Tips for a Comfortable Trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi

Traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is easier than it seems: the distance between the cities is about 140 kilometers, and the travel time usually does not exceed two hours even with rest stops. The United Arab Emirates has one of the most developed transport infrastructures in the Middle East — from budget intercity buses for 25 dirhams to comfortable private transfers and car rentals.

To ensure your trip goes smoothly without unnecessary stress and surprises, it’s important to know in advance how to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi in the most convenient way. This article collects practical tips that will help you choose the optimal transport option and make your journey as comfortable as possible regardless of budget and experience.

In short: what to remember before departure

Renting a car provides maximum route flexibility, but requires knowledge of two toll systems — Salik (Dubai) and DARB (Abu Dhabi) — and the appropriate driver’s license.
Intercity buses (E100, E101, E102) are the most budget option at 25 dirhams; for routes E100 and E101, a Nol card is mandatory, for E102 — Hafilat.
Taxis and apps like Careem and Uber provide door-to-door convenience for 250–500 dirhams; the transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport by AUH Express bus costs only 35 dirhams.
Depart outside peak hours (best 10:00–13:00 or after 20:00) to avoid traffic jams on the E11 highway and save time.
Before the trip, familiarize yourself with local rules: zero tolerance for alcohol while driving, a strict dress code for the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, and fines for any speeding in Abu Dhabi.

Choose the Right Car for Your Trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi

Choosing the right car is the first step to a comfortable journey. Many companies now offer a wide selection of cars suitable for both comfortable highway driving and long-distance travel. Octane.Rent is part of this growing trend, offering cars for a comfortable and calm ride, making it an excellent choice for those interested in the Dubai-Abu Dhabi route and how to get there without unnecessary stress. Most rental companies in the UAE allow inter-emirate travel without additional restrictions, but this should be mentioned when booking. Economy class cars (Toyota Yaris, Nissan Sunny) are available from 49–120 dirhams per day, mid-range sedans — from 100–170 dirhams, SUVs and minivans — from 120–250 dirhams. If you plan an individual route with several stops between cities, renting a car provides maximum flexibility and freedom of movement along UAE roads. To drive on Sheikh Zayed Road, a driver’s license recognized in the UAE is required: citizens of 26 countries can drive with their national licenses, the rest require an international driving permit. The minimum driver age is 21 years.

Learn the Toll System Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Two independent toll systems operate on the route between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and it’s important to know about both. Dubai operates the Salik system: it uses an RFID tag on the windshield and charges from 4 to 6 dirhams per toll gate depending on the time of day. Peak tariffs (6–10 am and 4–8 pm) are 6 dirhams, off-peak — 4 dirhams. At night (01:00–06:00), passage is free. Abu Dhabi operates the DARB system, which automatically records the license plate and charges 4 dirhams for crossing one of four bridges: Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Sheikh Khalifa Bridge, Mussafah Bridge, and Al Maqta Bridge. The daily collection limit is 16 dirhams, and on weekends and holidays, passage is completely free. To avoid Salik, use the alternative E311 highway — it has no toll gates and is especially convenient during peak traffic. Navigation apps Google Maps and Waze have an “avoid tolls” function for automatic rerouting and are very helpful for self-guided trips from Dubai. A Salik tag costing 100 dirhams can be purchased at gas stations or online.

Use Buses — the Cheapest Public Transport Between Cities

Public transport is the most economical way to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Four intercity routes connect these cities for 25 dirhams one way. Buses E100 depart from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Bur Dubai every 20–30 minutes from 04:20 to midnight and are the most convenient for those living near Dubai Creek or Deira. Route E101, starting from Ibn Battuta Metro Station, is the fastest — about 90 minutes — and suitable for residents of Dubai Marina or JBR. Route E102 goes to Mussaffah and stops near Abu Dhabi Airport, which is convenient for a direct transfer. Routes E100 and E101 accept only the Nol card (Dubai RTA); cash is not accepted on board. A Silver Nol card can be purchased at any Dubai Metro station for 25 dirhams, of which 19 is prepaid balance. Route E102 requires a Hafilat card. Pre-booking tickets for E100 and E101 is not required, but during peak hours it’s better to arrive at the bus station 15–20 minutes before departure. New buses are equipped with air conditioning, USB ports, and Wi-Fi.

Taxis and Airport Transfer from Abu Dhabi: Convenient but More Expensive

If you need door-to-door convenience, a taxi or private transfer will be the optimal solution. An official Dubai RTA taxi can take you to Abu Dhabi by meter; the average cost of such a trip is 250–350 dirhams depending on the route and traffic. Salik tolls and a possible night surcharge are added to the amount. Mobile apps Careem and Uber offer booking at a fixed price: Careem provides intercity trips at a fixed price of around 350 dirhams for economy class, while Uber X/Comfort costs from 500 dirhams. For the most budget option, use the Hala Taxi function in Careem — it books an RTA taxi at the meter rate (about 250–300 dirhams) and is the cheapest additional solution. Also, at Dubai bus stations, there are private shared taxis — 45–60 dirhams per person. For the return journey, the transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai by AUH Express bus costs only 35 dirhams, with departures every hour. Abu Dhabi Airport is located 30–32 km from the center; a taxi from the airport to the center costs about 70–80 dirhams.

Choose the Right Time and Familiarize Yourself with Local Laws Before the Trip

Choosing the right departure time significantly affects the comfort of the entire journey. The worst time to leave Dubai is weekday morning peak hours (07:00–09:30) and evening hours (17:00–19:00), when traffic jams on the E11 highway can double the travel time. The best time windows for the trip: morning before 7:00, midday (10:00–13:00), or evening after 20:00. According to the INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard, Dubai drivers spend over 35 hours annually in traffic jams. In addition to the traffic schedule, it’s important to familiarize yourself with local laws and cultural norms. Zero tolerance for alcohol while driving applies to all United Arab Emirates. Speeding in Abu Dhabi is punishable by a fine even for 1 km/h over the limit — with no buffer zone as in Dubai. If you plan to visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque — one of the most significant architectural masterpieces of the Emirates — the mosque requires modest clothing: women need clothing covering wrists and ankles with a headscarf, men — long trousers and a shirt with sleeves. The dress code is checked at the entrance. Pre-booking tickets on szgmc.gov.ae is highly recommended.

Make Your Journey Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi Unforgettable

The route between the two largest cities of the United Arab Emirates offers options for any budget and travel style: from a 25-dirham bus to a comfortable rental car with your own route. The key to a successful trip between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is thorough preparation: choose the right transport, study the Salik and DARB toll systems, avoid peak hours, adhere to local laws, and respect cultural norms. Abu Dhabi demands respect for traditions but generously rewards its guests — the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Yas Island are worth every kilometer of the road. Remember that Dubai and Abu Dhabi are different emirates with their own traffic rules and payment systems, so preparation is the key to comfort. As noted by the official UAE government portal: “The United Arab Emirates has a well-developed road infrastructure that connects all emirates with each other.” These tips will help you enjoy one of the most comfortable intercity trips in the Middle East.