How to Get Around Abu Dhabi: Public Transport, Taxis and Costs
Buses cost AED 2–5, taxis from AED 12. Book by app or at a rank. Airport is 30–40 minutes away. Late-night service covers you.
Abu Dhabi has no metro, which means buses and taxis form the backbone of how you move. Both operate on smart cards rather than cash—the Hafilat for buses, or the app system for taxis. The city runs from the airport 30–40 minutes east of downtown, and whether you arrive at dawn or midnight, there's a clear path to your hotel. The entries below are ordered by cost first, then by the time you need each option: how to pay for a bus, which buses to use, when a taxi makes sense, which apps to trust, and what to do if you land at 2 AM.
Get a Hafilat card for buses
Bus stations, malls, ticket machines across the city · Smart card for public transport · AED 10–20 for card; single fares AED 2–5
Public buses in Abu Dhabi operate on a cashless system, meaning all passengers must use a Hafilat smart card to travel. You can easily purchase and top up your card at bus stations, ticket machines, and selected retail outlets across the city. The ticket price for the city bus ranges from AED 2 to AED 5. Once you tap in and out at each stop, the fare is deducted automatically. If you'll ride more than a few times, a weekly unlimited pass costs from AED 35 and a monthly pass from AED 95.
Use the Darbi app to find routes and real-time arrivals
Download via app store · Trip planning and bus tracking · Free; integrated with Hafilat top-ups
Plan your journey using the Darbi app or Google Maps for live tracking and schedules. The Darbi app shows real-time arrivals, routes, stop locations, and next bus ETA. The app also lets you top up your Hafilat card directly, so you don't have to hunt for a vending machine. Buses run daily from around 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM, with some express routes extending to 2:00 AM or offering 24/7 coverage on major lines.
Take the A1 or A2 airport express if you want the cheapest route from airport
Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to city centre · Airport express buses · AED 4–8 per fare; journey ~45 minutes
The public bus (Airport Express / City Bus) is the cheapest option, with fares usually starting from around AED 4 to AED 8, depending on distance. These dedicated airport buses run 24/7 and take about 45 minutes to reach the city center. You'll need a Hafilat card; these are available at vending machines in the airport arrivals hall, main bus stations, and large shopping malls. Best for solo travelers with light luggage and time to spare.
Hail a silver taxi from the street or book by phone
Ranks at hotels, malls, bus stations; call 600 535 353 · Metered cab service · AED 5 flag fall, AED 1.82 per km; minimum AED 12
You can hail a taxi from the street, find one at designated ranks outside malls, hotels and attractions, or book in advance through the Abu Dhabi Taxi app or by calling TransAD on 600 535 353. The meter starts at AED 5 (AED 5.82 after 10 PM), with AED 1.82 per km and a AED 12 minimum—ideal for short hops or late nights. Most drivers speak English, and journeys are metered and regulated. For groups of two or more, a taxi can work out cheaper per person than the bus.
Book Uber or Careem when you want the fare shown upfront
App-based; request in real-time or reserve up to 30 days ahead · Ride-hailing service · From AED 4 base; 20–30% higher than silver taxis
The base fare for Uber is AED 4 and the minimum fare for select Uber taxis in Abu Dhabi is AED 15. Careem rates for economy cars start from AED 4, with a charge of AED 2.37 per kilometre and a minimum ride fare of AED 12. The Uber app gives you the power to request a ride to get around Abu Dhabi anytime, 24/7. Both apps show the estimated cost before you confirm, which can matter if surge pricing kicks in. Uber and Careem are popular, especially late nights, but prices are 20–30% higher than taxis.
Get a fixed-rate airport taxi if you have luggage and want certainty
Official taxi rank at Zayed International Airport (AUH) · Pre-booked or rank taxi · AED 60–80 to Corniche; fixed rates
Airport taxis have fixed rates to city spots like AED 60–80 to Corniche. Official taxi stands are located right outside the arrivals terminal. The ride to the center takes about 25–30 minutes and is the most convenient option for those with heavy luggage. This is faster and more predictable than the bus, and the meter doesn't run up with traffic. For exact cost before you land, the meter alone for a 35 km trip to downtown comes to about 84 AED, so expect roughly 85–100 AED once waiting time is counted.
Request a pre-booked transfer if arriving after midnight
Third-party transfer services; book online before arrival · Dedicated driver and vehicle · Quoted at booking; no surge pricing
Both Uber and Careem work 24/7. Late night availability is generally fine—Abu Dhabi has enough drivers. Wait times might be 5–15 minutes instead of the usual 3–5. No surge pricing is common after midnight (unlike Dubai, Abu Dhabi late nights are usually quiet). However, the A1 bus to downtown runs limited late-night services. Don't count on it after midnight. Even if one is running, waiting 30–40 minutes for a bus at 2 AM is not practical. Pre-booking eliminates wait times and guarantees a fixed price.
Avoid Nol cards; use Hafilat for Abu Dhabi only
Abu Dhabi transport system · Smart card distinction · Hafilat only works in Abu Dhabi
You cannot use a NOL card for travel within Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi uses a different transport payment system called the Hafilat card, which is managed by Abu Dhabi's Department of Transport. The NOL card is for Dubai's metro and buses. If you're traveling between the two emirates, the RTA-operated E100 and E101 intercity routes accept NOL, with the intercity fare being AED 25 per trip one-way. Travelers often mix these up; order your Hafilat card the moment you land or arrive, not when you're already at the bus stop.
Tap your card on entry and exit, or face the maximum fare
All public buses in Abu Dhabi · Hafilat card operation · Tap twice per journey to avoid overpayment
Simply tap your card when entering and again when exiting to ensure the correct fare is calculated. Missing a tap means the system charges you the maximum daily fare instead of your actual short trip. This is one of the most common and most expensive mistakes visitors make. The Darbi app will tell you the fare for any route before you board, so check it first.
Plan ahead for very late night city travel; taxis are your only option
After 2 AM within Abu Dhabi city · Late-night mobility · Book via app or call; no surge pricing
Taxis provide predictable service and comfort, especially for late-night trips or when the weather is extreme. Most buses stop running after 1 AM on standard routes, though some standard buses run 24/7, with night routes marked as 'Night Bus.' If you're heading out or coming back from a late dinner, the taxi meter is kinder than a long wait for an infrequent bus. Booking via Uber or Careem takes 5–10 minutes and gives you the fare upfront.
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