Skip to Content

4 Best Ways to get from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, United Arab Emirates

You can get from Abu Dhabi to Dubai by bus, private transfer, taxi, and rental car!

The cheapest option to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai 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 get to Dubai from Abu Dhabi is the bus, offering a direct, affordable, and convenient journey!

The fastest way to travel to Dubai from Abu Dhabi is by private transfer, taxi, or rental car, which takes only 1 hour and 30 minutes!

My adventures in the United Arab Emirates have taken me through a spectrum of travel experiences, equipping me with a deep understanding of how to get around efficiently and enjoyably.

This guide is your comprehensive resource for navigating the UAE’s diverse transportation options, ensuring a smooth journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai!

Check our guide for the best options to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai.

Transportation Options from Abu Dhabi to Dubai

The following table outlines all transportation options from Abu Dhabi to Dubai:

MethodTimePrice
Public Bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai~2 hrs$7
Abu Dhabi to Dubai Private Transfer~1.5 hrs$87 to 181
Taxi from Abu Dhabi to Dubai1.5 hrs$70 to 170
Rental Car1.5 hrs

How far is Dubai from Abu Dhabi?

The distance from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is 86.6 miles or 139.4 kilometers.

Traveling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai by car takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Getting to Dubai from Abu Dhabi

1. Public Bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai

Journey Duration: ~2 hours

One of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is through the public bus system. 

These fully air-conditioned buses are equipped with a payment system and operate on two different routes: E100 and E101. 

The E100 route starts at Al Wahda, Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, and ends at Bur Dubai, Al Ghubaiba Bus Station. This route has a travel time of approximately 2 hours and runs daily with varying intervals depending on the day of the week. 

The E101 route also starts at Al Wahda, Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, and ends at Ibn Battuta Metro Station in Dubai, with a travel time of around 1.5 hours. This route also runs daily with varying intervals. 

Each ticket for both routes costs AED 25 or about USD 7 and can be purchased at the counter or through an NOL card, although note that there are no machines to recharge your NOL card at the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.

How To Get From Abu Dhabi To Dubai1
©depositphotos.com

2. Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi to Dubai

Journey Duration: Custom Time

If you’re looking for a more personalized travel experience, a private transfer could be the perfect option for your journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai! 

Private transfers offer a comfortable and convenient way to travel, as you’ll be picked up at your desired location and transported directly to your destination in Dubai. 

These transfers are available 24/7 and can be booked in advance, making them a hassle-free option for those with specific travel requirements.

Private transfers can also be customized to your preferences, whether you’re looking for a luxury ride or a more budget-friendly option. 

The cost of a private transfer will depend on the distance traveled and the type of vehicle chosen, but prices generally start from around USD 87. 

Multiple companies, such as Desert Rose Tourism and Ultimate Experience, provide different deals depending on your group size!

While private transfers may be more expensive than public transport options, they offer a stress-free and efficient travel experience that can be well worth the investment.

Check out all the options and book a private transfer from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in advance!

Prices for a private transfer from Abu Dhabi to Dubai

  • Up to 4 passengers: USD 87
  • Up to 9 passengers: USD 96
  • Up to 3 passengers: USD 107
  • Up to 3 passengers: USD 119
  • Up to 6 passengers: USD 163
  • Up to 6 passengers: USD 181

Do you need help arranging your transportation?

Transportation 1

Complete this form and one of our transportation specialists will be in touch!

We specialize in arranging transportation across Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, Panama, Brazil, Thailand, and Colombia!

3. Driving with a Rental Car from Abu Dhabi to Dubai

Journey Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Another popular option for traveling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is renting a car

Rental cars offer great flexibility, as you can choose your route and schedule and stop at exciting places along the way. 

Car rentals are readily available in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with a range of international and local companies offering a variety of vehicles to suit different preferences and budgets.

Prices for car rentals in the UAE vary depending on the type of car, duration of the rental, and the company, but you can generally expect to pay around AED 100-200 per day for a basic vehicle. 

The roads between Abu Dhabi and Dubai are well-maintained, with clear signage and ample rest areas. 

Before renting a car, ensure a valid driver’s license and check the terms and conditions of the rental agreement. We also recommend booking a rental in advance to secure the best deal!

How To Get From Abu Dhabi To Dubai2
©depositphotos.com

4. Uber or Taxi from Abu Dhabi to Dubai

Journey Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

A taxi or Uber is another option for getting from Abu Dhabi to Dubai!

Taxis and ride-hailing services are convenient and readily available in both cities and can be quickly booked through a smartphone app or hailed from the street. 

The journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai by taxi or Uber generally takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. Taxis in the UAE are metered, with fares starting at AED 5 and increasing by around AED 2 per kilometer traveled. 

You can expect the Abu Dhabi to Dubai fare to cost about USD 70-USD 90.

Uber also operates in the UAE, with fares more expensive than taxis. Uber offers various ride options so the price can go up to USD 170. 

Depending on the time of day and traffic conditions, taking a taxi or Uber can be more expensive than other transport options. Still, it’s a comfortable and reliable option, especially for those with luggage or traveling in a group!

Best day tours in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Best Tours In Dubai

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 Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Protect your trip: With all our travel experience, we highly recommend you hit the road with travel insurance! SafetyWing offers flexible & reliable Digital Nomads Travel Medical Insurance at just a third of the price of similar competitor plans.

What is the cheapest way to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?

Public bus is the cheapest way to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. The bus fare costs AED 25 or about USD 7 per person, considerably more affordable than taking a taxi or renting a car.

What is the fastest way to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?

The fastest way to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is by car. You can get from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in only 1 hour and 20 minutes!

How long does it take to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai by public bus?

The journey time by public bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai varies depending on the route and traffic conditions. The E100 bus route takes approximately 2 hours, while the E101 bus takes around 1.5 hours.

Are taxis and ride-hailing services readily available in Abu Dhabi and Dubai?

Yes, taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber are widely available in both cities and can be quickly booked through a smartphone app or hailed from the street.

Rate this post

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *