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9 transportation options to reach Abu Dhabi’s coastal and island destinations

Abu Dhabi’s islands might feel like far-flung escapes – think sunrise over Saadiyat, the thrill of a Yas Island roller coaster or the quiet rustle of Sir Bani Yas’s mangroves as a heron takes flight.

But reaching these postcard-worthy places is much easier than you'd expect, with eight reliable transport options to suit every pace. Taxis, seaplanes, shuttle buses and boats weave a seamlessly interconnected web across the city and its coastal destinations. The only question is: where will you go first?

1. Take an airport transfer

Several popular islands are connected to the mainland by bridges, and getting there by car directly from Zayed International Airport is easy. Airport transfers can be pre-booked through SIXT or Emirates, giving you a smooth 20-minute ride to Yas Island for around AED 35–45, or about AED 70–100 if you’re heading towards the Corniche.

For a more budget-friendly option, travellers can also take the A1 airport bus to the Central Bus Station for just AED 4 – a perfect way to start your journey if you’re exploring Saadiyat or planning to connect to other public routes.

2. Hop in a silver taxi

Need to get from the city to Yas Island or Al Maryah fast? Just flag one of Abu Dhabi’s iconic silver sedan taxis with yellow roof-lights, available 24/7 at the kerb or by phone (600 53 53 53). You can also book via the Abu Dhabi Taxi app.

Ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber work city-wide, with rides from downtown to Yas typically costing AED 45–60 in regular traffic. Remember: children under four must legally be in a car seat, so bring your own or pre-book a Careem Kids ride, which includes a properly installed seat.

3. Ride the tourist shuttle

The Experience Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus is your hop-on, hop-off hero, and it’s completely free. These colourful buses link must-see locations like Yas Island, Saadiyat, Jubail Mangrove Park and the Grand Canal, all the way into downtown.

Scan the QR code when you board and connect to the Wi-Fi, then sit back and relax as you cruise between attractions. The shuttle is ideal for sightseers or families juggling strollers and swim bags, and it’s accessible for wheelchair users.

4. Board a blue bus

Abu Dhabi’s public buses are the cheapest way to get around, with tickets starting at AED 2 plus 5 fils (​​0.05 AED) per kilometre. They’re a surprisingly comfortable transportation option, providing ramp access for wheelchair users and on-board air-conditioning.

Buses run day and night, with most stops housed in cooled shelters. Use a Hafilat smart card – available at malls, stations and some shops – to tap on and off.

5. Set sail on a water taxi or ferry

Abu Dhabi’s water taxis and ferries link destinations like Yas Bay, Al Bandar, Marsa Mina, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Al Dhanna, Dalma and Saadiyat. Run by Abu Dhabi Maritime, these modern vessels glide past mangroves, marinas and glittering skylines, turning a simple transfer into a journey to remember.

Timetables run daily, with extra frequency on weekends, and bookings are made through Abu Dhabi Maritime, where you can reserve your seat and receive a QR code for boarding. Fares start from AED 10 one way.

6. Take a traditional abra

Of all the ways to reach Abu Dhabi's islands, this is one of the most unique. Abras – traditional wooden boats – connect popular places like the Corniche, Mangrove National Park and Emirates Heritage Village. You can pass under the Al Maqta and Sheikh Zayed bridges, see the original Maqta Fort and look for flamingos on the shallow sandbanks. Just be sure to book ahead, especially during weekends or sunset hours.

7. Hire a car

Car rental is an excellent option if you want full freedom for activities like a spontaneous drive to the fossil dunes or a DIY beach crawl. Rental desks are situated at the airport, and you’ll need a passport copy, a valid driving licence (home country or international) and a credit card.

Vehicles come fitted with tags for automated tolls, and street parking is made easy via the MAWAQiF pay-and-display system (AED 2–3/hour). Just be aware that Abu Dhabi’s fast lanes and frequent detours tend to favour confident drivers.

8. Charter a seaplane

Why sit in traffic when you can soar above it? Seawings operates nine-seater Cessna seaplanes from Yas Marina, offering half-hour loops that sweep above Ferrari World, the Corniche, Sheikh Zayed Bridge and the sparkling beaches of Saadiyat.

It’s a must-have experience for first-time visitors or travellers heading to Sir Bani Yas Island, 170 kilometres (105 miles) west of the city. Flights to the wildlife-rich island cut road travel and ferry time in half, turning a potentially sluggish commute into a scenic highlight of your trip.

9. Walk, ride or pedal, island-style

Once you’ve landed on your island destination, getting around is half the fun. Yas Island has a dedicated shuttle service, the Yas Express, and smooth sidewalks and designated cycle paths are ideal for Careem Bike users or strolling families.

On Saadiyat, taxis are easy to hail from hotels or beach clubs, while Jubail Mangrove Park is best explored on foot. Cycling is especially popular during cooler months, and tracks line Hudayriyat and the Corniche for slow-paced sightseeing and impromptu lazy lunches. With all the transportation options at your fingertips, you won't struggle to see every single sight on your Abu Dhabi bucket list.

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FAQs about transportation

If you’re arriving from Dubai, getting to Abu Dhabi’s islands is still a breeze. Buses from Abu Dhabi’s Central Bus Station and Mussafah connect to Dubai for just AED 25, with stops at Ibn Battuta or Al Ghubaiba. From there, taxis or ride-hailing apps can take you straight to places like Yas or Saadiyat.

Yas Island is about 30 kilometres (18 miles) east of central Abu Dhabi. From Zayed International Airport, it takes around 10 minutes by taxi; from the downtown area, expect the trip to last 25–30 minutes.

Public transport options like buses or the free Experience Abu Dhabi shuttle may take a bit longer, but offer affordable and scenic alternatives.