We Ran Out of Gas Trying out the Best Road Trips from Dubai
Road trips, ugh. Not a big fan, especially the spontaneous kind. My crew and I are planners, but life always throws a curveball—there’s always someone with an “emergency!” Still, we vowed to pack one small suitcase each, always ready.
Then out of the blue, one of us shows up, rounding up each of us for a surprise trip. A miracle, right? And for a sec, we thought we had it all. But 2 and a half hours in, the gas gauge was flirting with the empty symbol—cue my traveler’s anxiety spiking up!
Thank the travel gods, though. We hit a gas station in the nick of time. From then on, I swore I’d never let us run dry again. So I’ve crafted this handy travel guide, and I’m feeling generous, so check out my notes before hopping in your car and driving away.
What are the best places to drive to from Dubai?
There are many places to drive to from Dubai. You could take a cool road trip to awesome places like Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Fujairah, Hatta, and Ras Al Khaimah for a really fun, productive, and memorable adventure.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Media from m_usman_63
Distance: 140 km or 87 mi
Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Fees:
- Taxi (one way) – AED 250 to AED 300
Just a short drive from Dubai, Abu Dhabi is a cool road trip destination. You can check out the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi for some serious sightseeing.
For thrill-seekers, we recommend the Ferrari World theme park, while nature lovers can kayak around the Louvre or visit Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. For us, the Corniche Road is also perfect for a relaxing walk or bike ride with beautiful coastal views.
And don’t miss out on local Emirati cuisine at roadside cafes. From Dubai’s Burj Khalifa to Abu Dhabi’s Capital Gate, we love that this trip offers a mix of stunning architecture and tasty food.
Pro tip:
Grab a waterproof camera before you go to the Louvre Abu Dhabi art museum. We think you can get tons of awesome shots from the water!
Dubai to Al Ain
Media from kartikshivangipathak
Distance: 146 km or 91 mi
Travel Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Fees:
- Bus – AED 34
- Taxi – AED 229
Looking for a quick getaway from the city? Al Ain is a green oasis just under 2 hours away. We believe it’s perfect for a mix of history, adventure, and natural beauty.
Adventure lovers, drive up to Jebel Hafeet! It’s Abu Dhabi’s highest peak for thrilling mountain views. Don’t skip the Jebel Hafeet Desert Park at the base as well—it’s where you can hike among ancient (but cool) Neolithic tombs.
We think you’ve got to scope out Al Ain Oasis too. It’s got that UNESCO World Heritage Site status, with old-school irrigation and loads of date palms! Then swing by Al Jahili Fort for a blast from the past, and cap off your day with some wild fun at Al Ain Zoo.
Pro tip:
Make sure to pack a light jacket or umbrella for Al Ain—we noticed it’s greener and fresher there with more rain.
Dubai to Fujairah
Media from dubaitour.ae
Distance: 121 km or 75 mi
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Fees:
- Bus – AED 25
- Taxi – AED 300
Located on the east coast, Fujairah offers a quick escape from Dubai’s hustle. We love that the drive promises mountain vistas and pristine beaches for snorkeling.
Along the way, you can catch sights like the iconic Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the quirky Magnetic Hill. Plus, you can swing by Dubai Safari Park or gaze up at the tall Burj Khalifa for some extra fun!
In our opinion, adventurers are also here for a treat. Just hike the Hajar Mountains and explore hidden wadis like Wadi Saham! Of course, we feel the trip wouldn’t be complete without some shopping at Masafi Market for unique local finds.
Pro tip:
In Fujairah, it’s important to dress modestly. For example, at places like Sheikh Zayed Mosque, both men and women need to cover their shoulders and knees. Check the dress code beforehand!
Dubai to Hatta
Media from paujheii
Distance: 135 km or 84 mi
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Fees:
- Bus – AED 34
- Taxi – AED 244
- Car – AED 26
Tucked away in the rugged Hajar Mountains, Hatta is a hidden gem for your next road trip. For us, it’s amazing for thrill-seekers and anyone needing a breather from the city frenzy.
If you feel like being more active, we like that this mountain town offers a bunch of options: kayaking in the calm Hatta Dam, tackling mountain biking trails, and soaking up history at Hatta Heritage Village.
For those craving more excitement, Hatta Wadi Hub’s got your back with its array of thrill rides and activities. But should heart-racing activities not be your thing, we suggest just chilling out with sunset views at the Hatta 360 Observatory or by Swan Lake.
Pro tip:
Take your camping game to the stars by packing a telescope or just lounging and stargazing in Hatta. Why not challenge your crew to find shooting stars and wish for more epic road trips?
Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah
Media from whattikueats
Distance: 112 km or 70 mi
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Fees:
- Taxi – AED 36 to 55
Looking for an adventure on the National Day weekend? Ras al Khaimah provides breathtaking landscapes to go with the action. For one, it boasts the world’s longest zipline, the Jais Flight, and the thrilling Jais Sledder, all accessible via Road E611.
The way we see it, history buffs might dig into the RAK National Museum and Dhayah Fort for a peek into the emirate’s past.
And as for the adrenaline junkies, Jebel Jais, the tallest peak in the UAE, looks like it’s waiting to be conquered. Also, you can go wild with a desert safari for sand skiing and camel rides!
Pro tip:
Bring cash and cards for purchases when road-tripping from Dubai to Al Khaimah, as not all spots may take cards. Stay prepared!
Dubai to Sharjah
Media from jessypareckattil
Distance: 30 km or 19 mi
Travel Time: 1 hour
Fees:
- Bus – AED 2
- Taxi – AED 60
- Ferry (Silver Class) – AED 15
- Ferry (Gold Class) – AED 25
Sharjah, just an hour’s jaunt from Dubai, packs in both tradition and adventure for road trippers. From the Rain Room to the Arabian Wildlife Centre, we dig that there’s no shortage of cool stuff to check out.
We believe the Khor Fakkan Waterfalls are a must-see—they’re like nature’s own show with a sweet viewing spot up top! Meanwhile, there’s also desert trekking, camping, and motorsports waiting to be tackled for sporty peeps out there.
We like that this location’s also got culture covered with over 20 museums and galleries. There’s other fun stuff too, like Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Montazah Amusement Park, and Al Noor Island. If you want to see it all, we bet you might not get lots of rest in between!
Pro tip:
When offered Arabic coffee in Sharjah, it’s best to accept it—it’s a sign of respect. Just shake the cup gently from side to side to signal you’ve had enough.
Dubai to Liwa Oasis
Media from bhaskarkhaund
Distance: 340 km or 211 mi
Travel Time: 3.5 hours
Fees:
- Bus – AED 60 to AED 90
- Taxi – AED 540 to AED 700
- Car – AED 130 to AED 190
On the border of Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia, the Liwa Oasis is a must-visit road trip from Dubai. In our book, this spot blends endless desert landscapes with historic Bedouin villages, making it feel like another world.
Adventure seekers may explore Liwa forts, stunning oasis villages, and the Sheikh Hamad Auto Museum, home to some of the world’s oldest vehicles.
But for dune-bashing (driving at an increased or decreased speed over the sandbanks) fans, Moreeb Hill offers thrilling rides! Plus, we reckon the surrounding desert is perfect for spotting rare wildlife and unique flora, making every moment so memorable.
Pro tip:
Visit the Liwa Oasis during the Liwa Date Festival in July to experience the region’s rich culture! Here, you can taste some of the finest dates (fruit) in the UAE.
Dubai to Ajman
Media from ahadmoolur.iyc
Distance: 50 km or 31 mi
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Fees:
- Bus – AED 12
Ajman is the smallest emirate known for its relaxed vibe and cultural treasures. Just 50 kilometers away from the city, we feel it’s a wonderful escape from Dubai’s day-to-day routine.
Adventure seekers can dive into history at the Ajman Museum and explore the historic Ajman Fort. For us, each spot offers a unique glimpse into the emirate’s rich heritage. They’re Instagram-worthy too!
Later, we recommend wrapping up your day at the pristine beaches, ideal for relaxing and catching a beautiful sunset.
Pro tip:
Spice up the journey to Ajman with some travel games or books for on-the-road fun! We think they’re like bonus quests that amp up the vibes.
And don’t miss trying the local specialty, luqaimat (sweet dumplings), paired with Arabic coffee at a cozy beachfront cafe. For us, it’s a delightful taste of authenticity by the sea.
Dubai to Dibba
Media from blisspooja
Distance: 168 km or 104 mi
Travel Time: 2.5 hours
Fees:
- Taxi – AED 300 to AED 360
- Car – AED 50 to AED 80
Dibba on the UAE’s east coast is a beach bum’s dream. You can dive into its clear waters for some snorkeling or hop on a dhow for a thrilling ride through Musandam’s jaw-dropping fjords (long and narrow bodies of water), complete with dolphin sightings!
Sure, we bet crossing borders means a bit of paperwork, but we reckon it’s worth it. The drive through Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah offers jaw-dropping views of the northern UAE’s beauty at every turn. It’s like hitting all the birds with one stone!
And once you hit Dibba Harbor, we feel you’ll enjoy the non-stop fun. From banana boat rides to fishing excursions, we appreciate that there’s something for everyone in this coastal paradise.
Pro tip:
Bring your own snorkeling gear to Dibba! Perfect fit, no rental queues—you can just dive straight into the underwater fun!
Dubai to Khasab
Media from shanid_madhuron
Distance: 198 km or 123 mi
Travel Time: 3.5 hours
Fees:
- Bus – AED 55 to AED 110
- Car/Taxi – AED 70 to AED 110
Tucked away in the majestic Hajar mountains, Khasab awaits just a short road trip from Dubai. We adore that this coastal town promises a rush with scuba diving, snorkeling, and dolphin spotting adventures.
Yearning for a break from Dubai’s bustle? We’re stoked about this spot’s authentic Arabian vibes! Just hop on a dhow (traditional boat) cruise, spot dolphins, and chill on sandy shores—super laid-back for you and your pals.
We’re also in awe of its ancient allure. We recommend checking out Khasab Castle, straight from the 17th century and built by the Portuguese. Now, it looks like a cool museum showcasing the colorful heritage of the region.
Pro tip:
Bringing a date from Dubai to Khasab? Why not rent a private yacht or dhow in advance for the ultimate romantic sunset sail? For us, it’s a date night done right!