Dubai to Abu Dhabi Travel Guide

Timing is crucial to avoid the notorious UAE rush hour traffic, which can easily add 30-60 minutes to your journey.

Avoid These Times 

• Sunday to Thursday (weekdays): Avoid traveling during the standard work week for a smoother journey.
• Morning Rush (7:00 AM - 9:30 AM): Steer clear of this window when traffic peaks due to commuters heading to work.
• Evening Rush (5:00 PM - 7:30 PM): Plan your travel outside of this evening period when people are returning home.
• Weekend Traffic: Be aware that Friday and Saturday often see increased traffic and delays, especially on major routes.

Best Time to Travel

• Mid-Morning (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM): This large midday window typically avoids the worst commuter traffic.
• Late Evening (After 8:00 PM): Traveling later at night usually guarantees minimal traffic congestion.
• Friday Morning Before 11:00 AM: Aim to travel early on Friday before the start of the typical weekend crowd.
• Saturday/Sunday Morning (Early before 9:00 AM): Depart early on the weekend to bypass tourist traffic around major attractions.

By Car/Taxi

• Route: Follow the E11 highway (clearly marked towards Abu Dhabi). The road is a multi-lane, well-maintained highway.
• Tolls: Be aware of the Salik (Dubai) and Darb (Abu Dhabi) toll gates. Rental cars and taxis manage this automatically, and the cost is passed on to you.
• Estimated Taxi Cost: AED 250 - AED 350+ one-way. Taxis are direct, fast, and door-to-door.

By Public Bus (RTA)

The public bus is the most cost-effective option. The fare is a fixed AED 25 (must be paid using a Nol Card).
Route E100 (Al Ghubaiba):

• Departure: Al Ghubaiba Bus Station (ideal if you are near Old Dubai, Bur Dubai, or the Green Metro Line).
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes.

Route E101 (Ibn Battuta Metro Station):

 

• Departure: Ibn Battuta Metro Bus Stop (ideal if you are near Dubai Marina, JLT, or taking the Red Metro Line).
• Duration: Generally shorter at about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
• Arrival: Both routes terminate at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.
• Quick Travel Comparison: Which Mode is Best for You?
• Car/Taxi: This mode offers the fastest, most convenient door-to-door service at the highest cost of AED 250 - AED 350+.
• Bus (E101): The E101 route is the most economical option, offering a direct and slightly faster bus journey for a fixed fare of AED 25.
• Rental Car: Renting a car provides maximum flexibility and is ideal for groups or those planning multiple stops, with a daily rental cost typically starting from AED 100 - AED 200+ (plus fuel and tolls).

The E11 highway features numerous large service stations where you can refuel and take a break.

• Key Service Station Brands: You will primarily see ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) and ENOC/EPPCO stations
• Recommended Stop: The most famous stop near the Dubai/Abu Dhabi border is Last Exit E11. It's a fun, retro-themed food truck park with plenty of parking, restrooms, and a variety of quick dining options.
• Cafes & Food Options: Most major service stations feature convenience stores (like ADNOC Oasis or Zoom) and popular fast-food and cafe chains, including Starbucks, McDonald's, KFC, Subway, etc.

1 Last Exit AUH Bound

• Where: On the E11 highway (Sheikh Zayed Road), Jebel Ali just before entering Abu Dhabi from Dubai. 

Why it’s good:

• A large, themed food-truck park, open 24/7, making it very good for an early-morning or late-night stop. 
• Lots of quick-service options (burgers, pizzas, etc.) and plenty of parking & space for a rest.

Tip: Great for families or when you just want a quick fun break rather than formal dining.

2. Ghantoot Royal Restaurant

Where: On Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road (toward Abu Dhabi), in Ghantoot. 

Why it’s good:

• Popular among drivers for a good meal. 
• Offers Arabic and Indian style food good for comfort and variety.

Tip: If you’re hungry and want something more substantial than fast food, this is a solid option.

3. Royal Gujrat Restaurant

Where: Mohamed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi still accessible from the highway route.

Why it’s good:

• A reputable Indian restaurant, good for a full sit-down meal rather than a quick stop.
• Good if you’re closer to Abu Dhabi and want a more “dining experience” rather than just a fast meal.

Tip: If your trip ends soon and you want to treat yourself before arriving, this is appropriate.

While the E11 is an intercity highway, there are world-class hospitals located conveniently close to either end of the route.

Dubai (Southern End)

• Recommended Hospital: Medicinic Parkview Hospital (Al Barhan South)
• Contact Number: +971 800 1999

Abu Dhabi (Entering City)

• Recommended Hospital: Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital (Near Zayed Sports City)
• Contact Number: +971 800 2000

Abu Dhabi (City Centre)

• Recommended Hospital: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (Al Maryah Island)
• Contact Number: +971 800 82223

These are the most critical numbers for any emergency while traveling in the UAE.

Essential Emergency Contacts (During Travel)

1. Police (Emergency): 999
2. Ambulance / Medical Emergency: 998
3. Fire & Civil Defence: 997
4. Coast Guard (Marine Emergency): 996
5. Non-Emergency Police (for reporting minor accidents without injury): 901

Road and Travel Assistance

1. RTA Dubai (Roads & Transport Authority): 800 9090
2. UAE Roadside Assistance (National): 800 4430
3. Service My Car – UAQ (Private Assistance): 800 2665

These applications are crucial for navigation, public transport, ride-hailing, and daily convenience while traveling in the UAE.

Google Maps / Waze

• Purpose: Navigation & Traffic
• Note: Waze is excellent for real-time traffic, speed cameras, and police alerts.

Careem

• Purpose: Book a Ride/ Taxi
• Note: This note appears to be a duplicate/error in the original table and refers to Waze. Careem is the primary app for booking rides/taxis in the UAE.

S'hail

• Purpose: Public Transport Trip Planner
• Note: Official RTA app to plan routes using Metro, Bus (E100/E101), and Tram.

No Card App

• Purpose: Bus/Metro Card Top-up
• Note: Essential for topping up your Nol Card balance for bus travel.

Talabat / Deliveroo

• Purpose: Food Delivery
• Note: For ordering food, once you reach your destination.

The best mode of transport depends on your priorities:

• If your priority is cost: Take the E101 Public Bus from Ibn Battuta.
• If your priority is speed and convenience: Take a Taxi or book a Careem (especially if you are a group of 3-4 people).
• If your priority is sightseeing and flexibility: Rent a Car.

Have a smooth and enjoyable trip