Exploring Abu Dhabi’s islands is seamless with taxis, shuttles, seaplanes, and boats. Below, you’ll find everything organised in the order you'll need them: arriving from the airport, crossing to the islands, and moving around once you get there.
Pre-booked · Driver meets you at arrivals
Several islands are connected to the mainland by bridges, and getting there by car from Zayed International Airport is easy. Pre-book private transfers via Blacklane or your airline, and get a ride to Yas Island or the Corniche for around AED 99-200.
Available 24/7 · Street hail or app booking
Flag a 24/7 silver taxi on the kerb, call 600 53 53 53, or use the Abu Dhabi Taxi app to reach the island of your choice. Careem and Uber also operate city-wide, with rides from the airport to Yas Island typically costing AED 35 to AED 50.
Daily · 24-hour service
For a more budget-friendly option, travellers can also take the A1 airport bus to the Central Bus Station for just AED 4 – a perfect way to start your journey if you’re exploring Saadiyat Island or planning to connect to other public routes.
24/7 airport desks · Passport and driving licence required
Car rentals are the perfect way to explore at your own pace. Airport desks are open 24 hours, and you'll need your passport, a valid driving licence and a credit card. Vehicles include toll tags, and MAWAQiF street parking usually costs AED 2-3/hour.
Daily · Free service · Timings vary by route
The free Experience Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus connects top spots like Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and Jubail Mangrove Park to downtown. These comfortable, wheelchair-accessible buses also offer onboard Wi-Fi – perfect for families and tourists.
Daily · 6am to 1am · Timings vary by route
Public buses are an affordable and convenient transport option with tickets starting at AED 2. These comfortable buses have air-conditioning and wheelchair ramps. You'll need a Hafilat Smart Card to use them, sold at malls, stations and some shops.
Daily · 9am to 9pm · Last boat 8.30pm
Abu Dhabi's water taxis and ferries connect key stops like Yas Bay, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Dalma Island from AED 10 one-way. These run daily with extra trips on weekends, and bookings can be made via the Abu Dhabi Maritime Ticketing Portal.
Daily · Free service · Timings vary by route
The free Yas Express shuttle runs daily along multiple routes, connecting Yas Island's hotels, theme parks, and malls. It's the most convenient way to move between major attractions without needing a taxi or worrying about parking.
Available 24/7 · Book via Careem app
Designated cycling paths across Yas, Reem, and Hudayriyat islands make them ideal to explore on two wheels. Download the Careem app to unlock a bike at any station and ride between top attractions, beaches, and waterfront promenades at your own pace.
Year-round · Ideal in cooler months (October to April)
Getting around is easy once you reach your waterfront or island destination. Stroll along scenic coastal paths, explore Jubail Mangrove Park on foot, or rent a Careem bike to ride designated cycling tracks on Hudayriyat Island and the Corniche.
Description: Turn your journey into an unforgettable experience. View Abu Dhabi's islands from breathtaking new perspectives, soaring high above shorelines or gliding along tranquil coastal waterways.
How do I get from Abu Dhabi Airport to Yas Island?
Travelling from Yas Island to Abu Dhabi Airport (or vice versa) is quick and direct. Taxis are available 24/7 at arrivals, taking around 10 to 15 minutes and costing around AED 30 to AED 45. Visitors can also use local bus routes, ride-hailing apps, or complimentary hotel shuttle buses like the Yas Express.
How far is Yas Island from Abu Dhabi?
The Abu Dhabi Airport to Yas Island distance is approximately 10 to 15 kilometres, making it a brief 10 to 15-minute drive. Abu Dhabi Airport to Yas Island taxi fare typically ranges from AED 30 to AED 45 depending on traffic and vehicle type. From downtown Abu Dhabi (Corniche area), Yas Island is roughly 30 kilometres away, or about a 25 to 30-minute drive.
What is the best way to travel from Abu Dhabi to nearby islands?
For bridge-connected islands (Yas, Saadiyat, Al Maryah, Reem, and Hudayriyat), driving, taking a taxi, or using public buses is the fastest method. For non-bridge offshore destinations, it is best to travel by scheduled passenger ferries (such as to Dalma Island), private resort boat transfers (Nurai Island and Sir Bani Yas Island), or guided water taxi tours.
Can I get to Abu Dhabi islands from Dubai?
Yes. Most major developed islands – such as Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and Al Maryah Island – are directly connected to the highway network and can be reached by car, taxi, or intercity bus from Dubai in about 60 to 90 minutes. For offshore islands like Sir Bani Yas or Nurai Island, you can drive or take a bus/taxi to the designated coastal departure points and transfer via boat or ferry.
What types of public transportation are available on Abu Dhabi islands?
Most major islands connect to the main public bus network, accessible with the Hafilat smart card. On Yas and Saadiyat Islands, on-demand bus services (Abu Dhabi Link) and free tourist shuttles (Yas Express) make it easy to get around. Additionally, Abu Dhabi Maritime operates public water taxis and ferry routes connecting waterfront destinations like Yas Bay, Saadiyat, and Marsa Mina.
