Venture across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from dazzling Dubai to astounding Abu Dhabi on a car trip that promises to be an exciting adventure.
Begin your journey in Dubai, meeting your private driver for your transfer directly at your accommodation. Once seated, sit back, relax and enjoy your door-to-door drive. As you join the highway, the modern cityscape transforms into dune-lined desert and scenic sightings of the Persian Gulf.
While hot outside, inside your modern vehicle, climate controls and complimentary water guarantee you’re kept cool and comfortable. Your professional driver will ensure your comfort and will be happy to share facts with you about the region during your drive.
No mere taxi, during the drive you have the opportunity to tour some spectacular sites along the way. From the vibrant Dubai Miracle Garden to the fun-filled Emirates Park Zoo, be enchanted by diverse wonders should you choose to add them to your itinerary.
You will enter Abu Dhabi across the impressive Sheikh Zayed Bridge, surrounded by spectacular views of the waterscape. Your private driver will expertly navigate the city streets to your drop-off point, where the city awaits you.
About Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the UAE, is the smaller and more relaxed neighbor of Dubai. The diverse city features modern architecture, traditional culture and history, fun-filled activities, and natural wonders providing the perfect combination of experiences in one city.
Looking at the skyline dominated by colossal futuristic buildings, it’s amazing to think about how far Abu Dhabi has come from the small village it was just 40 years ago.
While being a modern city, Abu Dhabi still conserves its traditional Arabic character at sites like the sublime Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and at its ‘souks’ (bazaars), where you can purchase hand-woven carpets and delectable dates. While Arabic charm is still present, the city is a cosmopolitan melting pot of cultures, especially evident in the food scene, where you can find worldwide cuisines across cheap eats and luxurious dining.
Expertly built on a group of 200 islands, the city is surrounded by golden coastlines, turquoise waters, and a vast mangrove forest, perfect for relaxation.
While offering luxurious opulence and modern marvels, Abu Dhabi also provides the opportunity to discover Arabic culture and history, fun-filled thrills, and moments for contemplation amongst natural beauty.
From Dubai to Abu Dhabi: Travel tips
Along with deciding how to go from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, there are a few other things you should plan in advance for your trip. Follow these tips to enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Choose a reputable provider
Choose a reliable provider like Daytrip to ensure a safe, comfortable, and stress-free trip experience. We individually interview our drivers and have strict vehicle standards that ensure clean, safe, and comfortable transportation.
Discover more with your driver
Being a local, your experienced driver will be happy to share tips about the region with you ensuring you make the most out of your journey. While our drivers are not professional tour guides, please don’t hesitate to ask your driver any questions!
### Add sightseeing stops
We recommend adding sightseeing stops to your itinerary to make the most out of your drive. Whether you want to see the stunning Al Noor Mosque or just a quick stop for an Arabic coffee, you can create your ideal itinerary with us. While we offer our hand-picked recommendations, that is not to say you can’t stop elsewhere: feel free to fill out our custom route form to create your perfect trip. Please note that to guarantee a stop on your itinerary, you need to add it to your booking more than 36 hours before departure.
### Pack appropriately
The UAE is hot, so don’t forget to bring plenty of water and sunscreen to ensure you stay hydrated and safe. Light clothes are also recommended, but remember that this is a Muslim country, and you should dress modestly.
### Timing is everything
Many locals commute between the two cities, so there can be traffic during peak hours. To avoid longer journey times, we recommend you depart in the early morning or late afternoon.
How to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Deciding how to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi comes down to whether you want public or private transportation. Private car transfers stand out as the best choice, offering the most flexibility, convenience, and customizability.
From Dubai to Abu Dhabi by car
The drive is around 86 miles (139 km) and takes approximately 1.5 hours. While convenient and flexible, it can be challenging to navigate busy city streets in a rental car.
From Dubai to Abu Dhabi by bus
There are three bus services running from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. The bus takes approximately 2 - 2.5 hours depending on the service and traffic. While economical, traveling by bus can mean longer journey times and less flexibility and convenience.
### From Dubai to Abu Dhabi by train
There is currently no train service between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
### From Dubai to Abu Dhabi with Daytrip
Daytrip offers a relaxing, flexible, and seamless private car service. Your private driver will meet you at your hotel in Dubai at the time of your choosing and drop you off at your accommodation in Abu Dhabi. Unlike a normal taxi, with Daytrip, you can customize your trip. Choose from traveling in a sedan, MPV, or van depending on your needs. All of Daytrip's vehicles meet strict guidelines, ensuring you will travel in safety and comfort. We offer the opportunity to add hand-picked sightseeing stops along the way. And while not official tour guides, Daytrip’s experienced, English-speaking drivers who will be happy to share local facts with you, so you can turn your drive into a part of your holiday. Overall, a private car trip with a reputable company like Daytrip is the best way to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, being the most flexible, convenient, and personalizable option.
Things to do when you get to Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is a glamorous city combining luxurious modern architecture with captivating culture and history, thrill-seeking fun, and relaxing moments in natural beauty.
Begin by marveling at the modern architecture that dominates the city’s skyline, including the well-known Etihad Towers, a complex of five colossal and sparkling towers. Head up to the 74th floor of Tower 2, where you can find breathtaking views from the tallest viewpoint in Abu Dhabi and enjoy the delicacies of their famous afternoon tea.
From modern to traditional, no trip to Abu Dhabi is complete without visiting the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque, with its magnificent marble walls, intricate gold details, and crystal-covered chandeliers.
For more culture, visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi to find artistic masterpieces by Van Gogh and da Vinci under the intricately designed domed roof, a piece of art in itself.
Return to the glamor and bask in opulence at the Emirate Palace Hotel, the most expensively decorated hotel in the world! Admire the lavish gold, pearl, and sapphire interior and order their famous cappuccino sprinkled with 24 karat-gold flakes!
Thrill-seekers can head over to Yas Island, home to Ferrari World which boasts the world’s fastest rollercoaster, and The Formula One Circuit, where you can enjoy a fast-paced driving experience.
To relax, visit the Mangrove National Park to find abundant marine life, lush greenery, and clear waters. Afterwards, visit The Corniche, a pristine promenade lined with green spaces and walkways. As the sun sets, the promenade begins to bustle. Catch the sunset here as the city dazzles with bright lights.
Private car service is the best way to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. It allows for flexibility, convenience, and the opportunity to turn your drive into an experience.
There are direct bus options, which take on average 2 - 2.5 hours depending on traffic and route. While economical, this takes longer and is less flexible than a private car. There is currently no train service between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Prices vary depending on the vehicle, seasonality, and when you book, with the best prices available when booking in advance. For a one-way trip without sightseeing stops, you can expect to pay between $137 - $202. For a group of 7 passengers, the cost can be as low as $29 per seat, as Daytrip charges per vehicle, not per passenger.
The distance is 86 miles (139 km) along a scenic highway.
You can ask your driver for quick photo stops along the way. If you’d like to visit a sightseeing stop, we recommend you to add these to your itinerary well in advance of your trip.
We recommend you pack wisely with water, sunscreen, and light but modest clothing.
沿途参观这些景点
阿尔努尔清真寺
This beautiful interpretation of traditional Ottoman architecture is one of the only mosques in Sharjah open to the public. An Inside Look at Islam
奥马尔·本·哈塔卜清真寺
Inspired by the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and Andalusian art, offers a beautiful look into Islamic architecture. Blended Blues
迪拜奇蹟花園
At the world’s largest flower garden, hundreds of millions of flowers are shaped into a myriad of colorful shapes, including a full-sized Airbus A380. A Floral Fantasy
阿联酋动物园
Nearly 2000 animals are just one of the attractions at this educational and entertaining park. Animals and Activities
谢赫扎耶德清真寺
The UAE’s largest mosque is a marvel of architecture and design, both beautiful and record-breaking. A Welcoming White Wonder
"Amid the chaos that is Dubai, our driver, Aamir, was so courteous, his car was clean, he provided us with local information. We were fortunate to have him drive us."
Kevin J.
Australia
2026年1月5日
"Great driver. He was polite, on time, good communication and nice clean car. Would recommend the driver to anyone traveling in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. "
Kristi H.
United States
2025年11月7日
"First time using Daytrip, it’s convenient and trip went with no hiccups. Driver was friendly and courteous. Happy to use Daytrip again in future!"
Khairul Tawfiq M.
Singapore
2024年12月18日
"Perfect. Got to stop for water and coffee along the way and the drivers were able to come early and contact me when they were nearby. Super nice people too I’d totally use them again thanks! "
James C.
Singapore
2023年11月20日
"The trip was fine. The car was good, the driver was pleasant and capable. He was on time and courteous.
"
Jenny M.
2023年10月12日
"Arif was a fantastic driver. Prompt, efficient and great guide. He made our experience truly wonderful."
Vashti R.
Canada
2023年4月14日
"Our trip was perfect and everything on time! The driver was very friendly
and good driving. We like to find something what was not good, but we can’t!
We will definitive use your company again if we need a drive!"
Paul S.
Switzerland
2023年3月15日
"Both drivers very courteous and professional. The cars were clean and well kept. You were able to accommodate a quick turnaround with short notice.
"
Connie H.
United Arab Emirates
2023年1月10日
"I had a great trip! The driver was prompt and clearly communicated his arrival. I would definitely use Daytrip again in the future. "
Mikaela F.
United States
2022年12月12日
"Ansar was a great driver. He answered all the questions we had about Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Fantastic. "
Cassandra R.
United States
2022年12月7日
"Yes, very satisfied with Shah.. he was on time, very friendly and helpful.. Will definitely use this service again!"
Shirlene B.
United States
2022年11月23日
"The driver was great. No issues from my side. My flight got a little delayed and my bag was lost by the airline but he was very patient waiting while I filed a claim for my bag even though it meant we couldn’t leave until more than an hour past the scheduled time. "
Ben W.
United States
2022年11月11日
"Everything was wonderful, thanks! Ahammad was on time, very kind and a great driver. We had an easy trip and there was nothing further I could have asked for. Your communication and platform was wonderful and helped make our journey to Abu Dhabi and back stress-free. Thank you for your great service, and we will be sure to recommend Daytrip and use your services again in the future."
Mark F.
Canada
2022年9月19日
""Mr. Ahammad K. M., arrived at the hotel before time, and we were ready to go. the car was super clean, he was very attentive and cordial.
we reviewed the itinerary and confirmed.
I will appraise Mr. Ahammad K. M., with 5* for vehicle a/c, cleanliness, and vehicle.
I will appraise Mr. Ahammad K. M., with 5* for punctuality, dress code, and cordiality.
I will appraise Mr. Ahammad K. M., with 5* for driving precaution and speed limit. ""
Ibis Maria R.
United States
2022年6月30日
"Everything was excellent:
1) Punctual
2) Very friendly driver
3) Professional
4) Safe driving
5) Clean car
6) Phone charger available "
Nabeel L.
United Arab Emirates
2022年5月25日
"Our group of four ladies were so thankful for the private ride from Dubai to Abu Dhabi with the stop at the Grand Mosque.
Mr. Shah was very professional and answered lots of questions we had about the sites we passed along the drive. He was also at our Dubai hotel early and we were thankful to be able to leave a little earlier.
I would definitely recommend Mr. Shah as a great driver.
Thank you for making our trip easy. "
Katrina L.
United States
2022年3月29日
"I didn’t know you were a young company.
We were extremly pleased with Ahammad. He was a very good driver, had a good car and was very forthcoming.
He also communicated extremly well and was very reliable! "
Nike D.
Switzerland
2022年3月16日
"The driver was very courteous, arrived on time, the vehicle was spacious and clean, the ride was pleasant and safe
"
Yacov H.
Israel
2021年12月16日
"Just wanted to say that our driver was great. We will most definitely use this service in the future."
Darryl C.
Canada
2020年1月18日
"My wife and I were very pleased with our trip and with Mudassar. The places we visited were well worth the time taken and he was very helpful in getting us pointed in the correct direction. I would say simply keep doing what you are because it was a great day for us.
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