Private car transfer from Abu Dhabi to Dubai

139km
One way
From €16 per person
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Private transfer in 1 h 30 min

139km
One way
From €16 per person
Trusted by 2+ million happy travelers across 130 countries
5.0
Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2026
Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2026
5.0
5176
Reviews

What's included

Door-to-door service

Pick-up and drop-off at any address

Flight tracking included

Your driver will wait if your flight is delayed

Professional English-speaking driver

Local expert, fully licensed and insured

Clean, air-conditioned vehicle

Comfortable ride with climate control

Free cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours before departure

Luggage included

1 suitcase and 1 carry-on per passenger

Your trip at a glance

1 h 30 min
139km
Private driver
Pick up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Abu Dhabi.

Help with your luggage
Trip

You will travel in comfort for 1 h 30 min.

Smoke-free
Child seats
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Clean, comfortable car
Accessible
Free cancellation
Don't miss out on sightseeing stops!

Explore at your own pace and discover these hidden gems on the way.

Al Noor Mosque

Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque

Dubai

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Dubai.

Door-to-door service
Total distance↔ 139 km
Estimated time1 h 30 min

Rated across the web

Independent traveler feedback

Good to know

  • Child seats available on request
  • Pet-friendly travel
  • 1 checked bag + 1 carry-on per passenger
  • Extra or oversized luggage can be added
  • Flexible payment: card online or cash to driver
  • Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
  • Tips are not included (optional ~10%)
Trusted by 2+ million happy travelers across 130 countries
5.0
Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2026
Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2026
5.0
5176
Reviews

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time

Overview: car trip from Abu Dhabi to Dubai

Your drive from Abu Dhabi to Dubai offers you the opportunity to explore several notable attractions along the route to enrich your appreciation of this unique country.

If you didn’t get the chance to see the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque while in Abu Dhabi, your Daytrip driver will be able to take you. This 30-acre complex is home to the world’s largest carpet, largest chandelier, and largest marble mosaic. In the UAE, bigger really is better.

Your first stop outside of Abu Dhabi should be the Emirates Park Zoo, situated approximately 20 miles (35 kilometers) from Abu Dhabi’s city center. Take a tour and see exotic animals from around the world, not just the Middle East.

As you get closer to Dubai, make a stop at the Dubai Miracle Garden, famed for its vast floral displays. This oasis in the desert is the world’s largest flower garden, with almost 18 acres of flower structures and butterfly gardens. Be aware, though, that it is unfortunately closed from May to September due to the extreme heat.

Once you get to Dubai, your Daytrip driver will take you right to the door of your accommodation and help with your luggage. Get the luxury experience in one of the world’s most elite cities.

About Dubai

Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the capital of the Dubai Emirate. The UAE functions as a single country with seven emirates, and each emirate is its own monarchy run by an emir. You’ll see some cultural differences as your trip progresses from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. Abu Dhabi offers a more conservative, calm vacation, while Dubai is all about glamor.

Situated on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf, Dubai has transformed from a humble fishing village into a global hub of commerce, tourism, and innovation. Dubai’s rise as a financial and tourism center for the Middle East was a response to seeing the oil wealth of its neighbors. Instead of trying to compete with its limited oil resources, Dubai turned to other sectors to support its economy.

Today, Dubai is a dazzling metropolis renowned for its futuristic skyline, luxury shopping, and extravagant attractions. It has poised itself as the premier destination for the world’s elite and a link between the Middle East and the rest of the world, with about 90 million people going through its airport annually. At the heart of Dubai is the Burj Khalifa—the world's tallest building—among other man-made wonders like giant aquariums and indoor skiing.

From Abu Dhabi to Dubai: travel tips

Make sure your trip from Abu Dhabi to Dubai goes off without a hitch by following these travel tips!

Respect Islamic customs and traditions

While Dubai is an international destination and the foreign population outnumbers the locals, it is still an Islamic country. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during Ramadan, and be mindful of prayer times when planning activities.

Familiarize yourself with local customs and traditions to ensure respectful behavior, as they are most likely different than in your home country. For example, showing public displays of affection are frowned upon, and you must be 21 to drink alcohol.

Dress modestly for comfort

Dressing modestly is important in Islamic culture, and even more so in religious sites. Chests, knees, and elbows should be covered at any mosques you visit. Covering your skin is also important for protecting your skin from the harsh sun. Long sleeves and loose clothing will keep you cool, prevent sunburn, and help you blend into the local population.

How to get from Abu Dhabi to Dubai

Despite being a short distance from each other, there are limited options for driving from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. We recommend making a day out of your transfer to see some areas of interest with a private driver.

From Abu Dhabi to Dubai via private driver

The drive from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is about 85 miles (140 km) and will take 1.5 hours. This is a great amount of time for driving while still getting a few stops into your itinerary. Unlike a regular taxi service, hiring a Daytrip driver means you can add stops directly from Daytrip’s site. This improves communication between our drivers and you!

Take your trip into your own hands, without having to actually drive the car yourself! Adding detours help turn a regular transfer into a day trip full of cultural experiences you might not be able to get to by bus. Our drivers are insured, speak English, and are local to the region. Choose your pick up and drop off times without being held to a bus schedule.

From Abu Dhabi to Dubai by bus

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) offers bus services (E100, E101, and E102) between Abu Dhabi and Dubai for those who would rather skip ordering a taxi or private driver. The journey by bus typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, and fares start at 7 USD (25 AED).

Tickets can be purchased at bus stations or online through the RTA website. It's advisable to book tickets in advance. These intercity buses are equipped with comfortable seating, air conditioning, and onboard facilities.

Flights and trains from Abu Dhabi to Dubai

Although Abu Dhabi and Dubai both have an international airport, it is not possible to take a flight between these two cities. There are also no trains yet for transporting passengers, but as tourism becomes more important to the UAE’s economy, these services may become available in the future.

Things to do when you get to Dubai

Your party in the UAE is just beginning as you go from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. Be dazzled by Dubai’s upscale lifestyle and unique approach to surviving in this harsh landscape!

Shop at the Dubai Mall

If Dubai is known for anything, it’s luxury shopping. Get your souvenirs at one of the largest malls in the world, home to an extensive range of retail outlets, entertainment venues, and attractions such as the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.

Just around the corner is the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. It is twice the height of the Empire State Building, so get a unique view on its observation decks.

Go skiing in Dubai

Skiing in the desert? Anything is possible in Dubai! Experience indoor skiing and snowboarding at Ski Dubai, located in the Mall of the Emirates. It has real snow slopes, chairlifts, penguins, and snow park attractions- the perfect way to cool off in one of the hottest cities.

See Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah broke ground in 2001 and is the first completed project from the UAE’s plan to exponentially increase its coastline for luxury development. This massive land reclamation project is a series of islands shaped like a palm tree, with luxurious beachfront villas, hotels, restaurants, and malls. See the iconic Atlantis hotel, and spend an afternoon at the Aquaventure Waterpark and the Lost Chambers Aquarium.

Palm Jumeirah is part of the UAE’s plan to shift its economic focus away from heavy dependency on oil and towards being a unique, luxury tourism destination. However, it has not fared as well as investors would hope. It is under scrutiny for its effect on marine biology and the natural flow of sediment along the coastline.

Other similar coastline projects have had slow developments and issues with funding. There is even evidence emerging that the entire project may eventually fall back into the sea, so see it now while you can!

Enjoy Dubai’s fountain show

This is perhaps the only free thing to do in Dubai! Witness the mesmerizing Dubai Fountain Show, a captivating display of water, music, and lights located outside the Dubai Mall, which is synchronized with popular songs and classical music. The show is from 1 to 1:30 PM during the day, and evening shows are every 30 minutes from 6 to 11 PM.

When is the best time to visit Dubai

It comes as no surprise that the UAE has hot summers, with average temperatures in June and July reaching 105°F (41°C). Instead, the best time to visit Dubai is from November to April, Dubai has moderate temperatures and lower humidity levels. You’ll have a much more pleasant trip from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in the winter.

The weather during this period is generally sunny and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 90s Fahrenheit (mid-20s to low 30s Celsius). This is still considerably warmer than many parts of the world, so if you need some sun in mid-winter, then you’re in the right place!

Winter in Dubai is perfect for outdoor activities, like visiting the Palm Jumeirah Island, Jumeirah Beach, desert safaris, dune bashing, and camel riding experiences. It coincides with Dubai's peak tourist season, and you will find plenty of events, festivals, and attractions to enjoy. If the heat is still too much, even in winter, head indoors to one of Dubai’s many indoor malls. Enjoy luxury shopping, museums, aquariums, and even indoor skiing.

Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,800+ cities around the world.

Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.

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