Traveling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is one of the most popular routes taken by tourists, workers and business travelers. The two most distant cities of the UAE are connected by a modern highway, a distance of about 140 km makes the city easy and comfortable. The trip by car usually takes 1.5-2 hours, depending on the traffic situation and time of day.
Every day, thousands of people travel between the capital of the UAE and the most famous metropolis of the country. The reasons can be different: tourists go to the sights of Dubai, Abu Dhabi residents work or meet their friends in Dubai, and guests of the country often plan to visit neighboring emirates at once.
Traditionally, the most convenient way is considered to be a taxi, as it is available 24/7, does not require transfers and provides a direct route from door to door. However, in addition to it, there are other options: buses, Careem and Uber services, car rental or private transfers. All of these options have their own characteristics and both advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will look at all of the available offers from local companies to help you choose the best option for your trip.
Taxi from Abu Dhabi to Dubai
Taxi travel is the most popular and inexpensive way. Many tourists choose it because you don’t need to understand the bus schedule, look for parking or book a rental car. The ordered car arrives exactly where you are and takes you to any point in Dubai. The main features of this solution are described below.
- Cost: usually 250-350 AED one way. The final cost may be affected by the passenger pick-up location, the final destination, and any additional requests. Each situation is individual. At night or with heavy traffic, the cost may increase slightly.
- Travel time: on average 1.5-2 hours. If you happen to be in the morning rush hour (7:00-9:00) or in the evening (17:00-19:30), the road may take longer.
- Where to find: taxis can be found right on the street, in large shopping centers and hotels, as well as at the airport. These are official cars, painted in corporate colors, with logos and equipped with a special meter.
- Call via the application: Careem and Uber allow you to conveniently pre-order a car of the desired class. This is a great option if you do not want to wait for a taxi on the street. To order, simply use the application or call the taxi service.
- Tariff regulation: all trips are controlled by the state body TransAD, so prices are fixed and transparent. Before starting the journey, the driver is required to turn on the meter, and upon completion, issues a receipt.
These features make the choice for those who value their comfort and are ready for a little more convenience during the trip.
Comparative table of transport options
To make it easier for you to navigate the available modes of transportation, we will present a comparative characteristic in the form of a table. Below are the main transport options between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
| Option | Price (AED) | Travel Time | Comfort | Booking Method |
| Standard Abu Dhabi Taxi | 250-350 | 1h 30m – 2h | ★★★★☆ | Taxi stand, phone |
| Careem / Uber | 300-400 | 1h 30m – 2h | ★★★★☆ | Mobile app |
| Private Transfer | 350-600 | 1h 30m – 2h | ★★★★★ | Online booking, hotels |
| Bus (Abu Dhabi – Dubai) | 25-35 | 2h – 2h 30m | ★★☆☆☆ | Abu Dhabi bus stations |
| Car Rental | 150-300/day | 1h 30m – 2h | ★★★★☆ | Rental companies |
| Shared Shuttle | 80-120 | 2h – 2h 15m | ★★★☆☆ | Hotels, agencies |
When comparing these parameters, it becomes obvious that the choice of transport depends on three factors: budget, climate and travel purpose.
Details about each option
If you are still hesitating with the choice, imagine in more detail each way to get from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. We suggest you learn more about their characteristics, as well as familiarize yourself with the most important advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Standard Abu Dhabi Taxi
A classic option that has remained a priority for many tourists who value their comfort for many years.
Features:
- official taxis are easy to find in any area of the city;
- cars are painted in natural colors, equipped with air conditioning and a meter;
- average cost of a trip to the center of Dubai is 250-350 AED;
- daily service used by locals and year-round tourists;
- cash and card payments are possible.
The main advantage is that the drivers know their route very well and will quickly take you to the desired area, while guaranteeing comfort and safety. The only significant disadvantage is the lack of a fixed price, so the result depends on the distance and travel time. But if you prepare in advance, you can roughly orient yourself on the price according to the current rates.
Careem / Uber
These services are especially popular among tourists and migrants, as the entire booking and payment process takes place through the app. You see the final cost before the trip, and you can also choose a suitable car category based on your preferences and financial capabilities.
Prices depend on demand: during peak hours, the cost may be higher. On average, one trip costs 300-400 AED. The convenience of this option is that the car arrives at the place you choose, and there is no risk of running into a “private driver”. Since the companies have been offering their services for a long time, they have built a good reputation during this time, which guarantees high-quality service.
Private Transfer
Private Transfer is a service that can be ordered online or through a hotel.
Main nuances:
- usually companies offer business class cars (Mercedes, Lexus), minivans for families and even VIP transport;
- the cost is higher: from 350 to 600 AED.
The main advantages of the transfer are maximum comfort, fixed price and personal service at a high level for absolutely every passenger. The driver meets you with a sign at the airport, helps with luggage, and the trip itself takes place without any rush. For business guests and families with children, this option is considered the best.
Bus Abu Dhabi – Dubai
The bus is the choice of those who have a limited budget and are looking for a more economical option. The cost of such a ticket is minimal, but at the same time the travel conditions are quite comfortable. There are several routes that are most in demand:
- bus number E100 starts its journey at the central bus station in Abu Dhabi, the final stop is in Dubai, at the Al-Ghubaiba bus station;
- bus E101 goes to one of the largest shopping malls – Ibn Battuta Mall, which is very convenient for tourists who want to go shopping or visit the Marina.
All buses have air conditioning and comfortable seats for the convenience of passengers. Travel time is about 2 hours. The main limitation is the attachment to the established schedule, so if you want to use this option, you will have to adjust your plans to it.
Car Rental
Car rental is suitable for those who want to be completely independent from drivers or other passengers. This is an excellent solution for travelers who are going to explore several emirates or are planning an active trip around Dubai (usually we are talking about experienced tourists).
Key points:
- cost – from 150 AED per day, plus fuel and Salik road charges;
- an international driver’s license is required for tourists;
- the choice of cars is very large: from simple economy class models to luxury models.
The key advantage of this choice against the background of all available options is complete freedom of movement – you go only where you need to and choose the appropriate route yourself. But there is also a disadvantage, because after renting, you need to independently monitor the road, parking and pay all sorts of fees.
Shared Shuttle
Shared shuttle is a group transfer offered and organized by hotels and travel agencies. This option is ideal for budget travelers or those who don’t want to deal with buses on their own.
Key features:
- cost 80-120 AED;
- travel time is about 2 hours;
- possible intermediate stops for dropping off passengers.
This option is not only more economical than a taxi, but also more convenient than a bus. However, the downside is the lack of flexibility, since the schedule is fixed. At the same time, the organizers try to take into account the interests of most passengers, so they make a schedule for maximum convenience of travel.
Where to Find Transport in Abu Dhabi
Before choosing the right way to travel, it is important to know where exactly to look for the necessary transport. In Abu Dhabi, there are several key points for this:
- Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station is the main bus station, from where buses E100 and E101 depart;
- Abu Dhabi Airport is a 24-hour zone with official taxis, Careem and Uber services;
- shopping centers and hotels – you can always find taxi stands near them;
- ride-hailing apps – operate throughout the city and allow you to call a car directly to your place of residence.
Thanks to a large selection of options, it is possible to choose an offer for different situations: for budget trips, a bus is more convenient, for business meetings – a taxi or transfer.
Tips for Travelers
To make each trip as comfortable and without unwanted incidents as possible, we recommend that you consider several tips:
- always check that the taxi driver turns on the meter;
- book a transfer in advance if you have a scheduled flight or meeting;
- avoid illegal carriers;
- take into account the time of day and traffic jams;
- for families, a minivan or private transfer is more profitable;
- it is better to get on the bus at the starting station;
- when renting a car, check the terms of insurance and payment for Salik;
- always take water with you, especially in summer.
These simple recommendations will help to avoid unpleasant situations and make the trip calm and comfortable. They are based on the experience of seasoned tourists who have found themselves in different circumstances.
FAQ – Taxi from Abu Dhabi to Dubai
Finding transport for the first time is always a difficult task for tourists, especially when it comes to traveling in Dubai.
To make this “quest” easier, we have prepared answers to the most popular questions that travelers have.
- How much is a taxi from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?
The cost of a taxi is usually 250-350 AED. When ordering a car from an app, this price may be higher.
- How long does it take from Abu Dhabi to Dubai by taxi?
The average travel time is 1.5-2 hours. During rush hours, it may increase, but the drivers will do everything to quickly deliver you to the desired point.
- Are taxis available at Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai?
Yes, official taxis are always on duty at the airport. This is the most convenient way to start your trip right after arrival, when you are not yet familiar with the area.
- Is Uber or Careem available in Abu Dhabi?
Both services operate in Abu Dhabi and allow you to see the price in advance. This is especially convenient for tourists who are not familiar with local rates.
- What is the least expensive way to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?
The most budget-friendly way to get to Dubai is by bus, which will cost you only AED 25 to AED 25. But it is important to understand that it will take longer and the amenities are limited compared to an individual transfer. You will also have to take into account the already prepared travel schedule.
As you can see from this comparison, each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so the final choice depends only on your priorities.
Conclusion
Calling a taxi from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is the most convenient way to travel if you need to get to the right place quickly. Although the cost of ordering a taxi is higher than the same bus or shuttle, it is a taxi that provides a direct route, flexibility and 24/7 availability.
If you are looking for maximum comfort, we recommend booking a private transfer with the highest level of service. Travelers with a more modest budget can use the services of bus carriers. Regardless of which option you choose, the route between the two largest cities of the UAE will be simple, safe, and well organized. On the website taxi-dubai.ae you can always find useful recommendations on choosing transport and plan your trip in advance. We always provide relevant and useful information for tourists, and also help organize comfortable travel around the city and beyond. Go to other sections to get even more useful information.