The cheapest way to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is carpooling or getting a car lift with someone making the same trip. This costs AED 20-30 per person, sometimes even free if you know someone. It beats buses, taxis, and driving your own car when you factor in fuel and tolls.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi sit about 140 kilometers apart. People travel between these cities daily for work, family visits, or weekend trips. The cost adds up fast if you’re making this journey regularly.
Let’s break down your options from cheapest to most expensive.
Carpooling – The Clear Winner
Carpooling apps like Careem Carpool, BlaBlaCar, and Udrive Connect link drivers with empty seats to passengers heading the same way. You split fuel and toll costs. But the best option is Pick and Drop Lift, a top-rated company for affordable car lifts UAE.
Here’s what you’ll pay: AED 20-30 per trip typically. Some rides go even cheaper during off-peak hours. Compare that to other options and the savings are obvious.
The setup is simple. Download an app, search for rides going your route, book a seat. Most drivers are commuters doing this trip anyway. They’re happy to cover some fuel costs.
Safety matters though. Stick to verified platforms. Check driver ratings and reviews. Share your trip details with family or friends.
Public Bus – The Official Budget Choice
The E100 and E101 buses run between Dubai and Abu Dhabi multiple times daily. They’re clean, air-conditioned, and reliable.
Cost: AED 25 one way. Buses leave from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Dubai and Ibn Battuta Metro Station. The trip takes 2-2.5 hours depending on traffic.
The downside? Limited schedule flexibility. Buses run every 30-60 minutes. Miss yours and you’re waiting. Plus, you’re stuck to their timetable, not yours.
Sharing Your Own Ride
Got friends or coworkers making the same trip? Split the costs between you. This works brilliantly for regular commuters.
Fuel costs around AED 50-60 for the round trip. Salik tolls add another AED 12-16. Split four ways? You’re paying AED 15-20 per person. That’s cheaper than the bus.
The math gets better with more passengers. Five people in a car? Everyone pays about AED 12-15. You can’t beat that.
Finding Carpool Partners
Check your office first. Someone’s probably driving from your area. Many companies have WhatsApp groups for ride sharing.
University students do this all the time. Check campus bulletin boards or student Facebook groups. You’ll find rides easily.
Social media works too. Facebook groups like “Dubai Carpool” and “UAE Ride Share” connect thousands of people. Post your route and timing – you’ll get responses.
Why Not Taxis or Ride Apps?
A regular taxi costs AED 250-300 one way. Uber and Careem charge similar rates. That’s ten times more than carpooling.
Sure, taxis are convenient. They pick you up at your door. But for regular trips, the cost kills your budget fast.
Driving Your Own Car
Owning a car means freedom, but it’s not the cheapest option. Let’s do the math.
Fuel: AED 50-60 round trip. Salik tolls: AED 12-16. Parking in Abu Dhabi: AED 10-20. Wear and tear on your car: Calculate another AED 20-30. Total: AED 92-126 per trip.
If you’re traveling alone, carpooling beats this easily. But if you’re taking family along, your own car makes more sense.
Train Coming Soon
The Etihad Rail project will connect Dubai and Abu Dhabi by train. Expected completion is 2025-2026. Tickets should cost around AED 30-35.
This’ll be faster than buses and cheaper than taxis. But until then, we work with what’s available.
Tips to Save Even More
Travel during off-peak hours. Carpools cost less when demand is low. Early mornings and late evenings offer better rates.
Book in advance. Last-minute rides always cost more. Plan ahead and lock in cheaper prices.
Be flexible with pickup points. Meeting at major landmarks instead of exact addresses can lower costs.
The Smart Move
For solo travelers making regular trips, carpooling wins hands down. It’s cheap, social, and good for the environment. Four people sharing one car means three fewer vehicles on the road.
The bus works if you prefer official transport and don’t mind fixed schedules. Your own car makes sense for families or if you need maximum flexibility.
Bottom line? Carpooling saves you the most money while getting you there comfortably.
