The Hajar Mountains are visible on the horizon from Abu Dhabi on a clear day, and Fujairah sits on the far side of them, facing the Indian Ocean. Right now the only way to cross is by car or a multi-leg bus trip that takes four hours. The Abu Dhabi to Fujairah train connection planned under Etihad Rail Stage 2 will change that calculation completely, punching a rail route through the mountains and cutting the journey to something sensible. The target is 2026 to 2027. Until that date, your options are a rental car from AED 80 per day, a direct taxi for AED 300 to 400, or the staged bus route via Al Ain. This guide covers all of them, plus what actually makes Fujairah worth the journey, because once you see Snoopy Island and Khor Fakkan, you will wish this train had opened years ago.
Until Etihad Rail passenger service launches, here are the current options for travelling from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah on the UAE's East Coast:
| Transport | Cost | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive own/rental car | AED 40-60 fuel | 2.5-3 hours (E22) | Most flexible, scenic mountain route |
| Taxi/Careem | AED 300-400 | 2.5-3 hours | Direct, comfortable |
| Bus via Al Ain | AED 45 total | 3-4 hours + transfer | Abu Dhabi→Al Ain (AED 25) + Al Ain→Fujairah (AED 20) |
Best current option: Renting a car (AED 80/day) gives you freedom to stop at Hajar Mountain viewpoints and explore Fujairah at your own pace. The drive through the mountains is genuinely beautiful.
Fujairah is the UAE's only emirate entirely on the Indian Ocean (Gulf of Oman) coast, giving it a completely different character from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Arabian Gulf emirates. The water is clearer, the coast is rocky and dramatic, and the pace of life is refreshingly slower.
Rocky islet near Sandy Beach Motel. Excellent snorkelling (AED 40 boat transfer) with diverse coral and fish. One of UAE's best snorkel spots.
16th century fort overlooking the oldest city in UAE. Free entry. Panoramic views of the Hajar Mountains and city. 30-minute visit.
UAE's oldest mosque, built 1446. Beautiful multi-dome architecture. Free to visit outside prayer times. Set against mountain backdrop.
Beautiful crescent bay with calm turquoise water. Free public beach with mountain backdrop. Part of Sharjah exclave, 30min from Fujairah city.
Not yet. Etihad Rail is planning a route connecting Abu Dhabi to Fujairah via Al Ain as part of Stage 2 operations, expected around 2026-2027. Currently all travel requires car or bus.
By car: 2.5-3 hours via E22 highway through Al Ain and the Hajar Mountains. By bus: Abu Dhabi to Al Ain (AED 25, 1.5hrs) then Al Ain to Fujairah (AED 20, 1.5hrs), total 3-4 hours with transfer. Taxi direct costs AED 300-400.
The Abu Dhabi-Fujairah east coast route is planned for Stage 2 of Etihad Rail, targeting 2026-2027. The route will cross the Hajar Mountains, which required significant tunnelling and engineering work. Check etihadrail.ae for updates.
Top activities: Snoopy Island snorkelling (AED 40 boat transfer, best snorkelling in UAE), Fujairah Fort (free, 16th century), Al Bidya Mosque (UAE's oldest, free), Khor Fakkan beach (30min, beautiful bay), Dibba fishing village, and East Coast resort beach relaxation.
Yes, but a full day minimum. The drive alone (2.5hrs each way) takes most of the day. Better to stay overnight in Fujairah, especially at a beach resort. Combine with a snorkelling morning and Fort visit afternoon. From Dubai (90min), Fujairah is more practical as a day trip.
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