Taxi Fare from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
A metered taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi typically costs between AED 200 and AED 350 for most journeys. The fare varies depending on your exact pickup point in Dubai, your destination in Abu Dhabi, and how much time is spent in traffic on the E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road) between the two cities.
Unlike short-haul city trips, intercity taxis between Dubai and Abu Dhabi are usually negotiated rather than strictly metered. Many drivers will quote a flat rate for the trip. If you are flagging a taxi from the street or calling through a taxi app, confirm the price before you get in. Add AED 4 to AED 8 for Salik tolls, which are the driver's cost but may be factored into their quote.
Your Transport Options: Compared
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| E100 Bus | AED 25 per person | Cheapest option. Fixed stops, no door-to-door. Takes 2+ hours. |
| Shared taxi (service taxi) | AED 60 to AED 80 per person | Departs from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station. Wait until vehicle fills. No luggage flexibility. |
| Standard metered taxi | AED 200 to AED 350 | Private vehicle but metered - fare increases with traffic. Hard to pre-book. |
| App-based ride (Careem, Uber) | AED 150 to AED 350 | Can surge in price at peak times. Driver quality varies. |
| Private chauffeur (Gulf Chauffeur) | From AED 1,000 for a full day | Fixed price, pre-booked, door-to-door. Driver waits in Abu Dhabi. Return included. |
When a Private Chauffeur Makes More Sense
A private chauffeur is the right choice when you need reliability, comfort, or flexibility that a metered taxi cannot offer. Specifically:
- You are travelling to Abu Dhabi for business and need to arrive at a specific time
- You have luggage - both the GMC Yukon and Mercedes-Benz Vito have proper boot space
- You are travelling with family, children, or a group
- You need the driver to wait in Abu Dhabi while you visit or work
- You want a return journey at the end of the day without re-booking
- You want one fixed price regardless of how traffic behaves
What a Full-Day Dubai to Abu Dhabi Trip Looks Like
Most of our Dubai to Abu Dhabi bookings are full-day arrangements. Your driver arrives at your Dubai address in the morning, drives you to Abu Dhabi, and waits while you do what you need to do - whether that is attending meetings, visiting the Louvre, seeing family, or handling paperwork. At the end of the day, you drive back to Dubai together.
Full-day trips to Abu Dhabi start from AED 1,000. This covers the vehicle, the driver, both the outbound and return journeys, and the driver's waiting time in Abu Dhabi. There is no additional charge for traffic delays.
Route Information
- Distance: approximately 140 km via E11
- Normal travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
- Peak period delays: Friday evening, Sunday evening back to Dubai
- Salik tolls: AED 4 to AED 8 depending on route taken
- Main route: E11 Sheikh Zayed Road southbound to Abu Dhabi