Spending a few days in the bustling city of Dubai? Well, here’s an exciting idea: Why not combine your Dubai visit with a tour of the vibrant capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi? Yes, it’s entirely possible to make a day trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and explore two fantastic travel destinations in a single day!
With some careful planning and an early start, you can make the most of your time in the Emirates’ capital. We have compiled a guide to provide you with expert tips and ideas on how to plan an unforgettable day trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. You’ll also find valuable information on how to get to Abu Dhabi’s top attractions. Let’s dive right in and find out!
Transportation Options From Dubai To Abu Dhabi
Before we move to the exciting details of your day trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, let’s explore the various transportation options to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
- Bus: The bus journey takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes in each direction. You can catch the bus from Ibn Battuta Bus Station to Central Station of Abu Dhabi. It is the most budget-friendly option for those who are traveling on a budget.
- Car: Traveling by car is a quick and flexible option, taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes in each direction. The distance is 90 miles (145 km), and it allows you to explore at your own pace. Keep in mind that there are tolls during peak hours on E11.
- Taxi: Taxi in the UAE are relatively affordable, and the journey from Dubai to Abu Dhabi takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The fare depends on your pick-up point in Dubai and your drop-off destination in Abu Dhabi.
- Tour: Opting for a tour is a convenient way to explore Abu Dhabi from Dubai. These tours typically last around 12 hours, including round-trip transportation. They often include visits to multiple attractions, making it a hassle-free option for first-time visitors.
Visiting Abu Dhabi From Dubai By Tour
Opting for a tour from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is perhaps the most convenient way to explore the Emirati capital. These tours are often tailored to different interests and preferences, offering an enjoyable experience for all types of travelers.
- For City Explorers: Consider a premium sightseeing day trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, which includes visits to iconic attractions such as the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the Emirates Palace, Marina Mall, and more.
- For Culture Vultures: If you’re passionate about culture and art, choose a full-day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai. This tour typically includes visits to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
- For Race Fans: Thrill-seekers can opt for a Dubai day tour to Abu Dhabi, featuring a visit to Ferrari World and sightseeing opportunities.
These tours often include hotel pick-up and drop-off, making your journey hassle-free. Be sure to carefully read the tour descriptions to understand what’s included and whether you need to purchase additional entrance tickets.
Places To Visit And Activities To Do
Now that you’ve made your way from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, it’s time to explore this captivating city. Abu Dhabi may be smaller than Dubai, but it offers a plethora of exciting attractions and activities to make your day trip memorable.
Emirates Palace
For a taste of opulence beyond imagination, make your way to the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. This palatial complex boasts 394 rooms, including 92 suites and 22 residential suites, all lavishly furnished with marble and gold accents.
The Emirates Palace offers a range of luxurious amenities, including two spa facilities, a marina, a private beach, two helicopter landing pads, a ballroom capable of hosting up to 2,500 people, and over 40 meeting rooms. The complex also features high-end boutiques and a variety of international restaurants.
While at the Emirates Palace, don’t miss the chance to indulge in the world-famous Palace Cappuccino, a coffee adorned with 24-carat gold flakes. The experience includes delightful accompaniments like special dates and dark chocolate.
The best part? Entry to the Emirates Palace is free of charge, making it one of the top free things to do in Abu Dhabi.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi
In 2017, France and the UAE began a cultural collaboration that resulted in the Louvre Abu Dhabi. This futuristic art gallery is not only France’s largest cultural project abroad but also the most visited museum in the Arab world.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi boasts a spectacular structure with a floating dome adorned with 7,850 aluminum stars arranged in eight layers. Inside, you’ll encounter a treasure trove of timeless masterpieces. The museum’s permanent collection includes loans from the Louvre in Paris and other French museums, featuring everything from ancient sarcophagi and Renaissance paintings to post-modernist art installations.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is undeniably the highlight of any visit to Abu Dhabi. Named after the late President of the Emirates, this majestic mosque is the principal religious temple in the country. Its beauty and grandeur are truly awe-inspiring and deserve several hours of your time.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the UAE, featuring over 1,000 pillars that support four towering minarets and 82 domes. The columns are adorned with precious stones such as amethyst, jasper, lapis lazuli, mother-of-pearl, and red agate, creating a stunning contrast with the intricate geometric ceramic details inside the domes.
To enhance the exterior’s beauty, the mosque’s builders used marble from various corners of the world, including China, India, Italy, and North Macedonia. The interior is equally breathtaking, with highlights such as the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet adorned with wool from New Zealand and Iran and opulent chandeliers crafted from brass, gold, steel, and Swarovski crystals.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open to visitors, and you can find additional information about opening hours, proper attire, and other details on the official website.
Ferrari World
If you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply seeking family-friendly fun, a visit to Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi is a must. Not only is it the largest indoor theme park globally, but it’s also home to the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa. This park offers an array of thrilling rides, including Flying Aces, known for featuring the world’s tallest non-inverting loop.
For those seeking a more relaxed experience, Ferrari World provides numerous family-friendly attractions and the opportunity to marvel at an impressive collection of Ferrari cars.
Keep in mind that lines for some of the roller coasters can be lengthy, so plan to spend at least a couple of hours exploring the park.
Heritage Village
Immerse yourself in the history of the United Arab Emirates by visiting the Heritage Village in Abu Dhabi. This open-air museum transports you to a traditional oasis village, offering insights into the region’s past and cultural heritage.
Heritage Village provides a glimpse into the traditional desert way of life, complete with a mosque, a traditional souk (market), a historic encampment, and various gift shops where you can find goods crafted by local artisans.
Don’t forget to visit the village’s charming spice shop, offering a variety of dried herbs, handmade soaps, and other unique souvenirs to commemorate your journey.
Similar to the Emirates Palace, entry to Heritage Village is free of charge, making it an affordable and enriching addition to your day trip.
A Few Travel Tips
Before heading on your day trip, here are some essential travel tips for a smooth and enjoyable experience:
- Transportation in Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi offers excellent transportation options, including taxis, a reliable public transportation network, and hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses. Avoid extended walks outdoors, especially during hot seasons, and rely on these convenient modes of transport.
- Sun Protection: The desert sun in Abu Dhabi can be scorching, so remember to apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses to protect yourself. The sunlight reflecting off the white marble at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque can be particularly intense.
- Dress Code: When visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or other religious sites, adhere to the dress code. Men should avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts, while women should dress modestly, covering their arms, legs, and heads as necessary. Some tours may provide appropriate attire, but it’s best to dress appropriately from the start.
Wrapping Up
Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on planning a perfect day trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, you’re ready to kickstart an adventure that combines culture, luxury, and excitement. Abu Dhabi’s diverse array of attractions, from the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the opulent Emirates Palace and the thrilling rides at Ferrari World, promises an unforgettable experience.
While a single day may not be enough to explore every corner of Abu Dhabi fully, careful planning and the information provided in this guide will help you make the most of your visit. So, are you prepared to book your day trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and discover the treasures of the UAE’s capital city? If yes, book your tour now with us you can also get Desert safari dubai offers. We are one of the leading tour operators in the UAE, offering customized day trips as per your preferences. Get in touch with us today and plan your day trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.