In the first six months of 2025, nearly 10 million visitors arrived in Dubai. That means travel across the UAE is clearly thriving and well-connected. But one common question is, “can tourist enter Abu Dhabi from Dubai?” The answer is, yes! But you may wonder: What documents do I need? Are there roadblocks? In 2025, there’s no extra hassle for tourists moving between the emirates.
Let’s break it down for you: we’ll cover what entry rules look like, how you can get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi (car, bus or taxi), and give you simple tips to make your trip worry-free.
Is it Legal for You to Visit Abu Dhabi from Dubai in 2025
Yes! You can visit Abu Dhabi from Dubai and it’s legal. Both cities are part of the UAE and there are no internal border restrictions that stop visitors from moving around them. The best part? If your UAE visa is valid, you can freely travel not from Dubai to Abu Dhabi but also between all emirates.
Here’s a fun fact for you: back during the COVID-19 years, you might have dealt with quarantine mandates, special checkpoints or health passes. Those pandemic-era rules have been lifted. What remains important is simply carrying your passport, valid visa and, if you’re driving yourself, your driving licence.
What are the Documents and Entry Requirements for Tourists in 2025
We will keep it simple for you. If you are an UAE resident, you can easily travel to Abu Dhabi from Dubai. You are also eligible for a visa on arrival ( prearranged visa which is issued from any emirate in the UAE). On the contrary, If you’re traveling from another country and your tourist visa has expired, you can apply for renewal of the visa.
First time in UAE and have no idea about the visa process? Here are the documents to carry with yourself to when traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi:
- Valid passport with a UAE tourist visa (printed or digital copy)
- Driving licence if you’re renting or self-driving
- Emirates ID (optional — applies only to residents)
- Travel insurance covering the duration of your stay
Confused about Abu Dhabi tourists visas? Here are the types of visas you can apply depending on your stay in the UAE.
- Transit visa: This type of visa is issued to passengers who want to go to a 3rd destination via the Abu Dhabi International Airport. The cost is AED 50 and the validity is eight hours to four days.
- Tourist visa: This visa is issued to passengers who plan to visit quality time and holidays in Abu Dhabi. The cost for a single entry visa is AED 300 and the multiple visa is 650 AED. Validity is 60 days.
- Long term tourist visa single entry: It is a special type of visa for long term tourists. They can spend more than 30 days in the country. The cost is AED 960 and validity is 60 days.
- Service visa single entry: This type of service is for those people who come to UAE for their service or work related activities. The cost of the visa is AED 400 and validity is 14 days.
How to Go from Dubai to Abu Dhabi for Visitors
The previous section discussed the entry requirements and rules for tourists traveling to abu dhabi. Now you might ask: “how can I travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?” Dubai never runs short of transportation options. You can have options such as intercity bus, car rentals etc. Here’s the breakdown for travel option:
1. Private Car with Driver (Best for Tourists)
You do not own a car? Then a private car with driver can be your best. You travel in a premium vehicle and a trained safe driver from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. It gives you a comfortable journey and eliminates the stress of parking. SafeDriverDXB also offers car rental with driver service.
- Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours via Sheikh Zayed Road (E11)
- Cost: Around AED 400–600 one way
2. Dubai to Abu Dhabi by Bus
Short on budget? No worries again! Traveling to Abu Dhabi from Dubai via intercity bus service is a budget-friendly option for travelers. All the buses are clean and run on routes like E100, E101, and E102.
- Travel time: 2.5 to 3 hours
- Cost: AED 25–35 per person
3. Taxi or Ride-Hailing Apps
Need a comfortable ride experience? Taxis are a great option to enjoy safe and stress-free journeys from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. These might be a bit expensive as compared to buses but also offer a premium experience. You can book a taxi from Careem and Uber.
- Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Cost: AED 250–350 one way
Why You Should go to Abu Dhabi From Dubai
People visiting first time always wonder, “what’s worth seeing in Abu Dhabi?”. Abu Dhabi is a city of exciting experiences and adventures. For instance:
- The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi is a stunning museum with art from around the world.
- Qasr Al Qatan is the presidential palace showcasing Emirati heritage and architecture.
Note this: a one-day trip cannot cover all the highlights when you’re short on time. You need a weekend getaway to explore. For instance, many of SafeDriverDXB clients book full-day or weekly Abu Dhabi tours.
Travel Tips for Tourists in Abu Dhabi
We have listed some tips for tourists who travel to Abu Dhabi. These will help you to to get the best out of your journey:
- The best time to travel is morning or late afternoon.
- You should always carry water to stay hydrated and sunscreen to stay comfortable.
- Carry ID copies such as passport and visa for safety.
- Always stick to UAE traffic laws and avoid reckless driving.
- You should always be polite and mindful of cultural norms.
Also note: Those of our customers who booked the service with SafeDriverDXB told us that they experienced more comfort with private rides as compared to public transportation.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi Travel Made Easy with SafeDriverDXB
SafeDriverDXB makes your travel journeys from Dubai to Abu Dhabi easy. SafeDriverDXB takes the stress out of it. Our trained safe drivers take you to Abu Dhabi from Dubai with ease and comfort. Be it a day trip or sightseeing, you experience safe and reliable journeys.
The Bottom Line
This blog post answers the most common question, “can tourist enter Abu Dhabi from Dubai?” You should have a valid visa and necessary documents. There are also many traveling options that suit every type of traveler. To sum up, you can also visit some famous places. Also do not forget the tips shared in this post for tourists.
