Zayed International Airport (AUH) → Dubai Marina & JBR transfer
Dubai Marina is about 96 km from Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, a drive of roughly 65–82 minutes, and a private transfer usually costs around €85–115 for a standard car or €110–145 for a minivan. The exact price is shown before you book.
- From
- Zayed International Airport (AUH)
- To
- Dubai Marina & JBR
- Distance
- 96 km
- Typical drive
- 65–82 min
Of all the Dubai districts, the Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are the closest to AUH. They sit at the south-western edge of Dubai, so you arrive here before the city traffic of central Dubai begins.
How long is the drive from Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai Marina?
Plan on 65–82 minutes for the 96 km. Almost the whole trip is motorway: from the airport the car joins the E11 coastal highway and heads north-east, past Al Rahba, Khalifa Port and Ghantoot, then crosses into Dubai without any checkpoint.
Once in Dubai the road becomes Sheikh Zayed Road. The industrial zone of Jebel Ali and the Ibn Battuta area come next, and a few minutes later the car leaves the motorway at one of the Marina or JBR exits. The short stretch from the exit to your building is often slower than the highway itself.
Marina, JBR and JLT: knowing your address
Dubai Marina is a canal lined with residential and hotel towers. JBR is the strip of towers and beach hotels between the Marina and the sea, with The Walk and the beach promenade in front. Across Sheikh Zayed Road lies Jumeirah Lakes Towers, which many people also call the Marina area.
Many buildings have similar names and some hotels share an entrance road with residential towers, so give the exact hotel or building name when booking. If you rent an apartment, add the tower name and any drop-off instructions from your host.
Who stays at the Marina and JBR
- Beach holidays
- The JBR beach hotels put you directly on the sand, and families like the calm water and promenade.
- Apartment stays
- Many visitors rent holiday apartments in the Marina towers for longer winter stays. A minivan helps when you bring luggage for several weeks.
- Business near Abu Dhabi
- Travellers with meetings in both emirates often choose the Marina because it is the part of Dubai with the shortest drive to Abu Dhabi.
Getting back to AUH from Dubai Marina
For your return, leave the Marina about 1 hour 45 minutes before you want to be at the terminal. That covers the 82-minute upper range plus some margin for the Marina side streets and weekday rush hour on the E11 out of Dubai.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dubai Marina closer to Abu Dhabi Airport than to Dubai Airport?
No, Dubai International Airport is still closer. But the Marina is the nearest major Dubai hotel area to AUH, at 96 km and roughly 65–82 minutes by car.
Does the driver go to JBR beach hotels as well?
Yes. JBR, the Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers are all covered on this route. Just give the exact hotel or building name when you book.
How much luggage fits in a car to Dubai Marina?
A standard car takes one to three passengers with normal suitcases. For more bags, prams or a long apartment stay, book a minivan.
Will I stop at the emirate border?
No. There is no checkpoint between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, so the car drives straight through. Keep your passport with you anyway.
Can the driver wait if immigration at AUH takes long?
Share your flight number when booking and keep your phone on after landing. The local provider will be in contact by phone or WhatsApp to coordinate the meeting.
Zayed International Airport (Abu Dhabi): arrival and transfer guide