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142.5 km • ~96 mins

How to Get from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Abu Dhabi (Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque)

Dubai International Airport (DXB) lies about 142 km northeast of Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, roughly a 96-minute drive without traffic. Depending on whether you choose a private transfer, taxi, RTA metro plus intercity bus, or the new Etihad Rail link, total journey times range from about 1.5 hours by taxi to around 3 hours by public transport.

✓ Verified Oct 29, 2026 • 142.5 km road distance

Private Transfer

Door-to-Door
96 mins •On Request (24/7)
€115 - €140 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: Luggage Included / Pre-Booked Vehicle
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. After baggage claim, follow signs to the Arrivals Meeting Point at your terminal and meet the driver holding a name board.
  2. Confirm the fixed price and vehicle type before loading your luggage.
  3. Ride directly from DXB via Sheikh Zayed Road/E11 towards Abu Dhabi for about 96 minutes without traffic.
  4. Continue into Abu Dhabi and follow signs to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; the driver drops you at the main entrance.
  5. Pay online or in the app before arrival, or by the method agreed in the booking.
Kiwitaxi
✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit
Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Official Airport Taxi

Metered 24/7
96 mins •On Demand (24/7)
€90 - €110 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: Fits 2-3 Pieces, Metered Fare
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow yellow Taxi signs to the official RTA/Dubai Taxi rank outside Arrivals at your terminal.
  2. Queue at the stand and take the first available metered taxi; ignore touts inside the terminal.
  3. Confirm card payment if needed and ensure the driver starts the meter; airport starting fare is about 25 AED.
  4. Ride via Sheikh Zayed Road/E11 towards Abu Dhabi, about 96 minutes without traffic but often longer at peak times.
  5. Ask to be dropped at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque main entrance; Salik tolls and waiting time are added to the meter.

RTA Metro + E101 Intercity Bus

Cheapest
180 mins •Check S'hail / RTA timetable
€8.00 Approx (Metro + Bus, per person)
Luggage: Limited Bus Luggage Space
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Buy a Silver Nol card at Airport T1 or Airport T3 Metro station (from T2, first take a short taxi/bus to Airport Free Zone Green line station).
  2. Take the Red line towards Life Pharmacy and get off at Ibn Battuta station.
  3. At Ibn Battuta, follow signs to the bus station and board the E101 to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station; pay with Nol, about 25 AED.
  4. Ride for about 1.5-2 hours and alight at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.
  5. From the station, take a local taxi or ride-hailing service for the final leg to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Dubai Metro + Etihad Rail

New Rail Link
160 mins •5 Trains Daily (Etihad Rail)
From €11.50 Comfort / €29 Premium (Per Person)
Luggage: Check Etihad Rail Luggage Rules Before Booking
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Buy a Silver Nol card at Airport T1 or Airport T3 Metro station (T2 travellers must first reach a Metro station by short taxi/bus).
  2. Take the Metro Red line towards Expo 2020 and alight at Jumeirah Golf Estates station.
  3. Use the 400 m footbridge to Etihad Rail Al Yalayis station and arrive at least 30 minutes before departure with your Etihad Rail app booking (Nol not accepted).
  4. Ride about 1 hour to Mohamed bin Zayed City station in Abu Dhabi.
  5. From that station, take the onward shuttle/bus or a taxi/ride-hail to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is outside the city centre.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Use the official taxi rank only. Touts inside the terminal often quote inflated fixed fares, so avoid anyone offering a ride before the rank.
  • Make sure the taxi meter is running from the start. Airport starting fare is about 25 AED; Salik tolls and waiting time are added to the meter, not paid as cash on top.
  • RTA buses and Metro require a Nol card and do not accept cash. Buy Nol cards only from official ticket offices or machines, not from resellers.
  • Etihad Rail tickets are booked through the official app or etihadrail.ae only. Nol cards are not accepted; avoid third-party sellers claiming to sell rail tickets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from Dubai International Airport to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?

Take the Metro Red line to Ibn Battuta, then the E101 intercity bus to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. The metro plus bus costs about €8 per person, but you still need a taxi or local ride for the final stretch to the mosque.

How long does the trip from DXB to Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque take?

By taxi or private transfer the direct drive is about 96 minutes without traffic, but can take longer at peak times. Public transport options, including Metro plus bus or Etihad Rail, take roughly 2.5-3.5 hours with transfers and final taxi.

Can I pay by card on taxis and public transport?

Most RTA taxis accept card payment, but confirm before the ride. Metro and RTA buses require a Nol card, and buses do not accept cash. Etihad Rail requires separate purchase via its app or website.

Is there a direct Metro or train from DXB to Abu Dhabi?

No. The Dubai Metro only runs within Dubai. You can connect from the Metro to the E101 intercity bus at Ibn Battuta or to the Etihad Rail station at Jumeirah Golf Estates, both of which go to Abu Dhabi.

What about luggage on public transport?

The Dubai Metro allows a maximum of two pieces per passenger, one large and one small, so big suitcases are not allowed. Intercity buses have limited luggage space; if you have more than two bags, a private transfer or taxi is easier.

Which option is best for families or travellers with lots of luggage?

A private transfer or official taxi is usually best for families, as it offers door-to-door service and more luggage space. Public transport requires several changes and a final taxi or ride to the mosque.

Nearby places

More transfers from Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) · 58.4 km JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) · 36.3 km Dubai Marina · 35.3 km Palm Jumeirah · 36.2 km Atlantis The Palm · 39.5 km Mall of the Emirates · 29.1 km Burj Al Arab · 29.7 km Business Bay · 20.1 km Burj Khalifa · 17.5 km Dubai Mall · 16.9 km

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