How to get from Dubai Airport to Abu Dhabi
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.
Comparison of the options
| OPTION | PRICE | DURATION | AVAILABILITY | |
|---|
| Bus | €14 | 160min | 04:30–00:00 | |
| Taxi | €80 | 90min | 24/7 | |
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.
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 will have 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.
Editor’s Note
In order to compensate for the long travel hours, the Intercity buses are equipped with air conditioning, information screens, comfortable seats and more.
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. Welcome Pickups transfer
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 Dubai. 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.
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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).
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.
Editor’s Note
All licensed taxis must operate using a taximeter, thus avoid anyone (scammers) offering rides at fixed prices especially to Abu Dhabi.
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. 
