Why Abu Dhabi
When flights from Riyadh are disrupted, travellers heading to the UAE often think of Dubai first. Abu Dhabi is worth a look: it is on the same road, it comes up an hour or two sooner, and Zayed International Airport (AUH), the home of Etihad, has a wide network of onward flights. If you are also weighing Doha or Dubai, our overview of the road options compares them.
The route
The drive leaves Riyadh to the south-east through Al Kharj and Haradh, then crosses the eastern desert to Al Batha, the Saudi border post. After Al Ghuwaifat on the UAE side, the road follows the coast east through the Al Dhafra region and into Abu Dhabi. The route can vary with road conditions and your exact pickup and drop-off.
Journey time
Expect around 8–9 hours of driving for about 850–900 km. The border crossing adds time that changes from day to day, and on a drive this long you will want at least one or two stops. Most passengers should allow 10–11 hours or more door to door. We cannot guarantee an arrival time.
Crossing at Al Batha and Al Ghuwaifat
It is the same crossing used for Dubai. At Al Batha, passengers clear Saudi exit and the vehicle's papers are checked; at Al Ghuwaifat, passengers clear UAE immigration and the car goes through entry and insurance checks. The driver takes care of the vehicle side; each passenger handles their own passport and entry permission. Read more on the Al Batha border crossing page, and check the documents guide before you go.
Dropping off at Zayed International Airport
The car can take you straight to the departures area at AUH. Send your flight number and departure time when booking, and we will suggest a pickup time in Riyadh that leaves room for the border, stops and check-in. For a morning flight, that usually means leaving the evening before.
Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
- Abu Dhabi (AUH): shorter drive, Etihad's hub, a good choice if your airline flies from there.
- Dubai (DXB): the largest choice of flights and airlines, but roughly another 140 km. See Riyadh to Dubai Airport by car.
What it costs
A private car from Riyadh to Abu Dhabi is 3,500 SAR for a sedan, 3,800 SAR for a Toyota Fortuner and 4,500 SAR for a GMC Yukon/Tahoe, one way per vehicle, the same as Riyadh to Dubai. Booking and details are on the Riyadh to Abu Dhabi taxi page. Heading home afterwards? See Abu Dhabi to Riyadh.