Dubai To Abu Dhabi: 7 Ways To Get There And How Much They Cost
Looking for the best way to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi? You have 8 options: driving, an organized tour, the bus, a taxi, a private transfer, an airport shuttle, the new Etihad Rail train, and, in the future, a Hyperloop.
Below, I break down the cost, journey time, and what to expect from each. I’ve made this trip by organised tour, bus, and car, and I keep close track of the new train route since so many readers ask about it.
Whether you’re going solo, as a couple, or with the family, one of these options will fit your budget and your plans.
1. By car
Renting a car is one of the easiest ways to go, especially if there’s more than one of you to split the cost. You’ll need an international driving licence to drive in the UAE.
The highway to Abu Dhabi is straightforward once you’re out of the city. Stick to the right lane to let faster traffic pass. The speed limit is 120 km/h.
I’d download the Smart Roads app from Dubai’s Roads and Transportation Authority before you leave, it makes navigating out of the city easier.
Rental prices start from around 21 USD, plus petrol, which is cheap here. Add extra for GPS or a car seat if you need one. The drive takes about 1.5 hours.
Good for: flexibility and stopping wherever you want along the way
Not so good for: solo travelers, since the cost isn’t shared
➡️Check car rental options here
2. By organized tour
If driving isn’t your thing and you want to see the main sights in a day, a tour is the simplest option. Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel is included.
Most tours cover the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Heritage Village, and a drive past the Emirates Palace. Some throw in Ferrari World too.
We did the BigBus combo ticket (Dubai plus Abu Dhabi) on our first trip and really liked it. You get to see the city from the top deck, which gives you a different view than sitting in a car.
Just know the BigBus shuttle only runs Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and pickup is from Dubai Mall at 8 am.
Expect to pay $50 to $200 per person depending on the tour, and lunch is usually not included. The journey takes around 2 hours.
Good for: first-timers who want the main sights without planning
Not so good for: anyone who wants to choose their own pace
➡️Book a private Abu Dhabi tour from Dubai here
3. By taxi
Taxis are the priciest option but by far the least hassle. You can book through your hotel, hail one on the street, or use Uber. Expect around 300 AED one way.
Good for: door-to-door comfort when time matters more than cost
Not so good for: budget trips
4. By private transfer
If you want the comfort of a taxi but with everything sorted ahead of time, a private transfer is a great option. I’d recommend Welcome Pickup.
They’ll pick you up from a location of your choice and drop you exactly where you need to go, no waiting around.
A one-way journey costs around 100 USD.
Good for: families or groups, since the cost is shared and you get door-to-door comfort with your pickup and drop-off already arranged
Not so good for: solo travelers on a budget
➡️Book your private transfer here
5. By bus
The bus is the cheapest way to travel between the two cities. It’s run by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, and the buses are clean, on time, and properly air-conditioned.
There are three lines:
E100 – leaves from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Bur Dubai, arrives at Al Wahda Bus Station in central Abu Dhabi. About 2 hours or more, depending on traffic, 25 AED one way.
E101 – leaves from Ibn Battuta Bus Station (handy if you’re staying in Marina or JBR), also arrives at Al Wahda. Same price and timing as E100.
E102 – leaves from Al Jafiliya Bus Station, stops at Ibn Battuta Bus Station, and arrives at Mussafah Shabiya Bus Station. Around 2 hours depending on traffic, 25 AED one way. Mussafah Shabiya Bus Station is about a 15-minute taxi ride from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
You can pay at the station or top up a Nol card, which works across all public transport in Dubai. Bring a light jumper, the AC can be strong.
To plan your journey, check the official RTA website for the timetable here.
Good for: budget travelers who don’t mind a longer trip
Not so good for: anyone without much time, or unfamiliar with getting around by public transport
6. By airport shuttle
If you’re flying Emirates or Etihad, you get a free shuttle, though it’s not airport to airport.
With Emirates, pickup or drop-off in Dubai is at the airport, while in Abu Dhabi it’s outside the Emirates office on the Corniche. Book at least 48 hours ahead. Check the timetables here.
With Etihad, Abu Dhabi pickup is at the airport, but the Dubai stop is Al Wasl Centre, near the Sheikh Zayed Road entrance behind Safestway. You need to book this at the same time as your flight. Check the timetables here.
Always double-check the current schedule directly with the airline before relying on it.
Good for: flying passengers who want a free ride
Not so good for: flexibility, since times are fixed
7. By train (Etihad Rail)
This is the newest option. Etihad Rail’s passenger service between UAE cities is opening in phases, with Dubai stations joining the network from September 30, 2026.
Once running, the normal train covers Abu Dhabi to Dubai in just 57 minutes, and a high-speed version is planned to bring that down to 30 minutes. Compare that to 2 hours on the bus, and it’s a serious upgrade.
There are two classes, Rail (standard) and Premium, plus three fare types: Saver (cheapest, fixed seat, no changes), Value (choose your seat, no refund), and Flex (fully flexible, refundable). Every seat gets free wifi and a power socket.
Ticketing is through Dubai’s RTA, so your existing Nol card should work once the Dubai route opens. Bookings open up to 4 weeks ahead through the Etihad Rail app or website.
Good for: speed and comfort once it’s fully running
Not so good for: right now, since the Dubai to Abu Dhabi route isn’t open yet
8. By Hyperloop (in the future)
Still on the drawing board, but worth knowing about. The UAE has plans for a Hyperloop system reaching speeds of up to 1200 km/h, which would cut the Dubai to Abu Dhabi trip down to around 15 minutes.
There’s no confirmed opening date yet, so for now this one stays on the “watch this space” list.
From Dubai to Abu Dhabi: FAQs
What’s the cheapest way to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
The bus is the cheapest option at 25 AED one way.
What’s the fastest way to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Right now, driving takes about 1.5 hours and is the fastest option. Once Etihad Rail’s high-speed train launches on this route, it’ll cut that down to 30 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Dubai to Abu Dhabi yet?
Not yet. Etihad Rail’s Dubai stations are expected to open on September 30, 2026.
Can I visit Abu Dhabi as a day trip from Dubai?
Yes, it’s a common day trip. An organized tour or rental car works best if you want to see the main sights and be back the same day.
Do I need an international driving license to rent a car in the UAE?
Yes, you’ll need one to drive in the UAE.
If you’re planning your Dubai trip, these articles might help:
