Abu Dhabi: Day Trips and Tours from Dubai

Sitting pretty on the Persian Gulf, Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Its sparkly skyscrapers, mega shopping malls, and marbled architecture lure visitors from all over the world.

Taking a day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai is easy and very much worthwhile! With everything from cultural sights to theme park thrills on offer, you’re in for a real treat.

Consult below our helpful guide on visiting Abu Dhabi, one of the most exciting and fun destinations for day trips from Dubai.

How do I get to Abu Dhabi from Dubai?

Abu Dhabi lies 150 kilometers south of Dubai, which makes it accessible to visit on a day trip. There are the different transportation methods:

• By car: The journey to Abu Dhabi from Dubai takes 90 minutes. You need to drive south on the E11, before turning off into the city center. There are plenty of parking areas, including at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
• By bus: It is possible to travel to Abu Dhabi by bus from Dubai, with departures from beside the Ibn Battuta Mall and the Bur Dubai area. The trip takes 2 hours.
• On a guided tour: Taking a guided trip is by far the easiest and most relaxing way to travel. You will visit the major sights with an expert local guide, and ride in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan or car. Hotel transfers are included too.

What is the itinerary of a guided tour?

Your driver will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and whisk you off on a 90-minute ride to Abu Dhabi. On arrival, you will take a tour of the major sights or enjoy time at theme parks depending on your itinerary.

Lunch can be eaten in a local restaurant (sometimes at your own expense), and your guide will make suggestions if you like. At the end of your busy day trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, you will be transferred back to your hotel in time for dinner.

What types of excursions to Abu Dhabi are available from Dubai?

Guided group tour to Abu Dhabi from Dubai

Small group tours are a fun way to explore, without blowing your budget. Transport is by minivan, with pick-ups from central Dubai hotels.

You’ll enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Abu Dhabi with your guide, and lunch at a local restaurant. Some tours focus on theme parks instead of cultural attractions. After your excursion, your driver will return you to the hotel.

Price

Guided group tours range from US$27 to US$224. The more expensive excursions offer extras such as attraction or theme park entrances/tickets, lunch, and usually take place in smaller groups.

Private trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai

On a private Abu Dhabi day tour from Dubai, you will receive luxury treatment. Enjoy your own exclusive vehicle and guide for the duration of your visit, with room for some flexibility with the itinerary too. Door-to-door transfers are all part of the experience.

Price

Private trips to Abu Dhabi cost between US$200 and US$504, according to the tour length and number of attractions visited.

Combo Dubai and Abu Dhabi tour

See the best of both worlds on this fun combo 2-day tour. You’ll visit the Dubai Museum and ride on the Dubai Creek, before traveling to Abu Dhabi to see the world’s largest mosque.

Some tours also take in Yas Island and Saadiyat Island. This trip begins and ends in Dubai.

Price

A 2-day group trip that tours both Dubai and Abu Dhabi costs US$50 per person. Overnight accommodation and meals are not included.

Shuttle transfer to Abu Dhabi from Dubai without a guide

If you want to explore Abu Dhabi independently but fancy a stress-free transfer, then this is the tour for you. Just arrange with your driver a time to be picked up after your day out, ready for the journey back to Dubai.

Price

Prices for shuttle transfers to Abu Dhabi in an air-conditioned vehicle start at US$80.

Excursion to Abu Dhabi plus desert safari and barbecue

This fun-packed trip from Dubai includes sightseeing in Abu Dhabi, as well as some desert adventures. You will enjoy a dune drive, a camel ride, and sandboarding before feasting on barbecue delicacies at a Bedouin camp.

Price

The day trip to Abu Dhabi with a desert safari and barbecue is US$85, with excursions and dinner provided.

What will I see in Abu Dhabi?

There are enough sights in Abu Dhabi to fill a few days, but if you only have one, here are the things you shouldn’t miss.

Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque

The shining star of most Abu Dhabi day tours from Dubai is the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque. Dominating the skyline with its minarets and domes, the mosque is one of the few that can be visited by non-Muslims.

You can enjoy a guided tour to admire the reflective pools, marble columns, and intricate plasterwork. The architecture is a beautiful blend of Arabic, Andalusian, and Moroccan styles.  If you stay into the evening, you will see the mosque illuminated.

This is the biggest attraction in Abu Dhabi, but it is still a religious site - remember to wear a loose skin-covering outfit. I was wearing a full-length dress but it was not loose enough, and my guide provided me with a black hijab, to also cover my hair.

Qsar Al Watan Palace

Qsar Al Watan is the presidential palace of the United Arab Emirates and is one of the main visitor attractions on an Abu Dhabi jaunt.

It’s a recent addition to the city and shines a light on Arabian heritage through opulent architecture and intricate craftsmanship. Tours through this grand palace are a must during your stay.

Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi is located on Saadiyat Island, and showcases significant artworks dating from ancient times through to today. The building itself is an architectural marvel too!

Theme Parks

Visiting theme parks is a popular reason for an Abu Dhabi trip from Dubai. Feel the need for speed at Ferrari World, zoom down flumes at Yas Waterworld, and meet your favorite characters at Warner Bros. World.

When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi?

You can enjoy Abu Dhabi all year round, but most people prefer to visit over winter when temperatures are just right. November through March offers the best conditions.

It gets very hot during summer, so if you are traveling at this time try and keep your sightseeing to indoor venues.

Are there any tours that take me directly from Dubai to Abu Dhabi attractions?

Yes, some tours take you to specific attractions, such as:

• Sheikh Zayed Mosque tours from Dubai
• Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi tour from Dubai
• Ferrari World tickets from Dubai

Travel tips

• Places on Abu Dhabi day tours from Dubai do fill up fast, so book well ahead to secure your chosen dates. Making reservations online gives you the chance to compare prices for the cheapest deals.
• Dress modestly when visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, keeping bare skin to a minimum. Women should cover their head with a scarf.
• It will be a long day out so wear comfortable shoes for walking around the sights.
• Tipping your guide is not mandatory but is always appreciated if you feel you have had a good time.