Abu Dhabi is an excellent choice for travelers that are looking for a more traditional UAE experience complemented with the luxuries of Dubai. Transportation from Dubai airport to Abu Dhabi is generally possible through a taxi service or the metro + intercity bus service operating from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Dubai. Traveling by Dubai airport taxi usually takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to the centre of Abu Dhabi and costs approximately 80€ (335 AED). On the other hand, a train to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station would take around 20 minutes, while the intercity bus to Abu Dhabi central bus station would need an extra 2 hours and 20 minutes.

3 options to go from Dubai Airport to city center

PRICE FOR
OPTION
PRICE
TIME
AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer
€90 90min 24/7
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Taxi
€80 90min 24/7
Convenience
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Bus
€14 160min 04:30–00:00
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How to get from Dubai airport to Abu Dhabi by taxi

Unlike most airports, Dubai International Airport does not offer any special deals regarding long distance transportation. In other words, people that want to take a taxi or private transfer to Abu Dhabi are subject to the same cream colored vehicles and regular taxi rates. All in all, most trips to Abu Dhabi need around 1 hour and 30 minutes and tariffs range from 80€ (335 AED) to 87€ (364 AED) depending on company rates and traffic.

Taxi fare from Dubai airport to Abu Dhabi

As stated previously, any taxi transfer from Dubai airport to Abu Dhabi will be priced through a regular taximeter. Therefore, fees such as; 7€ initial airport fee, 0.45€/km distance fee and 0.15€/km waiting fee will apply likewise. Overall rates range from 80€ (335 AED) to 87€ (364 AED).

Where do I get it from?

In order to accommodate the huge number of daily travelers, Dubai airport has taxi ranks in all main exit gates of each terminal. Signs from the luggage claim will effortlessly guide you to your corresponding exit.

Convenience

Due to the lack of direct public transportation from Dubai airport to Abu Dhabi, taxis along with private transfers are considered as the most convenient and hassle-free ground transfer option to the heart of Abu Dhabi. Prices however can be a little unpredictable since customers get charged through a regular taximeter.

Useful Tips

Tipping the drivers is very optional and rare and should not be the norm.
Always make sure that you are going to get a regular fare since some drivers with fancier cars will charge more claiming luxury transfer.

How to get from Dubai airport to Abu Dhabi by bus

Unfortunately, the public transportation sector of UAE is not as developed as in other common large cities. Getting to Abu Dhabi, travelers will first have to take the red metro line to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Dubai and then one of the intercity buses (E100) to Abu Dhabi. The total travel time sums up to 2 hours and 40 minutes with no other alternative option.

How much is the bus from Dubai airport to Abu Dhabi?

The ticket prices are 1€ (4.20 AED) for the metro connection and 6€ (25 AED) for the intercity bus. Tickets must be purchased separately at the airport metro station and at Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Dubai respectively.

Cost
7€
Trip Duration
2 H 40 Min.
Waiting time for the E100 line is 20 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The intercity buses are available from 4:30 am till 12:00 am.

Where do I get it from?

People can take the train to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Dubai from either Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 of the airport. The intercity bus to Abu Dhabi has its own terminal at Al Ghubaiba Bus Station.

Convenience

Despite the booming infrastructure scene in Dubai, the public transportation sector is moderate with only 2 metro lines and few bus routes. Hence, people traveling to Abu Dhabi are subject to poor public transit alternatives, such as the 2 hour and 40 minute metro + bus connection from Dubai airport.

Useful Tips

Official time tables do not exist, therefore people planning to travel with an intercity bus must check operating hours beforehand.
Waiting several minutes at the bus station should not be a problem because they come with cafeterias, kids areas, praying rooms and more.

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Frequently asked questions

How far apart are Abu Dhabi and Dubai?

The calculated flying distance from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is equal to 65 miles which is equal to 105 km. If you want to go by car, the driving distance between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is 150 km.

Where to get a bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

What is the difference between Abu Dhabi and Dubai?

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