Key Takeaways:
- The distance between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is around 140 km and takes about 1.5 hours by road.
- The most common travel options are bus, taxi, shared taxi, and self-drive rental car.
- Buses (E100, E101, E102) are the cheapest option, costing around 25–30 AED one way.
- Taxis offer the most comfort but are expensive, costing 350–500 AED for a one-way trip.
- Shared taxis provide a budget-friendly middle option, costing 40–140 AED per person.
- Self-driving requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) and offers flexibility to explore along the way.
- The E11 and E311 highways connect Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with E11 being faster and more scenic.
- Avoid peak hours on weekdays (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM) for a smoother journey.
How to reach Abu Dhabi from Dubai? It’s one of the most commonly asked questions among travellers in the UAE. It’s a simple and straightforward trip between two of the most popular cities in the UAE. Both are full of attractions, culture, and modern landmarks, and there are many easy ways to travel between them.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the different ways to reach Abu Dhabi from Dubai by bus, taxi, shared taxi, or self-drive rental car. You’ll also find details on costs, timings, travel cards, and a comparison table to help you choose the best option.
By the end of this guide, you will find the most convenient way for you to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Distance Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Out of the seven emirates, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the two most popular destinations for tourists. Both these emirates are coastal cities located on the western coast of the UAE.
The distance between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is approximately 140 km; the exact distance depends on your start and end points. And it will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes by road, one way.
There are two highways that run between the two cities, the E11 and the E311, which will be explained in detail in the following sections.
Ways to Reach Abu Dhabi from Dubai
There are several ways to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and vice versa, but the four most convenient and straightforward options are by bus, taxi, shared taxi, or self-drive rental car.
By Bus
This is the most sought-after mode of transport for tourists and a few locals. The affordability and accessibility are the reasons behind its popularity.
Note: There are three buses (Dubai to Abu Dhabi)
- E100: From Al Ghubaiba to Abu Dhabi central bus station.
- E101: From Ibn Battuta bus station to Abu Dhabi central bus station.
- E102: From Ibn Battuta bus station to Mussafah Shabiya bus station.
A one-way trip on any of these buses for one person will cost approximately 25-30 dirhams. The travel time would be 1.5 – 2 hours, depending on the number of stops and traffic conditions.
In Dubai, intercity buses operate from 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM, departing every 30–60 minutes depending on the time of day.
Also, there is no online booking system for these three intercity buses. You’ll need an ‘NOL card’. An Nol is a smart card that is issued by the government of Dubai, which can be used to recharge and pay for modes of public transportation and also shops in Dubai.
There are four types of Nol Cards:
- Nol Silver: Bought for 25 AED and can be recharged with a limit of 1000 AED.
- Nol Gold: Same features as the silver one, but this lets you travel in the gold section in metros.
- Nol Blue: Bought for 70 AED and can be recharged with a limit of 5000 AED.
- Nol Red: It’s a paper ticket that can be bought for just 2 AED, perfect for a quick commute.
The Government of Abu Dhabi has a smart card of its own, known as the ‘Hafilat’.
Note: You cannot consume food on these buses, and they are also wheelchair accessible for people with determination. And the bus rates might change according to the season, so be ready for it.
By Taxi
If you want a private way of commuting, a taxi is a great choice. A taxi between Dubai and Abu Dhabi can be hired through any commuting apps like Uber, Careem, and C2C rides.
A one-way car ride can cost anywhere from 350 to 500 AED (economical ride) and 500 to 1000 AED (executive ride).
Each app offers different vehicle types, rates, and waiting times. It’s best to check the prices in all the apps before choosing the right one for you!
Taxis can be faster than buses sometimes, depending on the pickup point, drop point and traffic on the highways.
And for people with limited movements, taxi companies like Eden Mobility and Tawasul Transport provide wheelchair friendly rides.
Shared Taxi
If you want the comfort of a car and the affordability of a bus, a shared taxi is the perfect middle ground!
According to Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), a shared taxi service was started back in 2024 from Ibn Battuta Centre to Al Wahda Centre.
The cost of a one-way taxi ride is 264 AED. Instead of one person paying the full fee,
- 4 people pay 66 AED.
- 3 people pay 88 AED.
- 2 people pay 132 AED.
Apart from this government initiative, you can also find private taxis offering to take you on a shared ride. You can find these rides in the central bus stations of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
You might find 4-6 people per car, and it will cost 30-40 AED per person.
Self-Drive
If you have a valid Indian driver’s licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP), you can legally drive in the UAE.
IDP
There are two main ways to get an IDP:
- Through an agent or a driving school, which can cost up to ₹6,000 but is easier.
- Directly from your local RTO, which is a cheaper option.
At the RTO, you’ll need to submit
- Your Indian driving licence
- Passport and visa
- Air tickets
- Medical certificate
- Passport-size photographs
Once you pay the processing fee, your IDP is usually ready within 30 days.
Car Rentals
With your Indian driving licence and IDP, renting a car in the UAE will be no hassle. Always choose reputable agencies like Hertz, Dollar, or Avis, as they provide better service and reliable roadside assistance.
The rental cost will depend on the car type and rental duration, but overall, driving in the UAE is a great way to explore at your own pace.
Highways
Now, driving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, there are two main highways:
The E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road) is the road chosen frequently by people. It is shorter, direct, scenic, and passes by iconic landmarks like Yas Island and Palm Jumeirah.
The E311 (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road) flows parallel to E11, but it is slightly longer and less scenic. However, it is a lot quieter than the E11.
These roads are 4-laned and have a speed limit that varies from 120 to 140 km/hr.
Best Time to Travel
The highways between Dubai and Abu Dhabi can get crowded, so it’s best to plan your trip to avoid traffic.
On weekdays, avoid travelling between 7 and 9 AM and 5 and 7 PM, as these are rush hours for office traffic.
On weekends, mornings and evenings can also be busy with families heading out for leisure. Try travelling midday or later at night for a smoother and faster journey.
Note: You cannot drive in Dubai using only your Indian driver’s license. Doing so is considered illegal and can result in hefty fines and penalties. As a tourist, always carry an IDP.
Comparison Table
Here’s a table to help you easily compare the pros and cons of each mode of transportation between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The duration and cost mentioned are approximate values and may vary depending on traffic and travel time.
| Mode | Duration (approx.) | Cost (approx.) | Pros | Cons | Best for |
| Bus | 1.5 – 2.5 hours | 25-30 AED | Cheapest option | Crowded & may have stops. | Budget travellers/backpackers. |
| Taxi | 1.5 hours | 350-500 AED | Comfort | Expensive | Families & businesspersons. |
| Shared Taxi | 1.5 – 2 hours | 40-140 AED | A mid-range option. | Travelling with strangers in a car/jeep. | Travellers. |
| Self-Drive | 1.5 hours | 300 AED/day for a mid-range model. | Unlimited pit stops. | Needs IDP | Tourists who wish to see attractions on the way. |
Conclusion
We’ve reached the end of this blog, and as you can see, travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and vice versa is simple, quick, and hassle-free.
Now that you know how to commute between the two emirates, it’s time to plan what to see and do once you get there! That’s where Dimaak Tours comes in.
Get in touch with us, and we’ll create a customised Abu Dhabi itinerary tailored to your interests. So you can make the most of your trip and experience the very best of the UAE!
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Reach Abu Dhabi from Dubai
How to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi as a tourist?
There are four convenient ways to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi as a tourist: by bus, taxi, shared taxi, or self-drive rental car. If you prefer a budget-friendly option, take a bus from Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai. The E101 and E102 routes operate frequently and connect directly to Abu Dhabi.
How much does it cost to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
The cost solely depends on the mode of transportation you choose. The bus will cost you around 30 AED, taxis will cost around 400 AED, and a shared taxi can be anywhere between 40 and 140 AED.
What are the timings from the Ibn Battuta bus station to Abu Dhabi?
The Ibn Battuta Bus Station is well-connected to Abu Dhabi, offering frequent services throughout the day. Buses depart every 30 minutes to 1 hour, starting from 4:00 AM until 1:00 AM, making it a convenient option for travellers at almost any time of the day.
