How far is Abu Dhabi from Dubai? A friendly, real-world travel guide
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are close enough on the map to make you think, “I can do this in a few hours.” But once you start planning, the questions come up. How close is close, really, and does the trip actually make sense once traffic, timing, and transport come into play?
If you are asking yourself, how far is Abu Dhabi to Dubai, you are not alone. I constantly receive this question. Individuals would like to know whether it is worth spending a day there or not, take a budget bus or not, and how wild is the traffic. I will take you through the figures, the alternatives, and the small tricks I have learned during my trip to the UAE so that you do not waste time or money.
Distance between Abu Dhabi and Dubai
The average road length between central Dubai and central Abu Dhabi is approximately 140 kilometres. The straight-line or aerial distance is shorter, varying between 116 and 125km depending on the points of origin and destination. The drive normally takes 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes under good traffic. During heavy days it may extend to two hours.
Why does that matter? Ground travel is the viable option due to the shorter distance. Flights are not an effective solution since you would spend more time at the terminals than in the air. And trains do not link these cities yet, so the road is the ideal option.
Why do people travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Individuals commute between Dubai and Abu Dhabi due to several reasons. Perhaps you are flying into one city and staying in another. Perhaps you would like to check the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, or want a thrilling day at Ferrari World on Yas Island. Others are business travelers or families who intend to combine a Dubai itinerary with an Abu Dhabi stop. Whatever it is, the route is accommodative enough to be used for a day trip, airport transfer, or accommodation.
Routes and road conditions
The cities are connected by two major freeways E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road) and E311 (Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road). They are both multi-lane and well maintained. The signs are in English and Arabic. Speed cameras are prevalent; therefore, adhere to the speed limits. Anticipate high traffic in the morning and evening peak periods, as well as on Fridays before shopping centers open. Both emirates have tolls; most rental cars have the necessary toll tags.
Average travel times between Abu Dhabi and Dubai by mode
- Car / Taxi: Those who want to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by car have to spend 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes (depending on the traffic and road). Taxis are convenient, yet more expensive.
- Bus (E100 / E101): approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes between the main points in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Central. It is cheap and air-conditioned.
- Airport Shuttle / AUH Express: In case you are connecting to Abu Dhabi International Airport, the AUH Express and other shuttle services will last approximately 1 hour 20 to 1 hour 30 minutes and cost about AED 35.
- Train: No passenger high speed train currently exists that links Dubai and Abu Dhabi. So, how far is Abu Dhabi from Dubai by train or what is Dubai to Abu Dhabi train ticket price is not a viable question right now. They have plans of future rail connections, but currently, no passenger service is available.
- By Air (charters and helicopter transfers): No airline is offering commercial flights between these two Emirates. However, private charters and helicopter transfers are available which are very costly for everyday travelers and visitors, depending on the operator, aircraft and the number of passengers traveling. Dubai to Abu Dhabi distance by flight is around 116 km takes nearly 30 to 40 minutes.
Transport options for Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Public bus
RTA intercity buses such as E100 and E101 operate regularly between Al Ghubaiba or Ibn Battuta of Dubai and the central station of Abu Dhabi. The bus is reliable and Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus ticket price is low usually AED 25 one way. Swipe your Nol card where it works; public buses in Abu Dhabi use a different card system.
Airline shuttles and airport express
Emirates and Etihad operate free or paid coach services for their passengers between offices, hotels and airports within the city. When you are interested in airport transfers, make sure to check the airline shuttle regulations prior to making your booking since some services are only complimentary for the ticketed passengers. AUH Express buses operate from Ibn Battuta to such pickup destinations at about AED 35.
Taxi or private car/driver
Taxis are door-to-door and fast. The Dubai to Abu Dhabi taxi fare are expected to be between AED 250 and AED 350, based on the point of pickup and traffic. Private hires or prebooked drivers are more expensive but they offer additional options such as fixed timetables and bigger cars.
Car hire/self-drive
Self-drive is popular here. Well-developed roads and clear signposting make it easy to drive. Keep in mind toll systems and rental one-way fees in case of picking up in one emirate and dropping off in another.
Tours and day trips
Should you desire highlights without the hassle, there are plenty of day tours available. They provide transport and entry tickets in a package, which works well for families or groups.
Comparison table
| Option | Typical Time | Typical Cost | Best For |
| Taxi or private car | 1h 15m | AED 250–350 | Fast, door-to-door |
| Car or self-drive | 1h 15m | fuel + tolls | Flexible itinerary |
| Intercity bus (E100/E101) | 1h 30m-1h 45m | AED 25 | Cheapest |
| Airport shuttle / AUH Express | 1h 20m | AED 35 | Airport transfers |
| Tours | variable | variable | Sightseeing day trips |
Peak travel times and things to consider
I advise everyone not to travel between 7:00 and 9:00 AM and 5:00 and 7:00 PM on weekdays. Friday afternoons are also hectic. With a flight to make, add an hour or at least 90 minutes. Families should opt for a private transfer to save time and hassle. In addition, note card variations: Nol applies to Dubai public transport while Hafilat is for Abu Dhabi. You should not assume that a card in one city will work in the other city.
Recommended rest stops and landmarks on the way
These are some of the places you may want to visit during your journey.
- Last Exit – themed food truck park off the highway. Toilets, fast food and kid friendly stop. Ten to thirty minutes are sufficient.
- Ibn Battuta Mall / Station – good when changing between metro and bus. A wide variety of food and an opportunity to replenish.
- Ghantoot / Deerfields district area – it has a polo ground and offers a tranquil space. Good for a short coffee break along the way.
- Al Rahba roadside farms – offer local produce stalls and dates. Handy for edible souvenirs.
- Yas Island – it is a bit off the main road but it is worth it for families having plans to visit Ferrari World or Yas Marina. Plan a half day if you detour.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Corniche – visit these places for the real culture and photo stops.
FAQs
About 130 to 140 km from central points. Typical driving time is 1 hour 15 minutes on good traffic days, which, of course, gets tiring and longer in rush hours.
Intercity bus tickets usually cost AED 25 one way. You can buy them at stations or use the RTA e-ticketing, where applicable.
Not right now. No passenger train connects Dubai and Abu Dhabi yet. Plans exist but there is no active service.
Yes, if your plan is focused. Pick a couple of highlights like the Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and leave early. If you want to see many attractions in depth, stay overnight.
