Distance from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
The distance between Dubai and Abu Dhabi (UAE capitals) is:
- Road distance: ~145 km (90 miles) via E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road / Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Highway)
- Straight-line: ~130 km (81 miles)
- Drive time: 1 hour 15 min – 1 hour 45 min (typical traffic)
Route Details
- Primary: E11 (Sheikh Zayed Rd from Dubai → Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Hwy into AD) — 3–4 lanes each way, 140 km/h limit
- Alternative: E311 (Emirates Rd) → E11 — slightly longer, less urban congestion
- Future: Etihad Rail passenger service (planned) — ~50 min
Transport Options
| Mode | Time | Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|
| Drive (own car) | 1h15m–1h45m | ~20 fuel + 4 Salik tolls | Salik gates: 4 on E11 (Al Safa, Al Barsha, Jebel Ali, Al Rawiyya) |
| Taxi / Ride-hail | 1h15m–1h45m | 250–350 | Uber, Careem, RTA taxi; book return for better rate |
| Intercity Bus | 2h–2h30m | 25–35 | RTA E100/E101/E102 (Al Ghubaiba/ Ibn Battuta → AD Central); frequent |
| Private Transfer | 1h15m–1h45m | 300–500 | Door-to-door, fixed price, meet & greet |
Key Points
- No border formalities — same country
- Peak traffic: 7–9 AM (Dubai→AD), 5–7 PM (AD→Dubai) — add 30–60 min
- Speed cameras every few km — strictly enforced (140 + buffer)
- Rest stops: Al Rawiyya (both sides), Ghantoot (border area)
- Abu Dhabi entry: No checkpoint since 2021 (removed COVID screening)
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