Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates → Dubai, United Arab Emirates · ✈ 39 min · 🚗 2h
66 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: nearby
The distance from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is 123 km (76 miles). The fastest way to travel is by car. A direct flight takes approximately 39 min.
The straight-line distance from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates to Dubai, United Arab Emirates is approximately 123 kilometers (76 miles or 66 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Dubai is located nearby of Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi is in Asia, in the Abu Dhabi region of United Arab Emirates, while Dubai is in Asia, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Both cities are in Asia.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 123 km | ~39 min | Quick but may not save time with airport procedures |
| 🚗 Drive | ~160 km | ~2h | Convenient and flexible |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~148 km | ~1h 14min | Budget-friendly option |
Our recommendation: car is typically the best way to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. At this distance, driving gives you the most flexibility and avoids airport overhead.
Based on an estimated road distance of 160 km, fuel costs for driving from Abu Dhabi to Dubai are approximately $13–$24 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Abu Dhabi sits at 24.4539°N, 54.3773°E, while Dubai is located at 25.2048°N, 55.2708°E. The initial compass bearing from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is 47° (NE), so a great-circle flight path leaves Abu Dhabi heading roughly NE. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 0.75° and the longitude difference is 0.89°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is approximately 24.8300°N, 54.8227°E. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 62 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai share the same approximate time zone, so meetings, calls, and arrivals don't require any clock adjustment. This makes the route especially convenient for short business trips. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Abu Dhabi is a major city in United Arab Emirates with a population of approximately 1,483,000. Located in the Abu Dhabi region, it is an important hub in Asia. Abu Dhabi is a significant metropolitan area in United Arab Emirates with good domestic and international transport connections.
→ See all distances from Abu Dhabi
Dubai is a notable city in United Arab Emirates with a population of approximately 3,331,420. Situated in the Dubai region, it serves as a key destination in Asia. Dubai offers solid transport connections and a variety of arrival options as a major city in United Arab Emirates.
→ See all distances from Dubai
123 km is roughly the distance of a short regional flight or a 3-4 hour drive. For comparison, it's about the distance from London to Paris (344 km). At this range, ground transport often competes with flying when you factor in airport time.
The distance from Abu Dhabi to Dubai (123 km) is roughly equivalent to 3 marathon distances laid end to end.
At just 123 km within United Arab Emirates, the Abu Dhabi–Dubai corridor is well-suited for a day trip or weekend getaway. Consider driving for flexibility, or check regional rail connections for a hassle-free journey.
The straight-line distance from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is approximately 123 kilometers (76 miles, 66 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 39 min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 2h, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Dubai is approximately Same timezone compared to Abu Dhabi.
The estimated road distance is approximately 160 km, which is about 30% longer than the 123 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 21, 2026.