If you’ve ever tried figuring out how to go to Abu Dhabi from Dubai, you probably know the struggle — so many options, and everyone seems to recommend something different.
Should you take the bus? Call a taxi? Or maybe rent a private car for a smooth drive? Each one sounds tempting but suits a different kind of trip.
This simple 2025 travel guide breaks it all down for you — from cost and comfort to travel time — so you can choose the ride that actually works for you.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi: All Travel Options Compared
If you’re wondering “how to go to Abu Dhabi from Dubai,” you get plenty of options. Have a look at these in detail:
1. Dubai to Abu Dhabi Bus Service
Intercity bus is the easy way to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. For a budget-friendly choice, this option can be worth the shot. It is a great pick for both the visitors and regular commuters as they travel in clean buses.
Bus Routes:
E100 – Al Ghubaiba Bus Station → Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
E101 – Ibn Battuta Bus Station → Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
E102 – Ibn Battuta → Mussafah Shabiya
Dubai to Abu Dhabi Bus Timings & Fare
- Ticket: One-way ticket is AED 20-35.
- Timing: Early morning to around midnight.
- Travel time: About 2 to 1.5 hours.
Pros
- Safe and air-conditioned
- Runs throughout the day
Cons
- Slower because of multiple stops
- Less flexible than a private car or taxi
Where to Book
Visit the RTA website or open the RTA Dubai app to check live timings.
2. Dubai to Abu Dhabi Taxi
After bus service, opting for a taxi is a suitable option. It may be a bit costly but also offers comfort. The best part? It is very easy to find or book a taxi. Platforms such as Careem and Uber make the booking process simple. You eliminate all travel worries and experience a smooth ride from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi Taxi Fare
- Fare: about AED 250–350 one way.
- Travel time: around 1.5 to 2 hours
Pros
- Private and comfortable
- Direct pickup and drop-off
- Good for families or business trips
Cons
- Can be costly for solo travelers
- Fares may increase during busy hours
Where to Book
You can easily book a taxi through the Careem or Uber app. It also lets you know the fare and driver before the trip.
3. Dubai to Abu Dhabi with Private Driver
Dubai is a busy city, so are its roads. When you drive through them, it feel exhausting. Hiring a private driver dubai takes the stress out of it. He handles the wheel for you and makes you enjoy the journey without having to worry about anything. Enjoy a pleasant ride and travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi with comfort.
Cost Range
The one-way price is around AED 350 to 600. It depends on the type of car (Sedan, SUV, Sonata). Some services also let you hire by the hour if you plan to stop for sightseeing or lunch.
Pros
- Relaxed and private trip
- Professional drivers who know the routes well
- Flexibility to stop along the way
Cons
- Slightly pricier than taxis
Where to Book
Booking is simple. You can use trusted options like SafeDriverDubai, Blacklane, or Dubai Chauffeur Service. They all take online bookings and even reply fast on WhatsApp.
4. Dubai to Abu Dhabi by Train
Another easy and fast way to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is via train ride. But you’ll have to wait some time as it has not been launched in 2025 yet. When launched, the train will make the journey in under 50 minutes which will save a lot of time for you.
Pros
- Very quick and smooth ride
- Good for the environment
Cons
- Still under development
Dubai to Abu Dhabi by flight
5. Dubai to Abu Dhabi by Flight
Are you interested in traveling by air? Pick flight as your travel option. It is a fast and reliable way to reach Abu Dhabi from Dubai. The drawback? It’s not a practical method. Since the two cities are close, it’s time consuming to wait at the airport.
Cost and Duration
Tickets cost between AED 400 to 700 AED for one way. The flight takes only about 45 minutes. The whole trip can take 2 to 3 hours.
Pros
- Handy for connecting international flights
- Comfortable and easy for business travel
Cons
- Not worth it for short trips
- Costs more than going by road
Where to Book
You can book directly on Emirates, Etihad, or Flydubai websites or apps. Just search your dates and choose the timing that fits best.
6. Dubai to Abu Dhabi by Self-driving
Do you love comfort and independence? One convenient way to get to Abu Dhabi from Dubai is self-driving. You can have whole control of your trip. Picture this: grab a coffee, play the music, and stop wherever you want. Exciting, huh! You can also rent a car in Dubai and start your journey.
Cost
A standard rental car usually costs around AED 100–150 per day, not including Salik tolls, fuel, or parking. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
Pros
- Freedom to plan your own route and stops
- Perfect for a relaxed day trip
Cons
- You pay extra for tolls and fuel
- Can be stressful if you’re new to Dubai roads
Where to Book
You can rent cars easily through Hertz, Thrifty, Europcar, or Ekar. Most have online booking or apps where you can compare prices and choose the car you like.
How to Go to Abu Dhabi from Dubai: Quick Comparison
Here’s a snapshot of all the transportation options to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi:
| Travel Method | Estimated Cost | Estimated Travel Time | Best for |
| Bus | AED 25–35 | 2–2.5 hours | Budget travelers |
| Taxi | AED 300–400 | 1.5–2 hours | Quick and easy point-to-point travel |
| Private Driver | AED 350–700 | 1.5 hours | Comfort and door-to-door convenience |
| Train (Future Option) | TBD | ~50 minutes | Fast and eco-friendly (coming soon) |
| Self-Drive/Car Rental | AED 100–150 + fuel | 1.5–2 hours | Independent travelers who love freedom |
| Flight | AED 400–700 | ~2–3 hours | Connecting flights or business travel |
Best Way to Travel to Abu Dhabi from Dubai
We hope that you have now the answer for the questions, “how to get to Abu Dhabi from Dubai”. It is important to identify your travel needs before choosing a transport service.
To Sum Up
We hope you have found the answer for, “how to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi”. Choosing the right one is easy. It all starts by identifying your travel needs and desires to get the best out of it. Be it a trip for business, leisure, or for fun, pick an option best fitting your needs.
