‌

How To Get To Natural History Museum in Abu Dhabi

Where is Natural History Museum in Abu Dhabi

Address: Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

​Find on maps

Description of the location: The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi’s premier museum quarter, alongside Louvre Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum.

Closest landmark: Louvre Abu Dhabi, 800 m away

Getting to the Natural History Museum by public transportation

From Dubai

  • E101 Bus (faster option): Route: Ibn Battuta Bus Station → Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, Duration: ~2 hrs 45 mins, Frequency: Every 30 minutes
  • E102 Bus (slower, more stops): Route: Al Ghubaiba Bus Station → Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, Duration: 3+ hours

From Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, transfer to:

  • Bus Route 94 → Saadiyat Cultural District

Total journey time: ~3–3.5 hours, Approx. cost: AED 35–40

Within Abu Dhabi

  • Bus Routes A1 or A2: From city center or Abu Dhabi Airport → Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, Transfer to Route 94 → Saadiyat Cultural District

Total journey: ~1.5 hours, Cost: ~AED 9

Best for: Easy movement within Saadiyat Island

Travel time: Varies by pickup and drop-off location

Closest stop: On-demand service (door-to-door within service zone)

Timings: Daily, 6:00 am–11:00 pm

Abu Dhabi Link is an on-demand public shuttle service operating across Saadiyat Island, including stops near the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. It’s ideal if you’re already on the island and moving between nearby attractions such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, hotels, and beach areas. Rides cost AED 2 per trip and can be booked via the Abu Dhabi Link app (available on iOS and Android). Vehicles pick you up from a nearby virtual stop and drop you close to the museum entrance, offering a budget-friendly alternative to taxis.

Best for: Direct travel, comfort, families, and groups

Travel time:

  • 20–25 minutes from Abu Dhabi city center
  • 75–90 minutes from Dubai (traffic dependent)

Closest stop: Direct drop-off near the museum entrance

Timings: Available 24/7

Taxis are the most straightforward way to reach the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. From central Abu Dhabi, fares typically range between AED 40–60, while trips from Dubai usually cost AED 200–250. Official Abu Dhabi taxis can be booked via the Abu Dhabi Taxi app or by calling 600 53 53 53. Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Careem also operate widely. Metered pricing ensures transparency, and vehicles can drop you close to the main pedestrian entrance—making this a convenient choice for visitors with children or mobility needs.

Getting to Zayed National Museum by car

Travel time:

  • 20–25 minutes from Abu Dhabi city center
  • 75–90 minutes from Dubai
    Distance: Approx. 15 km from central Abu Dhabi; 130 km from Dubai

Route:

  • From Abu Dhabi city center:
    Take Sheikh Khalifa Highway (E12) toward Saadiyat Island. Cross the Saadiyat Bridge, follow signs for the Saadiyat Cultural District, and continue toward the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.
  • From Dubai:
    Take Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) toward Abu Dhabi, continue onto E10, then merge onto E12 toward Saadiyat Island. Follow Cultural District signage to the museum.
  • From other Emirates:
    Use E11 or E311 to enter Abu Dhabi, then connect to E12 toward Saadiyat Island and follow signs for the Saadiyat Cultural District.

Parking facilities

  • Free parking is available in the Saadiyat Cultural District shared parking area, approximately 300 meters from the museum entrance.
  • On weekends and public holidays, arrive before 10:00 am to secure a spot, as parking fills up by midday.

Walking to Zayed National Museum

Travel time: 10–15 minutes from Louvre Abu Dhabi

Distance: ~800 m from Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi sits within the Saadiyat Cultural District, where several major museums, including Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming cultural institutions, are clustered. Walking between them offers a pleasant way to experience the district’s architecture, landscaped public spaces, and views of the Arabian Gulf. The museum’s precincts connect via pedestrian routes designed to link cultural venues and public spaces, making it easy and enjoyable to explore multiple museums on foot while appreciating their scale and setting.

What is the best way to get to the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi?

Budget-friendly option

For the most economical route, use public buses within Abu Dhabi. From Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, take Route 94 toward Saadiyat Cultural District (fare: AED 2–4 with a Hafilat card). Buses are air-conditioned and run regularly throughout the day. If you’re coming from Dubai on a budget, take the E101 intercity bus (AED 25) from Ibn Battuta Bus Station to Abu Dhabi Central, then transfer to Route 94.

Trade-off: Requires transfers and longer travel time

Fastest route

Taxis and ride-hailing services (Uber/Careem) are the fastest and simplest way to reach the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.

  • From Abu Dhabi city center: ~20–25 minutes
  • From Dubai: ~75–90 minutes (traffic dependent)

Taxis provide direct drop-off close to the museum entrance and avoid the need for transfers or walking from bus stops.

Trade-off: Higher cost than public transport

For sightseeing enthusiasts

If you’re exploring Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District, combine public transport with walking. Travel to Saadiyat Island by bus or taxi, then walk between museums via the pedestrian promenades connecting the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi with nearby institutions like Louvre Abu Dhabi. This approach lets you experience the architecture, open spaces, and coastal setting of the district at a relaxed pace.

Trade-off: More walking, less suitable in peak summer heat

For visitors from Dubai

From Dubai, you have two practical options:

  • Budget option: E101 bus (AED 25, ~2.5–3 hours total with transfer) → Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station → Route 94 to Saadiyat Island
  • Convenience option: Taxi or self-drive via E11 → E10 → E12, reaching the museum in 75–90 minutes

Driving offers flexibility if you plan to visit multiple Saadiyat attractions, with free parking available nearby.

Frequently asked questions about getting to Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi

Where is the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi located?

The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is located in the Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It sits approximately 15 km from Abu Dhabi city center and about 400–800 meters from nearby museums within the Cultural District.

Which city is the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi in?

The museum is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It forms part of Saadiyat Island, a purpose-built cultural district dedicated to museums, galleries, and public spaces.

How do I get to the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi by public transport?

From Abu Dhabi city, take a city bus to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station and transfer to Route 94 toward Saadiyat Island (fare: AED 2–4 with a Hafilat card).
Within Saadiyat Island, you can also use Abu Dhabi Link, an on-demand shared shuttle service (AED 2 per ride), booked via the Abu Dhabi Link app.

From Dubai, take the E101 bus from Ibn Battuta Bus Station to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, then transfer to Route 94 toward Saadiyat Island.

Which is the best way to get to the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi?

The best option depends on your priorities:

  • Taxi or ride-hailing (Uber/Careem) is the most convenient and fastest, especially for families or groups.
  • Public buses are the most budget-friendly but require transfers.
  • Driving is ideal if you plan to visit multiple attractions on Saadiyat Island in one day, as parking is available nearby.
Which is the fastest way to get to the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi?

A taxi or ride-hailing service is the fastest option.

  • From Abu Dhabi city center: 20–25 minutes
  • From Dubai: 75–90 minutes, depending on traffic

Taxis offer direct drop-off near the museum entrance with no transfers.

Which is the cheapest way to get to the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi?

Public transport is the cheapest option:

  • Route 94 bus from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station: AED 2–4
  • Abu Dhabi Link on Saadiyat Island: AED 2 per ride

From Dubai, the E101 bus to Abu Dhabi costs around AED 25, plus the local bus fare to Saadiyat Island.

How far is the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi from Dubai?

The museum is approximately 130 km from Dubai.

  • By car or taxi: 75–90 minutes
  • By bus: 2.5–3 hours, including transfers
Can I visit multiple museums on Saadiyat Island in one day?

Absolutely! Saadiyat Cultural District houses multiple world-class museums including Zayed National Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. These attractions are connected by the scenic Al Masar Garden walkway, making it easy to visit multiple sites. Abu Dhabi Link on-demand buses also provide convenient transport between attractions.

Is public transport reliable for getting to the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi?

Yes. Abu Dhabi’s public transport system is generally reliable, clean, and punctual. City buses run at regular intervals, and the DARBI app provides real-time route and timing information. Abu Dhabi Link adds flexibility for short trips within Saadiyat Island.