Dubai and Abu Dhabi are neighbouring emirates, and many visitors see both on one trip. Each has its own international airport, public transport card and tourism board, and RTA runs intercity buses between them. Which to base yourself in depends on what you want to see. This guide sets out the practical differences using official sources only.

Key facts

Dubai Abu Dhabi
Main airports Dubai International (DXB); Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) Zayed International Airport (AUH)
Public transport card nol (RTA) Hafilat (Abu Dhabi Mobility buses)
Official tourism site visitdubai.com visitabudhabi.ae
Public bus between the two RTA routes E100 (Al Ghubaiba – Abu Dhabi bus station) and E101 (Ibn Battuta – Abu Dhabi bus station)

How do I get between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Dubai’s transport authority, RTA, runs two intercity bus routes to Abu Dhabi:

  • E100: Al Ghubaiba bus station (Dubai) to Abu Dhabi bus station.
  • E101: Ibn Battuta bus station (Dubai) to Abu Dhabi bus station.

RTA lets you book an e-ticket online for these routes, choosing your date and time in advance. Online bookings get a dedicated boarding lane and a separate seating area at the station. Ibn Battuta is also a stop on the Dubai Metro Red Line, which makes E101 easy to reach by Metro. We have not listed fares or journey times because we could not confirm them on a current official page; check RTA before you travel.

You can also travel by taxi or hire car. Visitors’ driving licence rules depend on nationality, so confirm them with your hire company and RTA.

Which airport should I fly into?

Fly into the city you plan to spend most time in, or compare fares for both.

  • Dubai International (DXB) has three terminals. Dubai Airports lists Emirates at Terminal 3 and British Airways and Virgin Atlantic at Terminal 1. Terminals 1 and 3 have Dubai Metro stations. See our Dubai International (DXB) guide.
  • Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) has no Metro station. Dubai Airports lists RTA buses F55 (to the EXPO 2020 Metro station) and N55 (to Ibn Battuta), each every 30 minutes. See Dubai World Central (DWC).
  • Zayed International Airport (AUH) runs A-series city buses 24/7. Route A1 serves Al Zahiyah (city centre), Al Reem Island and the Tourist Club Area, and route A2 runs along Khalifa Street, serving Al Markaziyah and Al Khalidiya. The fare is paid by Hafilat card, and cash is not accepted.

For getting from DXB into the city, see DXB airport transfers.

Signature sights: Dubai

Places featured by Visit Dubai, the emirate’s official tourism site, include:

  • Burj Khalifa, which Visit Dubai describes as the world’s tallest building.
  • Museum of the Future, focused on next-generation science, technology and innovation.
  • Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, for Dubai’s culture, heritage and architecture.
  • Hatta, a hilly area for nature and outdoor activities, away from the main city.
  • Al Marmoom Desert, for desert experiences.
  • La Perle by Dragone, a live theatre show.

See our guides to Dubai and where to stay in Dubai.

Signature sights: Abu Dhabi

Places featured by Visit Abu Dhabi, the emirate’s official tourism site, include:

  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Visit Abu Dhabi says entry is free, including guided tours.
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi, in the Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island (paid entry).
  • Qasr Al Watan, a history and culture landmark (paid tickets).
  • Qasr Al Hosn, a heritage site.
  • Yas Island, home to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World.
  • Al Ain, a region of mountains and oases including Jebel Hafit, and Al Dhafra, the emirate’s desert region.

See our Abu Dhabi guide and new Abu Dhabi attractions for 2026.

Who might each suit?

Both emirates have culture, family attractions and desert. The difference is which sights you most want to see.

If you want… Look at
A rail system linking the airport to the city Dubai (Metro from DXB Terminals 1 and 3)
Landmark modern architecture Dubai (Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future); Abu Dhabi (Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan)
Heritage and mosques Dubai (Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood); Abu Dhabi (Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Hosn)
Theme parks in one place Abu Dhabi (Yas Island)
Mountains and nature Dubai (Hatta); Abu Dhabi (Al Ain, Jebel Hafit)
Desert Dubai (Al Marmoom Desert); Abu Dhabi (Al Dhafra)

You can also stay in one emirate and take a day trip to the other. For desert trips in either, see our UAE desert safari guide.

FAQ

Is there a bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

Yes. RTA runs route E100 from Al Ghubaiba and route E101 from Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi bus station. You can book e-tickets online.

What is Abu Dhabi’s airport called?

Zayed International Airport, code AUH.

What are Dubai’s airports called?

Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC).

Can I use my Dubai nol card on Abu Dhabi buses?

Abu Dhabi’s airport buses take the Hafilat card, and cash is not accepted. We found no official statement that nol cards work there, so plan to get a Hafilat card.

Is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque free to visit?

Visit Abu Dhabi says entry is free, including guided tours.

Can I visit both on one trip?

Yes. The RTA intercity buses link Dubai and Abu Dhabi, so you can stay in one emirate and take a day trip to the other.

Verified from official sources — last checked 2 October 2026. Details can change; confirm with the operator before you travel.