Dubai to Abu Dhabi: Bus, Taxi, Car or Train

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the UAE's two largest cities, roughly 130–140 km apart along the coast. The trip is easy by road, and many travellers do it as a day trip. Check options for your date on the Dubai to Abu Dhabi planner.

Intercity bus

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) runs intercity buses to Abu Dhabi. The best known is route E101, which runs from Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. Other routes link different parts of Dubai. Buses are air-conditioned and comfortable, and the journey usually takes around two hours, depending on traffic.

Payment rules have changed over time – some services need a Nol card (Dubai's transport card) or an Abu Dhabi bus card, rather than cash. Check current RTA guidance before travelling, and allow time to buy and top up a card.

Taxi or ride-hailing

A taxi or ride-hailing car is the most convenient option, especially for groups or with luggage. The trip takes around an hour and a half without heavy traffic. It is much more expensive than the bus, and fares across the emirate border may include extra charges.

Rental car

Driving gives you freedom to stop at places like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or Yas Island. The E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai) connects the two cities. Speed cameras are common and limits are strictly enforced. Salik toll gates apply in Dubai, and Abu Dhabi has its own Darb toll system; check how your rental company charges these.

Rail

The UAE's national railway, Etihad Rail, has been building passenger services linking major cities including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Check Etihad Rail's official channels for current timetables and status before planning to use it. Where Tokyo2Us has published timetable data, we show it; we do not invent schedules.

Day trip ideas in Abu Dhabi

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – check visitor rules and dress code.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island.
• Qasr Al Watan presidential palace.
• Yas Island theme parks and the Formula 1 circuit.

How to choose

• Cheapest: the intercity bus.
• Quickest and simplest: taxi or ride-hailing.
• Most flexible: rental car.

Tips

• Avoid rush hour; traffic leaving Dubai in the morning and returning in the evening can add a lot of time.
• Carry water, especially in summer.
• Dress modestly for mosques and some cultural sites.

About prices

Tokyo2Us shows driving times from live road routing and labelled estimates where no published fare exists. See the United Arab Emirates guide for more places.

Paying for the bus: Nol and Hafilat

Dubai's RTA buses are paid with a Nol card, and you usually need to buy and top up the card before boarding, as drivers generally do not take cash. Nol cards are sold at metro stations and some shops. Abu Dhabi's public buses use the Hafilat card, so if you plan to ride local buses after arriving, you may need a Hafilat card as well. Rules on cards and fares change from time to time, so check the RTA and Abu Dhabi Integrated Transport Centre websites before you travel.

Driving tips

The main route between the two cities is the E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai). It is a wide, fast highway, but speed cameras are common and limits are strictly enforced. Dubai uses Salik electronic tolls, and Abu Dhabi has its own Darb toll system. Rental cars usually have toll tags, with the charges added to your bill later. Fuel is generally affordable compared with many countries. Check that your licence is accepted in the UAE, as some visitors need an International Driving Permit.

Getting from the airport

If you land at Dubai International Airport and plan to go straight to Abu Dhabi, a taxi or pre-booked transfer is simplest. You can also take the Dubai Metro to a bus station and then an intercity bus, which is cheaper but slower. Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi is on the Dubai side of the city, so some travellers find it convenient to fly into Abu Dhabi for a stay in both cities. Airlines sometimes offer coach transfers between their hub and the other city for their own passengers.

Weather and timing

From roughly May to September, daytime temperatures are extremely high, so plan outdoor visits for early morning or evening and travel with water. The cooler months, from about November to March, are the most popular time to visit. Prices for hotels and events are often higher then. During Ramadan, opening hours and public transport timetables can change, and eating or drinking in public during daylight hours may be restricted, so check current guidance.

Dress and etiquette

Abu Dhabi's mosques and some cultural sites have dress codes. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and women may be asked to cover their hair at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, where suitable clothing may be provided. Check the official visitor rules and opening hours before going, as some areas close for prayer times.

Rail update

The UAE's national rail network has been developing passenger services that link major cities in the Emirates, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Launch dates and timetables have changed over time, so check the operator's official announcements for the latest information. Tokyo2Us will only show rail options for this route once real timetables are available.

Which option suits you?

If you are on a budget and travelling light, the intercity bus is the obvious choice. With a group or with luggage, a taxi or ride-hailing car can cost less per person than you might expect and saves a lot of time. A rental car makes most sense if you plan to see several sights in Abu Dhabi in one day, such as the Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island and Yas Island.

Our pick

The bus for budget, a taxi for convenience and a car for exploring.