Traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is possible in several ways, including the Etihad Rail train. The train ticket costs about 39 dirhams, but the total trip cost depends on the expenses for reaching the departure station and the final destination upon arrival.
Etihad Rail began offering public services from Al Jalais Station in Dubai on Wednesday, providing passengers with an additional route between the emirates. The train journey itself takes one hour and four minutes, but the overall travel time is determined by the starting and ending points.
For the comparison, the Union Metro station in Deira was chosen as the departure point, and the Hamdan Street World Trade Centre in Abu Dhabi was selected as the final destination. Calculations are provided for one adult traveling one way. When using the rail option, the Silver Nol card, Comfort class ticket, and bus connections in Abu Dhabi are applied. Driving costs are based on the October fuel price effective from October 1st. The total travel time is an approximate estimate, including transfers, and not the result of travel time testing.
From Union, passengers can take the Red Line towards Expo 2020 and alight at Jumeirah Golf Estates station. The fare on the Silver Nol card is 7.50 dirhams, and the metro ride itself is estimated to take about 53 minutes. Passengers then use a pedestrian crossing to Al Jalais Station. Time for walking and boarding the scheduled train must be taken into account.
The Comfort tariff from Dubai to Abu Dhabi starts from 39 dirhams, increasing to 46.50 dirhams when further travel in Abu Dhabi is included. The train arrives at Mohammed bin Zayed City Station, from where a transfer is required to reach the city center. Etihad Rail previously reported shuttle connections to the ADNOC headquarters at Corniche, ADNEC, and Reem Mall for 10 dirhams. This shuttle must be booked through the railway booking system.
For this route, one should take the shuttle to the ADNOC headquarters, then a local bus towards the Hamdan Street area, and complete the journey on foot. Approximately 2–4 dirhams should be allocated for walking and waiting for the local bus. The estimated cost breakdown is as follows: Dubai Metro: 7.50 dirhams; Etihad Rail: from 39 dirhams; Abu Dhabi Shuttle: 10 dirhams; Local Bus: approximately 2 to 4 dirhams; Total: from 58.50 to 60.50 dirhams. With timely transfers, the entire trip should take about three and a half hours. This calculation uses the previously stated shuttle cost; check its price and availability before booking.
Another train option is estimated at 37–38 dirhams, with a total travel time of about 3 hours to 3 hours and 15 minutes. From Union, one can take the Green Line to Al Ghubaiba and walk to the bus station. The metro ride itself takes about eight minutes, excluding waiting and walking. Bus E100 goes to the Central Bus Station in Abu Dhabi. The RTA planner shows a travel time of about two hours and 10 minutes, although traffic conditions may increase this time.
Using the intercity fare of 30 dirhams, 5 dirhams for the Dubai metro connection, and approximately 2–3 dirhams for the final bus in Abu Dhabi, the total trip cost will be around 37–38 dirhams. Route 102 in Abu Dhabi includes the Central Bus Station and several stops on Hamdan Street. One should choose the stop closest to the destination and account for the final walk.
The distance from Union Metro Station to WTC road is approximately 150 km. A car consuming eight liters per 100 km would require about 12 liters of fuel for this trip. Premium gasoline 95 costs 4.28 dirhams per liter from October 1st, compared to 3.69 dirhams in September. Thus, the one-way fuel bill increases from 44.28 to 51.36 dirhams, an increase of 7.08 dirhams.
In addition to this, there are travel charges. An approximate route via Al Gharhoud and Sheikh Zayed Road involves four Salik tolls. Although drivers pass both Safa gates, they pay only once when crossing the pair in one direction within an hour. Including VAT, the four tolls amount to 16.80 dirhams during off-peak hours or 25.20 dirhams during peak hours. Adding the Darb fee of 4 dirhams and the entry fee to Abu Dhabi Island of 4 dirhams results in a total estimated sum of 72.16–84.56 dirhams before parking fees.
The amount varies depending on the chosen route, travel time, and vehicle fuel consumption. Standard city parking in Abu Dhabi costs 2 dirhams per hour or 15 dirhams per day. These figures cover only fuel and travel charges, excluding insurance, maintenance, and depreciation. If two people share the car, the one-way travel cost will be approximately 36–42 dirhams per person before parking fees.
A taxi called on the street in Dubai starts from 5 dirhams and costs 2.45 dirhams per kilometer. Over a distance of more than 150 km, this amounts to 372.50 dirhams before accounting for travel charges and waiting time. Adding four Salik tolls brings the cost to approximately 389–398 dirhams before accounting for Darb fees and waiting time. The starting fare may differ when ordering through an application. Taxis offer a direct route without the need for parking or transfers, but for a solo traveler, it is significantly more expensive than other options. Heavy traffic can increase both travel time and meter fares.
In summary, the intercity bus offers the lowest estimated cost, around 37–38 dirhams. The combination of metro, Etihad Rail, and buses will cost approximately 59–61 dirhams but will require more time for transfers. Driving provides a shorter estimated travel time and may be cheaper per person when sharing. At the current October fuel price, a solo driver will spend about 72–85 dirhams on fuel and travel charges before parking. For passengers starting in Deira and heading to central Abu Dhabi, the decision depends on the overall travel experience: its cost, the time required for transfers, and the desire to avoid driving.
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