Dubai to Abu Dhabi: How to Get There and What to See in One Day
Dubai to Abu Dhabi is approximately 150 km by road, and travellers can choose between five main transport options: intercity bus, Etihad Rail train, taxi, rental car or guided tour. The RTA bus generally costs AED 25–30 one way, while Etihad Rail fares start from AED 39, with a published journey time of about 1 hour and 4 minutes between stations. For sightseeing, Desert Guide Tours offers a private Abu Dhabi City Tour from Dubai for AED 700 per vehicle.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi at a Glance
Choose your transport based on price, travel time and convenience. Bus and train fares are generally quoted per person, taxi costs per vehicle, and guided-tour prices may cover a complete sightseeing experience. Confirm current fares, tour inclusions and booking conditions before travelling.
| Option | Travel time | Cost | Best for |
| RTA bus E100/E101 | Around 1.5–2+ hours | AED 25–30 per person | Budget travel |
| Etihad Rail | About 1h 4m station to station | From AED 39 per person | Avoiding highway traffic |
| Taxi | Around 1h 45m–2h | Around AED 390 per vehicle (estimate) | Door-to-door transport |
| Own or rental car | Around 1.5–2 hours | Fuel, tolls, rental and parking vary | Independent sightseeing |
| Guided Abu Dhabi tour | Full-day option; confirm duration | Private AED 700 per vehicle; shared price on request | Organized sightseeing |
Door to door, the train and the bus take longer than they look. Both end at stations that are not next to the main sights, so you need one more leg by taxi or local bus.
How Far Is Dubai from Abu Dhabi?
The road distance between the two city centers is about 150 km. Without traffic the drive takes around 1.5 hours, and heavy traffic on the way out of Dubai can push it toward 2 hours or more.
Drivers take the E11 highway, which links the two emirates. The exact distance changes with your start and end points, so a hotel in Dubai Marina and a hotel on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche will give you different figures.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi by Bus
The RTA intercity bus is one of the most affordable regular public transport options between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Two main routes operate between the cities, and both terminate at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.
Where the buses leave from
The E100 leaves from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Bur Dubai. The E101 leaves from Ibn Battuta Bus Station, which suits visitors staying around Dubai Marina and Jebel Ali. Both are operated by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Timings and fares
Do not rely on a printed timetable, because services change. Check the official RTA page or the S’hail app for the next departure.
- Fare: older guides list AED 25 one way, while an October 2026 Khaleej Times comparison used AED 30. Treat AED 25 to 30 as the range and confirm at booking.
- Frequency: RTA buses run roughly every 20 to 30 minutes in the daytime.
- Payment: a Nol card is accepted on the intercity routes.
- Journey time: RTA’s planner showed about 2 hours 10 minutes for the E100 in October 2026, and the E101 is usually quicker.
Getting to the Grand Mosque from the bus station
The Central Bus Station is in the city, not at the mosque. You need a taxi or a local bus to reach Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which adds time and cost on top of the fare.
Is the bus worth it?
Yes if you are travelling alone, on a tight budget, and have no fixed schedule. Skip it if you want to see the mosque, the Louvre and lunch in one day, because transfers between sights will eat your time.
Is There a Free Shuttle from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Louvre Abu Dhabi’s official website also lists a complimentary Cultural Express shuttle between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, serving Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan. This is an attraction-focused shuttle rather than a general replacement for the RTA intercity buses. Check the official shuttle timetable, pickup points and reservation requirements before planning your journey.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi by Taxi or Ride-Hailing
A taxi is the most direct public option, and also the most expensive for one person. Khaleej Times estimated a street-hailed Dubai taxi at roughly AED 389 to 398 for a 150 km trip from Deira, before waiting time and Darb charges. That figure uses a AED 5 starting fare, AED 2.45 per km and four Salik gates.
A taxi suits a group of three or four who split the fare and want a door-to-door ride. App bookings through Careem or Uber can price differently, so compare before you book.
Plan the return leg too. Taxis from Abu Dhabi back to Dubai cost similar amounts, and a driver waiting at the mosque or the Louvre will usually bill for waiting time.
By Car: Driving or Rental
Driving gives you control over your stops. Take the E11 from Dubai and allow 1.5 to 2 hours each way.
Costs add up beyond fuel:
- Fuel: Special 95 was AED 4.28 per litre in October 2026. For a 150 km journey, fuel would cost approximately AED 51 for a car consuming 8 litres per 100 km. Actual costs depend on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and route.
- Salik tolls: Dubai’s Salik charges vary depending on the time of day and applicable rules. Standard peak and off-peak tariffs have been AED 6 and AED 4 respectively, before any applicable tax adjustment. Check the official Salik website for the current rates and calculate the tolls based on your actual route.
- Total driving cost: Fuel, Salik tolls, Abu Dhabi parking and any rental charges depend on your vehicle, travel time and route. Use the figures above as estimates rather than a fixed trip price.
- Abu Dhabi parking: standard public parking is AED 2 an hour or AED 15 for the day.
Visitors need a valid licence, and some nationalities need an international driving permit. Check the rental company’s rules before you book. Verify toll and parking charges on the day, as they change.
Is There a Train from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Etihad Rail started passenger services between Dubai and Abu Dhabi on 30 September 2026. Trains run between Dubai Al Yalayis Station in Jumeirah Golf Estates and Mohamed bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi, in about 1 hour 4 minutes.
The published launch timetable included five departures from Dubai Al Yalayis Station at 6:14 am, 7:14 am, 1:14 pm, 5:14 pm and 6:14 pm. Fares started at AED 39 for Comfort Class and AED 109 for Premium Class, with scheduled journeys taking approximately 1 hour and 4 minutes. These were the launch timings, not a guarantee of future departures. Check the official Etihad Rail website or mobile app for the timetable, ticket availability and fares on your travel date.
The catch is the first and last mile. Dubai Al Yalayis Station and Mohamed bin Zayed City Station are not in the main tourist areas, so you may need additional transport to reach your hotel or sightseeing attractions. Check Etihad Rail’s official website or app for onward shuttle availability, fares and booking requirements before travelling.
Private Transfer or Guided Tour: When It Beats Public Transport
A guided Abu Dhabi tour can be more convenient than public transport if you have one day and want to explore several attractions without arranging separate transfers. Desert Guide Tours offers an Abu Dhabi City Tour from Dubai. Confirm which sightseeing stops, meals, attraction tickets and guide services are included in your selected package before booking.
Desert Guide Tours offers Abu Dhabi City Tour packages from Dubai, including a private-car sightseeing option for AED 700 per vehicle. Shared sightseeing packages may also be available; check the current per-person rate before booking. Contact the team to confirm the private vehicle’s passenger capacity, hotel pickup area, tour duration, sightseeing stops, lunch arrangements and attraction entry tickets.
Public transport still wins in some cases. If you are travelling alone, have time to spare and only want one sight, the bus or train costs far less than a tour. A guided tour may justify the higher cost when you value convenient transport, coordinated sightseeing and assistance with travel arrangements. Exact services depend on the selected package.
For package details, visit our Abu Dhabi City Tour page. You can also explore our Dubai Desert Safari tours.
What to See in Abu Dhabi in One Day
A day trip from Dubai allows time for several of Abu Dhabi’s major attractions, but visiting every landmark in detail is unrealistic. For a comfortable itinerary, prioritise Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and one or two additional major attractions, such as Louvre Abu Dhabi or Qasr Al Watan. Add a Corniche or Emirates Palace photo stop if traffic, opening hours and available time allow.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Start at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the UAE’s most recognisable architectural landmarks. The mosque has white marble, domes, reflective pools and detailed craftsmanship. According to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, admission costs AED 10 for visitors from outside the UAE, AED 5 for Emirates ID holders and AED 8 for visitors arriving through tour operators. Free official cultural tours are available at scheduled times. Visitors should check the dress code, opening hours and access-pass requirements before arriving.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi sits on Saadiyat Island beneath a remarkable latticed dome that creates a rain-of-light effect. The museum showcases art and cultural objects from different civilizations, making it one of Abu Dhabi’s leading cultural attractions. Allow approximately two hours for your visit. Museum opening hours, gallery access and ticket availability may vary, so check the official Louvre Abu Dhabi website and booking calendar before travelling, especially if you plan to visit on a Monday.
Qasr Al Watan
Qasr Al Watan is Abu Dhabi’s presidential palace, open to visitors. It has a great white dome and ornate halls. You can include Qasr Al Watan as an afternoon sightseeing stop, depending on its opening hours, ticket availability and your planned itinerary.
Emirates Palace
Emirates Palace is the waterfront landmark hotel on Abu Dhabi’s coast. Most day-trippers stop for photos of the grand entrance and the coastline, or for coffee. Check access rules in advance, as hotel entry can change.
Corniche
The Corniche is a long waterfront promenade with beaches, cycle paths and skyline views. It is a relaxed late-afternoon walk when you want to slow down after museums.
Heritage Village
Heritage Village on the Breakwater recreates traditional Emirati life with crafts, a small museum and a souq. It suits families and anyone wanting a quick cultural stop with sea views.
A sample one-day timeline
This plan is illustrative, so adjust it for opening days and traffic:
- 7:30 am, depart Dubai. Begin your journey early and allow extra time for traffic.
- 9:30 am, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Explore the mosque, following its visitor rules and opening hours.
- 11:30 am, lunch or a short sightseeing stop. Choose according to your route and available time.
- 1:30 pm, Louvre Abu Dhabi or Qasr Al Watan. Select one major attraction for a more relaxed visit.
- 4:00 pm, optional Corniche or Emirates Palace photo stop. Add this only if time permits.
- 5:00 pm, return towards Dubai. Allow sufficient time for traffic.
This is a suggested schedule, not a guaranteed tour itinerary. Actual timings vary by transport option, attraction access and traffic.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Match the option to your situation:
- Tightest budget: the RTA bus (E100 or E101).
- Fastest, skipping highway traffic: the Etihad Rail train, planning for the transfer at each end.
- Group of four: a shared taxi or a private car tour, where the cost per person drops.
- First-time visitor with one day: a guided tour with confirmed sightseeing stops, transport arrangements and package inclusions.
- Travelling with children: a private car or tour, for flexible stops, air-conditioned transfers and fewer connections.
Tips Before You Go
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque dress code: Visitors should wear modest, loose-fitting, ankle-length clothing. Women must also cover their hair with a headscarf. Check the mosque’s official visitor guidance before travelling and bring suitable clothing to avoid entry problems.
- Timing: leave Dubai early to beat the morning traffic toward Abu Dhabi.
- ID: carry your passport or Emirates ID.
- Payment: carry a card and some cash for taxis, parking and small entry fees.
- Return plan: book your return train, bus or driver before you set off, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Shoes: wear comfortable shoes, because the mosque and museum involve a lot of walking.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long does it take to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by road, and about 1 hour 4 minutes on the Etihad Rail train from Al Yalayis Station to Mohamed bin Zayed City Station. The bus takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours or more in traffic. Add time for transfers at either end.
What is the cheapest way to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
The RTA intercity bus is one of the cheapest regular transport options, with one-way fares generally around AED 25–30. Etihad Rail fares start from AED 39, excluding onward transfers. Travelers visiting Louvre Abu Dhabi or Qasr Al Watan can also check the complimentary Cultural Express shuttle, subject to its operating timetable and availability.
Is there a direct bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Yes. RTA runs the E100 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station and the E101 from Ibn Battuta Bus Station, and both go to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. Check the RTA website or S’hail app for current timings.
How much is a taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Expect roughly AED 390 or more for a metered street-hailed taxi over about 150 km, before waiting time and Darb charges, per a Khaleej Times estimate from October 2026. App fares can differ, so compare Careem and Uber first.
Is there a train from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Yes, since 30 September 2026. Etihad Rail runs between Dubai Al Yalayis Station and Mohamed bin Zayed City Station in about 1 hour 4 minutes, with fares from AED 39. Book through the Etihad Rail website or app.
Is one day enough to see Abu Dhabi?
Yes, one day is enough to explore selected highlights of Abu Dhabi if you start early. Priorities Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and one major attraction, such as Louvre Abu Dhabi or Qasr Al Watan. Add a waterfront photo stop if time permits. A second day allows a more relaxed itinerary with additional attractions.
How much does a private Abu Dhabi day tour from Dubai cost?
A private Abu Dhabi City Tour from Dubai costs AED 700 per vehicle with Desert Guide Tours. The private-car option is suitable for families and groups seeking reserved transport. Confirm passenger capacity, hotel pickup, sightseeing stops and included attraction tickets before booking.
Plan Your Abu Dhabi Day
Desert Guide Tours offers a private Abu Dhabi City Tour from Dubai for AED 700 per vehicle, so you do not have to arrange several transport connections yourself. Contact our team to confirm your preferred date, hotel pickup, sightseeing itinerary, passenger capacity and package inclusions.
Explore our Abu Dhabi City Tour packages or contact us directly on WhatsApp at +971 55 432 1940.
