The capital of the UAE is a sun-seeker’s paradise and a cultural hotspot. The city has something for everyone, from magnificent architecture and serene landscapes to desert adventures and music festivals. Al Maktoum Airport, also known as Dubai World Central (DWC), is one of two airports serving Abu Dhabi. Referred to as ‘Dubai’s airport of the future’, Al Maktoum is part of an exciting new expansion project and is expected to be one of the world’s largest international airports once the expansion is complete. There are two transfer options to reach the city from the airport: an airport taxi or a bus service. Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Dubai at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.
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How to get from Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi
Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100
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20 minute gap between transfers
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Regular Car Sanitisation
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Contactless ride
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Sanitiser in every car
Comparison of the options
| OPTION | PRICE | DURATION | AVAILABILITY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | €46 | 90min | 24/7 | |
| Welcome Pickups | €46 | 90min | 24/7 | Book |
| Book | ||||
| Bus | €13.60 | 150min | 04:45–23:15 | |
How to get from Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi by taxi
Taxi ranks are located outside the airport, so you should spot the cream-coloured vehicles with illuminated roof signs when you exit the terminal. All of the licensed local taxis are metered and charge per kilometre. The journey to Abu Dhabi will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the traffic and your final destination.
How much is a taxi from Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi?
Taximeters are used by all of the licensed taxis, so your journey will be charged based on the distance you’re travelling. Avoid any local taxis offering rides at a fixed rate, as this most likely means they’re unlicensed. The total cost should come to around €46 (200 AED).
Convenience
Taxis and private transfers are considered to be the most convenient and stress-free way to reach Abu Dhabi from Al Maktoum Airport, as there aren’t many direct options on public transport. Licensed taxis and private vehicles in Abu Dhabi are very clean and comfortable. However, local taxi prices can be unpredictable due to the taximeter rule. If you’d prefer a flat-rate fee, we’d recommend booking a Welcome Pickups transfer in advance.
Editor’s Note
There aren’t many taxi ranks in Abu Dhabi, other than at the airports and the main shopping centres. If there aren’t any taxi ranks nearby when you’re in the city, you can hail one on the street or you can book one online, through an app or over the phone.
Useful Tips
How to get from Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi by bus
Public transport in the UAE is not as developed as many of the cities in Europe, however, you can catch two buses to reach Abu Dhabi from Al Maktoum Airport. The F55 bus runs from the airport to Ibn Battuta every hour and takes around 60 minutes. From Ibn Battuta, you can take the E101 bus all the way to Abu Dhabi central bus station. This bus runs every 30 minutes and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the city. The total travel time, excluding waiting times, will be 2 hours and 30 minutes.
How much is the bus from Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi?
The ticket prices are €1 (4.20 AED) for the F55 bus and €5.80 (25 AED) for the E101 bus. You can purchase a temporary Hafilat smart card to pay for the public buses in Abu Dhabi. These cards are available at the airport bus terminal and at every bus station. After paying a base price of 5 AED for the re-loadable card, you can add as much as you need for your stay.
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Cost
€6.80
Trip Duration
2h 30min
Convenience
Safety
Value for money
The F55 bus runs every hour and is available 24/7. The E101 bus runs every 30 minutes and is available from 04:45am-23:15pm Sunday to Wednesday, 04:15am-01:15am on Thursday, 05:15am-01:45am on Friday and 05:45am-00:15am on Saturday.
Where do I get it from?
Convenience
While Dubai is continuously expanding and growing, the public transport structure is fairly limited. Using the bus is a very affordable way to travel around Abu Dhabi, particularly across long distances. However, the long journey times will make the trip quite uncomfortable and the lack of official operating times can make planning your journey quite tricky.
Editor’s Note
All city bus services and main regional bus services in Abu Dhabi have stepless entry and are fully equipped for wheelchair access.
Useful Tips
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.
Read morePrices
DAYTIME
€€46NIGHTTIME
€€46PRICES FOR
Sedan Car
4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage
Frequently asked questions
How far away is Al Maktoum Airport from Abu Dhabi?
Al Maktoum Airport, or DWC, is located around 120km northeast of Abu Dhabi. The journey time from the airport to the city should be approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car or 2 hours and 30 minutes by bus.
Can I get a train from Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi?
No. Currently, there’s no train service from Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi, however you can get an airport taxi or the F55 and E101 buses to the city.
How much is a taxi from Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi?
As all licensed local taxis must use a meter, there isn’t a flat rate. The cost should be in the region of €46 (200 AED), depending on your destination. Your journey will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
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