How to get from Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi

The Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi distance is approximately 120 kilometers, but the travel time varies significantly depending on how you travel.

Metered Al Maktoum Airport taxis are available around the clock and will take you to Abu Dhabi in 1 hour and 10 minutes.

If you want to skip the taxi queue at DWC and secure a fixed price in advance, you can pre-book an Al Maktoum Airport transfer instead for your comfort and convenience.

There is no direct bus from Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi. Instead, you’ll need to take the F55 bus to Dubai, and then take a bus to Abu Dhabi, meaning your journey time will be around 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Want more details? Read on!

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.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€71	70min	24/7
Bus (F55 + E101)	€14.40	165min	06:31–23:59
Welcome Airport Transfer	€88	70min	24/7

How to get from Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi by taxi

Taking a taxi from Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi is a popular choice as you’ll receive a comfortable, air-conditioned, door-to-door service. The journey time is around 1 hour and 10 minutes in light traffic, and Al Maktoum Airport taxis are available 24/7.

Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi taxi fares

You can expect your taxi from DWC Airport to Abu Dhabi to cost around €71 (AED 300). Your fare will be calculated with a taximeter, depending on the exact distance and time traveled.

*Surcharges for extra luggage, additional passengers, and tolls (salik) are not included in the price and will be added to your final fare.

Photos (1)

Cost

€71

Trip Duration

1 H 10 Min

*Prices vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Local taxis are available 24/7 from outside the airport. You can go to the taxi rank or book one online, through an app or over the phone.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Once you leave the airport, you should spot the fleet of cream-colored taxis lined up at the taxi rank outside. Follow the signs to the official taxi rank once you leave the Arrivals Hall. If you’re unsure where to go, one of the airport staff members will be able to guide you.

Convenience

Taxis and private transfers are considered the most convenient and stress-free ways to reach Abu Dhabi from Al Maktoum Airport, as there are no 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.

Editor’s Note

Great for a convenient travel solution on demand.

Useful Tips

Giving directions can be tricky, as there are no unique postcodes in Abu Dhabi. However, most drivers should know the famous landmarks and hotels by name.

Do not accept a taxi ride from anyone who approaches you in the Arrivals Hall. Instead, go to the official taxi rank.

Most local airport taxis take both cash and card payments.

The pink taxis are only available for women and families to use. The cream-colored taxis are available to all.

How to get from Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi by bus

Sadly, there is no direct Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi bus. You will first have to take the F55 bus to Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai. The F55 bus runs from the airport to Ibn Battuta every hour and takes around 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.

Then, hop on the E101 to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. This bus takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, bringing the total travel time to approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, depending on wait times and traffic levels.

How much is the bus from Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi?

The ticket prices from DWC Airport to Abu Dhabi are €1.20 (AED 5) for the F55 bus and €6 (AED 25) for the intercity bus.

Tickets must be paid using a NOL card, which you can purchase at ticket counters or vending machines in the airport or metro/bus stations. The best option for travelers is the Red NOL pass, which costs a one-off fee of €0.50 (AED 2). The card must then be topped up before use and is required for all public transport, including buses and the metro.

Photos (1)

Cost

€7.20

Trip Duration

2 H 45 Min

The F55 bus runs every hour. The E101 departs from the Ibn Battuta Bus Station every 30 minutes on average.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The F55 bus operates between 06:31 to 22:31 daily. The E101 bus runs every 20-30 minutes and is available from 04:30 to 23:59 (midnight).

Where do I get a bus from?

The F55 bus stop is located right outside the arrivals exit at Al Maktoum Airport. Once you get to Ibn Battuta Bus Station, it’ll be easy to find the direct bus to Abu Dhabi.

Convenience

Traveling from DWC Airport to Abu Dhabi via public transport can be a lengthy and tiresome journey as there are no direct routes. Additionally, carrying your luggage in the heat while transferring from the metro to the bus can be especially exhausting after a long flight.

Editor’s Note

Good budget-friendly option if you have plenty of time on your hands.

Useful Tips

All city bus services and main regional bus services in Abu Dhabi have stepless entry and are fully equipped for wheelchair access.

Operating times differ depending on the day of the week, so make sure you check the operating hours on the day you’d like to travel.

All of the buses in Abu Dhabi are air-conditioned and so are the bus stations, which should make the journey and the wait time less uncomfortable.

Please note that as of March 2025, the minimum top-up amount at ticket vending machines is €4.77 (AED 20), and at metro ticket offices, it's €12 (AED 50).

How to get from Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi by private transfer

Taking an Al Maktoum Airport transfer to Abu Dhabi is the best way to travel. Not only do you get all of the benefits of a taxi, but you also get to skip the taxi queue!

Professional private transfer companies like Welcome Pickups provide personalized services to make your arrival as hassle-free as possible.

Here’s what you can expect:

Guaranteed on-time pickup with live flight monitoring
Professional English-speaking driver
Seamless meet and greet in the Arrivals Hall
Competitive fixed fares and a smooth online booking system
24/7 customer service
Flexible cancellation policy

Getting from Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi doesn’t need to be stressful. If you book a private transfer in advance, you can relax knowing everything is taken care of.

How much is a private transfer from Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi?

When you book a private transfer, you’ll receive an all-inclusive fixed quote for your journey. That means you don’t have to stare down the taximeter. Instead, you can breathe out in the knowledge that your trip is booked and paid for.

As a guide, here are our prices for Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi transfers:

Sedan (up to 4) – €88
Minivan (up to 7) – €149

You can book via our online portal or mobile app (App Store || Google Play). Simply put in your flight number, intended destination, personal details, and pickup time to secure your personalized quote. The quote is all-inclusive with zero hidden costs. So, no amount of traffic or flight delay will change your set fee.

Cost

€88

Trip Duration

1 H 10 Min

*Booking your private transfer from DWC Airport in advance is the best way to ensure a seamless experience.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Dubai World Central Airport.

Where do I get a private transfer from?

When you touch down at Al Maktoum Airport, your friendly, professional local driver will be waiting in the Arrivals Hall. They’ll carry a sign with your name on it to help you identify them. After a warm welcome to Dubai, they’ll assist you with your luggage and lead you to your personal vehicle.

If your flight is delayed, we’ll update your driver so you don’t have to. That way, you can rest assured that your driver will be there when you arrive.

Convenience

Private transfers are the next level of convenience from local Al Maktoum Airport taxis. With fixed-rate fares, 24/7 customer support, and bespoke vehicles, everything is taken care of for you so you can start your journey in Abu Dhabi relaxed.

Editor’s Note

Ideal for couples, families, business, and solo travelers who want a convenient, safe, reliable journey.

Useful Tips

We recommend setting your pickup time to at least 40 minutes after your scheduled landing time to allow you enough time to get through baggage reclaim and passport control.

Sedans can seat up to 4 passengers and our minivans can take up to 7.

You do not have to tip your driver, however, you can always give a tip if you really appreciate the service.

You will receive an email with your driver's name, details, and vehicle information so that you know what to expect on the day.

If you need a child booster or baby seat, you can request one during the booking process online or using the app.

If your flight is delayed, there's no need to worry as our drivers receive live updates on delayed flights. So no matter what time you land, they will be there waiting.

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.

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

DAYTIME

€€46

NIGHTTIME

€€46

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

Is there a free shuttle from Dubai Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi?

No, there are currently no free shuttles from Dubai Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi.

What is the cheapest way to get from Dubai Al Maktoum to Abu Dhabi?

The cheapest way to get from Dubai Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi is to take the bus. However, there is no direct bus from Dubai Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi. You’ll need to take the F55 to Ibn Battuta Bus Station and then take the E101 to Abu Dhabi. In total, it should cost you €7.20 (AED 30). Your best value for money option is booking a private transfer in advance.

How much is a taxi from Dubai Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi?

The cost of a taxi from Dubai Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi is around €71 (AED 300), however, it will depend on the taximeter. All licensed taxis must use a taximeter to calculate your fare unless booked in advance.

How to go from Dubai Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi for free?

Currently, there are no free methods of traveling from Dubai Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi. However, the cheapest option is to take the F55 bus to Ibn Battuta Bus Station and then take the E101 to Abu Dhabi. This should cost just €7.20 (AED 30) per person for the entire journey.

Olivia De Santos

Olivia De Santos is a seasoned travel writer and adventurer with bylines in Lonely Planet and A Way Abroad. With over ten years of professional writing experience and a degree in Linguistics, she blends cultural insight and personal storytelling to help travelers see the world in a new light.

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How to get from Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi by taxi

Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi taxi fares

Photos (1)

Cost

€71

Trip Duration

1 H 10 Min

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Local taxis are available 24/7 from outside the airport. You can go to the taxi rank or book one online, through an app or over the phone.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi by bus

How much is the bus from Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi?

Photos (1)

Cost

€7.20

Trip Duration

2 H 45 Min

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The F55 bus operates between 06:31 to 22:31 daily. The E101 bus runs every 20-30 minutes and is available from 04:30 to 23:59 (midnight).

Where do I get a bus from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi by private transfer

How much is a private transfer from Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi?

Cost

€88

Trip Duration

1 H 10 Min

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Dubai World Central Airport.

Where do I get a private transfer from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

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

Prices

DAYTIME

NIGHTTIME

Sedan Car

Frequently asked questions

Is there a free shuttle from Dubai Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi?

What is the cheapest way to get from Dubai Al Maktoum to Abu Dhabi?

How much is a taxi from Dubai Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi?

How to go from Dubai Al Maktoum Airport to Abu Dhabi for free?

Olivia De Santos

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The best way to arrive in Dubai

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