Dubai to Abu Dhabi: Distance, Drive Time, Bus & Etihad Rail (E11)

By Wijhatik team · Updated: August 2026

Quick answer: The distance between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is about 140 km. The fastest option is usually the car, and the cheapest per person is the bus. the bus is about 25–30 AED (~2 hrs), and driving costs ~34 AED in fuel for the whole vehicle (~1.5 hrs). Figures are planning estimates updated August 2026; live flight prices are in the calculator.

🎫 Prices & timing: 🚌 cheapest bus from ~25 AED (~2 hrs). See the traffic & best-time notes below, and get the full trip cost (flights + hotel) in the calculator.

Distance

~140 km

Fastest

car

Cheapest/person

bus

Driving

~1.5 hrs

Fuel cost (est.)

~34 AED

Updated

August 2026

Transport comparison — Dubai to Abu Dhabi

Mode	Est. cost	Time	Details
✈️ Flight	not available	—	The distance is short — there are no practical flights between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
🚗 Car	~34 AED /vehicle	~1.5 hrs	Est. fuel 3 /L
🚌 Bus	25–30 AED/person	~2 hrs	E100/E101 intercity buses
🚆 Train	not available	—	There is no direct passenger train between Dubai and Abu Dhabi yet; Etihad Rail’s Dubai station opens on 30 September 2026.

Flight/bus/train prices are per person, one-way, estimated; car cost is for the whole vehicle, one-way. Check official operators for exact fares; live flight prices are in the calculator.

⚡ Fastest: car💰 Cheapest/person: bus🚗 Car fuel: ~34 AED

How we estimate: distance and time come from road data and official operators; car fuel = distance × 8 L/100km × local fuel price; flight/bus/train prices are planning ranges that change by season and booking. Read the methodology →

The road and drive time (Dubai → Abu Dhabi)

The main route is Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), about 140 km with a driving time of ~1.5 hours in normal conditions, stretching to ~2 hours at peak. Car fuel is roughly ~34 AED for the whole vehicle (140 km × 8 L/100km × local fuel price).

Bus — the cheapest

The E100 (from Al Ghubaiba, Bur Dubai) and E101 (from Ibn Battuta) buses reach Abu Dhabi Central in about 2 hours for ~25 AED — the cheapest option.

Train — new for 2026

There is no direct passenger train between Dubai and Abu Dhabi yet. The first phase of Etihad Rail passenger service launched on 30 June 2026 on the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah line, and the Dubai station opens on 30 September 2026 — which will add a Dubai–Abu Dhabi rail option soon.

Traffic & Abu Dhabi tolls

Sheikh Zayed Road is busiest on weekday mornings and evenings. Abu Dhabi’s Darb toll gates may charge during peak hours on entry — check current rates. For a calmer drive, avoid the 7–9am and 5–7pm peaks.

Getting there

🚌 E100/E101 buses are cheapest (~25 AED, ~2 hrs). 🚗 Driving is fastest and most flexible (~1.5 hrs). 🚕 Taxis are comfortable but far pricier (~250 AED). 🚆 Etihad Rail is coming soon (Dubai station 30 Sept). ✈️ No practical flights (too short).

Related routes

All city-to-city routes

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أسئلة شائعة

How far is Dubai from Abu Dhabi?

About 140 km by road, roughly ~1.5 hrs driving.

What is the fastest way from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

Usually the car.

What is the cheapest way to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Per person, the bus is usually cheapest (bus from ~25 AED). Driving can be cheapest when the cost is shared (~34 AED fuel for the vehicle).

Is there a train between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

There is no direct passenger train between Dubai and Abu Dhabi yet; Etihad Rail’s Dubai station opens on 30 September 2026.

How much does it cost to drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

Roughly ~34 AED in fuel for the whole vehicle (based on 140 km × 8 L/100km × local fuel price), excluding tolls and wear.

How many hours is Dubai to Abu Dhabi by car?

Driving takes about ~1.5 hrs for roughly 140 km in normal conditions, longer at peak times and seasons.

Note: prices are planning estimates and change constantly; check official operators (E100/E101 intercity buses) before travel. Live bookable flights are in the calculator.

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