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October 21, 2026
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Most trips between Dubai and Abu Dhabi take between 1 and 2 hours. The new Etihad Rail passenger train is the fastest option, at about 1 hour. Taxis, buses, and carpooling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi usually take 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the route and traffic. The cities are roughly 140 km apart, and most road traffic uses Sheikh Zayed Road (E11). This guide covers journey times, costs, tolls, and tips for each way of travelling.
Transport Mode | Average Time | Estimated Cost | Best For |
Etihad Rail | About 1 hour | From AED 39 | Avoiding traffic and traveling in comfort |
Private car | 1h 20m to 2h | Fuel plus Salik and Darb tolls | Flexibility and day trips |
RTA bus | About 2 hours | AED 25 | Budget travelers |
Taxi | 1.5 to 2 hours | AED 250 to 350 | Door to door convenience |
Uber or Careem | 1.5 to 2 hours | AED 300 to 500+ | Fixed upfront fares |
These are typical figures. Rush hour can add a lot of time, especially when leaving Dubai in the morning or arriving in Abu Dhabi in the evening. Your start and end points matter too. A trip from Dubai Marina to central Abu Dhabi is often shorter than one from Deira to the far edge of Abu Dhabi.
Driving gives you the most flexibility. While the trip takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes in light traffic, it is safest to plan for 1.5 to 2 hours.
Choosing your route:
Tip: If you are using a rental car, always keep your license, rental agreement, and registration within easy reach.
Two toll systems:
When driving between the two cities, you will encounter two different toll systems. Both charge AED 4 per crossing.
Important details about Darb:
Speed limits:
Abu Dhabi does not apply the 20 km/h buffer that people often associate with Dubai. The posted limit is the maximum, and speed cameras are deployed everywhere to enforce that. Abu Dhabi also uses variable limits on some highways, so follow the electronic signs on the road rather than assuming the limit stays the same. You can find traffic rules on the Abu Dhabi Police website.
A Dubai taxi takes you from your door to your exact spot in Abu Dhabi with no transfers. Fares usually fall between AED 250 and 350. Taxis leaving Dubai for another emirate often add an inter-emirate surcharge, commonly around AED 20, which is why the fare is higher than a normal city ride. Confirm the price and the meter with the driver before you set off.
Uber and Careem give you an upfront price, which many travelers like. For this route, though, they usually cost more than a standard taxi, often AED 300 to 500 or more depending on the car type. Intercity trips inherently carry higher minimum fares than local rides, and prices will rise even further during rush hour. Always check the final quote in your app before confirming the ride.
Remember that tolls will increase your final cost. Salik and Darb charges are typically added to the taxi meter or included in your upfront app quote, so always double check your final receipt.
The RTA intercity bus is the cheapest regular option. A one-way ticket costs AED 25, and the ride takes about 2 hours depending on traffic and your stop.
Main routes:
You must use a Nol card to pay for your trip, as the buses do not accept cash and you cannot top up your card on board. Before heading to the bus station, ensure your card has a balance of at least AED 25. You can quickly add money at metro stations, bus terminal machines, local partner shops, or the Nol Pay app. One important detail about using the app or website: your balance sometimes takes a few hours to actually appear. Always load your card early to avoid getting stuck.
These buses are fully air conditioned and offer plenty of luggage space. Because they get incredibly busy on weekends and public holidays, you should arrive early to secure a seat. Check the official RTA website for current times, fares, and route changes. Abu Dhabi runs its own local transport, so you may need a bus or taxi from the terminal to your final stop.
Yes. Etihad Rail launched its passenger service on 30 September 2026, and it is now the fastest way between the two cities, at about 1 hour.
Trains depart from Al Yalayis Station in Jumeirah Golf Estates. The station itself connects directly to the Metro Red Line via a pedestrian bridge. The trains arrive at Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi, near Dalma Mall and Mussafah. Since this arrival station sits outside the main center, plan your onward journey carefully.
Online tickets start at AED 39 for Comfort Class and AED 109 for Premium. Buying at a station machine costs more, at around AED 60 for Comfort. You can check schedules and book on the Etihad Rail website or in the app.
The cheapest option is the RTA intercity bus, which costs AED 25 for a one-way ticket. However, if you are willing to spend slightly more, the train starts at AED 39 online and gets you there much faster, making it an excellent value if you want to save time.
Yes. Etihad Rail passenger trains run between Al Yalayis Station in Dubai and Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi, with a journey of about 1 hour.
No, the metro stays inside Dubai. But you can easily use the Metro Red Line to start your journey. Just ride the Red Line to Jumeirah Golf Estates to catch the train at Al Yalayis Station, or take it to Ibn Battuta Station, where you can walk over and catch the E101 bus.
