Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Transport: Which Way to Go

The short answer

Dubai is the hinge. Sharjah sits right next to Dubai, so a hop between them is short, though traffic can make it feel long. Abu Dhabi is further away: the drive from Dubai takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. The Dubai Metro does not go to either place, so you will use a road vehicle: an intercity bus, a taxi or ride-hailing car, a rental car, or a guided day trip.

If you only want Abu Dhabi's headline sights, a guided day from Dubai is the least hassle. If you want to explore Sharjah, use Dubai as your base and go by bus or taxi.

Who this is for

This is for first-time visitors staying in Dubai who want to add Sharjah or Abu Dhabi, and for cruise or hotel guests based in Abu Dhabi who wonder whether Dubai is manageable. It is not a timetable. Schedules, routes and rules change, so the checklist at the end matters.

Dubai to Sharjah: close, but not always quick

The two cities run into each other along the coast. The options are:

• Intercity bus: cheap and regular, but you have to reach the right bus station first, usually in older central Dubai.
• Taxi or ride-hailing: the simplest door-to-door choice, and fine for a split of costs between a few people.
• Rental car: only worth it if you are covering several stops, because parking and the road between the two cities can both be frustrating.

The unflattering part is the traffic. Morning and evening commuter flows between Sharjah and Dubai can turn a short trip into a slow one, so avoid the rush hours if you can. Also note that Sharjah has its own rules and rhythms: it is a more conservative emirate, alcohol is not sold, and its weekend differs from Dubai's. Check opening days for any museum or souk you plan to visit.

Dubai to Abu Dhabi: the long leg

Intercity buses run between the two cities, and taxis and ride-hailing cars do the trip too, usually at a much higher cost than the bus. Driving yourself is straightforward on the main highway, but you then have to park and move between sights in Abu Dhabi, which are spread out. Passenger rail is being developed in the UAE, so check whether a service is running and where its stations are before you count on it.

Going by public transport also leaves you with the last-mile problem: the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, Etihad Towers and the Corniche are not clustered together. For a visit to the mosque, see our Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque dress code and visitor guide, and for the wider decision our Abu Dhabi day trip from Dubai guide.

Abu Dhabi to Sharjah

There is no neat direct link for most visitors. The usual route is via Dubai, by bus or car, or a long taxi ride. Do not plan Abu Dhabi and Sharjah on the same day without checking the onward connection first.

Where a Helios tour fits

Helios day tours cover Abu Dhabi, and none of those listed here start in Sharjah. Each one goes by road, and the itineraries cover only the places named below.

• Abu Dhabi Highlights Day Trip from Dubai: about 8 hours, with Dubai hotel pickup. It stops at Yas Island, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Founder's Memorial, and Etihad Towers and Louvre Abu Dhabi for photos. It runs as a small group of up to 15 guests only, and entry tickets for Qasr Al Watan, the Etihad Towers deck and the Louvre are not included.
• Abu Dhabi Highlights Day Trip from Dubai with palace and towers entry: about 9 hours, adding entry to Qasr Al Watan and the Etihad Towers observation deck. It is bookable as a private tour or a small group of up to 15 guests. Louvre Abu Dhabi is a photo stop only.
• Abu Dhabi City Tour: Mosque, Palace and Towers: about 6 hours, starting in Abu Dhabi with pickup from hotels or Port Zayed. It has the same sights as the palace-and-towers day, and also comes as a private or small-group tour. Airport pickup is not included.

Expect a long day from Dubai: the drive back alone takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and lunch is not included on the Dubai departures. If you want a guide based in Sharjah, or a plan that links the three cities, send Helios an enquiry and we will talk it through.

What to verify before you go

• Current bus routes, stations and operating hours on the official Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi transport authority sites.
• Whether any passenger rail service is running between the emirates, and from where.
• Opening days and entry rules for the mosque, palace, museums and Sharjah attractions, including dress codes.
• Seasonal heat: summer afternoons make waiting at bus stops unpleasant. See best time to visit Dubai and our Dubai packing list.

FAQ

Can I get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi on the metro?

No. The Dubai Metro stays within Dubai. You need a bus, taxi, ride-hailing car, rental car or a guided tour for the journey of roughly 1.5 to 2 hours.

Is Sharjah an easy day trip from Dubai?

Distance-wise, yes. Traffic is the issue, particularly at commuting times, so leave outside the rush hours and check that what you want to see is open that day.

Can I see Abu Dhabi and Sharjah in one day?

We would not plan it. Abu Dhabi alone is a full day from Dubai, and getting between Abu Dhabi and Sharjah usually means passing through Dubai.

Does Helios run tours from Sharjah?

The tours featured here start in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. If you would like a guide based in Sharjah, get in touch with Helios with your dates and we will see what is possible.