Thinking about the drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
It’s a fantastic journey. You leave the tall towers of Dubai and find yourself on a wide, smooth highway, heading towards the culture and beauty of Abu Dhabi.
But we know the questions you have. Is the drive hard? What are the rules? What is the best way to do it?
Relax. This guide makes it all simple. We will walk you through everything, step by step.
Your Route: Straight and Simple
The good news? You basically have one main road.
The E11 Highway (Sheikh Zayed Road) is your best friend. This road is a direct link between the two cities. It is well-maintained, has multiple lanes, and the signs are clear. Just get on the E11 heading south-west, and you are on your way.
How Long is the Drive?
This is the big question. The distance is about 150 kilometers.
- Normal Traffic: Around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Weekend Traffic (Thursday/Friday afternoon): It can take 2 hours or more.
Pro Tip: Try to avoid leaving Dubai between 4 PM and 7 PM on weekdays, and on Friday afternoons. A morning drive is often much faster and more pleasant.
The One Thing You MUST Know: Salik Tolls
This is the most important part for your budget.
- What is it? Salik is a wireless toll system. You don’t stop to pay; a device in your car is scanned.
- Where are the tolls? There are two Salik gates on the E11 between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. You will pass through them.
- What if I have a rental car? This is easy. The rental company will fit the car with a Salik tag. The toll fees will be automatically charged to you. They will either deduct it from your security deposit or charge your card later. Always ask the rental company how they handle it!
Your Car Rental Checklist
Renting a car for this trip is a great idea. Here’s what to check:
- Is the Car Allowed? Some very cheap rental cars have “Dubai-only” registration. Confirm with your rental company that the car is allowed to be driven to Abu Dhabi.
- Check the Fuel. Make sure you have enough fuel for the round trip. It’s a 300 km journey in total.
- Keep the Papers Handy. Always have your driving license, passport copy, and the car rental contract with you in the car.
What About Fuel Costs?
Don’t worry, it’s not much. For a standard sedan like a Toyota Corolla, the 300 km round trip will cost you about AED 60 to AED 80 in fuel. It’s very affordable.
Making Your Trip More Fun
The drive doesn’t have to be just a journey. Make it an experience.
- Stop at the Last Exit: Before you hit the long desert road, there’s a famous pitstop called “The Last Exit.” It has great food trucks, clean restrooms, and a cool vibe. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee and a snack.
- Enjoy the Sights: As you get closer to Abu Dhabi, you’ll see the stunning white marble of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on your right. It’s a breathtaking view from the highway.
Final Tip: Drive Safe
The speed limit on the E11 is high (often 140 km/h), but it is strictly enforced with cameras. Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you. The rule is simple: one car length for every 20 km/h of speed.
Ready for Your Adventure?
The road from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is a symbol of the UAE’s modern connection. It’s a simple, beautiful, and empowering drive.
With your rental car and this simple guide, you are all set for an amazing trip. Enjoy the open road and the incredible sights of Abu Dhabi
*Have a wonderful and safe journey
