How Far is Abu Dhabi from Dubai? Complete Travel Guide
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are two of the most well-known cities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), attracting both residents and tourists. Whether you are traveling for business, leisure, or commuting daily, knowing the distance between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and the best travel options is essential.
This article provides a complete guide on:
✅ Exact distance & travel time 📏⏳
✅ Best travel options: Car, Bus, Flight, and Train 🚗🚌✈️🚆
✅ Cost breakdown for each transport mode 💰
✅ Upcoming transport projects like Etihad Rail 🚄
📌 Abu Dhabi to Dubai Distance & Travel Time Overview
| 🚀 Travel Mode | 📏 Distance (KM) | ⏳ Approx. Travel Time | 💰 Cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚘 By Car | 139 KM | 1 hr 20 min – 2 hrs | Fuel: 25-40 AED |
| 🚌 By Bus | 139 KM | 2-2.5 hrs | 25 AED (one way) |
| ✈️ By Flight | 123 KM (air) | 45 min (incl. check-in) | 200-500 AED |
| 🚄 By Future Rail (Etihad Rail) | 139 KM | 50 min (expected 2026) | TBA |
📍 Exact Distance Between Abu Dhabi and Dubai
The distance between Abu Dhabi and Dubai depends on how you travel:
🔹 Air Distance (Straight Line): 123 KM (76 miles)
🔹 Road Distance (Via E11 Highway): 139 KM (86 miles)
💡 Travel Tip: Travel time depends on traffic conditions and your starting and ending locations in both cities.
🚗 Driving from Abu Dhabi to Dubai
🚘 Driving is the most convenient way to travel between Abu ‘Dhabi and Dubai, especially if you prefer flexibility and privacy.
✅ Best Driving Routes
1️⃣ E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road) – The fastest and most direct route (139 KM)
2️⃣ E311 (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road) – Alternative route, slightly longer but avoids congestion
3️⃣ E611 (Emirates Road) – Longer but less traffic
⏳ Travel Time by Car
- 🕒 Non-Peak Hours: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 🚦 Peak Traffic: Up to 2 hours
💰 Fuel Cost Breakdown
| 🚗 Car Type | ⛽ Fuel Consumption (L per 100 KM) | 💰 Fuel Cost (One Way) |
|---|---|---|
| 🚘 Sedan (Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic) | 6-7L | 25-30 AED |
| 🚙 SUV (Nissan Patrol, Toyota Land Cruiser) | 10-12L | 35-45 AED |
| 🏎️ Luxury Car (BMW, Mercedes, Sports Cars) | 12-15L | 40-50 AED |
🚗 Need a Rental Car?
Visitors can rent a car for as low as 100 AED per day.
🚌 Abu Dhabi to Dubai by Bus – Cheapest Option
If you’re looking for an affordable way to travel, buses are a great choice.
🚍 Bus Routes & Timings
| 🚌 Bus Number | Departure Location | Arrival Location | 🕒 Travel Time | 💰 Cost (One Way) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E100 | Abu’ Dhabi Central Bus Station | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, Dubai | 2 hours | 25 AED |
| E101 | Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station | Ibn Battuta Metro Station, Dubai | 1 hr 45 min | 25 AED |
| E102 | Mussafah Shabiya Bus Station | Al Jafiliya Metro Station, Dubai | 2 hours | 25 AED |
🕒 Bus Timings
- First Bus: 4:30 AM
- Last Bus: 11:30 PM
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
💡 Pro Tip: You can pay with an NOL card and enjoy Wi-Fi & AC on buses.
✈️ Flights from Abu Dhabi to Dubai – Fastest Option
Though flights exist, they aren’t commonly used due to the short distance.
🚀 Flight Details
- Air Distance: 123 KM
- Flight Duration: 45 minutes (including check-in & security: ~1.5 hours)
- Airlines: Emirates, Etihad, Flydubai
💰 Flight Cost
- One-way ticket: 200-500 AED
💡 Pro Tip: International travelers can fly into Abu’ Dhabi Airport (AUH) and take a shuttle to Dubai.
🚄 Future Travel: Etihad Rail (Abu Dhabi to Dubai by Train)
A high-speed rail link is currently under development! 🚆
🌟 Etihad Rail Features
- Route: Abu Dhabi ↔ Dubai
- Expected Travel Time: 50 minutes
- Launch Date: Expected by 2026
- Ticket Price: TBA
💡 Pro Tip: Once launched, this will be the fastest and most efficient way to travel!
🏆 Best Travel Option Based on Needs
| 🚀 Travel Need | 🚘 Best Option |
|---|---|
| Fastest Travel ⏳ | Flight (45 min) |
| Cheapest Travel 💰 | Bus (25 AED) |
| Most Comfortable 😌 | Car (Private Trip) |
| Future Fastest 🚆 | Etihad Rail (50 min, expected 2026) |
📌 Which is Closer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai or Dubai to Sharjah?
| Route | Distance (KM) | Approx. Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Abu’ Dhabi to Dubai | 139 KM | 1.5 hours |
| Dubai to Sharjah | 30 KM | 30-45 min (heavy traffic) |
💡 Traffic Alert: Dubai to Sharjah traffic is worse than Abu’ Dhabi to Dubai!
🌟 Final Thoughts: Best Way to Travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai
✔️ Best for Speed: ✈️ Flight (45 min, expensive but fast)
✔️ Best for Budget: 🚌 Bus (Only 25 AED, takes ~2 hours)
✔️ Best for Comfort & Flexibility: 🚘 Car (1.5 hours, 25-40 AED fuel cost)
✔️ Best for the Future: 🚄 Etihad Rail (~50 min, expected 2026)
💡 Planning a trip soon? Choose the best travel option based on your budget, time, and comfort needs! 🚀
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 🛣️
1. How far is Abu Dhabi from Dubai by car?
🚗 The driving distance between Abu’ Dhabi and Dubai is 139 KM, and it takes around 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
2. What is the cheapest way to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?
🚌 The cheapest option is the public bus, costing only 25 AED per trip. Buses like E100, E101, and E102 operate regularly between the two cities.
3. Is there a train between Abu’ Dhabi and Dubai?
🚄 Currently, there is no train service, but the Etihad Rail project is expected to launch by 2026, reducing travel time to 50 minutes.
4. Can I take a taxi from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?
🚕 Yes, taxis are available, but they can be expensive. A one-way taxi ride costs between 250-350 AED, depending on your destination in Dubai.
5. Is there heavy traffic between Abu Dhabi and Dubai?
🚦 Traffic is usually smooth on the E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road) but can be congested during rush hours (7-9 AM & 5-7 PM). Using E311 or E611 can help avoid delays.
