Abu Dhabi is the capital emirate of the United Arab Emirates, blending ultramodern architecture with rich Bedouin heritage. Home to iconic landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, it offers world-class culture, luxury hospitality, and thrilling desert adventures.
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Metered taxis available 24 hours at all terminal exits
- Careem Uber
- Book via app from arrivals hall; often slightly cheaper than metered taxis
- Hotel Shuttle
- Many 4-5 star hotels offer complimentary or paid airport shuttle service
- Public Bus
- Bus Route A1 connects the airport to central Abu Dhabi
- Car Rental
- All major rental companies have desks in arrivals halls
- No Train
- Abu Dhabi has no rail link between the airport and city center
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Taxis
Cream-colored metered taxis operated by Abu Dhabi Integrated Transport Centre (TAMM). Widely available across the city.
- Flag fall
- AED 3.50 (day), AED 4.50 (after midnight)
- Per km
- AED 1.82
- Minimum fare
- AED 12
- How to get
- Hail on the street, find at taxi ranks outside malls and hotels, or book via the Abu Dhabi Taxi app
- Payment
- Cash and cards accepted in most modern taxis
- Typical fares
- Short city ride
- AED 12-20
- Medium city ride
- AED 20-40
- Airport to city center
- AED 75-100
- City to yas island
- AED 50-70
- City to saadiyat island
- AED 30-45
Careem
The dominant ride-hailing app in the UAE and Middle East, owned by Uber. Available across Abu Dhabi.
- How to use
- Download app, register with phone number, add credit card
- Cost
- Comparable to or slightly cheaper than taxis for longer rides
- Categories
- Economy, Business, Plus (larger vehicle)
- Note
- Surge pricing applies during peak hours and after events
Uber
Standard Uber service available across Abu Dhabi. Less dominant than Careem but widely used.
- How to use
- Standard Uber app works in UAE
- Cost
- Comparable to Careem; prices fluctuate with demand
Public Buses
Abu Dhabi Department of Transport (Integrated Transport Centre) operates bus routes across the city. Useful but slow.
- Cost
- AED 2 per ride with Hafilat card
- Hafilat card
- Mandatory for bus travel; purchased for AED 5 at bus stations and some shops; top up at stations
- Air conditioned
- Yes, all buses are air-conditioned
- Key routes
- Route 54 · Description Corniche to Central Bus Station
- Route 94 · Description Corniche to Tourist Club Area
- Route 56 · Description City center to Capital Centre/ADNEC
- Route A1 · Description Airport to city center
- Route 900 · Description Abu Dhabi to Dubai (AED 25, E11 highway)
- Limitations
- Routes are limited, frequency is low (20-40 min), and stops can be far from destinations
- Main stations
- Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (Mussafah)
- Al Wahda Bus Station
No Metro
- Note
- Abu Dhabi does not have a metro or light rail system. A metro is in long-term planning stages but not yet operational.
Cycling
Limited cycling infrastructure but the Corniche has a dedicated 8km cycle path, and Yas Island has cycling tracks around the F1 circuit
- Bike rental
- Available on the Corniche (AED 15-30/hour) and at Yas Marina Circuit on open days
- Note
- Not recommended for general city navigation due to heat and lack of infrastructure
Water Taxi
Abra water taxi service operates between points on the city waterfront
- Routes
- Marina Mall breakwater to Heritage Village, and Al Maryah Island connections
- Cost
- AED 5-15 depending on route
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Buy multi-day or weekly transit passes if you'll use public transport more than twice a day.
Keep small change handy for buses and shorter trips where contactless may not work.
Avoid rush hour (typically 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) for a more comfortable journey.