The drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is usually a breeze – just 60-90 minutes if your route is clear of bunged up roads but traffic conditions, peak hours and public holidays can quickly turn that into a 2 hour plus slog. This is your go to guide covering all the bases on Sheikh Zayed Road, how to get there, where to stop, what to see and how to avoid getting stuck in the traffic that everyone else seems to be heading towards. Whether you’re starting out from Bur Dubai, Dubai Marina or indeed Dubai International Airport – this guide will help you get to Abu Dhabi feeling a lot less frazzled.
Quick Answer: How Far is it from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and How Long Does it Take?
- Typical drive time: 1- 1.5 hours in the middle of nowhere; 2+ hours when you hit peak time traffic.
- Distance: 120 to 150 km between the two cities, depending on which route you take and where you’re starting from.
- Fastest route: E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road), it’s well signposted and the exits are pretty clear.
At-a-glance times (no traffic to speak of):
- Bur Dubai → Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: 80-95 minutes
- Dubai Marina/Palm Jumeirah → Emirates Palace: 70-85 minutes
- Dubai International Airport (DXB) → Abu Dhabi city center: 80-100 minutes
Heavier traffic round city entry and exit points, accidents, fog in the winter, and public holidays all have a major impact on your journey time.
Best Routes to Abu Dhabi from Dubai (Your Top Options)
E11 Sheikh Zayed Road: Still The Fastest Route (Just Go With It)
This is still the go-to route for getting from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Its pretty wide and well-maintained, has plenty of rest stops and a few service stations along the way plus air con in the facilities. You’ll get the shortest road distance this way and it’s a great place to take in the views of the Dubai skyline as you hit the desert.
E311 Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road – The Alternative Route
Use E311 when E11 looks like its going to be a total nightmare on Google Maps. Outside rush hour, travel times aren’t that different but if E11 is blocked for any reason you’ll end up saving some time and if you’re starting from inland areas this might be a better option for you.
Emirates Road (E611): The Backup Plan
If all else fails (E11 is jammed and E311 is clogged) this might just be the way to go. Just be aware it will add a few more kilometers to your overall distance but you might just save some time if there’s a major incident on E11.
Pro-tip: Turn on Google Maps live traffic before you start and keep an eye on the route changes – your chosen route might change mid-journey – just go with flow and see where it gets you.
Transport Options: Time and Cash
| Transport options | Typical travel time | Typical cost (one-way) | Who it suits |
| Private car (your car/friend) | 60–90 min | Fuel + Salik | Freedom, locals, frequent drivers |
| Dubai Rental Cars | 60–90 min | Budget rent from ~AED 80–150/day + fuel/tolls | Most flexible option for day trip |
| Private taxis/transfers | 70–100 min | ~AED 300–450+ depending on pickup | Stress free, families, late flights |
| Public bus (RTA/ITC) | 90–120 min | Cheapest option ~AED 25–35 | Budget, solo travelers |
| Guided tours | 8–10 hrs (day trip) | AED 250–500+ per person | First-timers, major attractions focus |
Notes:
- If you’re looking to rent a car, Dubai Rental Cars offers you the best options. Contact us and tell us which car you’d like to enjoy your trip to the fullest.
- Taxis are a good option if you want to arrive in style from Dubai Marina or DXB.
Public Bus : The Budget Travelers Friend
- Getting on the bus in Dubai – where to do it:
- Al Ghubaiba Bus Station (Bur Dubai) – central and super easy to get to.
- Ibn Battuta Bus Station (near Ibn Battuta Mall) – easy for JLT, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah residents.
- Paying for the ticket and storing your balance:
- Get a Nol card and top up it before getting on.
- the time of travel and comfort:
- 90-120 minutes depending on how the traffic is behaving. Breaks are pretty good with strong aircon, comfortable seats and a bit of space for small luggage.
- getting off at the end of the line in Abu Dhabi:
- the bus drops you off at the central bus stations with links to public transport and taxis. Some buses stop close to Deerfields Mall and other key bus stops
Useful links below:
- Dubai RTA (transport authority): https://www.rta.ae
- ITC Abu Dhabi Public Transport: https://www.itc.gov.ae
Taxi and Private Transfers : Door to Door and Stress Free
A taxi or private transfer that’s pre-booked is probably your best bet for a door to door ride from Dubai international or Bur dubai. Expect 70 – 100 minutes off-peak but remember, times of day & distances vary, with airport tolls to add extra to the bill. Private transfers offer fixed prices, meet & greet, baby seats, and are super useful for families or late night arrivals. Use a reputable app that’s approved by the transport authorities and keep digital copies of your receipts.
Driving Yourself: Our Smooth Road Trip Plan
- If you want to drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi:
- Make sure you’ve got a valid licence, registration, insurance, and enough petrol
- Pop some credit on your Salik tag for Sheikh Zayed road
- Get a phone mount, a charger, and download Google Maps with an offline map or you might get lost
- On the road:
- Speed limits are typically 100-120 km/h, but watch out for roadsigns and speed cameras
- Keep right unless you’re overtaking, use your indicators and keep a safe distance
- The highways are really well maintained and have clear signs for attractions
- Rest stops & food:
- There’s a great spot called Last Exit with food trucks & coffee, and loads of service stations with fuel and toilets
- If you want a proper meal, you can pop into Deerfields Mall or Ibn Battuta Mall
- Parking in Abu Dhabi:
- Some areas are paid parking zones; check the times and prices, especially near the Grand Mosque or Corniche, and watch out for changes on public holidays
Best Time to Travel: Avoiding Peak Hours
- Steer clear of rush hour:
- Weekdays are best avoided between 7-9:30am and 4:30-7:30pm near big cities; expect heavy traffic on Sheikh Zayed road during work hours and event days
- Tips for beating the traffic:
- Either leave really early or after 8pm and try to avoid rush hour at the start and end of your trip too
- If you can see from the traffic updates that there’s a problem on E11, take the E311 or E611 instead
- Seasonal factors to keep in mind:
- Wintertime fog can make it hard to see and slow you down
- Summer means you need to keep an eye on your tyre pressure and coolant, so make sure your AC is working well
Costs: Fuel, Tolls, Parking, Tickets etc
- Fuel: for a 140-160 km round trip, lots of small cars use around 10-14 litres. Work out the cost based on current UAE petrol prices
- Tolls: Salik gates on Sheikh Zayed Road will take the payment automatically, but check your tag & balance first
- Parking: it’ll cost you AED2-4 per hour in most places (prices vary); museums and malls might even validate your ticket
- Bus: AED 25-35 one way via Nol card
- Taxi/Private transfer: around AED 300-450+ one way depending on traffic and pickup
- Tours: AED 250-500+ per person based on what’s included
What to See on an Abu Dhabi Day Trip
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque:
- Stunning white marble building. Dress modestly and check the official visiting hours; try to go at sunrise or late afternoon when it’s less busy
- Emirates Palace & Corniche:
- Grand architecture, nice gardens & a scenic walk along the waterfront at sunset
- Good for families: Emirates Park Zoo
- Go early to beat the heat and pair it with some other attractions
- Other major attractions:
- Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan, and the theme parks on Yas island
Sample itinerary: drive on E11, break up the journey with a snack at Last Exit, visit the mosque, grab some lunch, then off to the museum, watch the sunset on the Corniche and head back after peak hours
Special Starting Points: How Long From Key Areas?
- From Bur Dubai or Al Ghubaiba Bus Station: add 10-20 minutes to get to E11 depending on lights & traffic
- From Dubai Marina or Palm Jumeirah: easy access to E11 but watch out for local congestion at peak hours
- From Dubai International Airport: if you’ve got a lot of luggage, consider a private taxi; rental cars are a good option if you want to stop off at loads of places
FAQs (Snippet-ready)
- How long does it take to drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
- 60-90 minutes in light to moderate traffic; up to 2 hours or so in heavy traffic or on public holidays
- What’s the exact distance?
- Roughly 120-150km depending where you start and end; E11 takes the shortest route
- What’s the cheapest way to get to Abu Dhabi from Dubai?
- Public bus from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station or Ibn Battuta Bus Station using a Nol card
- Is a private car or rental better than a taxi?
- Private car/rental is more flexible and cost-effective for groups; taxi/private transfer is hassle-free and direct
- Are the highways well maintained & well signed?
- Yes, Sheikh Zayed road has clear signs, loads of exits, and good road surfaces
- Can you do a day trip?
- Absolutely. Early start times and a well-planned day with some downtime factored in, and you’re good to go – hit up all the top sites in a single day and be back in no time.
- Do I need some special permit to drive a rental car to Abu Dhabi?
- No you don’t within the UAE, just make sure to double check your rental agreement and insurance for peace of mind.
The Final Word: Pick the Right Ride for Your Trip
For the average traveller, the drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi chugs along at about 60 to 90 minutes courtesy of Sheikh Zayed Road, depending on peak traffic & events. If you’re on a tight budget, the public bus is your best bet – it’s cheap, has aircon, and runs frequently from Al Ghubaiba and Ibn Battuta. If you want to be king of your own road trip, then a rental car or private car is the way to go – but if you just want to chill and get from A to B, a private taxi or transfer is the stress free way to go.
Check Google Maps for up to the minute traffic news, steer clear of rush hour, and keep an eye out for places like Last Exit to grab a bite or stretch your legs, and you’ll be in Abu Dhabi in no time. The highways are top notch, the signs are easy to read and the most popular routes are a breeze to follow, making the whole journey a piece of cake, a pretty view and a relatively stress free ride.
