How to get from Dubai Airport to Abu Dhabi
Skip the stress and go straight from Dubai International (DXB) to Abu Dhabi the way that fits your schedule. Zip via Metro + intercity bus for great value, book a hotel-friendly coach, or go door-to-door with a taxi or private transfer. Use the quick table to choose, then follow the step-by-steps to arrive like a pro.
At A Glance (Dubai Airport to Abu Dhabi)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Metro + Intercity Bus (DXB → Dubai hub → Abu Dhabi) | ~1h50–2h40 (connection-dependent) | Budget, frequent departures |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~AED 30–40 total (Metro + intercity bus) | ||
| 🟧 Coach / Shared Shuttle | ~1h45–2h30 (route/traffic) | Hotel drop-offs, minimal transfers |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~AED 85–150 per person » see shuttles | more options | ||
| 🚖 Taxi (meter / flat-zone) | ~1h30–2h | Door-to-door, late arrivals, luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~AED 250–350 (time/route) » prebook meet-and-greet | ||
| 🚐 Private Transfer (car/van) | ~1h30–2h (door-to-door) | Families, groups, premium comfort |
| 🏷️ Cost: from ~AED 350–600 per vehicle (size/class) » instant pricing | compare quotes | ||
| 🚗 Self-Drive (rental car) | ~1h20–1h50 (traffic/tolls) | Itineraries beyond Abu Dhabi |
| 🏷️ Cost: from ~AED 100–180/day + fuel/tolls (Salik) » DXB airport car rentals | Abu Dhabi drop-off deals | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest value: Metro + Intercity Bus—frequent, cheap, reliable.
- Least walking & hotel-friendly: Coach / Shared Shuttle with direct drops in Abu Dhabi’s main districts.
- Zero transfers, anytime: Taxi or Private Transfer—best with kids, red-eye flights, or heavy luggage.
- Road-trippers: Self-Drive to combine Abu Dhabi with desert drives and coastal detours.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Payments: Use a Nol card for Dubai Metro/buses; Abu Dhabi uses Hafilat. Carry a little cash for backups.
- Peak hours: Departures 07:00–09:30 and 17:00–20:00 see heavier traffic—pad 20–30 minutes.
- Luggage: For sightseeing before check-in, stash bags with Radical Storage Dubai or on arrival via Radical Storage Abu Dhabi.
- Ride-hailing: Uber and Careem operate widely; pricing similar to taxis at most times.
- Stay central: First-time visitors love Corniche/Al Markaziya or Yas Island—browse on Booking.com (Abu Dhabi).
🚌 Option #1 — Metro + Intercity Bus (Most Popular, Best Value)
Budget Frequent Light transfers
- Overview: Ride the Dubai Metro Red Line from DXB to a Dubai intercity hub (Ibn Battuta or Al Ghubaiba), then board the Abu Dhabi intercity bus to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.
- How to book (with price): No prebooking needed. Metro ~AED 5–10 (zone-based) + intercity bus ~AED 25. Total ~AED 30–40.
- Pros: Cheapest, runs all day with frequent departures. Cons: One transfer; seats first-come-first-served at peak times.
Step-by-step: Metro + Intercity Bus
- From DXB Terminal 1/3, follow signs to the Metro Red Line; buy or top up a Nol card at the station.
- Ride Red Line toward Jebel Ali/Expo and alight at Ibn Battuta (or ride/taxi to Al Ghubaiba bus hub).
- Exit to the adjacent intercity bus station and join the queue for buses to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.
- Pay with the accepted fare method and board; keep small cash/card ready. Typical ride ~1h45–2h15.
- On arrival in Abu Dhabi, connect by local bus/taxi/Careem to your hotel or Yas/Saadiyat attractions.
Getting to the main embarking points (DXB → Metro → Bus)
- Terminal 1/3: Metro stations attached to each terminal; elevators/escalators available for luggage.
- Ibn Battuta: Bus station beside the mall; signage for Abu Dhabi routes is clear.
- Al Ghubaiba: Historic creekside hub with frequent intercity departures to Abu Dhabi.
🟧 Option #2 — Coach / Shared Shuttle (Hotel-Friendly)
Hotel drop Luggage space Fixed times
- Overview: Prebook a seat on a point-to-point coach or shared shuttle linking DXB or central Dubai hotels with Abu Dhabi districts (Yas Island, Corniche, Downtown).
- How to book (with price): From ~AED 85–150 per person depending on route and stops. Compare departures on Klook or GetYourGuide.
- Pros: Minimal walking, big luggage bays, hotel/attraction stops. Cons: Less flexible timing than DIY bus/metro.
Step-by-step: Coach / Shared Shuttle
- Pick your pickup (DXB terminal or Dubai hotel) and Abu Dhabi drop (Yas/Corniche/Downtown).
- Book your time slot and receive an e-ticket with meeting point and bay number.
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early; staff tag large bags and guide boarding.
- Ride to Abu Dhabi; disembark at your chosen stop and walk/taxi a short distance to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Coach Bays / Hotel Lobbies)
- DXB Coach Bays: Outside Arrivals—follow “Buses/Coaches” signage to the exact bay on your voucher.
- Hotel pickups: Be in the lobby at the earliest pickup time; keep phone/data on for updates.
🚖 Option #3 — Taxi (Meter or Flat-Rate Zones)
Door-to-door 24/7 Higher cost
- Overview: Official cream-colored taxis queue outside each DXB terminal. You can also use Uber or Careem (often dispatching licensed taxis).
- How to book (with price): Expect ~AED 250–350 to central Abu Dhabi (night/traffic may vary). For a named driver with meet-and-greet, prebook on Welcome Pickups.
- Pros: Fastest door-to-door, no transfers. Cons: Costlier than public transport; peak traffic can add time.
Step-by-step: Taxi
- Follow “Taxi” signs from Arrivals to the official ranks; choose sedan or larger van if needed.
- Share your destination (hotel name/address or map pin). Ask about flat-zone pricing if offered.
- Pay by card or cash on arrival; collect receipt if you need it for expenses.
Getting to the main embarking points (DXB Taxi Ranks)
- All Terminals (1/2/3): Ranks at curbside; marshals can assist with child seats or extra-large luggage.
🚐 Option #4 — Private Transfer (Car/Van, Meet & Greet)
Meet-and-greet Family-friendly Flat per vehicle
- Overview: A driver tracks your flight and meets you after customs, then drives straight to your Abu Dhabi address—great with kids or multiple suitcases.
- How to book (with price): From ~AED 350–600 per vehicle depending on size/class. Compare live prices on Welcome Pickups or request offers via GetTransfer.
- Pros: Zero hassle, fixed cost, direct to door. Cons: More expensive than buses/metro.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer
- Enter your flight number, terminal, and destination address when booking.
- Meet your driver at the specified placard point after customs; message via app if needed.
- Load luggage and ride non-stop to your hotel/apartment in Abu Dhabi.
Getting to the main embarking points (Arrivals Meet Points)
- Terminal 3/1: Typical meeting spots are directly after the customs doors; follow your voucher/driver message for the exact column/door.
🚗 Option #5 — Self-Drive (Rental Car)
Flexibility Multi-stop trips Tolls & parking
- Overview: Collect a car at DXB and cruise Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) to Abu Dhabi; perfect if you’re heading on to Yas/Saadiyat/desert resorts.
- How to plan (with price): Daily rates from ~AED 100–180 for compact cars (plus insurance, Salik tolls, and fuel). Compare real-time availability and one-way policies on Booking.com Cars at DXB and check Abu Dhabi car hire if you prefer to return locally.
- Pros: Maximum freedom, easy highway. Cons: Tolls, urban parking, and deposits to manage.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive
- Reserve a pickup at DXB with your flight time; bring license (IDP if required) and a credit card for the deposit—book via Booking.com Cars.
- Exit toward E11/Abu Dhabi; obey posted limits and follow Salik toll signage.
- Park at your hotel or public lots; many attractions validate parking. For returns in Abu Dhabi, confirm one-way fees on Abu Dhabi car hire.
Getting to the main embarking points (DXB Rental Desks)
- Terminals 1/3: Rental counters in Arrivals. Inspect the car and note existing marks before leaving.
FAQ (Dubai Airport to Abu Dhabi)
Is there a direct train from DXB to Abu Dhabi?
No. Use Metro + intercity bus, a coach/shuttle, taxi, or private transfer.
How long does the bus take?
Typically ~1h45–2h15 from Dubai hubs to Abu Dhabi Central, plus your Metro time from DXB.
What’s the most luggage-friendly option?
Coach/shuttle and private transfers have the easiest baggage handling; taxis are great too.
Can I ride-hail from the airport?
Yes—Uber and Careem operate at DXB. Prices are similar to taxis at many times of day.
Where should I stay in Abu Dhabi?
For first-timers: Corniche/Downtown or Yas Island for theme parks. Compare options on Booking.com (Abu Dhabi).
What if I want to store bags?
Book short-term storage via Radical Storage Dubai or Radical Storage Abu Dhabi if you’re sightseeing before check-in.