Dubai to Abu Dhabi Costs AED 25 to 30 by Intercity Bus and From AED 39 by Train, and the Train Takes 64 Minutes Station to Station
The cheapest public transport from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is the RTA intercity bus: according to a search on the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) journey planner on 19 October 2026, the E101 costs AED 25 one way and the E100 costs AED 30, while the Etihad Rail website lists train fares from AED 39 with a 64-minute station-to-station journey.
On 30 September 2026, Etihad Rail’s Dubai station opened, giving Dubai its first link to the national passenger rail network. On 4 October 2026, Khaleej Times compared the train, the bus, driving and a taxi over one route, and on 8 October 2026 The National reported that Etihad Rail had confirmed its fares vary. Between the opening on 30 September and 19 October, the question most residents and visitors ask is the same: from where I live, which option is cheapest and which is fastest?
The 64 minutes counts station to station only, and neither station is in the city centre, so the best choice depends on where you live and where you are going. This guide compares station-to-station and door-to-door prices and times in two tables, then sorts the options by where you live in Dubai, sets out how to pay, explains why train fares move, and ends with common questions. For station, ticket-type and booking details, Zagdim also has a full guide to taking the Etihad Rail train between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, linked in the references at the end.
Key Points
- Who should pay attention: residents of Dubai who travel to Abu Dhabi from time to time; visitors and business travellers; new arrivals deciding which part of Dubai to live in and wondering what the trip will cost.
- The train is fastest station to station at 64 minutes on the official timetable. But in Khaleej Times’ estimate from Deira on 4 October 2026, the train plus connections takes 3.5 to 4 hours door to door, while driving takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
- The bus is cheapest: the E101 (from Ibn Battuta bus station) costs AED 25 and the E100 (from Al Ghubaiba bus station) costs AED 30. Both go to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, not to the Mohamed Bin Zayed City train station.
- Near Dubai Marina and JLT, compare the train with the E101; in Deira and Bur Dubai, the E100 is usually the cheapest public option. Train fares vary, and the train does not accept nol cards, only bank cards and digital wallets.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi Compared: Price and Time Station to Station
The table mixes official and media sources, with a different source for different rows, so it keeps a source column. Prices are for one adult, one way:
| Option | One-way price | Station-to-station time | From and to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Etihad Rail train (Comfort class) | From AED 39 | 64 minutes | Dubai station (Jumeirah Golf Estates) to Abu Dhabi station (Mohamed Bin Zayed City) | Etihad Rail website, 19 October 2026 |
| RTA intercity bus E101 | AED 25 | About 1 hour 45 minutes | Ibn Battuta bus station to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station | RTA journey planner, 19 October 2026 |
| RTA intercity bus E100 | AED 30 | About 2 hours 10 to 15 minutes | Al Ghubaiba bus station to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station | RTA journey planner, 19 October 2026 |
| Driving (fuel and tolls, excluding parking) | About AED 72 to 85 | About 1.5 to 2 hours | About 150 km | Khaleej Times estimate, 4 October 2026 |
| Street-hail taxi (metered) | About AED 389 to 398 | About 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, plus waiting for a taxi | About 150 km | Khaleej Times estimate, 4 October 2026 |
A few notes:
- The train price is a starting fare. Premium class is reported from AED 109; The National reported on 8 October 2026 that the Etihad Rail website that day showed Comfort at AED 39 to 59 and Premium at AED 109 to 149. See the section on fare variation below.
- Bus times come from the RTA journey planner for early-morning departures on 19 October 2026. They vary slightly by departure, and the planner result is not a full-day timetable.
- Driving and taxi figures are media estimates for one route, not official quotes. Ride-hailing apps such as Careem and Uber have no official standard fare, and Khaleej Times notes app starting fares may differ, so this guide gives no figures for them.
Door to Door: What the Trip Costs and How Long It Takes From Deira
The station-to-station numbers make the train look fastest, but getting to and from the stations adds time. All four rows below come from Khaleej Times’ estimate of 4 October 2026, starting at Union metro station in Deira and ending near the World Trade Center on Hamdan Street in Abu Dhabi, for one traveller, one way:
| Option | Total price | Total time |
|---|---|---|
| Metro, E100, then Abu Dhabi city bus | AED 37 to 38 | About 3 hours to 3 hours 15 minutes |
| Metro, train, shuttle bus, then city bus | AED 59 to 61 | About 3.5 to 4 hours |
| Driving (fuel and tolls, excluding parking) | AED 72 to 85 | About 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Street-hail taxi | AED 389 to 398 | About 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, plus waiting for a taxi |
The train option here includes the Red Line metro from Union to Jumeirah Golf Estates (about AED 7.50 with a Silver nol card and about 53 minutes), the train, the shuttle bus from the Abu Dhabi station into the city (AED 10) and a city bus. On this estimate, from Deira the train combination costs about AED 22 to 23 more than the bus combination (Zagdim’s subtraction of the table’s figures) and is not faster. Khaleej Times concluded that the bus is cheapest and driving is fastest, and that two people sharing a car pay roughly AED 36 to 42 each.
One caution: this is an estimate from one starting point. From Dubai Marina or JLT the connection to Dubai’s train station is much shorter, so door-to-door train times will be shorter, but as of 19 October 2026 we found no media or official estimate for those starting points, so this guide does not invent figures. The next section gives directional advice based on where the stations and bus stations are.
Which Option to Choose by Where You Live: Marina and JLT Versus Deira and Bur Dubai
Living near Marina, JLT or the Red Line: compare the train with the E101
Dubai’s train station is at Jumeirah Golf Estates, next to the Jumeirah Golf Estates station on the Dubai Metro Red Line. Gulf News reported on 15 October 2026 that a pedestrian link between the metro station and the train station was largely open from 15 October, about 400 metres and roughly a five-minute walk; RTA also runs a free shuttle bus of under two minutes. If you live along the Red Line (around Marina and JLT), you can take the metro and walk across to the train; that is Zagdim’s reading of the metro route.
The train suits people whose destination is in Mohamed Bin Zayed City, where the Abu Dhabi station is. The alternative is the E101, which leaves from Ibn Battuta bus station, costs AED 25, takes about 1 hour 45 minutes and ends at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, with no transfer at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Which is easier depends on whether your destination is closer to the Mohamed Bin Zayed City station or to the Central Bus Station.
Living in Deira or Bur Dubai: the E100 is usually cheapest
The E100 leaves from Al Ghubaiba bus station; Khaleej Times’ estimate has the traveller take the Green Line metro to Al Ghubaiba and walk to the bus station. Deira and Bur Dubai are farther from Dubai’s train station: from Union station the Red Line alone takes about 53 minutes to Jumeirah Golf Estates (Khaleej Times estimate). On the estimate above, the E100 combination at AED 37 to 38 and about 3 hours to 3 hours 15 minutes is the cheapest option from this starting point and no slower.
Travelling in a group, with heavy luggage, or at night: drive or hail a ride
The official Etihad Rail timetable for Monday 19 October 2026 shows four trains in each direction, in the early morning and early evening: from Dubai at 06:14, 07:14, 17:14 and 18:14, and from Abu Dhabi at 06:43, 07:43, 16:43 and 17:43. There are no trains at midday or late at night. The media reported five round trips a day after the opening and extra weekend services; for weekends and public holidays, check the website.
For two or more people, driving and sharing costs roughly AED 36 to 42 each, cheaper than one person taking the train combination, and there is no timetable to meet. Remember parking and the Salik and Darb tolls.
How to Pay From Dubai to Abu Dhabi: The Train Does Not Take nol Cards, the Bus Can Be Booked Online
| Option | How to pay | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Train (website and app) | Credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay and other digital wallets | Etihad Rail Passenger Charter |
| Train (station ticket machine) | Credit card, debit card or AED cash; Saver fares are not sold at machines | Etihad Rail Passenger Charter |
| Train (on board) | Cards and digital wallets only, no cash; only Flex fares are sold | Etihad Rail Passenger Charter |
| E100 and E101 intercity buses | Online eTicket (choose date, time and seat), or a nol card; the RTA page says nol cards can only be used on RTA buses | RTA intercity e-ticket page and nol page |
| Driving | Salik tolls are deducted automatically; vehicles must be registered for Darb | Zagdim summary of official Salik and Abu Dhabi mobility information |
| Taxi | Metered; app starting fares may differ | Khaleej Times |
Things to remember:
- The train’s listed payment methods do not include nol cards. The Passenger Charter does, however, let you add an RTA nol One-Day Pass to a train booking: unlimited travel for one day on Dubai Metro, Tram and eligible buses, sharing the same QR code as the train ticket. The pass can be activated on any day within 90 days of purchase and is valid only on the day it is activated. The official page gives no price for the pass, so check the booking screen.
- Train ticket sales close five minutes before departure. Every train needs a reservation, and Saver fares are not sold at ticket machines.
- nol discounts do not apply to intercity buses. The RTA page says the 50% discount for students and seniors on nol cards does not apply on intercity buses. The page does not say, route by route, whether cash is accepted on board an intercity bus, so book an eTicket online or make sure your nol card has a balance.
- The shuttle bus at the Abu Dhabi end must be booked in advance. Under the Etihad Rail charter, train-station shuttles can only be booked in advance through the app or website, not at the station. Official shuttle stops include ADNEC Center, ADNOC Headquarters on the Corniche and Reem Mall; Khaleej Times reported the shuttle fare as AED 10 one way.
Why Train Fares Vary: From AED 39 Is Not a Fixed Price
An Etihad Rail spokesperson told The National on 8 October 2026 that prices vary by service, time and date of the trip, ticket class and category, and time of booking. The report said that on the website that day, Dubai to Abu Dhabi showed Comfort at AED 39 to 59 and Premium at AED 109 to 149. In other words, the “from AED 39” on the website is the lowest fare, not one every train carries.
The ticket type also affects what you pay and whether you can change it. Under the Etihad Rail Passenger Charter:
| Ticket type | Changes | Refunds |
|---|---|---|
| Saver | Not allowed | Not refundable |
| Value | Free up to 72 hours before departure; after that AED 20 per change plus any fare difference | Not refundable |
| Flex | Free up to 30 minutes after scheduled departure | Full refund if cancelled 24 hours or more before departure; 30% fee within 24 hours |
No ticket type allows you to change the origin or destination station. Children aged 0 to 17 pay 50% of all fares, may be asked for proof of age, and children under 14 must travel with an adult; infants aged 0 to 2 travel free on an adult’s lap; seniors aged 60 and over get 20% off.
One item remains unconfirmed. In October 2025, Gulf News and The National reported an E308 non-stop bus run by RTA and Capital Express from Al Quoz bus station in Dubai to MBZ bus station in Abu Dhabi, at AED 25 one way every three hours. But RTA’s official intercity e-ticket page, read on 19 October 2026, lists only the E100, the E101 and the E201 to Al Ain, and the RTA journey planner search the same day did not show an E308. We could not confirm from an official source whether it still runs in 2026; check with RTA before you travel.
Common Misunderstandings About Travelling From Dubai to Abu Dhabi
- Misunderstanding: the train takes 64 minutes, so it is always fastest. The 64 minutes runs from the Dubai station to the Abu Dhabi station, and both ends need connections. In Khaleej Times’ estimate from Deira, the train combination takes 3.5 to 4 hours, slower than driving. Tip: work out door-to-door time for your own start and end points in the Etihad Rail app’s journey planner.
- Misunderstanding: the bus goes to Abu Dhabi airport or the Mohamed Bin Zayed City train station. The E100 and E101 end at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, not the airport or the train station. Tip: plan the last leg before you leave.
- Misunderstanding: every train ticket is AED 39. AED 39 is the starting fare; prices vary by time, date, class and when you book. Tip: different departures on the same route can cost different amounts, so read the whole booking screen.
- Misunderstanding: a nol card works on the train. The charter lists bank cards, debit cards and digital wallets, plus AED cash at ticket machines; nol cards are not listed. Tip: use nol on the metro and RTA buses, and add the One-Day Pass to the train booking if you want to use it in Dubai.
- Misunderstanding: driving costs only fuel. There are also Dubai’s Salik and Abu Dhabi’s Darb tolls, plus parking in Abu Dhabi. Tip: vehicles must be registered for Darb, and unregistered vehicles passing a gate can be fined.
Example Journeys From Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Scenario one: an office worker living in Dubai Marina who needs to attend a meeting in Mohamed Bin Zayed City. Living along the Red Line, you can take the metro to Jumeirah Golf Estates station, walk across the link to the train station and catch the 06:14 or 07:14 train to the Mohamed Bin Zayed City station. Note that there are no midday trains, and on the official timetable for Monday 19 October 2026 the return trains leave at 16:43 and 17:43, so a meeting that ends late needs another plan.
Scenario two: a Deira resident or visitor going to central Abu Dhabi at the weekend. On Khaleej Times’ estimate, the metro plus E100 costs AED 37 to 38, AED 22 to 23 less than the train combination. Book the E100 eTicket on the RTA website and allow time for the city bus from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.
Scenario three: two adults and a 12-year-old going to Abu Dhabi. A child aged 0 to 17 pays 50% of train fares, and children under 14 must travel with an adult, so the family buys two adult tickets and one child ticket. If you drive, fuel and tolls shared among three people are usually cheaper than train tickets, but allow for parking and luggage space. Check the final price on the booking screen.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi Transport FAQ
What is the cheapest way to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
According to the RTA journey planner on 19 October 2026, the E101 costs AED 25 and the E100 costs AED 30 one way, the lowest public transport fares. Khaleej Times’ estimate of 4 October 2026 from Deira puts the metro plus E100 at AED 37 to 38 door to door. For two or more people, driving and sharing costs roughly AED 36 to 42 each, which can also be cheaper.
How long does the Dubai to Abu Dhabi train take, and how much does it cost?
The official Etihad Rail timetable shows 64 minutes from the Dubai station to the Abu Dhabi station, with fares from AED 39 on the website. The National reported on 8 October 2026 that Comfort fares were AED 39 to 59 and Premium AED 109 to 149, and that prices vary. Both stations need connections; Khaleej Times’ estimate from Deira is about 3.5 to 4 hours door to door.
What is the difference between the E100 and E101 buses from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Both end at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. The E101 leaves from Ibn Battuta bus station: on 19 October 2026 the RTA journey planner showed AED 25 and about 1 hour 45 minutes. The E100 leaves from Al Ghubaiba bus station: AED 30 and about 2 hours 10 to 15 minutes. The E101 is closer to Marina and JLT, the E100 closer to Deira and Bur Dubai.
Can you use a nol card on the Dubai to Abu Dhabi train?
No. The Etihad Rail Passenger Charter lists credit cards, debit cards and digital wallets as payment methods, plus AED cash at station ticket machines; nol cards are not listed. The charter does offer an RTA nol One-Day Pass as an add-on, giving a day of unlimited travel on Dubai Metro, Tram and buses with the same QR code as the train ticket.
How do child tickets work on the Dubai to Abu Dhabi train?
Under the Etihad Rail Passenger Charter, children aged 0 to 17 get 50% off all fares and may be asked for proof of age; children under 14 must travel with an adult. Infants aged 0 to 2 travel free on an adult’s lap, and a child ticket is needed for a separate seat. Passengers aged 60 and over get 20% off. Some media reports gave the cut-off as under 18; the charter is the official source.
What tolls do you pay driving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
In Dubai, Salik costs AED 6 per crossing at weekday peak times and AED 4 off-peak, with 5% VAT added from 1 June 2026. In Abu Dhabi, regular Darb gates charge AED 4 at 07:00 to 09:00 and 15:00 to 19:00, and the Ghantoot gate added on 4 May 2026 charges around the clock. Khaleej Times estimated fuel and tolls at about AED 72 to 85 one way, excluding parking.
Is the E308 non-stop bus still running?
In October 2025, media reported an E308 run by RTA and Capital Express from Al Quoz bus station to MBZ bus station in Abu Dhabi at AED 25 one way. But RTA’s official intercity page, read on 19 October 2026, lists only the E100, E101 and E201, and the RTA journey planner search the same day showed no E308. We cannot confirm whether it still runs, so check with RTA.
Planning to Live in Dubai or Abu Dhabi? Ask Zagdim
If you want to know which part of Dubai makes commuting easiest, or how transport and daily life work in the UAE, Ask Zagdim.
Life abroad? Ask Zagdim.
Your first stop for international property and global living.
Research and insights. Know what’s changing. Understand what matters.
Newsletter for overseas updatesSubscribe →
Important Disclaimer
This guide is general information and is not transport, legal, tax or financial advice, and it does not represent any government body or transport operator. Train fares, ticket types, payment methods and passenger rules follow the Etihad Rail website and Passenger Charter (effective 1 June 2026, read on 19 October 2026); bus prices and times follow the RTA journey planner search of 19 October 2026; driving and taxi prices come from Khaleej Times’ estimate of 4 October 2026, which is a media estimate rather than an official quote and depends on route, timing and fuel consumption. Please check the latest announcements from Etihad Rail, RTA and Abu Dhabi’s transport authority.
Information is current as of 19 October 2026; please check the latest official announcements from Etihad Rail, RTA and Abu Dhabi’s transport authority.
References
Zagdim – How to Take the Etihad Rail Train Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi: Stations, Fares, Timetable and Tickets / Etihad Rail – Passenger Charter (effective 1 June 2026) / Etihad Rail – Live Schedule (19 October 2026) / Etihad Rail – Official website and ticket booking / Etihad Rail – Press release: over 70,000 tickets sold, Dubai station opening 30 September 2026 (3 August 2026) / Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) – Intercity bus e-ticketing / Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) – nol card and intercity bus service details / Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) – Wojhati journey planner (E100 and E101 searches, 19 October 2026) / Khaleej Times – Dubai to Abu Dhabi: What will you pay by Etihad Rail train, bus, car and taxi? (4 October 2026) / The National – Etihad Rail confirms variable pricing as some tickets increase (8 October 2026) / Gulf News – Dubai Etihad Rail and Metro pedestrian bridge now open (15 October 2026) / Gulf News – Etihad Rail Dh39 ticket: how much will you save on your Dubai–Abu Dhabi trips (updated 28 September 2026) / Gulf News – RTA launches non-stop Dubai–Abu Dhabi bus: fare, route and schedule (October 2025)
