In recent years, the tourist flow to the United Arab Emirates has increased many times, along with the need for the “trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi” service: from one beautiful city to another. At the same time, not only travelers and seekers of new experiences tend to go there, but also businessmen who come to the UAE to solve work issues.
The distance is not the greatest: there are only 150 kilometers between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and the whole journey takes less than three hours. The question often arises as to which transport is best to choose, and in all respects it is the taxi that wins. Other options are also good, but there are some nuances. Readers are invited to learn about all the advantages and features in this article.
A taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is rightly considered the most successful and comfortable choice for guests of the Emirates. He has a lot of advantages.
- Door-to-door delivery is perhaps the most important argument in favor of choosing a taxi. You don’t have to worry about finding a suitable vehicle, because you can find a transfer to travel to any desired point right on the spot (no one canceled the reservation, this will be discussed later) – airport, hotel, train station, etc.
- In addition, the car can be called both day and night – there will always be free cars. This is especially true for those who, for example, have a plane early in the morning.
- Cost plays an important role. If you order a taxi, it will be quite inexpensive in one direction – about 250-350 dirhams, in terms of American dollars it is about 75. In addition, for this price, the passenger will be sure of comfort and safety, because the transport is serviceable and equipped with everything necessary.
- Transportation does not take much time. By car, the entire route takes only one and a half or two hours. The trip goes completely unnoticed, besides there is an opportunity to enjoy the local picturesque landscapes.
- The taxi provides several payment methods, which is highly appreciated by travelers. You can pay for transportation using a bank card or via an electronic wallet. However, drivers accept cash too.
The infrastructure and taxi industry in the United Arab Emirates are very developed, which has contributed to the incredible popularity among tourists and businessmen, and the authorities are well aware of this, so they are introducing new technologies and continuing to work on amenities.
Comparison Table of Transport Options
Transportation in the Emirates is not limited to one taxi – there are other solutions. It is easy to verify its relevance if you study the table below.
| Option | Price (AED) | Travel Time | Comfort | Booking Method |
| Standard Taxi (Dubai Taxi Corp.) | 250–350 | 1h 30m – 2h | ★★★★☆ | Taxi stand, street hail, phone |
| Careem / Uber | 300–400 (depends on demand) | 1h 30m – 2h | ★★★★☆ | Mobile app |
| Private Transfer | 350–600 | 1h 30m – 2h | ★★★★★ | Online booking, hotel concierge |
| Bus (Dubai to Abu Dhabi) | 25–35 | 2h – 2h 30m | ★★☆☆☆ | RTA bus stations |
| Car Rental | 150–300 (per day + fuel) | 1h 30m – 2h | ★★★★☆ | Rental agencies, airport |
| Shared Shuttle | 80–120 | 2h – 2h 15m | ★★★☆☆ | Travel agencies, online booking |
Now it is worth considering the listed options in more detail.
Details of Each Option
Transportation in the United Arab Emirates will satisfy the needs of every guest of the country. The main thing is to determine the needs and budget.
Standard Dubai Taxi
Until now, in Dubai, you can see such a picture when leaving the airport terminal: dozens of vehicles, which people approach and arrange a trip. Such places are marked with special Taxi Line signs. Moreover, the service is quite popular, despite the existence of services and applications. In addition, a tourist can stand, for example, at a shopping mall and wave his hand to “catch” a car. However, this option is suitable only for those people who have time and are not in a hurry. If a person is on a business trip, it is better to think about booking in advance.
However, experienced travelers are advised to be skeptical about this decision due to certain monetary risks, because there is a possibility of encountering an unscrupulous driver who can overestimate the cost at the very last moment. The “specialists” believe that the most reasonable option is to order a car in advance and do it through the application.
Careem / Uber
In 2019, the world saw Hala Ride Dubai, the result of a fruitful collaboration between Careem and the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority). The platform combines advanced technologies to simplify and improve the transport infrastructure.
Through the Careem app, customers receive continuous benefits:
- reliability – cars and drivers are listed in the database;
- Safety – the machines are regularly checked;
- adequate transportation rates;
- a wide range of vehicles – there are more than 12,000 vehicles in the fleet for trips of different classes (standard, comfort, business, exclusive, eco-friendly, with children, with a personal driver);
- easy to use – the car is booked in just a couple of clicks, and the application interface is intuitive;
- multiple payment methods – cash is accepted, payments via the internal Careem Credits or Apple Pay service, by bank card (if it operates within the UAE);
- providing complete information – the traveler knows what the car and license plate will be, the driver’s name and the color of the roof (for example, pink indicates that a woman is driving).
Registration and use of the Careem platform are carried out according to a standard algorithm. The app can be downloaded via the App Store or Google Play. Then you need to provide a minimum of personal information – name and phone number, and then come up with a password (too simple combinations are not recommended). To call a car, it remains to select the type of car, specify the places for pick-up and arrival at the destination. There is no doubt that the transport will arrive on time. The prices are fixed.
The service provides an option for booking a car in advance, but there are three nuances. The first one is that the trip is planned very soon. The second option is to order a car at a later hour, but this is only available for two options – Hala Taxi and Hala Kids. The third is that transportation is not served at the airport.
The good news for active Uber users is that the app functions seamlessly in Dubai. The platform is known for its reliability. Mandatory requirements are also put forward for drivers – the presence of a special license and the presence of the driver’s name in the company’s system. It is forbidden to work without them.
In Uber Dubai, you can choose a car class and find out the cost of the trip in advance. For example, the minimum price for the economy segment is 25.4 dirhams, while the premium price is 20.3 dirhams. The fleet is huge, including Tesla cars.
Private Transfers
If you want to feel all the delights of a luxury car ride and not depend on anyone, you can book a private transfer through the hotel where the guest is going to stay. There are also specialized online services where you can select a vehicle and mark your preferred options:
- availability of a child car seat;
- a car for every taste and option – for one person, lovers, a couple with children, a large friendly company;
- drivers with personal requirements, such as knowledge of a particular language;
- assistance with carrying luggage and placing it in the trunk;
- arrival of the car at any place designated by the client – at the airport, at the hotel, at a shopping mall or at a tourist attraction;
- free high-speed internet.
The cost is also quite affordable – in the range of 95-160 dollars. It is justified by professionalism and convenience for the client. Safety is also guaranteed.
Bus Dubai – Abu Dhabi
If you want to save a lot of money and at the same time appreciate the scenery outside the window, innovations and comfort, it is definitely recommended to take a bus. These are not antediluvian cars, but state-of-the-art vehicles with an air conditioning system, which is very important in such a hot climate.
It will take about two to two and a half hours to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Not as fast as by car. But also comfortably and at a very low cost. A one-way route will cost 25-35 dirhams (in terms of dollars, it is 6.8-9.5).
Car Rental
Many travelers do not want to depend on the time frame or other people, so they prefer to rent a car and give the service high marks. The advantages are more than obvious:
- complete freedom of action – you can make stops at any convenient place and for as long as you want;
- favorable price – about 300 dirhams (additional charges and fuel are included in the tariff);
- maximum safety when driving independently – the legislation in the Emirates is very strict, and there are no drunk drivers on the roads;
- perfect condition of the cars – all cars are carefully checked before renting.
To rent a vehicle, you need to have certain documents with you. UAE residents present their passport and driver’s license. As for the guests, they are required to show a foreign passport, an international driver’s license and exactly the same bank card for making a deposit.
Shared Shuttle
Another pleasant introduction for tourists wishing to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is the Shared Shuttle. The initiative belongs to the local brand Experience Abu Dhabi. The shuttles are incredibly comfortable:
- high-speed Wi-Fi;
- clean and comfortable seats;
- luggage compartment for bags;
- variety of schedules and routes;
- air conditioners.
The cost of the trip is 80-120 dirhams (22-32 USD), and the duration is 2-2.15 hours.
Travel Tips for Dubai–Abu Dhabi Route
To make a trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi a pleasant experience, you should take note of some simple tips.
It is better to choose a certain time for the trip in order to avoid traffic jams during rush hours on the Sheikh Zayed Highway. As a rule, this is earlier in the morning (7.00-9.00) and the evening end of the working day is from 17.00 to 20.00. Before and after lunch is the ideal period when you can drive calmly and with pleasure.
For obvious reasons, it is only necessary to take a taxi or book a car in advance on holidays and weekends. The passenger flow reaches its peak during these periods.
As for payment, it is recommended to keep cash amounts with you just in case, so that there are no problems upon arrival. It is also important to ensure that the card operates within the Emirates.
If several people (family or a group of friends) come to the Emirates together, it is more profitable to order a transfer by minivan. It costs 500 dirhams (in dollars – 135).
FAQ – Taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
- How much does a taxi cost from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
The cost of a taxi ride from Dubai to Abu Dhabi varies based on the policy of the carrier company, the class of the car, and the availability of amenities. But in general, it amounts to about 250-350 dirhams – 60-85 dollars.
- Can I book a taxi in advance for this route?
Yes, taxi booking service is available in advance, many platforms offer it. It is especially convenient for ordering to an airport or hotel.
- Is Uber or Careem cheaper than a Dubai taxi?
Uber or Careem may be more expensive, but it should still be compared with other offers. The cost can be found out in advance, in the application. It should also be remembered that some unscrupulous drivers of standard taxis may overcharge.
- Are there night surcharges for Dubai–Abu Dhabi taxis?
You can order a taxi at night. However, after 22.00 the cost of the trip rises by 0.5 dirhams. In some companies, kilometers are doubled in price.
- What is the cheapest way to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
The cheapest way to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is by bus with all amenities (air conditioning, Wi-Fi, comfortable chairs). The ticket costs 25-35 dirhams (approximately 10-16 dollars).
Conclusion
A trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is an invaluable experience and a lot of new impressions for a lifetime. Although there are various travel options available in the United Arab Emirates, the main thing is to rely on the available free time, budget and wishes. However, the taxi remains one of the top leaders in terms of preferences – convenient, fast, and affordable. Contact our company and you will enjoy the best trip.