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How to get around Abu Dhabi
If you're visiting Abu Dhabi, you'll want to make the most of your time by visiting the emirate's world-class attractions. For that, you can call upon taxis, buses and rental services to connect you to your desired destination. You'll also find some attractions within walking distance depending on where you stay.
Here's our handy guide to getting around Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Taxis
Taxis are one of the best ways to get around Abu Dhabi. Whether you're at the airport or in the city, you're never too far away from a taxi. Just look out for their signature silver livery and yellow roof signs.
Taxis can be flagged down on the street or you can make your taxi booking via the Abu Dhabi taxi app. The app is available on iOS and Android platforms and allows you to request a ride within 10 minutes from your current location. You can also make taxi bookings with larger vehicles for families or wheelchair-friendly vehicles for people of determination.
On-demand ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are also available in the city 24/7.
Experience Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus
The Experience Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus is a free and easy connection to tourist hot spots in Abu Dhabi. The air-conditioned and wheelchair-friendly buses regularly stop at a number of the emirate's top hotels, landmarks and attractions along eight key routes. Use the bus to visit destinations in Abu Dhabi city centre, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Jubail Island and the Grand Canal area.
The service is free and available to both local and international tourists. Simply hop on at any stop, scan the QR code, and enjoy the ride! Find more information about the Experience Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus, including timings and routes here.
Public Buses
Public buses are a cost-effective way to travel around Abu Dhabi and they operate round-the-clock.
To pay for your bus journey in Abu Dhabi, use a Hafilat Smart Card. Hafilat – which means ‘buses’ in Arabic – is a pre-paid card that you can use onboard any public bus to scan in and out of your trip.
You can purchase and activate your Hafilat Smart Card at bus stations, shopping malls and convenience stores across the city. The minimum amount that you can load onto a Hafilat Smart Card is 10 AED and each journey costs 2 AED plus 5 fils per kilometre.
Plan your Abu Dhabi bus journey and find more information about Hafilat Smart Cards at DARB, the official source of information for public transport in the emirate.
Car Rental
Renting a car in Abu Dhabi can give you the freedom to get around independently and explore destinations in the emirate like Al Ain and Al Dhafra. You'll find many car rental companies in Abu Dhabi with reliable vehicles and rental packages that include insurance, maintenance and 24-hour assistance.
To hire a car in Abu Dhabi, you will need a valid passport copy, a credit card and a valid driving licence - either international or from your home country.
Parking in Abu Dhabi is easy with the city’s paid parking system, Mawaqif. Parking costs between 2-3 AED per hour depending on your location.
Bikes
Combine exploration with exercise and hire a bicycle in Abu Dhabi. You can find and hire bikes using the Careem Bike app from over 50 docked bike-share stations throughout the emirate, including Yas Island, Reem Island and the Corniche. Use the app to pay for daily, weekly or monthly packages.
You will also find independent companies around the city including Fun Ride Sports which rent out a selection of cycles, from mountain bikes to city bikes.
Walking
Walking in downtown Abu Dhabi is a good way to get around and take in some amazing sights. It's easy to reach many places of interest by foot in downtown Abu Dhabi, especially along the Corniche which features 8km of boardwalks and beaches.
Just remember to take drinking water and wear sunscreen during the day.
Water Taxi
Water taxis are a convenient and efficient way to get around Abu Dhabi's Yas Bay area. They're a popular choice among tourists and locals alike thanks to the views they offer up! Every day of the week between 11am and 10:50pm, the water taxis ferry passengers from Yas Bay Waterfront to the Al Raha Beach area and Saadiyat Island.
E-Scooters
Zoom around Abu Dhabi on an eco-friendly electric scooter! They are the perfect for zipping around town for short trips. Not only are they sustainable and affordable, but they also help reduce congestion and pollution. They're available in various parts of Abu Dhabi including Yas Island, Al Reem Island and Masdar city with plans to expand to more areas soon. Look out for the providers around town and download their apps (TIER, Lime, Scoot and so many more). Locate a scooter near you, scan the QR code, and off you go! Remember to follow safety guidelines and park responsibly when you're finished.
Abu Dhabi Link
The Abu Dhabi Link is bus service that allows you to book a bus trip on-demand through a mobile app. Follow the buses via GPS through the app and book your ride. The buses operate in the northern part of the city by Al Sader and Al Shahama which then travel direct to Yas Island and Saadiyat Island where the rides are free. Journeys from outside the islands are really affordable at only AED 2 per ride. Learn more about the convenient Abu Dhabi link, download the app and ride.
Travelling between Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Thanks to the UAE’s highly efficient and cost-effective transport system, it’s easy to travel to Dubai from Abu Dhabi.
One option is to take the Abu Dhabi to Dubai bus. Catch the E100 and E101 services that depart from Central Bus Station and the E102 service that departs from Mussafah Shabiya Bus Station. Buses arrive at central destinations in Dubai and tickets cost 25 AED.
You can also travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai via taxi. You can book your taxi via the Abu Dhabi taxi app or other on-demand ride-hailing apps. The Abu Dhabi to Dubai taxi fare can vary between 200 AED - 300 AED.
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FAQs
What is the best way to travel around Abu Dhabi?
It depends on your preference. You could opt to ride in a taxi, catch the public bus or simply book an Uber at your convenience. You can even rent a car if your driver's license is applicable.
How easy is it to get around Abu Dhabi?
For ease of travel, hiring a car or driving one yourself is probably the best way around. Just remember, you need to pay a minimum fee to use any public parking areas, ready with instructions which are easy to follow.
Is there Uber in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, the Uber application is available in Abu Dhabi which makes sightseeing or hopping between places quite easy!
Is there any public Transport in Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi has many modes of public transportation that you can easily access:
- Taxis
- Air-conditioned buses
- Ferries
- Uber, Lyft or the Careem car service applications
How do I get access to the shuttle bus?
You can board the shuttle bus from any of the designated stops as per the set schedules, where you'll be asked to check in via a QR code.
How much is the bus service per person?
It is a complimentary service.
Do I have to book/purchase a bus ticket?
No. Simply board the bus and scan the QR code to check in.
Where can I find more information on the free shuttle bus?
You can learn more about the shuttle bus service on the Experience Abu Dhabi website.
Where does the shuttle bus take me?
Please refer to the routes section on the shuttle bus page for more information.