Do you value your time and appreciate the finer things? If you answered “yes,” chances are you see your journey from Dubai to Abu Dhabi as an opportunity to experience seamless comfort.
When planning a trip between these two key hubs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), you need to know not just the key roads and available transport but also how you can make your trip an effortless and hassle-free experience.
In this guide, we offer the answers to the travel questions that matter most to you and help you discover a more refined way to make the trip.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi: Routes and Major Roads
The UAE’s impressive infrastructure has made traveling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi remarkably straightforward. If you’re traveling between these emirates, there are two major highways you need to know about:
E11: Sheikh Zayed Road
The E11, more popularly known as Sheikh Zayed Road, is the most iconic road in Dubai and the longest highway in the UAE. The road stretches from the Saudi Arabia-UAE border in Al Silah, Abu Dhabi (Al Batha border crossing) to Ras Al Khaimah, the country’s northernmost emirate.
But unlike the drive from Dubai to Fujairah, the Dubai-Abu Dhabi leg of Sheikh Zayed Road is more well-known for being efficient and well-maintained rather than having scenic views.
About 55 kilometers (km) long, the E11 is crucial to both tourists and commuters because it passes through central districts such as Dubai Marina, Business Bay, and Downtown Dubai and offers direct access to a few famous Emirati landmarks, including:
- Burj Khalifa
- Dubai Mall
- Mall of the Emirates
E11 also goes by other names, depending on where it is. While it is Sheikh Zayed Road for those in Dubai, drivers in Abu Dhabi refer to it as the Sheikh Maktoum Road. In Ras Al Khaimah, it is known as the Sheikh Muhammad bin Salem Road.
E66: Dubai-Al Ain Road
In addition to E11, Dubai residents and tourists headed to Abu Dhabi from Dubai can take the E66 highway. Also called Dubai-Al Ain Road, it connects the City of Gold to Abu Dhabi’s historic city, Al Ain.
Besides serving as a direct route to Al Ain, you can also take the E66 if you want to reach the following destinations:
- Nad Al Sheba
- Academic City
- Dubai Silicon Oasis
Over the years, it has been upgraded to support more time-efficient trips. In 2018, it was named Tahnoun Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan Road in honor of Sheikh Tahnoun, who served as the Eastern Abu Dhabi region Ruler’s Representative.
Top Transportation Options When Traveling From Dubai to Abu Dhabi
When preparing to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, you must also check the available modes of transportation, in addition to key routes and highways.
Each option has advantages and limitations, so it is important to consider your budget and specific needs when deciding.
Public Transport
Public transport is the most affordable way to travel around the UAE. A trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by bus can cost as low as AED 30 to AED 60.
However, this mode of transportation is not ideal for travelers who have urgent matters to attend to, as the journey can take almost three hours and requires several transfers from buses and subways.
Taxi and Ride-Hailing Services
Dubai to Abu Dhabi taxis are among the most common travel options for riders looking to travel more quickly and have a bit more budget to splurge. They provide door-to-door service and are widely available across Dubai.
Taxis are faster and can also be booked faster, thanks to ride-hailing services. However, they can be 10 times more expensive than public transport, with one-way trips priced as follows:
- Standard: AED 250 to AED 300
- Luxury: AED 500 to AED 800
Of course, the actual fare you must pay will vary depending on various factors, including travel time, traffic conditions, toll gates, and additional services (e.g., onboard Wi-Fi).
Sure, taxis are great if you’re just going from one spot straight to another. But if your plans involve stopping at multiple spots, be ready to open your wallet wider. Cabs won’t usually hang around unless you’re okay with paying extra for their wait time. This can quickly add up, making it a less economical option for multi-stop journeys.
If you decide on a point-to-point drop-off, you’ll likely need to hail a new taxi at each location instead of having a vehicle readily available. This could waste valuable time and make the trip inconvenient.
Private Car Service
Traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by car offers convenience, time, and cost efficiency, especially for multi-stop trips.
Don’t worry if you don’t have your own car or can’t drive; you can always rent one. Rental service providers offer private car services in Dubai, offering various options for different needs and budgets.
If you require the convenience of a private car but can’t drive or don’t know the way, consider hiring a driver. UMC offers a reliable chauffeur service in Dubai to help elevate your journey so you can rest easy as you head to your destination.
See our fleet and get a fast quote now
FAQs
How Do I Get From Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
How Long Is the Car Journey from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Dubai to Abu Dhabi travel time by car is about more than one hour, although it may vary slightly depending on the route:
- 1 hour and 17 minutes via E11 and Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan St/E10
- 1 hour and 18 minutes via via E11, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan St/E10 and Sultan Bin Zayed The First St
- 1 hour 30 minutes via E11
Note that all the routes mentioned above have tolls, so you can expect a slightly higher fare if you’re riding a taxi.
How Much Is a Taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Dubai to Abu Dhabi taxi fares range from AED 250 to AED 800, depending on the type of taxi you hail. Note that these rates are estimates as the actual fare can change because of traffic conditions, travel time, toll gate fees, and additional services acquired.
What Is the Cheapest Mode of Transport From Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
The most affordable mode of transportation from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is public transportation, as illustrated in the following example:
- Ride Dubai’s 106 bus before transferring to the subway. From there, you can catch another bus that will bring you to Abu Dhabi. This entire journey costs only about AED 30 to AED 60.
However, travelers who wish to travel privately have two options: taxis and car rentals. Taxis are good for basic, point-to-point trips, but car rentals in Dubai can provide more value for multi-stop and luxury trips. In fact, UMC’s airport transfers go as low as AED 30, which already includes a dedicated chauffeur, fuel, toll, and parking.
What Is the Best Mode of Transport for Luxury Travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Luxury is all about convenience, comfort, privacy, and a seamless travel experience. Of all the modes of transportation available, you can get all that with a car rental.
Go for car rentals that not only take you to your Abu Dhabi destination safely but also provide you with luxury airport transfers from Dubai without the hassle of waiting in line. UMC can provide all that and more.
We also have a fleet of luxury vehicles ready to take you wherever you want to go in the UAE. With just a few clicks, you can ride a Lexus ES 300, a Cadillac Escalade 2024, or even a Mercedes-Benz S500 2024 to your destination. All you need to do is get a quote and book them online, and you’re good to go.
Level Up Your Ride
There are many ways to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, but if you’re looking for a smooth, zero-stress experience, private car services are your best bet.
Kick back, put your feet up, and let a private driver handle the road ahead, turning travel time into chill time. With UMC Dubai’s upscale car rentals and chauffeur services, you can give your trip a major upgrade.
