Dubai to Abu Dhabi: A Complete Travel Guide

How to Get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi

1. Taxi or Ride-Hailing (Careem / Uber)

The most popular option for tourists — door-to-door, no luggage restrictions, and available 24/7.

• Journey time: 75–90 minutes (can be up to 120 min in peak-hour traffic, typically 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM)
• Cost: AED 200–280 one way (metered Dubai taxi); AED 180–250 via Careem or Uber (prices vary with demand)
• How to book: Hail a Dubai taxi from any hotel, mall, or taxi rank; or book Careem/Uber via app
• Best for: Families, travellers with luggage, those wanting door-to-door service
• Tip: Book your return trip in advance via Careem — Abu Dhabi taxis cannot legally pick up passengers in Dubai, so you will need either a pre-booked ride or an Abu Dhabi taxi for the return

2. RTA Intercity Bus (Cheapest Option)

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) operates two intercity bus routes to Abu Dhabi daily, making this the most affordable option at AED 25 one way.

• Route 100: Departs from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station (Bur Dubai) → Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (Al Wahda Mall). Journey time: approximately 120 minutes.
• Route 101: Departs from Ibn Battuta Bus Station (Jebel Ali) → Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. Journey time: approximately 90 minutes.
• Frequency: Approximately every 30–60 minutes from 6 AM to midnight
• Cost: AED 25 per person, one way
• Payment: Cash at the counter or Dubai NOL card (note: the NOL card does NOT work on Abu Dhabi public transport — only on the Dubai leg)
• Best for: Budget travellers, solo travellers without much luggage
• Tip: Al Ghubaiba Bus Station is on the Dubai Metro Green Line (Al Ghubaiba station), making it easy to reach from anywhere in Dubai without a taxi

3. Private Transfer

Several operators offer premium door-to-door transfers between the two cities with professional drivers, luxury vehicles, and optional guided commentary.

• Journey time: 75–90 minutes
• Cost: AED 300–600 one way depending on vehicle class and operator
• Best for: Business travellers, groups of 4+, airport connections, travellers wanting a stress-free experience
• How to book: Through TravelFika's tour and transfer page or via hotel concierge

4. Self-Drive Rental Car

Renting a car gives maximum flexibility, especially useful if you plan to visit multiple Abu Dhabi attractions across Yas Island, Saadiyat, and the Corniche in one day.

• Journey time: 75–90 minutes via the E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road) — the main dual carriageway connecting the two cities
• Cost: AED 120–250/day for a standard car; fuel is inexpensive in the UAE (AED 2.8–3.5/litre)
• Parking: Free at most Abu Dhabi attractions; paid at some city-centre locations (AED 2–4/hour)
• Best for: Families, groups, those visiting Yas Island or outer Abu Dhabi areas
• Important: Speed cameras are common on the E11 — the limit is 120 km/h (Abu Dhabi) with a 20 km/h tolerance. Salik toll gates apply on some Dubai exits (AED 4 per gate)

5. Etihad / Emirates Free Connecting Bus (For Fly-In Passengers)

If you are flying into Dubai International Airport (DXB) on Emirates and your final destination is Abu Dhabi, or vice versa, both airlines operate a free connecting bus between DXB and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) for ticketed passengers.

• Cost: Free for passengers with a connecting ticket
• Journey time: Approximately 2 hours (airport to airport)
• Note: This service is only for airline passengers — it is not a public transport service

Top Things to Do on the Dubai to Abu Dhabi Route

Al Qudra Lakes (En Route, Dubai)

A peaceful desert oasis inside the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, about 40 km from central Dubai, a natural detour if you are driving. Two artificial lakes surrounded by golden sand dunes attract over 170 bird species including flamingos and swans. Cyclists, picnickers, and birdwatchers gather here year-round.

• Entry: Free
• Best time: Early morning or late afternoon (spectacular at sunrise)
• Driving time from Dubai: 35–45 minutes south via the Al Qudra Road
• Note: Open 24 hours; no facilities — bring water and snacks

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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Abu Dhabi)

The centrepiece of any visit to Abu Dhabi and one of the most magnificent buildings in the world. Built between 1996 and 2007 by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the mosque accommodates 41,000 worshippers across 82 white marble domes and 1,000 columns inlaid with semi-precious stones. The main prayer hall contains one of the world's largest hand-knotted carpets (5,627 sq metres) and a chandelier with over 1 million Swarovski crystals.

• Entry: Free for all visitors
• Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday 9 AM – 10 PM; Friday 4:30 PM – 10 PM (closed to non-Muslim visitors during prayer times)
• Dress code: Mandatory modest dress — women must cover hair, arms, and legs (free abayas provided at entrance); men must cover shoulders and knees
• Getting there from bus station: 15-minute taxi from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (AED 20–25)
• Tip: Arrive at 9 AM sharp on a weekday to have the reflecting pools nearly to yourself. The mosque is most photographed at the golden hour before sunset, when the white marble glows amber

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Louvre Abu Dhabi (Saadiyat Island)

The first universal museum in the Arab world, opened in 2017 on Saadiyat Island. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the museum's 180-metre perforated aluminium dome creates a "rain of light" effect that scatters hundreds of sunbeams through the galleries — itself a work of art. The 12 permanent galleries trace human civilisation from prehistoric tools to contemporary art, presenting cultures side by side rather than in geographic or temporal isolation.

• Entry: AED 63 adults; free for children under 13
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 AM – 8 PM (Friday until 9 PM); closed Monday
• Getting there: 15-minute taxi from Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (AED 20–30)
• Tip: The museum's waterfront terrace café has one of the best views in Abu Dhabi — worth a coffee break even if you rush the galleries

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Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (Yas Island)

The world's largest indoor theme park, built under a 200,000 sq metre roof shaped like the cross-section of a Ferrari GT car. Home to Formula Rossa — the world's fastest roller coaster at 240 km/h — which launches riders from 0 to 240 km/h in 4.9 seconds. Beyond the headline ride, the park includes 40+ attractions: flight simulators, a junior driving school, an Italian village food court, and the Ferrari factory tour.

• Entry: AED 365 adults, AED 295 children (under 3 free); book online for up to 20% discount
• Opening hours: Daily 11 AM – 8 PM (varies seasonally — check official website)
• Getting there: 30-minute taxi from central Abu Dhabi (AED 40–55); or Yas Express bus from Abu Dhabi city (AED 2)
• Tip: Ride Formula Rossa first thing — queues build quickly after midday. Bring a light jacket; the park is heavily air-conditioned

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Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi (Yas Island)

Adjacent to Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World brings DC Comics, Looney Tunes, Hanna-Barbera, Tom and Jerry, and classic WB characters to life across six immersive themed lands. The park is entirely indoors and air-conditioned — ideal on hot days. Thrill rides include the Justice League: Warworld Attack and Batman: Knight Flight. Meet-and-greet characters include Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Bugs Bunny, and Scooby-Doo.

• Entry: AED 345 adults, AED 275 children; combined Yas Island tickets available
• Best for: Families with children aged 4–14; DC Comics fans
• Tip: Buy a combined Yas Island 2-park ticket (Ferrari World + Warner Bros.) for better value — from AED 545

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Qasr Al Watan (Abu Dhabi)

The Presidential Palace of the UAE, opened to the public in 2019. Qasr Al Watan is an architectural masterpiece in white granite with a central dome rising 60 metres, the largest dome in the UAE. Inside, the Great Hall houses an extraordinary collection of manuscripts, artifacts, and cultural exhibits tracing UAE governance and heritage. The palace gardens are beautiful in the late afternoon.

• Entry: AED 60 adults, AED 30 children
• Opening hours: Daily 10 AM – 8 PM (last entry 6 PM)
• Tip: The palace exterior is particularly stunning after dark when fully illuminated — the evening "Palace of Knowledge" light show runs daily at 8:30 PM for an additional AED 10

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Saadiyat Island Cultural District

Abu Dhabi's answer to a world-class arts precinct. Beyond the Louvre, Saadiyat Island is home to Manarat Al Saadiyat (rotating contemporary exhibitions), a stunning white-sand public beach, and the under-construction Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum — both set to open in the coming years and already defining the skyline. The island's beach is among the cleanest and least crowded in the UAE.

• Beach entry: AED 25 (includes a AED 25 food/drink voucher)
• Louvre entry: AED 63 (see above)
• Best for: Art lovers, beach days, architecture enthusiasts

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Global Village (Dubai — Seasonal, Oct–Apr)

One of the world's largest cultural, entertainment, and shopping festivals, 90+ countries represented in themed pavilions with food, handicrafts, performances, and rides. Located 30 minutes from central Dubai on the way to Abu Dhabi. Open October to April only.

• Entry: From AED 25
• Best time: Weekday evenings to avoid weekend crowds
• Getting there: No direct Metro link — best reached by taxi from Dubai (AED 40–60 from Downtown

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Planning Your Dubai to Abu Dhabi Day Trip

A single day is enough to see Abu Dhabi's highlights if you leave Dubai early. Here is a suggested day-trip schedule:

7:30 AM — Depart Dubai by taxi or Careem (book the night before for guaranteed pick-up)

9:00 AM — Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque opens. Spend 60–90 minutes here before tour groups arrive.

11:00 AM — Taxi to Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island (15 min, AED 20–25). Spend 2 hours in the galleries; have lunch at the waterfront café.

2:00 PM — Taxi to Qasr Al Watan (15 min, AED 20). Spend 60–90 minutes in the palace and gardens.

4:00 PM — Optional: drive to Yas Island for Ferrari World / Warner Bros. World (30 min, AED 40–55) — only feasible if you bought tickets in advance.

6:30 PM — Corniche waterfront walk and dinner at one of the Corniche restaurants.

8:30 PM — Return to Dubai by taxi (AED 200–280, 75–90 min). Arrive back ~10 PM.

Important: The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is closed to non-Muslim visitors during Friday prayer (before 4:30 PM on Fridays). If visiting on a Friday, arrive after 4:30 PM and adjust the rest of the schedule accordingly.

Best Time to Travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi

• November to March is the ideal travel window — daytime temperatures of 18–26°C make outdoor sightseeing at the mosque, Corniche, and Saadiyat Island comfortable. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (November) and Dubai Shopping Festival (January–February) add energy to both cities during this period.
• April to May and October are shoulder months — warm (28–34°C) but manageable, with smaller crowds and lower hotel prices.
• June to September — temperatures exceed 40°C with high humidity. Indoor attractions like Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and the Louvre remain comfortable, but the mosque, Corniche, and any outdoor activity become very unpleasant between 10 AM and 6 PM.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Visa: A single UAE tourist visa covers both Dubai and Abu Dhabi — there is no border control between emirates. Indian passport holders receive a free 14-day visa on arrival; a 30-day or 60-day visa can be applied for online in advance at icp.gov.ae.
• Currency: UAE Dirham (AED) is used across both cities. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Keep AED 50–100 cash for bus tickets, small tips, and any market purchases.
• NOL card: Your Dubai Metro NOL card works on Dubai buses and the Metro but does NOT work on Abu Dhabi public transport. Use cash for any Abu Dhabi buses or taxis.
• Language: English is widely spoken in both cities — you will rarely need Arabic.
• Dress code: Cover shoulders and knees in all religious sites (both cities) and in traditional souks. Swimwear is appropriate only at beaches and hotel pools. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque provides free abayas at the entrance.
• Photography: Photography is freely permitted at all tourist attractions. Inside the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, photography is welcome but avoid photographing worshippers. Photography of government buildings, military installations, and people without consent is prohibited.

Emergency numbers: Police 999 | Ambulance 998 | Tourist Police (Dubai) 800-4438

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