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Distances and travel times are approximate. Always check with transport providers for current schedules and fares.

  1. Home
  2. Middle East
  3. Day Trips From Dubai

Day Trips From Dubai: 6 Best Destinations

The glittering UAE city is a starting point for desert safaris, mountain escapes, and neighbouring emirates, all reachable by car in under two hours.

Country

United Arab Emirates

Currency

AED

Language

Arabic

Avg Cost

~$22/trip

Abu Dhabi
Hatta
Sharjah
Desert Safari
Al Ain
Fujairah
DubaiDay tripsRoutes
6 destinations

Top 6 Day Trips From Dubai

30 min1
1 hr1
2 hr4
3 hr
30 min: 1 trip
1 hr: 1 trip
2 hr: 4 trips
3 hr: 0 trips

Most Popular Day Trips

1

Abu Dhabi

Popular
140 km / 87 mi1h 30m
~$20$
Easy
2

Desert Safari

Popular
60 km / 37 mi45 min
~$50$$
Challenging
3

Hatta

Popular
130 km / 81 mi1h 30m
~$15$
Challenging

Quick Weekend Plan

Combine 3 top-rated destinations for the perfect weekend from Dubai:

Sat

Abu Dhabi

1h 30m travel, 140 km, ~$20/person

buscar
Sun

Desert Safari

45 min travel, 60 km, ~$50/person

car
+

Hatta

1h 30m travel, 130 km, ~$15/person

car

Estimated weekend total: ~$85/person for 3 destinations

Travel time
Transport mode
Difficulty level
Best season
Category

Showing 6 destinations

Sort:
Sharjah
30 min
15 km / 9 mi
Easy

Sharjah

From Dubai · 15 km (9 mi)

4.0

The UAE's Cultural Capital, with an arts district, heritage area, and the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. RTA buses from Union Station run frequently.

BusCar
CulturalHistoric
October to April
~$10
Desert Safari
45 min
60 km / 37 mi
Challenging

Desert Safari

From Dubai · 60 km (37 mi)

4.3

Experience dune bashing, camel rides, and a Bedouin-style camp with BBQ dinner. Most tours depart from Dubai hotels in the afternoon and return after sunset entertainment.

Car
AdventureMountainCultural
October to March
~$50
Hatta
1h 30m
130 km / 81 mi
Challenging

Hatta

From Dubai · 130 km (81 mi)

4.2

A mountain enclave in the Hajar range with a turquoise dam lake, heritage village, and adventure activities. About 90 minutes southeast of Dubai by car.

Car
MountainAdventureScenic
October to March
~$15
Fujairah
1h 40m
130 km / 81 mi
Challenging

Fujairah

From Dubai · 130 km (81 mi)

4.0

The only UAE emirate on the Gulf of Oman, offering a different coastline with snorkelling, diving, and the Al Bidya Mosque. About 100 minutes east by car through the mountains.

Car
BeachMountainAdventure
October to April
~$20
Abu Dhabi
1h 30m
140 km / 87 mi
Easy
Popular

Abu Dhabi

From Dubai · 140 km (87 mi)

4.5

The UAE capital is home to the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi. RTA E100 express buses from Ibn Battuta station run every 20 minutes.

BusCar
CulturalHistoric
October to April
~$20
Al Ain
1h 50m
160 km / 99 mi
Moderate

Al Ain

From Dubai · 160 km (99 mi)

4.1

The "Garden City" of the UAE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient oases, a fort, and Jebel Hafeet mountain. E201 buses from Al Ghubaiba station run direct.

BusCar
CulturalMountainUNESCO Site
October to March
~$15

Day Trips From Dubai by Category

Cultural Day Trips

Museums, art, performances

Abu Dhabi

140 km / 87 mi1h 30m
~$20$
Easy

Sharjah

15 km / 9 mi30 min
~$10$
Easy

Al Ain

160 km / 99 mi1h 50m
~$15$
Moderate

Nature Day Trips

Parks, mountains, lakes, countryside

Hatta

130 km / 81 mi1h 30m
~$15$
Challenging

Adventure Day Trips

Hiking, kayaking, outdoor thrills

Desert Safari

60 km / 37 mi45 min
~$50$$
Challenging

Beach Day Trips

Coastal destinations, seaside towns

Fujairah

130 km / 81 mi1h 40m
~$20$
Challenging

Transport Guide for Day Trips From Dubai

DestinationDistanceTravel TimeTransportEst. Cost
Abu Dhabi140 km1h 30m
$20
Hatta130 km1h 30m
$15
Sharjah15 km30 min
$10
Desert Safari60 km45 min
$50
Al Ain160 km1h 50m
$15
Fujairah130 km1h 40m
$20

When to Take Day Trips From Dubai

The best time for day trips from Dubai depends on your interests and which destinations you plan to visit. Here are seasonal highlights:

Spring

Most destinations from Dubai are suitable year-round.

Summer

Most destinations from Dubai are suitable year-round.

Autumn

Most destinations from Dubai are suitable year-round.

Winter

Most destinations from Dubai are suitable year-round.

How to Plan Your Day Trip From Dubai

Planning a day trip from Dubai starts with choosing the right destination and transport mode. With 6 destinations in our guide, ranging from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah, there is something for every interest and budget.

Transport Overview

Day trips from Dubai are best accessed by bus or car. Public transport connections are available for some destinations, but having a vehicle gives you maximum flexibility.

Budget Tips

The most affordable day trip from Dubai is Sharjah at approximately $10 per person. The average cost across all destinations is about $22. Book transport tickets in advance for the best fares, travel during off-peak hours when possible, and consider combined tickets or travel passes if you plan multiple day trips during your stay in Dubai.

Packing Essentials

For day trips from Dubai, pack light: a small daypack, comfortable walking shoes, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and a portable phone charger. If visiting outdoor destinations, bring layers and a rain jacket. For historical sites and churches, keep in mind that modest clothing may be required for entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best day trips from Dubai?

The top day trips from Dubai include Abu Dhabi, Hatta, Sharjah. Each offers unique experiences within 1h 50m travel time.

How far can you go on a day trip from Dubai?

Most day trips from Dubai are between 15 km and 160 km away. The closest option is Sharjah at 15 km (30 min).

What is the cheapest day trip from Dubai?

Sharjah is one of the most affordable day trips from Dubai at approximately $10 per person, including transport and entrance fees.

Do you need a car for day trips from Dubai?

A car is recommended for most day trips from Dubai, though some destinations are reachable by bus. Check individual destination pages for specific transport options.

Are day trips from Dubai worth it?

Day trips from Dubai offer a great way to explore United Arab Emirates beyond the city. Destinations like Abu Dhabi provide unique experiences that complement a Dubai visit, with round-trip costs starting from $10.