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Transfer Options from Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is one of the safest cities in the world. Known for its incredible skyline and gigantic malls, it has something for everyone. Between its natural islands and luxury resorts, sand dunes and cool oases, it is definitely worth a visit. Moreover, the city of Abu Dhabi is located just an hour and 15 minutes drive away from Dubai.

So when visiting this multicultural city, you will be landing at Abu Dhabi International Airport and have 2 different transportation options to get to Dubai; you can either take a taxi or a bus.
Choosing to take an Abu Dhabi airport taxi to Dubai is always the best and most convenient option, taking just over 1 hour and 15 minutes. Alternatively, if you are looking for a more cost-savvy travel method, you can always take the Abu Dhabi airport bus to the bus station in Al Shahama, named Shahama Bus Depot. However, you will need to take a taxi from the station over the border. The bus trip from the airport to the station takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Abu Dhabi at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups €95 85min 24/7 Book
Book
Taxi €59 85min 24/7
Bus €44.70 90min 24/7

How to get from Abu Dhabi airport to Dubai by taxi

Taxis are the fastest and most efficient way to get from Abu Dhabi airport to Dubai, however, prices can get quite costly. Abu Dhabi airport taxis are available 24/7 and offer door-to-door services to your Dubai accommodation. There are two types of taxis at Abu Dhabi airport; standard taxis or luxury taxis.

Taxi fare from Abu Dhabi airport to Dubai

Taxis from Abu Dhabi airport calculate their fares using a taximeter, based on the time and distance travelled. In addition to that, prices vary depending on if you are travelling during the day, night, on a weekend or holiday. A normal taxi day fare from Abu Dhabi airport to Dubai costs around €59 (250 AED) for the 1 hour 15 minute journey.
Please note, that luxury taxis have higher initial fees, but the price per km is identical to a normal taxi. However, if you prefer to travel at a fixed rate fare with no unforeseen costs, you can always pre-book a private airport transfer online.

Cost

€59

Trip Duration

1 H 15 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Abu Dhabi airport.

Where do I get it from?

Taxis are available outside Terminals 1, 2 and 3. However, if you would like a luxury taxi, you can find them at Terminals 1 and 3. The areas are clearly signposted.

Convenience

Taxis are the most convenient transport option when travelling from Abu Dhabi airport to Dubai as they are comfortable, reliable and give you access to the fastest route. In addition, taking multiple methods of transport after a long flight can be very tiring, so hopping into an Abu Dhabi taxi is the best way to avoid any more stress that can arise during your trip to Dubai.

Editor’s Note

It is possible to negotiate a fixed price with your taxi driver before starting your journey, provided that their English is good enough. Most drivers are happy to set a cost, however, make sure that you know the approximate price before sealing the deal.

Useful Tips

It is good to now that luxury taxis are 6 seater vehicles, where as standard metered taxis are only 5 seaters.
If you have a lot of luggage, it is best to take a luxury taxi as they have more luggage space.
If you wish to hail a taxi directly from the street, your taxi price will be higher.

How to get from Abu Dhabi airport to Dubai by bus

Unfortunately, there is no direct bus route departing from Abu Dhabi airport and reaching Dubai. You will firstly have to take the bus line 240, taking around 30 minutes from the airport to Al Shahama Bus Depot. From there, you will need to get a taxi to your Dubai hotel, which will take around 1 hour.

How much is a bus ticket from Abu Dhabi airport to Dubai?

The airport bus is public, therefore the price is low, with a one-way costing only €0.85 (3.50 AED). You can buy your bus ticket directly from your bus driver in cash. After that, your trip to Dubai by taxi will cost around €43 (180 AED). Bringing the total cost of your journey to Dubai to around €43.85 (183.50 AED).

Cost

€43.85

Trip Duration

1 H 30 Min.

*There can be a two hour wait for the bus.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Airport buses are available daily 24/7.

Where do I get it from?

The 240 airport bus leaves from Terminal 1, outside of the arrivals area on the curbside. If you land at either Terminal 2 or 3, you will need to take the free airport shuttle to get there.

Convenience

As there is no direct bus route from Abu Dhabi airport to Dubai, and the buses are infrequent, this travel option is rather inconvenient. Moreover, as you will still have to pay for a taxi, taking the bus doesn’t necessarily mean your trip will be less costly.

Editor’s Note

If you are travelling with Etihad Airways, there is a complimentary shuttle service that is available for booking. The Abu Dhabi shuttle provides free transits to Dubai from the airport. If the shuttle isn't overfull, the driver will allow others onboard, however, if you don't have an Etihad boarding pass, you will need to pay a bus fee.

Useful Tips

The bus only operates every 2 hours, so if you are in a rush the timing can be very inconvenient.
If you are returning to Abu Dhabi airport from Dubai, the E1 bus line operates from Dubai to Shahama Station.
If you are often going to be travelling on the UAE bus line, you can purchase daily or monthly bus passes, which can save you money.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Abu dhabi. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Read more Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

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Frequently asked questions

How much is a taxi from Abu Dhabi airport to Dubai?

Taxis from Abu Dhabi airport are metered, therefore the cost is variable depending on the time or day you are willing to travel on. However, in normal traffic conditions, your Abu Dhabi airport to Dubai transfer will cost around €59 (250 AED).

How far is Abu Dhabi airport from Dubai?

Abu Dhabi airport is located 124.4km away from Dubai city. A journey by car or taxi takes around 1 hour 15 minutes, traffic dependent.

How many transport options are available between Abu Dhabi airport to Dubai?

Unfortunately, choosing to take a taxi is the only direct method to get from Abu Dhabi airport to Dubai, as there is no direct public transportation method. The only available option would be to take the bus, however, you will need to finish off the journey by taxi.

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