Planning to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi? Whether you’re a tourist exploring the UAE or a resident commuting for work, understanding the distance, routes, and travel options between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is essential. In this guide, we provide a detailed breakdown of the Dubai to Abu Dhabi distance, travel times, transportation choices, popular routes, and travel tips to help you plan your journey efficiently.
1. Dubai to Abu Dhabi Distance: Overview
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are two of the most iconic cities in the United Arab Emirates. They are well-connected and serve as economic, cultural, and tourism hubs of the country.
- Road Distance: Approximately 140 kilometers (via E11 highway)
- Aerial Distance: About 123 kilometers
- Average Travel Time by Road: 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, depending on traffic and travel method.
2. Best Ways to Travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
A. By Car
Driving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is the most convenient and flexible option, especially if you enjoy comfort and privacy.
- Distance: 140 km via E11 or E311 highways
- Estimated Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
- Estimated Taxi Fare: AED 250 – AED 300
- Popular Car Rentals: OneClickDrive, Budget, Hertz, Kayak
Recommended Routes:
- Route 1 – Via E311 (Exit 11):
Distance: 111 km
Time: Approx. 1 hour 2 minutes
Sightseeing: Bollywood Parks, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Lakes Towers - Route 2 – Via E11 + E311:
Distance: 120 km
Time: Approx. 1 hour 13 minutes
Highlights: Emirates Park Zoo, Ibn Battuta Mall, Mall of the Emirates
Food Stops Along the Way:
- Indian Palace (Deerfields Mall)
- Lounge 101 (Palm Jumeirah)
- Ghantoot Royal Restaurant
B. By Public Bus
Taking a public RTA bus is a budget-friendly option.
Route E100:
- Start Point: Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, Dubai
- End Point: Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
- Ticket Price: AED 25
- Frequency: Every 20 minutes
- Travel Time: Around 1 hour 40 minutes
Route E101:
- Start Point: Ibn Battuta Metro Station, Dubai
- End Point: Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
- Ticket Price: AED 25
- Frequency: Every 20 minutes
- Travel Time: Around 1 hour 40 minutes
Why choose the bus?
- Air-conditioned, clean, safe
- Best for budget travelers
- Nol card accepted
C. By Metro + Bus
There is no direct metro from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, but you can combine the metro and bus for an affordable journey.
Step 1:
- Take Dubai Metro (Red Line) from Burjuman to Ibn Battuta
Travel Time: 42 minutes
Step 2:
- Take a taxi from Ibn Battuta Metro Station to Ibn Battuta Bus Station
Travel Time: 10-15 minutes
Step 3:
- Board E101 Bus to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
Bus Fare: AED 25
Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
3. Travel Time Comparison Table
| Travel Method | Distance (km) | Estimated Time | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car/Taxi | 140 | 1h 15m – 1h 30m | AED 250–300 |
| Public Bus | 140 | 1h 40m | AED 25 |
| Metro + Bus | 140 | 2 hours | AED 30 |
4. Popular Routes to Abu Dhabi
| Route From | Time Taken | Distance (km) |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 1h 22m | 140 km |
| Sharjah | 1h 38m | 164 km |
| Al Ain | 1h 40m | 150 km |
5. Popular Routes from Dubai
| Destination | Time Taken | Distance (km) |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | 1h 22m | 140 km |
| Sharjah | 25 mins | 28 km |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 1h 20m | 112 km |
| Ajman | 35 mins | 44 km |
6. Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi
Once you arrive in Abu Dhabi, don’t miss these must-visit attractions:
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Emirates Palace
- Yas Island (Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World)
- Saadiyat Island
- Qasr Al Hosn
- Corniche Beach
7. Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Avoid Rush Hours: Travel early morning or after 7 PM to avoid traffic.
- Use Nol Card: Required for metro and bus services.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry water during summer months.
- Book Taxis Early: Pre-book during weekends or public holidays.
- Download Navigation Apps: Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates.
8. Future Travel Enhancements
The UAE is building Etihad Rail, a high-speed passenger and cargo rail project that will connect Abu Dhabi to Dubai in less than 50 minutes. Once completed, it will become one of the fastest and most convenient modes of transport between the two cities.
Conclusion
The Dubai to Abu Dhabi distance is short and manageable, making it ideal for day trips, weekend getaways, or work-related travel. With multiple travel options ranging from luxury taxis to affordable buses and combinations of metro and bus, commuting between the two cities is simple and efficient.
Whether you’re looking for speed, comfort, or budget-friendly travel, this guide ensures you have all the information needed for a smooth and informed journey from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
