Choosing how to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi starts with where you need to arrive: a museum, a hotel or the airport. 

A Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus keeps costs down, while taxis offer a direct journey and driving gives you flexibility between stops. Is there a train from Dubai to Abu Dhabi? Yes, with onward connections to consider before booking, so the choice of Dubai to Abu Dhabi transport depends on your budget, starting point and plans on arrival, while your Dubai to Abu Dhabi distance also affects fuel and metered fares.Here is how to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, including the free transfers available for specific trips.

Compare journeys to your actual destination. For an Abu Dhabi day trip from Dubai, a central bus station may be convenient. If you are catching a flight from Zayed International Airport, choose transport that takes you to the terminal.

Visit Dubai puts the road journey at approximately 140 km. Dubai Marina to Yas Island is shorter than Bur Dubai to central Abu Dhabi, so use the Dubai to Abu Dhabi distance shown for your addresses when estimating fuel or taxi costs.

Typical Dubai to Abu Dhabi travel time by car is around 1.5–2 hours, depending on traffic. RTA’s planner shows E100 bus journeys of approximately two hours ten minutes; the train takes around 64 minutes between stations. Allow additional time for connections.

The two Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus routes listed on RTA’s intercity booking page are:

E100

E101

Al Ghubaiba suits Bur Dubai and the Creek area; Ibn Battuta generally works better from Dubai Marina or Jebel Ali. Check your Metro connection first, then work out the onward journey from the central station.

RTA’s planner currently shows a Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus fare of 30 AED for E100. Check E101’s fare when booking your selected departure. Advance e-ticket booking is available for both services.

If paying with nol, check your balance: a new Silver card costs 25 AED but includes 19 AED in travel credit, so it needs topping up for E100.

A Dubai to Abu Dhabi taxi is useful with luggage or for an address far from a station. Dubai Taxi Company permits inter-emirate journeys, with street hailing and app bookings available. Arrange an Abu Dhabi taxi for the return.

At Dubai Taxi Company’s published 2.45 AED-per-kilometre rate, a 150 km daytime street-hailed ride produces AED367.50 in distance charges plus an 5 AED starting fare. Ten minutes of chargeable waiting adds 5 AED: 377.50 AED before tolls in this example.

Traffic can make a taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi cost more, and app bookings have different starting charges. Request an estimate for your addresses before committing.

The E11 is a common route for travelling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by car. For Louvre Abu Dhabi, the approach uses the E12 towards Saadiyat Island; follow navigation for your destination.

Taking an Abu Dhabi day trip from Dubai by car suits several stops across the emirate. Budget for fuel, tolls and parking. For a rental, confirm licence requirements, insurance, mileage limits and any fee for returning it to a different location.

Etihad Rail’s Dubai passenger services began on September 30, 2026. Trains connect Al Yalayis Station with Mohamed bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi. Comfort Class launched with one-way fares from 39 AED; check your departure’s current price.

The Abu Dhabi station is outside the city centre. Factor in the connection when comparing Dubai to Abu Dhabi travel time and planning your rail journey.

For most solo travellers, a regular bus is the cheapest way from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Add local connections to the Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus fare when budgeting. Sharing can make a taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi cost less per person, although the total remains metered.

The Cultural Express departs from Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel at 9am, serving Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan with return transport. No booking is required, but seats are limited; attraction admission is separate. Check the return timetable before travelling.

Is there a train from Dubai to Abu Dhabi airport? There is no direct service, but Etihad’s complimentary coach connects Al Wasl Centre, behind Safestway on Sheikh Zayed Road, with Zayed International Airport. It serves eligible passengers on Etihad-operated flights on their arrival or departure day. Reserve at least 24 hours before the flight and keep your confirmation ready. For qualifying passengers, it is the cheapest way from Dubai to Abu Dhabi airport.

Deciding how to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is easier once you have chosen your main stop. For the capital’s museums and cultural venues, check admission times alongside your outward departure. Travelling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by car gives you more freedom to add dinner afterwards.

When choosing how to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and back, check the last return service before buying attraction tickets. For either of the Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus routes, allow time to reach the central station from your final stop. If booking a Dubai to Abu Dhabi taxi for a late visit, include the separate return fare in your budget. For scheduled Dubai to Abu Dhabi transport, save your tickets offline.