Abu Dhabi - Post Report Question and Answers
Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
There is a local bus system that is apparently safe, I've never used it. Taxis are safe and plentiful, you can use Uber or Careem (local version of Uber) without trouble for local or travel to Dubai. - Jun 2022
The public transport here in not fully developed. Now that there are tolls on all bridges into the city, I hope it gets better. Uber and Careem are good along with local taxi services. - Feb 2020
There are local buses, but we rarely ever take them. I would say you should probably have a car at post. This is actually our first post where we have two cars, but I know of a few families that only have one car and then the spouse takes taxis around. Taxis are not ridiculously expensive like in Europe, but they are also not cheap. - Jun 2019
Taxis are safe but a bit expensive if you use them a lot. Uber might be coming back - Sep 2017
Taxis are cheap, and the bus is cheaper though the routes are poorly laid out. - Jun 2015
Public transport in Abu Dhabi is pretty limited. No local trains/metro, and not enough bus routes (or actual buses). Taxis are generally safe and fairly cheap, but be sure to use your seat belts, as the drivers can be hair-raising. There's a fairly good and cheap intercity bus system, once you figure out how to use it. - May 2013
Trains exist only in the excellent Dubai metro system although there is talk of building a Dubai/Abu Dhabi railway. Buses between the cities are cheap Within Abu Dhabi the city bus is very inexpensive, if crowded. Women in the front, men at the back. It is embarrassing, but if you are white, people will usually try to offer you their seats. The silver taxis are also relatively cheap but try to find a driver with a good sense of direction, ask for his mobile number and ring him directly for your future needs. Some drivers have limited road knowledge or uncertain temperaments especially during Ramadan. - Jul 2012
Taxis are adequately safe, although driving is erratic and few drivers will know more than the most basic destinations, so you do have to be prepared to give directions. The limited bus system is slow and mostly used by those withough other choices. Taxis are relatively cheap (less than $5 for most in-town destinations). - Aug 2011
Women should always sit in the back seat of a taxi and not engage the driver in conversation; never let a taxi driver into your house. Otherwise, cabbies are plentiful and reasonable. Abu Dhabi is gradually building out a city bus system, which is inexpensive. - Jul 2011
Yes, all are safe and affordable. People use taxis a lot. The buses are very cheap but extremely underutilized as people prefer their own cars. - Nov 2010
Yellow taxis are not equipped with seatbelts and most drivers do not speak english. The grey taxis are recommended. You can flag them down or by appointment and they have seatbelts. - Jan 2010
No trains, bus service is new and usually used by workers (crowded and smelly), taxis are prevalent and affordable. Women should be careful with drivers and all should make sure the taxi uses a meter. I have seen drivers refuse to give change and take your money. Make sure you have small bills. Any driver turned in for bad conduct could be deported, so get the driver information before a problem happens. - Aug 2009
