Private transfer from Dubai Airport to Abu Dhabi
Many travellers to Abu Dhabi land at Dubai International Airport, which has far more flights than the capital's own airport. From there it's about 155 km down the coast to Abu Dhabi: the Corniche and its towers, the Louvre and beaches of Saadiyat Island, Ferrari World and the Formula 1 circuit on Yas Island, and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
A private transfer makes the intercity journey simple: a comfortable executive car or SUV from the arrivals hall to your hotel lobby, with road tolls included in one fixed price per vehicle, and no bus station or taxi rank in between.
| Pickup | Dubai International Airport (DXB) |
|---|---|
| Drop-off | Any hotel, villa or address in Abu Dhabi |
| Distance | About 155 km by road |
| Journey time | 1h 45min – 2h, depending on traffic |
| Best for | Intercity & luxury |
| Busiest season | October–April |
| Availability | 24/7, including late-night and early-morning flights |
The drive from DXB to Abu Dhabi
From the airport, your driver takes Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) south-west through Dubai, past Dubai Marina and Jebel Ali, and stays on the same highway, the main road between the two emirates, all the way to Abu Dhabi. It is a wide, fast motorway, with strict speed cameras.
In good traffic the drive takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to central Abu Dhabi. Yas Island, on the Dubai side of the capital, is about 15 minutes quicker; Saadiyat Island and the Corniche are a little further. Leaving Dubai in the evening rush can add 20 to 30 minutes.
Meeting your driver at Dubai Airport
Emirates flights arrive at Terminal 3, most other international airlines at Terminal 1, and flydubai and some regional carriers at Terminal 2. After immigration and baggage reclaim, go through customs into the arrivals hall. Your driver waits there holding a sign with your name and walks you to the car park, a short walk from the arrivals exit.
Arriving here for somewhere else? See every Dubai Airport transfer we run.
Where we drop off in Abu Dhabi
We drive to every hotel, residence and venue in Abu Dhabi. Tell us your destination and we'll plan the best route.
Yas Island
Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, Yas Marina Circuit and the island's hotels. About 1 hour 30 minutes.
Saadiyat Island
The Louvre Abu Dhabi, the beach resorts and the cultural district. About 1 hour 45 minutes.
The Corniche and city centre
Emirates Palace, the Corniche hotels and the business district. About 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Al Maryah and Reem Islands
The financial centre, the Galleria mall and the hotels around them. About 1 hour 45 minutes.
When to book your Abu Dhabi transfer
Abu Dhabi's season runs from October to April. The Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the last race of the season, fills Yas Island's hotels in late November or early December, and the winter months bring golf, tennis and cultural events. Summer is extremely hot, but hotel rates are at their lowest.
Private transfer vs other ways to reach Abu Dhabi
| Option | Door to door | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | 1h 45min – 2h | Straight to your door, fixed price per vehicle, driver waiting in arrivals. |
| Intercity bus | 2½–3 hours, plus transfers | Buses between Dubai and Abu Dhabi leave from city bus stations, not the airport, so you'll need to get to the station first. |
| Taxi | 1¾–2 hours | Dubai taxis make the trip on the meter, plus tolls. Expensive, and the price isn't fixed in advance. |
| Fly into Abu Dhabi instead | 20–40 minutes from AUH | Abu Dhabi's own airport is much closer, but on many routes it has fewer flights and higher fares. |
Choose your vehicle
Standard sedan
Up to 3 passengers · 2–3 suitcases
Couples and solo travellers
Executive sedan
Up to 3 passengers · 2–3 suitcases
Mercedes E-Class or similar
Minivan
Up to 7 passengers · 6–7 suitcases
Families and golf or ski bags
Minibus
8–16 passengers · One suitcase each
Groups, weddings, events
Exact models vary by country. Tell us about oversized luggage, golf bags, skis or strollers and we will size the vehicle to fit.
Local tips for your Abu Dhabi transfer
- Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on the way? Ask for a stop: modest dress covering arms and legs is required, and women need a headscarf.
- Staying for the Grand Prix? Traffic around Yas Island is heavy on race days. Book early and allow extra time.
- Flying home from Dubai? Leave Abu Dhabi at least four hours before your departure from DXB.
- Flying into Abu Dhabi's own airport another time? We also cover Abu Dhabi Airport to Saadiyat Island.