Abu Dhabi and Dubai have become familiar names for many travelers from Central and Eastern Europe. Attractive airfares and the promise of reliable sun make the United Arab Emirates an easy escape when cities at home feel cold and gray.
Why the Abu Dhabi to Dubai route works for Eastern European travelers
For many passengers, it is cheaper or more convenient to fly into Abu Dhabi first and then continue by road to a hotel in Dubai. The airport in Abu Dhabi is a major hub, and the connection by highway is direct, with smooth traffic outside peak hours. Instead of adding another short flight, plenty of travelers simply book an Abu Dhabi airport transfer to Dubai and treat the journey as the informal first chapter of their holiday.
This twin city idea suits the mindset of curious Eastern European visitors. They might land in Abu Dhabi, rest after the flight, and visit a mall or a beachfront area, then move on to Dubai for shopping, business, or a longer beach stay. For travelers used to overnight trains or long bus journeys across Europe, the idea of an hour or so on the highway between two world-famous cities feels almost effortless.
Ways to travel from Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai
Once you arrive at Abu Dhabi International Airport, you have a few main options for reaching Dubai.
The most common choices are:
- Bus services to Dubai are usually the cheapest solution. Tickets cost around 25 AED, roughly 7 US dollars. The downside is that buses follow a fixed timetable and might not match very late or very early flights.
- Regular taxi from the airport, available at official stands, and takes you directly to your address in Dubai. The journey usually costs between 250 and 300 AED (about 68 to 82 US dollars) and can be higher at busy times.
- A pre-booked private transfer, which gives you a fixed price and a driver who meets you in the arrivals area. This option works well for families and groups with large bags.
Online services such as GetTransfer offer transfer options between Abu Dhabi Airport and Dubai that can be booked in advance. On this type of platform, travelers book at a fare starting around 200 AED, pre-select a vehicle and driver, and often add extras like a child seat, in-car Wi-Fi, or a name sign at the terminal.
Making the most of the road between the two cities
The drive between Abu Dhabi and Dubai usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and where your hotel is located. Much of the route passes through open desert and then gradually gives way to suburbs and the silhouettes of towers on the horizon.
If you have some flexibility in your schedule, you can turn the transfer into a short sightseeing session rather than a straight point-to-point ride. Some travelers ask their driver to include brief stops such as:
- The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, with its white domes and reflective pools.
- Ferrari World and the entertainment district on Yas Island.
- Dubai Marina with its high-rise towers and waterside paths.
Even one of these pauses can break up the journey and give a first taste of how varied the United Arab Emirates is.
Two cities, one trip
For Eastern European travelers who already like to combine several cities in one holiday, planning a trip that includes both Abu Dhabi and Dubai feels natural. Flying into one city, traveling overland to the other, and then flying back home from there lets you compare different atmospheres, beaches, and skylines in a single visit.
