Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is just 1.5 hours from Dubai, making it an easy choice to include in your UAE itinerary, no matter which city you arrive in. The proximity of the two cities means flying between them isn’t an option, so your best choices are to take a bus, rent a car or driver, metro, and taxi. Are you wondering how to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi? If you’re planning a day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai, Indubaimall have some recommendations to share on this blog.
Public Transportation Options
How to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi? If you’re curious about traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and you wish to see the difference between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you have several public transportation options such as buses and metro. Dubai to Abu Dhabi distance is about 140 km apart and the journey from these emirates typically takes about 90 minutes by road. For a quicker and more comfortable experience, take the multi-lane highways that link the two cities. In order to prevent any delays, try to schedule your trip during off-peak hours.
Bus Services
Bus services are the most economical way to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE. They are not only budget-friendly but also convenient, with set schedules. Buses operate several times a day between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, ensuring that you can find a bus whenever you wish to travel. If you’re looking for where to catch a bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, there are three primary routes that will take you to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station 1 from Dubai:
- Al Ghubaiba Bus Station 9
- Ibn Battuta Metro Station
- Ibn Battuta Bus Station 8
These services run every 20 minutes, with a one-way ticket priced at AED 30. The journey duration ranges from approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. You can also take a bus from Dubai Airport that it start at Terminal 3, and reaches Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.

Metro
Currently, there is no Metro or train service available for passengers to travel directly from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. However, Dubai to Abu Dhabi Metro will improve in the future with the introduction of Etihad Rail.
Private Transportation Methods
Private transportation to get Abu Dhabi from Dubai transfer involves tailored travel services where vehicles are dedicated just to you or the specific group that you are with. It provides more comfort, safety, and convenience than public transport. Taxis or ride-hailing options, and other private transport guarantees immediate availability, skilled drivers, and high-quality vehicles, while these are improving the overall travel experience for you and you can search them anywhere in Dubai such as from Dubai Mall to Abu Dhabi. Here are some of the private transportation methods to get Abu Dhabi from Dubai in the following part:
Taxi Services
Taxi is one of the private transportation options between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The taxi fares remain consistent whether you travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi or vice versa. While taking a taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi may not be the most economical choice, many individuals opt for it because of its convenience, comfort, and privacy. Additionally, Dubai to Abu Dhabi taxi time typically lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes, with costs ranging from approximately AED 220.36 to AED 275.50. Additionally, if you prefer to have a taxi from DXB (Dubai International Airport) to Abu Dhabi, a taxi will be ready for you just outside the airport.


Ride-sharing Platforms
People who are new to the capital often use ride-hailing apps in Abu Dhabi. The cost varies based on the chosen ride type, the estimated distance, and current traffic conditions. A lot of people enjoy using Uber or Careem due to their excellent service, high-quality vehicles, and convenience. The Hala Taxi option in the Careem app is an excellent choice for anyone looking to travel by taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
Car rentals
Some individuals choose to rent a car for their journey from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. For example, many take road trips to the Louvre Abu Dhabi to visit this incredible museum. The drive from Dubai to the Louvre in Abu Dhabi takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, covering a distance of roughly 134.9 km. Additionally, most car rental companies offer convenient pick-up and drop-off points. This allows you to rent a car in Dubai and return it at a specified location in Abu Dhabi, eliminating the need to drive it back to Dubai. This service is very useful for many travelers going from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.