Abu Dhabi’s main attractions are spread across a large area and between several hubs, especially as the city’s centre of gravity – for visitors, at least – shifts from downtown and the corniche towards Yas and Saadiyat Islands.
Once you are in a neighbourhood, the city is walkable (weather depending) but travel between districts and sites will almost certainly involve transport: the good news is that – even in the absence of a metro, like Dubai – there are plenty of options for all budgets.
There is also a growing number of free shuttle services that connect Yas Island sights that will provide welcome respite in the summer months, and even in the winter. The service is free for those staying on Yas or attending an event there.
Stretch your budget by taking the bus
Buses are the most affordable way to get around Abu Dhabi and the network reaches nearly every part of the city. A single ride costs just AED 2 and can be paid using a Hafilat card, which can be purchased and topped up at bus stations, vending machines, and retailers across the city. Buses are air-conditioned, well-maintained and equipped with dedicated seating areas for women and families. Get the Darbi app for routes and timetables.
Cover the main sights on a hop-on-hop-off tour
Yes, it is touristy, but hop-on-hop-off buses are popular for a reason. Abu Dhabi’s Big Bus tour operates on a fixed route with stops at landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Emirates Palace. The easiest way to find out about options and timetables is to ask at your hotel. Some routes also include museum passes and other perks.
Take an Uber or Careem at night
Taxis are ubiquitous in Abu Dhabi and essential at night when they are the only option for getting around – unless you have your own car. You can hail a government-regulated silver taxi on the street or through apps like Uber and Careem, both of which are permitted in the city.
Taxi fares are very reasonable compared with other cities, starting at around AED 5 and with an average cost of AED 1.82 per kilometre, although fares increase slightly after 10pm. All official taxis are metered, and drivers usually speak basic English.
Getting to Abu Dhabi from the airport
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) is about 30km from the city centre and by far the easiest way to reach downtown is by taxi. There are designated areas for metered taxis and ride-sharing apps. Buses run from the airport to the city centre every 40 minutes but have specific stops that are not always convenient for hotels or if you are carrying heavy luggage.
Do you need a car in Abu Dhabi?
You don’t *need* a car in Abu Dhabi but if you want to cover a lot of ground, are staying for a few days, and want to see everything the emirate has to offer – as well as a few day trips – it can be worthwhile. Car hire is relatively affordable and fuel is extremely cheap. Most hotels and even malls have cheap or free valet parking, and the roads are generally very good. Driving is on the right-hand side, and signage is bilingual in Arabic and English.
Some nationalities need an international driving license to rent a car in the UAE, so be sure to check before you leave home. Also, be wary of ubiquitous speed cameras and exceedingly high penalties for infringements like speeding and illegal parking.
Accessible transportation in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s accessible transport is improving. Public buses have designated wheelchair spaces and ramps, and taxi services include Accessible Taxis for people with limited mobility. You can book these via the TransAD call centre at 600 535353. You can also request accessible taxis via ride sharing apps. Pavements are wide and generally well-kept in the city centre but wheelchair access is by no means guaranteed in the older districts. Newer areas – like Yas and Saadiyat – are far more consistent.
Transport passes and travel cards
A Hafilat card is essential if you opt to use Abu Dhabi’s public buses. Tourists can purchase a temporary Hafilat card at the airport or bus stations. While there’s no unified transport pass that covers all types of transport (e.g. taxis and rideshares), the Darbi app can help travellers plan their journeys.
How can I get to Dubai from Abu Dhabi?
The cheapest way to get to Dubai from Abu Dhabi is by bus. The E buses – E100, E101, and E102 – connect major bus stations in Dubai (Al Ghubaiba and Ibn Battuta) to the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.
A taxi from Abu Dhabi to Dubai typically costs between AED 250 and AED 400, with a journey time of around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Any Abu Dhabi taxi driver will be glad of the fare, but you may find it cheaper to negotiate a rate with your hotel.
