Can You Travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi? Your Ultimate Guide

Are you planning a trip to the UAE and wondering, “Can You Travel From Dubai To Abu Dhabi?” Absolutely! Dubai and Abu Dhabi, two of the UAE’s most dazzling cities, are easily accessible to each other. SIXT.VN is here to guide you through all the available transportation options, from budget-friendly buses to luxurious private drivers, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey. Whether you’re interested in UAE travel tips or planning a broader UAE trip, we’ve got you covered with the best UAE travel guide.

1. How Far Is It from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

The distance between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is approximately 160 kilometers (about 99 miles). However, the exact distance can vary depending on your starting and ending points within each city.

Generally, the journey takes around 1 to 2 hours by car. Public transportation can extend the travel time to approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on the mode of transport and any transfers required. The Dubai to Abu Dhabi distance is quite manageable, making it easy to explore both cities during your UAE vacation.

2. What Are the Ways to Travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

There are several convenient ways to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, catering to various preferences and budgets.

Here are your options:

• Public Transportation: Intercity buses are the most economical choice.
• Airline Buses: Both Emirates and Etihad offer free bus services for their passengers.
• Paid Airport Transfers: AUH Express bus provides direct transport to Zayed International Airport.
• Taxis and Hired Drivers: Direct, door-to-door service offering comfort and convenience.
• Tour Groups: Organized day trips to see the highlights of both cities.
• Self-Drive (Car Rental): Offers the most flexibility for exploring at your own pace.
• Future Options: Keep an eye out for the Etihad Rail project, which promises a high-speed train service.

Let’s explore each of these options in greater detail.

3. How to Use the Intercity Bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

Taking the Intercity Bus is a cost-effective way to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.

Where to Catch the Bus in Dubai:

• Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Bur Dubai (Route 100): This bus goes to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station and takes approximately 120 minutes.
• Ibn Battuta Mall (Route 101): This route also goes to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station and takes about 90 minutes. Route 102 travels to Mussafah Shabiya Bus Station, which takes around 1 hour and 55 minutes.

Intercity Bus at Al Ghubaiba Bus Station

Cost: Each route costs 25 AED one way.

Payment: You can pay with cash at the counter or use your Dubai NOL card, which is also valid on Dubai buses and the Metro. However, note that the NOL card is not accepted on Abu Dhabi public transport. Abu Dhabi uses Hafilat bus cards.

3.1. How to Take the Bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?

The Intercity Bus also operates in reverse from Abu Dhabi to Dubai.

Where to Catch the Bus in Abu Dhabi:

• Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station: Located next to Al Wahda Mall, this station offers buses back to Al Ghubaiba or Ibn Battuta Mall, as well as Mussafah Shabiya to Ibn Battuta.

3.2. How to Connect to Dubai International Airport (DXB)?

If you’re heading to Dubai International Airport (DXB) from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, you have several options:

• Bus 33 or 42: These will take you to Terminal 1.
• Bus 31: This bus goes to Terminal 2.
• Metro: Take the Green Line to Burjuman, then switch to the Red Line for Terminal 3.
• Taxi: A short taxi ride will cost approximately 30 AED.

3.3. How to Connect to Zayed International Airport (AUH)?

From Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, here’s how to get to Zayed International Airport (AUH):

• Bus 2A: This bus leaves from outside the station to Terminal A every 40 minutes and costs 4 AED.
• Taxi: A taxi ride will take about 30 minutes and cost around 50 AED.

3.4. How to Visit the Grand Mosque from Dubai Using Public Transport?

Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque from Dubai using public transport is possible, although it requires some planning, especially if you are traveling with family.

1. Take the Intercity bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.
2. From there, take a local bus to the Grand Mosque. Route 32 is the most direct and costs 2 AED per person.

Keep in mind that popular Abu Dhabi sites are spread out. If you plan to visit multiple locations, such as the Louvre or Emirates Palace, consider hiring a car, booking a private driver, or joining a tour for more convenience.

4. How to Take Advantage of FREE Airline Buses from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

Both Emirates and Etihad offer free bus services connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi for their passengers. However, it’s important to note that these bus stations are not directly at the airports.

4.1. How to Use Emirates Bus Service?

If you’re flying Emirates and want to end your journey in Abu Dhabi, your ticket can include the free transit bus to your final destination.

• Bus Stop Location: The Emirates bus stop in Abu Dhabi is at their Khalidiya office on the Corniche.
• Booking: When booking your airline ticket, book the final location as ZVJ (not DXB) to guarantee a seat on the free bus.
• Conditions: You must transfer immediately from DXB after your flight lands.

If you have an onward connection to AUH, a taxi to the airport will cost approximately 80 AED.

4.2. How to Use Etihad Bus Service?

If you have an Etihad flight but are leaving from Dubai, you can start your journey at the Etihad Travel Mall in Downtown Dubai.

• Booking: Book your flight with the code XNB (instead of AUH).

For business or First-class passengers on either airline, a complimentary private chauffeur service is available. Remember to confirm your booking at least 48 hours in advance to use this service.

Abu Dhabi Skyline

5. How to Get FREE Airline Buses from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?

If you’re starting in Abu Dhabi and need to depart from Dubai, here’s how to use the free airline bus services.

5.1. How to Use Emirates Bus Service?

If you are flying with Emirates, you can catch the complimentary bus service from outside their Khalidiya office to Dubai International Airport (DXB). You can only catch the bus on the day of travel, so book your departure from ZVJ.

5.2. How to Use Etihad Bus Service?

If you arrive at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) with Etihad Economy and want to connect straight to Dubai, you can arrange a seat on the Etihad Coach. This bus departs from AUH and takes you to the Etihad Travel Mall in Downtown Dubai. Use airport code XNB when booking.

If you have an onward flight from DXB, expect a taxi from Etihad Travel Mall to DXB to cost around 40 AED.

The journey in either direction takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. For arrivals, you’ll likely be booked on a service at least 1 hour after your landing time. For departures, it’s suggested to catch the service at least 4 hours before your departure.

6. How to Use Paid Airport Transfers from Dubai to AUH?

A new paid transport option is available via the AUH Express bus service. This service allows passengers flying out of AUH to travel directly from Ibn Battuta Bus Station to the new Zayed International Airport without needing to transfer.

• Cost: A bus ticket costs 35 AED.
• Booking: You can buy a ticket from Ibn Battuta Bus Station or book online in advance.

The AUH Express goes directly to AUH from Ibn Battuta Station in Dubai and takes a little over 1 hour.

Coming from the other direction, you can purchase an AUH Express ticket inside Zayed International Airport or pre-purchase online and take the coach service to Ibn Battuta. From there, you can use the Metro to continue your journey.

7. What About Taxis and Hired Drivers Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

The most direct way to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is by taking a metered taxi. This provides door-to-door service, but sometimes taxis may stop at the first petrol station across the border to switch passengers to a taxi service from that Emirate.

• Cost: From DXB to downtown Abu Dhabi, expect a fare between 275 – 350 AED.
• Private Drivers: Hiring a private driver for the same trip may cost between 350 – 500 AED, depending on the vehicle size. The advantage is pre-booking and the option to add extras like car seats.

8. Should You Join a Tour Group Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

If you want to see the highlights of each city on a day trip, there are numerous tour options in both directions. Ensure you check reviews and tour durations before booking.

8.1. Abu Dhabi Day Trips from Dubai

Explore Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmarks and modern attractions with ease.

8.2. Dubai Day Trips from Abu Dhabi

Discover Dubai’s iconic skyline, bustling souks, and luxurious shopping malls.

If you’re day-tripping from Dubai to Abu Dhabi for the Yas theme parks, take advantage of the free shuttle service from various Dubai locations.

9. How About Self-Drive – Hire a Car in the UAE?

Self-driving is the easiest way to get around the UAE if you are a confident driver, offering the most flexibility for traveling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Most visitors will need to hire a car. It’s easier and safer for tourists to hire cars where overseas licenses are accepted on a tourist visa. SIXT.VN can help you compare prices and find the best car rental options.

Driving in the UAE

Things to Be Mindful of When Hiring a Car in the UAE:

• The UAE drives on the right, with the steering wheel on the left.
• Almost all cars have automatic transmissions.
• Traffic can be fast and hectic.
• Car seats are required by law for children up to 4 years old.
• Hiring a car one-way between the two cities may incur an extra fee.
• Speed limits differ between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. On the freeway, the maximum speed is 140 km/hr. Dubai often posts this as 120 km/hr but includes a 20 km/hr “buffer” before fining. In Abu Dhabi, the posted limit is the actual limit.
• Tolls are in place in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The rental company will register the car and charge any toll fees to the driver.

10. What Are the Future UAE Train Options – Etihad Rail and the Hyperloop?

An ultra-fast shuttle service could potentially cut the transit time between Dubai and Abu Dhabi to just 15 minutes. While the Hyperloop service has been discussed, the more imminent reality is a standard high-speed train service via Etihad Rail.

Etihad Rail will eventually connect all the Emirates with freight and passenger services, as well as neighboring countries like Oman and Saudi Arabia. There’s no confirmed date for the launch of the passenger service between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but it promises to be a welcome transportation link, reducing traffic and travel time.

11. How to Get from Dubai to Other Cities in the UAE?

A private hire car is the easiest way to explore beyond the major cities and see the other Emirates. This option offers door-to-door flexibility. If you prefer not to drive, hiring a driver is a great alternative.

12. Top 5 Search Intentions for “Can You Travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi”

1. Transportation Options: Users want to know the different ways to travel between the two cities, including buses, taxis, and car rentals.
2. Cost and Budget: Travelers are interested in the price range for each mode of transportation to help plan their budget.
3. Travel Time: Users need to know how long it takes to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi to schedule their itinerary.
4. Convenience and Comfort: Visitors seek information on the most comfortable and hassle-free ways to travel.
5. Direct vs. Indirect Routes: Travelers want to know if there are direct routes or if transfers are required.

13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it easy to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

Yes, traveling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is easy, with multiple transportation options available, including buses, taxis, and car rentals.

2. What is the cheapest way to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

The cheapest way is by taking the Intercity Bus, which costs around 25 AED one way.

3. How long does it take to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

By car, it usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Public transportation can take 2 to 3 hours.

4. Are there free bus services between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Yes, Emirates and Etihad offer free bus services for their passengers, but these require booking your flight with specific airport codes.

5. Can I use my Dubai NOL card on Abu Dhabi buses?

No, the Dubai NOL card is not valid on Abu Dhabi public transport. Abu Dhabi uses Hafilat bus cards.

6. How can I get to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque from Dubai using public transport?

Take the Intercity bus to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, then take local bus Route 32 to the Grand Mosque.

7. Is it better to rent a car or take a taxi between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Renting a car offers more flexibility, but a taxi provides a direct, hassle-free option. The best choice depends on your budget and travel preferences.

8. Are there tolls on the road between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Yes, there are tolls on the roads. If you rent a car, the rental company will charge any toll fees to you.

9. Will there be a train connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the future?

Yes, the Etihad Rail project is underway and will eventually connect all the Emirates with a high-speed train service.

10. What should I consider when driving a rental car in the UAE?

Be mindful of the fast traffic, differing speed limits between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and the requirement for car seats for young children.

SIXT.VN is your reliable partner for planning your perfect UAE trip. Contact us today to book your transportation and accommodation needs!

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Let SIXT.VN handle the details so you can focus on enjoying the journey between these two incredible cities!