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Dubai to Abu Dhabi by Public Transport 2026

No direct metro yet, but getting to Abu Dhabi from Dubai is easy and affordable. Take the Dubai Metro to the bus station, then hop on an intercity bus for just AED 25.

3Bus Routes
AED 25Fare
1.5-2.5 hrsJourney
~150 kmDistance

Can You Take the Metro from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

Not yet. There is currently no direct metro or train service between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, the journey is simple and affordable using a combination of the Dubai Metro and RTA intercity buses.

The upcoming Etihad Rail project will eventually connect the two cities by high-speed rail, reducing the journey to approximately 50 minutes. Until then, the intercity bus service is your best budget option.

Step-by-Step: How to Travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi

  1. Take the Dubai Metro to either Al Ghubaiba (Green Line) or Ibn Battuta (Red Line) station
  2. Exit the metro and walk to the adjacent bus station (both have covered walkways)
  3. Board the intercity bus (E100, E101, or E102) — pay with your Nol card
  4. Ride to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (or Musaffah for E102)
  5. Transfer to local Abu Dhabi transport (bus or taxi) to reach your final destination

Intercity Bus Routes

Route E100

Al Ghubaiba Bus Station Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station

AED 25
Metro Connection: Al Ghubaiba Metro Station (Green Line)
Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes (peak), 30 minutes (off-peak)
Operating Hours: 4:20 AM — 11:50 PM
Journey Time: Approx. 2 hours

Most frequent service; departs from central Dubai (Bur Dubai area)

Route E101

Ibn Battuta Bus Station Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station

AED 25
Metro Connection: Ibn Battuta Metro Station (Red Line)
Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes
Operating Hours: 5:30 AM — 11:30 PM
Journey Time: Approx. 1.5-2 hours

Convenient for Dubai Marina / JLT residents; shorter highway distance

Route E102

Ibn Battuta Bus Station Musaffah Community Bus Station (Abu Dhabi)

AED 25
Metro Connection: Ibn Battuta Metro Station (Red Line)
Frequency: Every 30-40 minutes
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM — 10:00 PM
Journey Time: Approx. 2-2.5 hours

Serves Musaffah industrial area in Abu Dhabi; ideal for workers in the zone

Total Journey Cost Comparison

Transport MethodApprox. CostDuration
Metro + Intercity BusAED 28-332-3 hours
Taxi / Ride-hailing (Careem/Uber)AED 200-3001.5-2 hours
Private car (fuel + tolls)AED 50-801.5-2 hours

Tips for the Journey

  • Top up your Nol card with at least AED 35 before starting (metro fare + bus fare)
  • Travel during off-peak hours (before 7 AM or after 9 PM) to avoid highway traffic and shorter bus wait times
  • Buses fill up during peak hours — arrive at the bus station early to secure a seat
  • Bring headphones and entertainment — the bus ride takes 1.5-2.5 hours
  • Abu Dhabi uses Hafilat cards (not Nol) for local buses — plan your return or onward travel in Abu Dhabi accordingly

The Future: Etihad Rail

The UAE's national railway project, Etihad Rail, is being developed to connect all seven emirates. The passenger segment between Dubai and Abu Dhabi will offer a high-speed journey of approximately 50 minutes, transforming intercity travel in the UAE. We will update this page as more details are announced.

Useful Resources

Essential Dubai Metro Guides

Everything you need to know about traveling on the Dubai Metro, from rules and fares to new expansions.

Rules & Fines

Essential rules and fine information for a smooth Dubai Metro journey.

Read Guide

Nol Card Recharge Online

Learn how to top up your Nol card online quickly and easily.

Read Guide

Park & Ride / Parking

Guide to RTA parking facilities at various Dubai Metro stations.

Read Guide

Dubai Metro to Abu Dhabi

How to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi using the metro and bus network.

Read Guide

Metro vs Taxi

A comparison to help you choose the best transport for your needs.

Read Guide

Blue Line

Soon

Updates on the upcoming Dubai Metro expansion project.

Read Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a direct metro from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
No. There is currently no metro or rail service directly connecting Dubai to Abu Dhabi. However, the UAE is planning the Etihad Rail intercity railway, which will eventually link the two cities. For now, the best public transport option is the intercity bus service (routes E100, E101, E102), which you can reach via the Dubai Metro.
How much does it cost to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by bus?
The fare for all intercity bus routes (E100, E101, E102) from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is AED 25 per trip. You pay using your Nol card, which must have sufficient balance. Combined with a Dubai Metro fare (AED 3-7.50), the total one-way cost is approximately AED 28-33.
Which bus route is the fastest from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
The E101 route from Ibn Battuta Bus Station is generally the fastest, taking approximately 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic. This is because Ibn Battuta is located closer to the Abu Dhabi highway than the E100's departure point at Al Ghubaiba in central Dubai.
Can I use my Dubai Nol card on the Abu Dhabi bus?
Yes. Your Dubai Nol card is valid on all intercity bus routes between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Simply tap your card when boarding and alighting. Make sure your card has at least AED 25 balance for the intercity fare.
How do I get to the bus station from the Dubai Metro?
For E100: Take the Green Line to Al Ghubaiba Metro Station — the bus station is directly connected. For E101/E102: Take the Red Line to Ibn Battuta Metro Station — the bus station is a short covered walk from the metro exit.
Are the intercity buses comfortable?
Yes. RTA intercity buses are modern, air-conditioned coaches with comfortable seating, USB charging ports, and luggage storage. They are a popular and reliable option for daily commuters and visitors alike.
When will the Etihad Rail connect Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
The Etihad Rail project is the UAE's national railway. The passenger segment connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi is under development, with services expected to begin operations in the coming years. Once operational, the train journey between the two cities will take approximately 50 minutes.
Can I take the bus to Abu Dhabi attractions like the Louvre?
Yes. Take bus E100 or E101 to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, then transfer to local Abu Dhabi buses or taxis to reach attractions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Yas Island, or the Corniche. Local Abu Dhabi buses accept the Hafilat card (Abu Dhabi's transport card), not Nol cards.
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