or construction.
- Book your transport (bus tickets, private car service) well in advance if traveling during public holidays or major events.
Documents Needed:
- Your Passport (original copy is often required for identification).
- Credit card and some cash (AED 100-200) for tolls, small purchases, or tips.
- Hotel booking confirmation or a clear address of your accommodation.
- An International Driving License (IDP) alongside your original home country license, if you plan on renting and driving a car.
Technology:
- Download essential apps like Google Maps for navigation, the Careem app for ride-hailing, and the RTA Dubai app for public transport information.
- Ensure your phone is fully charged before departing, and bring a reliable power bank, as the journey can take a few hours.
- Purchase a UAE SIM card upon arrival for reliable and affordable internet access (starting from AED 50+) for navigation and communication.
What to Pack:
- A reusable water bottle; staying hydrated is crucial as the UAE is very hot, particularly outside of air-conditioned areas.
- Sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself from the intense sun.
- A light jacket or sweater, as the air conditioning on buses, taxis, and in indoor spaces can be very strong.
- Snacks for the journey, especially if traveling during meal times or with children.
- A small, secure bag or pouch for keeping valuables close and safe.
Safety Tips:
- Use only official and licensed transport providers (e.g., Dubai Taxi, registered bus services, reputable car services).
- Always keep your valuables (passport, wallet, phone) with you and never leave them unattended.
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded bus stations, metro stops, or tourist areas.
- Share your travel details (mode of transport, expected arrival time) with a friend or family member.
- Save the local emergency numbers in your phone: Police 999, Ambulance 998, Fire Department 997.
For Solo Travelers: Use official transport only, keep phone charged, sit near driver in taxi, stay in well-lit areas at night.
For Families: Keep children close, bring entertainment and snacks, use car seats, divide responsibilities.
Traveling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is easy with three main options: bus (AED 25-35), taxi (AED 200-400), or rental car (AED 100-150/day plus costs). Choose based on your budget, group size, and needs. All options are safe and reliable. The E11 highway connects both cities in 1-2 hours.
Both cities offer world-class attractions. Dubai has Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, beautiful beaches, and exciting entertainment. Abu Dhabi has the stunning Grand Mosque, presidential palace, and theme parks. Most tourists visit both cities in one trip.
Plan your transport, and enjoy your UAE adventure. The journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is simple with this complete guide.
Safe travels!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How far is Dubai from Abu Dhabi?
About 130-150 kilometers depending on exact locations. Connected by E11 highway.
How to get from Abu Dhabi to Dubai cheaply?
E101 or E102 bus costs only AED 25. Requires NOL card payment.
How long does it take to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?
By car/taxi: 1h 15min to 1h 45min.
By bus: 1h 15min to 2h 15min depending on route.
Is there a train from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?
No, currently no train. Etihad Rail project is under construction for future train service.
Can I use Uber from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?
Uber does not operate in Abu Dhabi. Use Careem app which works with official taxis.
What are the taxi fares from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?
AED 200-400 depending on destination. Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai Marina is about AED 250-280.
What is the best time to travel to avoid traffic?
Mid-morning (10am-12pm) or early afternoon (2pm-4pm). Avoid rush hours 7-9am and 5-8pm.
Do I need a special permit to drive from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?
No special permit needed. Just valid driving license (international license for tourists).
Are there luggage restrictions on buses?
Luggage should fit in storage areas. Normal tourist luggage is fine. Very large items better in taxi or car.
Can I buy bus tickets online?
No. E100/E101/E102 require NOL card bought at airport or station. Airport Express tickets bought at airport.
Is it safe to travel alone?
Yes, very safe. UAE has low crime rates. All transport options safe for solo travelers including women.
Which option is best for families with young children?
Taxi or rental car for space, comfort, car seats, and flexibility.
Can I use my Hafilat card on the Abu Dhabi to Dubai bus?
You can use your Hafilat card to pay for an inter-emirate bus ticket from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, but not by simply tapping on/off like a local bus, you buy the ticket at the counter using the Hafilat card as payment first.
What are the Abu Dhabi to Dubai buses like?
The Abu Dhabi to Dubai buses (E100, E101, E102, etc.) are air-conditioned, comfortable long-distance coaches with set schedules running daily between major terminals like Al Wahda/Abu Dhabi Central and Dubai’s Al Ghubaiba or Ibn Battuta.
