Can You Visit Dubai And Abu Dhabi In One Trip? Distance, Bus & Costs

To answer the titular question right away, yes! You can travel to Abu Dhabi and Dubai in one trip; quite easily too, as a matter of fact. There is a seamless highway infrastructure and the relatively short distance between the two emirates, which makes traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi for a day trip or an overnight stay one of the most popular ways to travel in the UAE. This comprehensive unstumbled guide covers everything you need to know to plan your journey.

Dubai And Abu Dhabi In One Trip: Distance And Travel Time

You don’t need to book a flight between the two hubs if you don’t want to. You can easily travel by road between the two destinations. By road, the distance between the two cities is around 136 to 140 kilometers (85 to 87 miles), depending on your starting and ending points.

It takes around one hour 15 minutes to one hour 30 minutes to travel from one to the other. If you’re traveling by bus, depending on the route you’ve chosen, it can also take around two hours 15 minutes.

Distance Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi: 136 to 140 kilometers (85 to 87 miles)

Travel Time: One hour 15 minutes to two hours 15 minutes

Taking the Public Bus: The Budget-Friendly Option

This is by far the most budget-friendly option to travel between the two cities. The intercity public bus network operated by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is incredibly efficient, clean, and fully air-conditioned, and equipped with free Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, and dedicated priority seating for women, children, and people of determination.

The E101 Route: Best for "New Dubai" 

For those staying in Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Palm Jumeirah, or Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), the E101 is the best option.

Starting Point: Ibn Battuta Metro Station (Red Line)

Ending Point: Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station

Frequency: Every 20 minutes during peak hours, and every 30 minutes off-peak

Travel Time: Approximately one hour and 30 minutes

First/Last Bus: The first bus departs around 4:30 AM, with the final service leaving between midnight and 1 AM

The E100 Route: Best for "Old Dubai"

Travelers staying in Deira, Bur Dubai, Karama, or near the Dubai Frame should opt for the E100 route. This particular route takes longer as it passes through dense city traffic before hitting the highway.

Starting Point: Al Ghubaiba Bus Station

Ending Point: Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station

Frequency: Every 15 to 20 minutes

Travel Time: Approximately two hours and 15 minutes

First/Last Bus: The first bus departs at 4:20 AM, and the last bus leaves at 11:50 PM

Also Read: Phu Quoc Vs Phuket In November: Weather, Beaches And Cost From India

Payment And Nol Card Rules

All Dubai RTA intercity buses operate exclusively on the Nol Card system, and no other form of payment is accepted. Here’s how to operate your Nol card.

Purchase A Silver Nol Card

You can purchase a Nol card at any Dubai Metro station or bus terminal. 

Top It Up

Ensure that you have a minimum balance of AED 25 on the card. Also, make sure that you load enough credit onto your Nol card before you leave Dubai, as the top-up machines at the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station can sometimes have long queues.

Note: It is important to keep in mind that the Hafilat card that Abu Dhabi uses for its own public transport is not accepted on the Dubai-to-Abu Dhabi intercity buses. You must use your Dubai Nol card for both the outbound journey to Abu Dhabi and the return journey back to Dubai.

Taxi And Private Transfer Costs

This is the most convenient and comfortable, albeit expensive, way to travel. The following are the options you have:

Standard Dubai Taxi

You can hail a metered RTA taxi or book one via the Careem app. 

Approximate Cost: AED 250 to AED 350

Private Chauffeur Transfer

You can also book a private car for the day that will pick you up from your Dubai hotel, drive you to multiple sights in Abu Dhabi, wait for you at each location, and drive you back to Dubai.

Approximate Cost: AED 800 to AED 1,200

Renting A Car: The Flexible Route

This will give you the ultimate freedom to explore Abu Dhabi at your own pace. 

Route: You will generally choose between the E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road), which hugs the coastline, or the E311 (Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road), which sits slightly further inland.

Approximate Cost: AED 100 to AED 150

Travel Time: One hour and 30 minutes

Also Read: Is Dubai Cheaper In November Or December For Indian Travelers?

Summing Up

So, if you’re planning on covering the two cities in one day, you now have sufficient information to navigate the journey. So, save this guide for when you visit the UAE!