Airport Hubs:
AUH → Dubai City Center (Ibn Battuta & Downtown) Updated for 2026

How to Get from Abu Dhabi Zayed Airport (AUH) to Dubai

Distance 115 km
Fastest 65 min
From 35 AED (~$9.50)
Top Pick AUH Express Dubai Shuttle / Private Transfer
Quick 10-Second Verdict:

Dubai is located roughly 115 km northeast of Abu Dhabi Airport. The AUH Express Bus connects Terminal A directly to Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai 24/7 for just 35 AED (~$9.50) in 75 minutes (from Ibn Battuta, take the Dubai Metro Red Line anywhere in Dubai). If flying with Etihad Airways on an eligible ticket, book their free Etihad Luxury Coach. An official airport taxi directly to Downtown Dubai or Dubai Marina takes 65-75 minutes for 260 - 320 AED (~$70 - $87).

Many international flyers use Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) to access Dubai due to attractive airfares. With smooth 6-lane highways connecting the two emirates, transit is remarkably fast and affordable.

All Transfer Options Compared (2026 Fares)

Transport Option Typical Time 2026 Fare Frequency Best For Booking / Info
AUH Express Bus (to Ibn Battuta Dubai) Best Overall
75–85 min
35 AED
~$9.50 / €8.80
 Every 60 min (24/7) Budget travelers, solo flyers, and anyone connecting to the Dubai Metro system Book AUH Transfer to Dubai
Official Airport Taxi to Dubai Fastest
65–80 min
260 - 320 AED
~$70 - $87 / €65 - €81
 Immediate departure Families, couples, business travelers, and those with lots of luggage needing direct hotel drop-off See Boarding Steps ↓

Detailed Step-by-Step Transfer Options

Option #1 Best Overall

AUH Express Bus (to Ibn Battuta Dubai)

35 AED ~$9.50 / €8.80
Travel time 75–85 min
Frequency Every 60 min (24/7)
Operating hours 24/7 continuous
Where to buy tickets AUH Express counter in Terminal A arrivals or onboard.
Main advantage: Only 35 AED; direct express coach; runs 24/7; drops at Ibn Battuta Metro Station where you can ride the Red Line into Dubai.
Keep in mind: Requires transferring to Dubai Metro or taxi at Ibn Battuta for final hotel destination.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Follow signs to the AUH Express Dubai bus stop outside Terminal A.
  2. Buy a 35 AED ticket at the desk or online.
  3. Load luggage in the undercarriage and relax for the 75-minute drive on E11 highway.
  4. Disembark at Ibn Battuta Bus Station and walk straight into the Dubai Metro Red Line.
Book AUH Transfer to Dubai
Option #2 Fastest

Official Airport Taxi to Dubai

260 - 320 AED ~$70 - $87 / €65 - €81
Travel time 65–80 min
Frequency Immediate departure
Operating hours 24/7 continuous
Where to buy tickets Terminal A official taxi stand.
Main advantage: Door-to-door delivery anywhere in Dubai; luxurious Mercedes and hybrid vans; direct highway route.
Keep in mind: Higher price than the bus.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Head to the official taxi rank outside Terminal A.
  2. Inform the coordinator you are heading to Dubai.
  3. Enjoy the smooth highway drive directly to your Dubai hotel lobby.
ARRIVAL CONNECTIVITY & RIDE-HAILING TIP

Need Mobile Data at the Terminal for Careem / Abu Dhabi Taxi / Uber & Maps?

Airport Wi-Fi often drops outside the terminal curb where Careem / Abu Dhabi Taxi / Uber pickup zones are located. Install a local eSIM before your flight so you can order a ride, translate station signs, and show digital train QR tickets immediately after landing.

Get United Arab Emirates eSIM on Airalo →Compare United Arab Emirates Airport eSIM on Klook →
STRESS-FREE DOOR-TO-DOOR OPTION

Prefer a Driver Waiting at Abu Dhabi (AUH) Arrivals?

Traveling with heavy suitcases, young children, or landing after midnight? Pre-book a fixed-price private airport transfer or express rail pass on Klook with instant confirmation and no meter haggling.

Check Abu Dhabi Transfers & Rail Passes on Klook →View Airport & City Hotels on Klook →

Tickets, Luggage & Late-Night Arrivals

How Tickets & Payments Work

Tickets for the AUH Express coach can be bought at the transport counter inside Terminal A or online. Taxis accept credit cards directly.

Traveling with Suitcases

Express coaches and airport taxis have massive luggage capacities for international travel baggage.

Arriving After Midnight

AUH Express coaches run 24/7 on an hourly schedule; official taxis are available non-stop.

Common Mistakes & Airport Scams to Avoid

  • Not checking if you qualify for Etihad's free luxury coach to Dubai—Etihad passengers can reserve free coach seats up to 24 hours before travel.
  • Negotiating with illegal private drivers soliciting in arrivals when official metered taxis are regulated and fair.
  • Abu Dhabi transport is exceptionally safe and strictly regulated. Official cream-colored metered taxis queue continuously with starting fares around 25 AED ($6.80 USD).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does the AUH Express bus take to Dubai?

The express coach takes approximately 75 minutes non-stop between AUH Terminal A and Ibn Battuta Metro Station in Dubai.

How much is a taxi from Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai Marina?

An official metered taxi costs around 260 to 300 AED (approx. $70 to $82 USD) and takes about 60 to 70 minutes.

Other Popular Destinations from Zayed International Airport (AUH)