Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai: every option compared (2026 prices)
AUH to Dubai by taxi, bus, rental car or private transfer — real 2026 prices, honest journey times, and which option fits which traveller.
The Ring Journal · Transfers
Hiring a private chauffeur in the UAE: 2026 costs, hourly vs transfer
Updated 10 November 2026 · 3 min read · By the Arabian Ring team · Blog #5
Taxis and ride-hailing work well for short trips in the UAE. But for airport arrivals with luggage, a full sightseeing day, a business schedule or travel between emirates, a private chauffeur is often simpler, and sometimes cheaper than you'd expect. Here's how pricing works, using our published 2026 rates.
Three ways to book a chauffeur
1. Point-to-point transfer One trip from A to B, for example the airport to your hotel or Abu Dhabi to Dubai. Best when you know exactly where you're going.
2. Hourly hire (5 or 10 hours) The car and chauffeur are yours for a block of time, with as many stops as you like. Best for sightseeing, meetings or shopping days.
3. Full-day group charter A larger vehicle for 7–12 people, for family groups, weddings or corporate teams.
2026 prices at a glance (AED, per vehicle)
Airport transfers
| Route | Standard sedan | Lexus ES300 | BMW 5 Series | Mercedes V-Class (6 pax) | Mercedes S-Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) → Abu Dhabi city | 150 | 180 | 200 | 275 | 400 |
| Dubai Airport (DXB) → Abu Dhabi city | 350 | 400 | 450 | 600 | 900 |
Airport transfers cover any drop-off within 40 km of the airport, including Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and downtown hotels.
Hourly chauffeur service
| Hire | Standard sedan | Lexus ES300 | BMW 5 Series | Mercedes V-Class | Mercedes S-Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 hours, one emirate | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 1,200 |
| 10 hours, one emirate | 850 | 1,000 | 1,200 | 1,500 | 2,400 |
| 10 hours, crossing emirates | 900 | 1,200 | 1,400 | 1,600 | 2,500 |
| Extra hour | 80 | 100 | 150 | 150 | 200 |
Group charter: the Mercedes Sprinter (up to 12 passengers) is AED 3,300 for 10 hours within Abu Dhabi or Dubai city. Trips into other emirates or beyond a 50 km radius are an extra AED 600.
See the full table, including Al Ain, Sharjah, Fujairah, Liwa and more, on our Transport page.
Transfer or hourly? A quick rule
- One or two fixed trips in a day → book transfers.
- Three or more stops, or waiting time between them → book hourly.
Example: a day in Abu Dhabi with the mosque, the Louvre, lunch and shopping is four or five stops plus waiting. A 5-hour Lexus at AED 600 usually beats paying for several separate rides, and you never wait for a car.
Which vehicle fits your group?
| Group | Recommended | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 guests, value | Standard sedan or Lexus ES300 | Comfortable, lowest price |
| 1–3 guests, business | BMW 5 or 7 Series | Executive presence, quiet rear cabin |
| VIP or special occasion | Mercedes S-Class | The flagship chauffeured experience |
| Family of 4–6 with luggage | Mercedes V-Class or GMC Yukon | 6 seats, 6 bags |
| 7–12 guests | Mercedes Sprinter (full day) | One vehicle for the whole group |
What's included
- Professional chauffeur and fuel
- Standard waiting allowance on transfers
- One fixed price confirmed in writing before you travel
Not included: airport and paid parking (charged at actual cost); fuel and tolls are included.
Cancellation
Transport bookings cancelled up to 48 hours before pickup are refunded in full, less taxes and transfer charges.
Book in one message
Tell us on WhatsApp your route or hours, date, time and number of guests. You'll get one fixed price back, usually within minutes.
Quick answers
How much does a private chauffeur cost in Dubai or Abu Dhabi? With Arabian Ring, from AED 500 for 5 hours or AED 850 for 10 hours within one emirate in a standard sedan. Prices are per vehicle, including the chauffeur and fuel.
How much is a private transfer from Dubai Airport to Abu Dhabi? From AED 350 in a standard sedan, or AED 600 in a 6-seat Mercedes V-Class.
Is the price per person? No. Every rate is per vehicle.
Can the chauffeur take us to other emirates? Yes. Choose the 10-hour "crossing emirates" rate, or a fixed city-to-city transfer.
Rates as published on arabianring.com/transport in October 2026. Rates may be updated seasonally, and the price confirmed at booking is final.
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