The UAE is a federation consisting of seven emirates. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are two of the most renowned and visited emirates. There is a lot of to-and-fro travel between these two emirates. People frequently travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, either for work, to visit family, or just to visit various tourist spots in these two emirates.
This is because both Emirates are home to expats who move between them more often, either for work or leisure. If you are new to the UAE and are confused about how to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, you don’t have to worry. This article lists various means of travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, from buses and shuttles to private taxis and other means such as Uber, Careem, etc.
Distance Between Dubai & Abu Dhabi
The average distance from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is around 140 km. The distance usually varies depending on where you start your journey. This journey can usually take around ninety minutes, depending on the route and the mode of transport you opt for. It is advisable to use the multi-lane highway and account for time when moving out to make a quick and timely trip.
How to Go to Abu Dhabi from Dubai?
The most frequently used means of transport used to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi which include:
• By Bus
• By Taxi
• Airport Shuttle
• Car Rentals
• Other options include ride-hailing services such as Uber and Careem.
The prices of these services usually vary based on factors such as:
• Comfort Level
• Distance between Dubai and Abu Dhabi
• Quantity of passengers.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi on Bus
Taking the bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is a more affordable and convenient option. The bus service is inexpensive and convenient and follows a fixed schedule. No matter when you want to travel, you will likely be able to find a bus as these buses take multiple periodic trips between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
As far as where you can catch the bus from is concerned, there are three main terminals. You can get a bus from these terminals to the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station 1 from Dubai.
These pickup points are:
• Ibn-e- Batuta Metro Station
• Al Ghubaiba Metro Station
• Ibn-e-Batuta Metro Station 8
Depending on the traffic, this trip can take anywhere from 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes. Also, the bus fare from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is around 30 dirhams one way, with the buses departing every twenty minutes.
Buses from DXB to Abu Dhabi
If you want to take the bus straight from the airport to Abu Dhabi, the following table can help you navigate easily.
| Bus Service | Route | Frequency | Fare | Duration | Starting Point (Dubai) | Ending Point (Abu Dhabi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E100 | DXB to Abu Dhabi | Every 30 minutes | AED 25 | ~1.5-2 hours | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station |
| E101 | DXB to Abu Dhabi | Every 20-30 minutes | AED 25 | ~1.5-2 hours | Ibn Battuta Bus Station | Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station |
| Private Shuttles | DXB to Abu Dhabi | On-demand (pre-booked) | Varies | ~1.5 hours | Varies (Hotel/Residence) | Abu Dhabi (Hotel/Residence) |
The buses are loaded with amenities like:
• Wifi
• Air Conditioning
• Comfy seating
• Special seating for women, children and special people.
• Luggage room
• Special section for women, children and families.
• Cafes and vending machines at bus stops
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Traveling through Taxi
This is a more private and customizable option for travelling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. The fares are the same for both ways. Even though taking a taxi between the two emirates is a relatively more expensive option, it is still a preferred one for people looking for privacy, comfort, and convenience. A taxi ride from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is relatively quicker and takes approximately an hour and 20 minutes, costing between AED 225 and 275.
Moreover, the following table can give you an idea if you’re looking for a taxi ride straight from Dubai International Airport to Abu Dhabi.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~150 km (~93 miles) |
| Duration | ~1.5 to 2 hours (depending on traffic) |
| Approximate Fare | AED 300–400 (metered fare; varies based on route and time of travel) |
| Starting Point | Dubai International Airport (DXB) |
| Ending Point | Any location in Abu Dhabi (door-to-door service) |
| Taxi Availability | 24/7 availability from the designated taxi stands at each DXB terminal |
| Airport Surcharge | AED 25 surcharge added to the metered fare for rides starting at the airport |
| Payment Options | Cash, credit/debit cards (most taxis accept card payments) |
| Luggage Capacity | Varies by taxi type (standard taxis can accommodate large suitcases) |
| Luxury Options | Premium taxis (Tesla, Lexus) available at higher rates |
Shuttle Service to Abu Dhabi from Dubai
If you’re looking for an option that can take you from Dubai and Abu Dhabi from within the airport, some companies run shuttles between the two emirates. The fares of this shuttle service depend on contingents such as:
• Type of vehicle
• Type of ride
• Nu of passengers, and
• Permissible luggage amount
Car Rental Services
If you’re looking for a road trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and want to drive yourself, some companies can rent you a car that best suits your needs. This is a quicker and more convenient option that can save you time and keep you in control of your trip.
These rental companies have convenient pick-up and drop-off locations in different cities, which implies that you don’t have to bring the car back to where you picked it up from. Instead, you can drop it off wherever the end of your journey is. This is one of the more convenient travel options.
One of the companies that rents cars is Avis UAE. It is an international car rental service with a global presence. They are equipped with a versatile fleet of cars capable of suiting every customer’s needs. It is a very reliable company that adds immensely to its customers’ convenience, offering 24-hour service in both the Emirates.
Location in Dubai
- Terminals 1,2 and 3 of the DXB
- Sheikh Marwan Building, Sheikh Zayed Rd, close to the Financial Centre Metro Station.
- Office number G-09, JBR.
Abu Dhabi Locations
- Level 4, Parking, Dkypark Plaxa building, Abu Dhabi International Airport.
- Al Otaiba Building, Hamdan Bin Mohammad Street, next to World Trade Centre offices.
Contact Info
+971 (0)4 33027272
+971 (0)2 6218400
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Other Options
There are several other private trip options available from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. People prefer ride-hailing services like Uner and Careem because of their convenient on-the-go services. The prices of these services vary based on distance, ride type, and other factors.
Uber
Following are the average prices of a ride booked on Uber from Dubai to Abu Dhabi:
- Comfort – AED 510
- UnerXL – AED 540 to 560
- Black – AED 740
- Family – AED 475 to AED 500
- Green – AED 510
Careem
Following are the average prices of a ride booked on Careem from Dubai to Abu Dhabi:
- Economy – AED 355
- Business – AED 370
- Max – AED 410
- Careem kids – AED 350
Conclusion
The UAE is a global tourist destination. The country has created conveniences in the form of infrastructural developments and ease of conveyance between the emirates. Dubai provides its visitors with a variety of public and private options, from buses and airport shuttles to car rentals and other ride-hailing options like Uner and Careem.
If you’re planning to visit the UAE, you don’t have to worry about the travel situation since there are plenty of options that can take you from Dubai to Abu Dhabi at your convenience.
