Taking a taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is one of the most straightforward, comfortable, and door-to-door ways to travel between the two emirates. Whether you’re heading to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a business meeting on Yas Island, or just exploring the capital, knowing your taxi options and costs ensures a smooth journey. This guide provides clear, valuable information on the types of taxis available, exact 2025 prices, booking methods, and essential tips for your trip. Let’s cover everything you need to know about taking a taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
Your Taxi Options: Dubai Taxi vs. Ride-Hailing Apps
You have two main choices for a point-to-point transfer, each with its own pros and cons.
1. Standard Dubai Taxi (RTA Taxi)
The classic cream-colored taxis operated by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
- How to Get One: Hail one on the street, find one at a taxi stand, book via the RTA Dubai app, or call +971 4 208 0808. You can also book them through the Careem app under the “Taxi” option.
- Pricing: The trip is metered. The fare starts at AED 5 (AED 5.50 from 10 PM to 6 AM) and increases by AED 1.82 per kilometer. The final price will include the Salik toll charges (AED 8 for the two toll gates on this route).
- Estimated Cost: AED 250 – AED 350 for the total one-way trip, depending on your exact starting point in Dubai and destination in Abu Dhabi.
- Best For: Travelers who prefer a regulated, metered service or need to pay in cash.
2. Ride-Hailing Services (Careem & Uber)
These app-based services offer upfront pricing and a range of vehicle choices.
- How to Book: Use the Careem or Uber app on your smartphone.
- Pricing: You see a fixed fare upfront before you confirm the booking. The price varies based on:
- Vehicle Category: Economy (Careem Go, UberX), Comfort, Premium.
- Demand & Time: Surge pricing during peak hours or high demand.
- Exact Pick-up/Drop-off Points.
- Estimated Cost: AED 300 – AED 450+ one-way for a standard car.
- Best For: Those who want price certainty before the trip, prefer cashless payment, or desire a specific type of vehicle (like a larger car for groups).
Detailed Cost Breakdown & Comparison
| Service Type | Estimated Fare (One-Way) | Payment Method | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai RTA Taxi (Metered) | AED 250 – 350 | Cash or Card | Regulated meter, always available. |
| Ride-Hailing (Careem/Uber – Economy) | AED 300 – 450 | App (Card) | Upfront fixed price, no surprises. |
| Ride-Hailing (Comfort/Premium Car) | AED 400 – 600+ | App (Card) | Newer, more luxurious vehicles. |
What’s Included in the Price?
- The fare covers the entire journey from your Dubai pick-up to your Abu Dhabi drop-off.
- Salik tolls are included in the final fare (for both taxi meter calculation and the upfront ride-hailing price).
- It does not include any tip for the driver (tipping is optional but appreciated).
The Journey: What to Expect
- Travel Time: Typically 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours, heavily dependent on traffic. Rush hours (7-9 AM from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, 5-7 PM return) can add 30-60 minutes.
- The Route: The taxi will take the E11 highway (Sheikh Zayed Road) directly to Abu Dhabi.
- Border Crossing: There is no immigration between emirates. However, there is an Abu Dhabi emirate border checkpoint near Ghantoot. The taxi may be stopped for a brief registration check. Have your ID (passport or Emirates ID) ready just in case, though the driver usually handles this.
- Comfort: All vehicles are air-conditioned. You can ask the driver to adjust the temperature.
How to Book Your Taxi: Step-by-Step
For a Dubai RTA Taxi:
- Open the Careem app (select ‘Taxi’) or the RTA Dubai app.
- Enter your pick-up and drop-off locations.
- Confirm the booking. The app will show an estimated fare range.
- Pay at the end of the trip via cash or card.
For Careem/Uber:
- Open the app and enter your destinations.
- Select your vehicle type (e.g., Careem Go, UberX).
- The app will show you the exact fixed fare. Confirm if it’s acceptable.
- Your driver will arrive at the pinned location. Payment is automatic via the app.
Essential Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Book in Advance (Especially for Early Morning): If you have a flight from AUH or an early meeting, pre-book your taxi the night before via an app to guarantee availability.
- Choose Your Pick-up Point Wisely: For easier pickup, choose a clear address like a hotel entrance or a well-known landmark, not a busy side street.
- Avoid Peak Traffic: If possible, travel after 9:30 AM from Dubai and before 4:00 PM from Abu Dhabi to avoid the worst traffic.
- Have Your ID Ready: Keep your passport or Emirates ID accessible for the potential border check.
- Consider a Stop: If you need a break, the driver can stop at service stations like the one in Ghantoot.
- Return Trip: Remember, you’ll need to book another taxi for your return. Abu Dhabi taxis are silver and can be hailed or booked via the Abu Dhabi Taxi app.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I ask the taxi to wait for me in Abu Dhabi and bring me back?
A: Yes, but it’s very expensive. The meter will run for the waiting time and the return trip. It’s almost always cheaper to take a new taxi for your return journey.
Q2: Are child seats available?
A: Generally, standard taxis do not provide child seats. Ride-hailing apps sometimes have a “Family” category with child seat options—check the app when booking.
Q3: Is it safe to take a taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
A: Yes, extremely safe. All RTA and ride-hailing drivers are registered, tracked, and professional.
Q4: What if I have a lot of luggage?
A: Standard taxis have decent trunks. When booking via Careem/Uber, you can select a larger vehicle category (like “Comfort” or “XL”) to ensure enough space.
Q5: Can I pay by credit card in a Dubai taxi?
A: Yes, all RTA taxis are equipped with card payment machines.
Conclusion: The Convenient Door-to-Door Choice
Taking a taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is the most hassle-free transfer method, eliminating the stress of navigation, parking, and finding your way in a new city. While it’s the most expensive option for a solo traveler, it becomes very cost-effective for groups of 3-4 people splitting the fare.
To Summarize:
- For a metered, regulated fare, book a Dubai RTA Taxi via the Careem app.
- For price certainty and vehicle choice, use Careem or Uber.
- Always factor in potential traffic when planning your departure time.
With this information, you can book your inter-emirate taxi with confidence and enjoy a comfortable, direct ride to your destination in Abu Dhabi.
