Planning a trip to the UAE and wondering, “Can You Travel From Dubai To Abu Dhabi easily?” The answer is a resounding yes! Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the two most popular cities in the United Arab Emirates, attracting millions of visitors each year. While both offer unique experiences, many travelers want to explore both during their visit. This comprehensive guide covers all the available transportation options, ensuring a smooth and convenient journey between these iconic cities.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi: Understanding the Distance
The distance between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is approximately 160 kilometers (99 miles). The journey time can vary depending on the mode of transport you choose. Driving usually takes around 1 to 2 hours, while public transportation options can take longer, up to 3 hours.
Exploring Your Options: How to Get From Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Currently, there’s no direct train or commercial flight between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Your main options are traveling by road. Here’s a breakdown of each:
- Public Transportation (Intercity Bus)
- Free Airline Buses (Etihad & Emirates)
- Paid Airport Transfers (AUH Express)
- Taxis and Hired Drivers
- Tour Groups
- Self-Drive (Car Rental)
Let’s delve into each of these options in detail.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi Road
The Most Affordable Choice: Intercity Bus
The intercity bus service is the most economical way to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Buses depart from two main locations in Dubai:
- Al Ghubaiba Bus Station (Bur Dubai) to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (Route 100): The journey takes approximately 2 hours.
- Ibn Battuta Mall to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (Route 101): The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. Route 102 also runs to Mussafah Shabiya Bus Station, taking around 1 hour and 55 minutes.
A one-way ticket on the intercity bus costs 25 AED. Payment can be made in cash at the counter or using a Dubai NOL card, which is also valid on Dubai buses and the Metro. Note that the NOL card cannot be used on Abu Dhabi public transport. Abu Dhabi uses Hafilat cards.
Abu Dhabi to Dubai Bus Services
The intercity bus service operates in reverse, departing from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Al Ghubaiba, Ibn Battuta Mall, and Mussafah Shabiya in Dubai.
Intercity Bus at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
Connecting to Airports
- Dubai International Airport (DXB): From Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, you can connect to DXB by:
- Bus 33 or 42 to Terminal 1
- Bus 31 to Terminal 2
- Metro green line to Burjuman, then switch to the red line for Terminal 3
- Taxi (approximately 30 AED)
- Zayed International Airport (AUH): From Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station:
- Bus 2A to Terminal A (every 40 minutes, 4 AED)
- Taxi (approximately 30 minutes, 50 AED)
Visiting the Grand Mosque
If you’re planning a day trip to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque from Dubai using public transport, take the Intercity bus to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station and then bus Route 32 (2 AED per person).
Complimentary Travel: Airline Buses (Emirates & Etihad)
Both Emirates and Etihad airlines provide free bus services connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi for their passengers. However, keep in mind that the bus stations are not located at the airports.
Emirates Shuttle Service
Emirates offers a complimentary bus service for passengers. The Emirates bus stop in Abu Dhabi is at their Khalidiya office on the Corniche, which is not near AUH airport.
To guarantee a seat on the bus, book your final destination as ZVJ when booking your Emirates ticket. You must transfer immediately from DXB after your flight lands.
Etihad Coach Service
Etihad provides a complimentary coach service between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. If you are departing from Dubai, you can start your journey at the Etihad Travel Mall in Downtown Dubai. Book your flight with the code XNB instead of AUH.
For business or first-class passengers, both airlines offer a complimentary private chauffeur service. Remember to confirm your booking at least 48 hours in advance.
Abu Dhabi City Skyline
A Direct Route to the Airport: AUH Express
The AUH Express bus service offers a direct connection between Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai and Zayed International Airport (AUH) for 35 AED. You can book your ticket online in advance for a comfortable, air-conditioned ride.
Door-to-Door Convenience: Taxis and Private Drivers
Taxis offer the most direct way to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The fare from DXB to downtown Abu Dhabi ranges from 275 to 350 AED.
Private drivers can be hired for 350 to 500 AED, depending on the vehicle size. This option allows for pre-booking and the addition of extras like car seats.
Explore with Ease: Tour Groups
Numerous tour groups offer day trips between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, allowing you to see the highlights of each city. Check reviews and tour durations before booking. For families or larger groups, a private tour might be more economical.
Ultimate Freedom: Self-Drive (Car Rental)
Renting a car provides the most flexibility for traveling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Visitors can use their overseas licenses on a tourist visa.
Self-driving offers the most flexibility when traveling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Tips for renting a car in the UAE:
- Drive on the right side of the road.
- Most cars have automatic transmissions.
- Traffic can be fast-paced.
- Car seats are required for children up to 4 years old.
- One-way rentals may incur extra fees.
- Speed limits differ between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- Tolls apply in both cities; your rental company will charge these to you.
The Future of Travel: Etihad Rail
While not yet available, the Etihad Rail project promises a high-speed train service connecting all the Emirates, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This will significantly reduce travel time and traffic congestion.
Traveling to Other Cities in the UAE
Hiring a private car offers the most convenient way to explore the other Emirates beyond Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Final Thoughts: Planning Your Trip
With various transportation options available, traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is easy and convenient. Whether you prefer the affordability of the intercity bus, the comfort of a taxi, or the flexibility of a rental car, you can easily explore both cities and experience the best of the UAE.
Bookmark this page for future reference and have a fantastic trip!
