How intercity transfers work in the UAE
An intercity transfer is the same private car as a city run, only longer. The driver collects you at the airport or your door and drives straight to your address, with no change of car at the emirate border. The fare is fixed when you book, so a slow afternoon on the E11 adds time to the trip and nothing to the price.
Each route page gives the distance, the usual drive time, the roads and the tolls. For city-to-city trips that don’t involve a flight, such as a Dubai hotel to an Abu Dhabi meeting, see intercity transfers.
The main roads between emirates
Most UAE transfer routes run along five corridors. Knowing which one you’re on tells you where the traffic and the tolls are.
| Corridor | Main roads | Route pages |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai and Abu Dhabi | E11, called Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai | Dubai airport to Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi airport to Dubai, DWC to Abu Dhabi, SHJ to Abu Dhabi |
| North to Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah | E311 Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, E611 Emirates Road | DXB to Sharjah, DXB to Ajman, Dubai airport to RAK, Sharjah airport to RAK, RAK airport to Dubai, Sharjah airport to Dubai |
| Inland to Al Ain | E66 from Dubai, E22 from Abu Dhabi | Dubai airport to Al Ain, Abu Dhabi airport to Al Ain |
| East coast | Across the Hajar Mountains | Dubai airport to Fujairah, Fujairah airport to Dubai |
| Between Dubai’s two airports | E311 or E611, heading south | DXB to DWC, Al Maktoum airport to Dubai |
The Dubai to Sharjah stretch is the one most likely to slow you down at commuter times, so build in extra time for a morning run from Sharjah or Ajman to a DXB departure. If you’re deciding between Dubai’s two airports, the DWC vs DXB guide helps.
Tolls on intercity routes
Dubai charges tolls through Salik gates and Abu Dhabi through Darb gates, so a run from Dubai into Abu Dhabi city can pass both. Your quote shows how the tolls on your route are handled. The Salik and Darb guide explains how each system charges.
Private car, taxi or coach between emirates?
There are cheaper ways to cross the country, and they suit some trips. Dubai Taxi cars go to other emirates on the meter, with an extra AED 20 listed for trips through Sharjah (Dubai Taxi). From Sharjah airport, Air Arabia coaches run to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah (Sharjah Airport).
Our view: a solo traveller with one bag and a flexible evening can take the coach. A family, a group with golf bags or anyone with a meeting at the other end should book the car. For larger groups, ask about a van or minibus before booking two cars.
You can start a booking from any route page, or send the details straight from the quote page.
