How to Travel Between Emirates – Cheapest Ways in 2025

Monday, 23 June 2025

Exploring the UAE doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re commuting from Dubai to Sharjah for work or planning a weekend trip from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah, traveling between emirates in 2025 is easier and cheaper than ever. With a well-connected public transport network, shared ride services, and new budget-friendly routes, inter-emirate travel is both accessible and affordable.

In this guide, we’ll show you the cheapest ways to travel between the emirates—covering buses, trains, carpool options, and more.

Table of Contents

• Intercity Buses – The Most Budget-Friendly Option
• Shared Taxis – Faster, Still Budget-Friendly
• Carpooling Apps – Eco-Friendly and Cheap
• Inter-Emirate Metro & Train – The Future of Cheap Travel
• Budget Car Rentals & Peer-to-Peer Sharing
• Abu Dhabi’s New “Mobility Hubs”
• Travel Cards & Discounts – Save Even More
• Frequently asked questions

1. Intercity Buses – The Most Budget-Friendly Option

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When it comes to cost-effective inter-emirate travel, the UAE’s intercity bus network stands out as the top choice for most residents.

Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman & Beyond

Operated by RTA and other emirate-specific transport authorities, intercity buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and run frequently. Here are some popular routes:

• Dubai to Abu Dhabi (E101/E100)
  • Fare: AED 25–35
  • Duration: 1.5–2 hours
  • Pick-up Points: Ibn Battuta Metro Station or Al Ghubaiba Bus Station
• Dubai to Sharjah (E306, E307, E303)
  • Fare: AED 10–15
  • Frequency: Every 15–30 minutes
  • Destination: Rolla Terminal, Al Jubail Bus Station
• Dubai to Ajman (E400)
  • Fare: Around AED 15
  • Travel Time: 45–60 minutes
• Sharjah to Abu Dhabi (Route 117)
  • Fare: AED 33
  • Duration: Approx. 2.5 hours

These buses are affordable and reliable, making them ideal for both daily commuters and weekend travelers.

Pro Tip:

Download the RTA Dubai app, Sharjah RTA, or Moovit to get real-time schedules, bus numbers, and platform details.

2. Shared Taxis – Faster, Still Budget-Friendly

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If you’re looking for something quicker than a bus but still cheap, shared taxis or vans are a great alternative. These operate mostly from dedicated terminals and charge per seat.

Key Routes:

• Sharjah to Dubai (Al Ittihad Road)
  • Fare: Around AED 15–20 per person
  • Pick-up: Al Jubail Bus Station
  • Drop-off: Deira or Union Metro
• Ajman to Dubai
  • Shared taxis run frequently from the Ajman bus terminal and cost around AED 20–25 per seat.

These taxis usually wait to fill all seats before departing, so be ready for a short wait, especially during off-peak hours. However, during rush hours, they’re faster than buses due to fewer stops.

3. Carpooling Apps – Eco-Friendly and Cheap

In 2025, carpooling has seen a surge in popularity across the UAE, especially among budget-conscious travelers and those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Popular Carpool Apps:

• S’hail (RTA’s official mobility app) – Offers integrated carpool and bus services.
• Careem Rideshare (Carpool feature) – Lets you share rides at a lower cost.
• Liftango and Via UAE – New AI-based apps offering smart ride-sharing options across emirates.

You can share a ride for as low as AED 10–30, depending on the distance and time of day. Plus, carpooling helps reduce congestion—a big win for both your wallet and the environment.

4. Inter-Emirate Metro & Train – The Future of Cheap Travel

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One of the most exciting updates for 2025 is the gradual rollout of the Etihad Rail, a national rail network connecting all seven emirates.

Etihad Rail (Launching Phases in 2025–2026)

While not fully open to the public yet, parts of the Etihad Rail project are being tested or opened in phases. When complete, it will provide high-speed, affordable train travel across:

• Abu Dhabi
• Dubai
• Sharjah
• Ajman
• Umm Al Quwain
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Fujairah

Expected fare estimates range from AED 25–50, depending on the distance and class. Once operational, this will revolutionize cheap inter-emirate travel, offering faster, smoother rides without road traffic.

5. Budget Car Rentals & Peer-to-Peer Sharing

If you’re planning a group trip or need flexibility, budget car rentals or peer-to-peer car sharing apps like ekar and Udrive are solid options.

Cost Breakdown:

• ekar/Udrive hourly rental: Starting from AED 0.80/min or AED 19/hour
• Daily budget car rental: Around AED 70–100 (excluding fuel)

These are great for:

• Weekend road trips to Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah
• Business trips across emirates
• Group travel (split cost with friends)

They’re especially economical if you’re traveling with 2–4 people and want to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations that buses may not reach.

6. Abu Dhabi’s New “Mobility Hubs”

In 2025, Abu Dhabi has launched several mobility hubs, combining bus, bike, e-scooter, and carpool services in one location. This integrated transport system allows people to easily connect between cities like:

• Abu Dhabi to Al Ain
• Abu Dhabi to Dubai
• Abu Dhabi to Sharjah

These hubs make multi-modal travel smooth and cost-effective. For example, you can take a bus to the outskirts, then switch to an e-scooter or electric van for the last leg of your journey.

7. Travel Cards & Discounts – Save Even More

If you frequently travel between emirates, consider getting monthly travel cards or discount packages from:

• RTA Dubai (Nol Card)
• SRTA (Sharjah)
• Ajman Transport Authority

Some offer:

• Discounted unlimited rides
• Integrated metro-bus-ferry packages
• Student or senior citizen concessions

In 2025, more inter-emirate packages are being rolled out, making it easier to commute daily without burning through your budget.

Tips: Making Inter-Emirate Travel Even Cheaper

• Avoid peak hours: Fares may surge slightly with demand, especially with ride-hailing apps.
• Travel in groups: Share taxis or rentals to split the cost.
• Plan ahead: Use apps like Moovit, RTA, and Careem to map out the cheapest, fastest routes.
• Use rewards/points: Some apps offer cashback or points for frequent riders.

Whether you’re a daily commuter, an adventurous weekend traveler, or someone just looking to explore more of the UAE, traveling between emirates in 2025 doesn’t have to cost a fortune. From budget buses to carpooling apps and the upcoming national rail network, the UAE offers numerous low-cost ways to get around.