Ever found yourself stuck between wanting to save money or save time when travelling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi? At least once, I know we’ve all googled “cheapest way to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi” and still ended up confused. Like do you save money and take the bus or do you save time and take a helicopter!? (Oh yes, that’s a real options, which you’ll find out about later). But today, I’m here to put your mind at ease and lay out all your options in front of you. Keep reading to find out every single reliable way you can get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
Also read: 11 FREE Things You Can Get On Your Birthday In Abu Dhabi!
1. Public Buses
If you don’t mind a longer journey and you’re keeping things budget-friendly, the public bus system between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is surprisingly efficient, clean, and air-conditioned. And it won’t hurt your wallet either. Here are the Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus timings, prices and locations you should know.
E100 – From Al Ghubaiba to Abu Dhabi Central
This bus is a great option if you’re near Bur Dubai or Al Fahidi. It leaves from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station and goes directly to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. Depending on traffic, it takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours. The best part? It only costs AED 25 and buses come every 20–30 minutes.
E101 – From Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi Central
If you’re located closer to JLT, Marina, or Jebel Ali, E101 is a faster option. It departs from Ibn Battuta Bus Station and usually takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. The fare remains the same at AED 25, and it’s just as reliable.
E102 – For Mussafah or Abu Dhabi International Airport
For those headed toward Mussafah or the airport, E102 also leaves from Ibn Battuta. It takes roughly 2 hours and is a great option if you’re going a bit off the central track. Again, the fare is just AED 25, making it very cost-effective.
Airport Express – Fastest Bus to Abu Dhabi Airport
If you’ve got a flight to catch, the Ibn Battuta-to-Abu Dhabi Airport express service is your best bet. It runs every hour, 24/7, and takes just under an hour to an hour and 20 minutes depending on traffic. The fare is AED 35. But there’s just one catch – you need to have a flight booking to hitch a ride.
Quick Tip: For most of these buses, you’ll need your Nol Card, except for the Airport Express which also accepts cash or card.
2. Taxis & Ride-Hailing
If you’re short on time or just not in the mood to deal with schedules, taxis or ride-hailing apps offer a fast and comfortable way to travel between cities. It’ll cost more than a bus, but the convenience can definitely be worth it.
Dubai Taxis – Easy to Find and Metered
Taking a standard Dubai taxi is as straightforward as it gets. The journey usually takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Prices typically range from AED 220 to AED 300, with the meter starting at AED 25 if you’re leaving from the airport. It’s a solid, reliable option for quick, door-to-door travel.
Careem and Uber – App-Booking Across Emirates
Prefer booking through an app? Careem and Uber both operate intercity trips. Careem prices start at AED 352 for the Economy ride, go up to AED 370 for Business, and around AED 404 for larger Max vehicles. Uber is a little more premium, with rates like AED 507 for Comfort, AED 540 for XL, and up to AED 734 for Black. sure, you’ll pay more, but you get clean cars, phone chargers, and the luxury of not talking to anyone if you’re not in the mood.
Newer Apps in Town – Wheely and Yango
If you’re all about sleek rides, you can also try apps like Wheely, which launched in Dubai in 2024 and is all about luxury, or Yango, which offers more affordable car options.
3. RTA’s Taxi Sharing Pilot
If you’re not keen on paying full price for a taxi but also don’t want to sit on a bus for two hours, RTA’s shared taxi service is a smart compromise.
How It Works
This pilot program runs between Ibn Battuta in Dubai and Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi. You share a taxi with 1 to 3 other people, and the fare is split depending on how many ride with you. With 4 passengers, it’s only AED 66 per person, 3 is AED 88, and with 2, you’ll pay AED 132 each. The trip still takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, just like a private cab, but at a fraction of the price. It’s a great deal, just remember that it only runs on specific routes for now.
4. Self-Driving
If you’re someone who likes control over the journey, or if you’re planning stops along the way, driving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi yourself is probably the most flexible choice. And for those of you who don’t have a license or your own car, here’re some other self-driving options.
Renting a Car for the Day
Car rentals in Dubai are easy to find, and prices start at around AED 100 to AED 300 per day depending on the model. Add on AED 50–100 for petrol and some change for Salik tolls (about AED 4 per gate). If you’re travelling with friends, you can split the costs and make it a fun road trip.
Try a Car Subscription Service
If you’re not into the idea of paperwork and rental forms, Moov by Al-Futtaim and similar services offer daily car subscriptions. Prices begin at around AED 130 per day, and the package usually includes fuel and insurance. You can also return the car in Abu Dhabi, making this option super flexible.
5. BONUS: Choose The Luxe Choice And Fly In A Helicopter (Yes, It’s Real)
Now, this one’s for the big spenders or anyone planning an extra-special experience. Yes, you can take a helicopter from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
What It’s Like
The flight takes around 30 minutes, and of course, there’s no traffic in the sky. But this kind of speed and style comes at a cost – AED 10,000 or more one way, to be exact. It’s not the everyday option, but definitely something to keep in mind if you’re celebrating something big (or just feeling ultra extra).
6. Etihad Rail (Coming Soon)
Okay, so this isn’t available just yet, but it’s definitely something to get excited about. The Etihad Rail project is building a high-speed train line that will connect Dubai and Abu Dhabi in just 30 minutes. With speeds of up to 350 km/h, it’ll be faster than any other current option once it launches. No official start date yet, but when it opens, it’s bound to become a favourite for commuters and weekend travellers alike.
Reaching Specific Places in Abu Dhabi? Here’s What You Need to Know
Getting to Abu Dhabi city is one thing, but what if your final stop is somewhere like Yas Island or the Grand Mosque? Here’s how to complete the journey depending on where you’re headed.
1 .Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
The most direct and affordable way to reach here is via E100 or E101 for just AED 25. If you’re in a hurry, a taxi from Dubai will get you there in around 1 hour 15 minutes for AED 250–350.
2. Abu Dhabi International Airport
You’ve got options! The E102 bus is the cheapest at AED 25, taking about 2 hours. The Airport Express is faster at around 1 hour and costs AED 35, while taxis can take you straight there for AED 250–350.
3. Yas Island (Ferrari World, Yas Mall, Warner Bros.)
You can take a bus to Abu Dhabi Central Station and grab a taxi from there (add about AED 50 for that last leg). Or go direct from Dubai by Careem or Uber for around AED 300–350.
4. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque / Corniche
If you’re planning a cultural visit or a beachside stroll, you can either go straight by taxi (around 1 hour 15 minutes) or take a bus to the city and a short local taxi from there.
5. Al Ain
To reach Al Ain, there’s a separate E201 bus from Al Ghubaiba in Dubai. It costs about AED 25–30, and while it takes longer than going to Abu Dhabi, it’s still easy to plan
What’s The Right Option For You?
Obviously, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to travelling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It really depends on what you value most. Price, time, comfort, or flexibility?
- Want the cheapest ride? Stick with the public buses (AED 25).
- Need to be there fast? Grab a taxi or Careem (AED 250–400).
- Want to split the cost? Try the shared taxi (AED 66–132).
- Looking for flexibility? Drive yourself with a rental or car subscription.
- Feeling fancy? Go all out with a helicopter charter.
- Ready for the future? Watch out for Etihad Rail’s launch.
Whichever way you choose, now you’re fully in the know. So next time someone asks, “How do I get to Abu Dhabi from Dubai?” You’ve got the perfect answer, and you can come back here to give them all the information they need!