A taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi or luxury transport with a private driver?
Like the majority of Emirati regions, Abu Dhabi (sometimes written Abu Dabi or Abou Dhabi) used to be a village that survived on fishing and cultivating pearls. These activities very quickly gave way to the oil industry: 8.6% of global oil reserves are to be found in the Emirate.
Because only about 140 kilometres separate them, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have many points in common: a hot and dry climate all year round, the appearance of a futurist megalopolis with multiple skyscrapers and a very evident Muslim culture despite a degree of Westernisation. Perhaps you have explored Dubai and would now like to visit the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi. Your AS VIP private driver is waiting to drive you there in the comfort of a Mercedes V-Class. The journey time: 85 minutes via the E11.
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How much does a car hire with private chauffeur from Dubai to Abu Dhabi cost?
Despite its incredible growth over the last two decades, Dubai does not (as yet) have a public transport network to match the city’s reputation. It has to be said, the abundant supply of petrol and the relatively high standard of living for locals lends itself more to private or personal transport.
How much does a taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi cost?
Travellers going between Dubai and Abu Dhabi generally prefer to take a taxi, treat themselves to a luxury private chauffeur service like that offered by AS VIP or rent a vehicle locally. The last option isn’t necessarily the most practical since the driver will often struggle to find somewhere to park near the main points of interest in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Taxi fares in the United Arab Emirates are relatively high, despite the ridiculously low cost of petrol. You need to allow for about AED 1.96 (roughly €0.51) per kilometre, with a fixed charge of AED 8 (about €2.06) when taking a taxi from the airport. If you hail a cab in town, or if you book one via Dubai’s central taxi booking hub, the fixed charge will be between AED 3 and 7 (€1-2) depending on where you are and there is a minimum fare of AED 10 (about €2.50).
You should also be aware that taxis charge around AED 0.5 (about €0.12) per minute for idling… So the fare can quickly mount up if you find yourself in a major traffic jam in the centre of the city of Dubai or Abu Dhabi – something that is all too common during rush hour.
Taxi fares for everyday trips in Dubai
Here are some examples of the taxi fare for very common trips in Dubai. These fares are offered as guidance and various factors could affect them such as traffic congestion, how you booked your taxi, the time of day and the chosen route etc.
- From Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Dubai Mall to go shopping: from AED 70-90, that’s €18-22;
- From Dubai International Airport (DXB) to the Burj Khalifa: from AED 45-55, that’s €12-14.50;
- From Palm Island to the Burj Khalifa: AED 50-70, or €12.5-18.
The taxi fare for a transfer from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Are you are thinking of taking a taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi to explore the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum, take a turn around the Yas Marina circuit or head off on a safari in the Arabian Desert? Be aware that the taxi fare from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is around AED 250-300 (about €60-80).
As guidance, here are the rates for getting from Dubai to Abu Dhabi for the various means of transport available:
- Plane: there are few flights and this method is the most expensive by far. A one way ticket will cost about €160;
- Car: as well as the tolls on the E11 motorway, you need to factor in the cost of petrol (low) and, more importantly, the rental which depends on what kind of car you hire;
- Bus or public coach: this is the cheapest way to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi (about €5), but you have no say over what time you leave and the journey takes about two hours;
- As yet there is no railway line between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but plans for a Hyperloop are in the pipeline. This would link the two cities in about 15 minutes (travelling at 1,200 km per hour!).
Dubai – Abu Dhabi with a private driver: how much does it cost?
If you’re the sort of person that likes to travel in absolute comfort, opt for the services of a private chauffeur when going from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. The many advantages: You are free to choose when you want to set off, you will be travelling in a luxury vehicle with impeccable climate control (temperatures soar in the summer), with sockets for charging your devices, a Wi-Fi connection to pass the time and, above all, a professional, polite and reliable driver.
Budget for about $200 for an hour, $1,500 for a day and $300 for a transfer from the airport with a French and/or English-speaking chauffeur.
Booking a personal driver for an excursion to Abu Dhabi?
Although less glamorous than Dubai, Abu Dhabi is a popular destination for those travelling for business or on a tourist break. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre museum, the Corniche and its 6.5 km shoreline promenade, the Heritage Village, the panoramic view from the Etihad Towers and the falcon veterinary hospital are just some of the attractions available during your stay in Abu Dhabi.
Booking a private chauffeur to take you from Dubai to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
A mosque of this stature being open to non-Muslim visitors is a rare thing indeed! Covering a total surface area of 22,412 m² and with a capacity of 40,000, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the biggest religious building in the United Arab Emirates. It is also the 20th biggest mosque in the world. Religious history and architecture enthusiasts will be delighted with this magnificent building with its Ottoman, Fatimid and Mamluk influences, and Western ones too. Make sure you look up as the sculptures are quite beautiful, even for those who aren’t experts.
While non-Muslims are welcome throughout the mosque, please make sure you respect the dress code of this site which is a holy place for locals and Muslims in general. As far as possible, try to wear long sleeves and full length trousers or skirts. The mosque can be visited all week long from 9 am to 10 pm, except for Fridays when it doesn’t open its doors until 4.30 pm as Friday is prayer day for Muslims. Guided tours are offered every day (in English only).
You can book a taxi from Dubai to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque for about AED 300 (one way). The journey is 130 km and it takes about 80 minutes. If you want to go there and back, if you are travelling as a family or if you simply prefer to travel in comfort, opt instead for an AS VIP private chauffeur.
Taking a trip from Dubai to the Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi with a private driver
A lavish complex of five skyscrapers dominating the Abu Dhabi skyline, the Etihad Towers are a star attraction in the capital of this eponymous emirate. This spectacular architectural feat on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche welcomes businessmen, merchants, travellers, the curious and shopaholics from the four corners of the planet.
It offers a stunning view of the city and the Persian Gulf. You can take incredible pictures from the 74th floor of Tower 2 with an observation point designed just for that purpose.
Three of the Etihad Towers are residential, one is for business and one houses the Conrad five-star hotel which rises to 280 metres. For a little shopping, head to Etihad Towers Avenue where a plethora of luxury brand boutiques will delight fashion-lovers! Many stores also have private rooms for VIP shopping.
Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Towers are located about 150 km from Dubai. Your AS VIP private chauffeur will ensure you travel safely and in comfort fit for a king! Allow about 80 minutes from your Dubai city centre hotel and a little over 90 minutes from Dubai International Airport. Your AS VIP personal driver will collect you after your trip to the Etihad Towers and take you back to your hotel or to anywhere else you would like to go, such as Saadiyat Island, which brings us to our next point.
Visiting Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi from Dubai – in complete comfort with a driver
Saadiyat Island, (literally Island of Joy in Emirati Arabic), is a natural island that has become a favourite tourist destination for exploring Emirati traditions, flora and fauna. The low-lying island, 500 metres off the coast of Abu Dhabi island, Saadiyat is currently undergoing a major transformation. The end result will include shopping malls, residential districts and leisure facilities to make the most of nautical pleasures. Once the work is completed, Saadiyat Island should become the cultural heart of Abu Dhabi with eight themed museums.
Saadiyat Island is about five minutes from Abu Dhabi’s city centre, 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and about 132 km from Dubai. If you choose to make the journey from Dubai to Saadiyat Island with your AS VIP personal driver, it will take about 75 minutes. Your private chauffeur will collect you after your trip and drive you back to your hotel in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, or take you to another attraction in the United Arab Emirates.
The advantages of using AS VIP for your trips to Abu Dhabi from Dubai
By opting for the premium services of our drivers, you spare yourself the bother of Emirati public transport which can be stressful, particularly when there is a pandemic about. AS VIP has a fleet of luxury vehicles, designed for your comfort, at your disposal. With our Mercedes V-Class you really will travel in style:
- Automatic air-conditioning to cool you down when temperatures soar;
- Masses of space: businessmen will arrive at their meetings rested and relaxed, and adventurers will be able to save all their energy for touring Abu Dhabi!
- A Wi-Fi connection to pass the time or work during long journeys;
- Mood lighting;
- Electric sockets so you can charge your devices;
- Chilled drinks and snacks you can help yourself to.
Polite, professional, discreet and trained to satisfy your needs, AS VIP’s private drivers will make all the difference to your trip to Abu Dhabi!
