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How To Get To Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi

Where is Zayed National Museum?

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

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Description of the location: Zayed National Museum stands at the heart of Saadiyat Island's Cultural District in Abu Dhabi, distinguished by its five falcon wing-shaped towers soaring up to 123 meters. This architectural marvel sits alongside other world-class institutions including Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The museum overlooks the Arabian Gulf coast and is connected to neighboring attractions through the 600-meter Al Masar Garden pedestrian walkway.

Closest landmark: Louvre Abu Dhabi, 800 m away

Getting to the Zayed National Museum by public transportation

Best for: Budget travel, local experience

Travel time: 40-50 minutes from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station

Closest stop: Saadiyat Island bus stops (multiple locations on the island)

Timings: Daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM (frequency varies 15-30 minutes)

Description: Bus 170 operates between Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station and Saadiyat Island, making it an economical option at just AED 2 per trip. The bus passes through Abu Dhabi city center before crossing onto Saadiyat Island. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the museum. You can also use buses 120 and 121 which connect Saadiyat Island with Mohammed Bin Zayed City. Payment is through the Hafilat smart card, available at bus stations and supermarkets. Download the DARBI app to track buses in real-time and plan your journey efficiently.

Best for: Convenience within Saadiyat Island

Travel time: Varies based on pickup/drop-off points

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

Timings: Daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Description: Abu Dhabi Link is an on-demand bus service operating on Saadiyat Island, perfect for getting around once you're on the island. Book your ride through the Abu Dhabi Link app available on Apple Store and Google Play. The service costs AED 2 and provides corner-to-corner convenience, making it ideal for traveling between the museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi, hotels, and other attractions on the island. This shared shuttle service picks you up from your specified location and drops you at your desired destination within the service area.

Best for: Direct travel, comfort, groups

Travel time: 20-25 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi; 50-60 minutes from Dubai

Closest stop: Direct drop-off at museum entrance

Timings: 24/7 availability

Description: Taxis provide the most convenient door-to-door service to Zayed National Museum. From Abu Dhabi city center, expect to pay AED 40-60, while trips from Dubai cost approximately AED 250-300. Book through the Abu Dhabi Taxi app or call 600 53 53 53. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem are also widely available. Taxis can drop you directly at the museum entrance, making this the most hassle-free option, especially for families or groups. All taxis use meters, ensuring transparent pricing.

Getting to Zayed National Museum by car

Travel time: 20-25 minutes from Abu Dhabi city center; 50-60 minutes from Dubai

Distance: Approximately 15 km from Abu Dhabi; 130 km from Dubai

Route:

  • From Abu Dhabi city center: Take Sheikh Khalifa Highway (E12) toward Saadiyat Island. Follow signs for Saadiyat Cultural District. Cross the Saadiyat Bridge and follow Saadiyat Cultural District signage to the museum.
  • From Dubai: Take Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) south toward Abu Dhabi. Continue on E10 (Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road), then merge onto E12 toward Saadiyat Island. Follow signs for Saadiyat Cultural District and Zayed National Museum.
  • From other Emirates: Access E11 or E311 highways connecting to Abu Dhabi's main road network, then follow signs for Saadiyat Island via E12.

Parking facilities

  • On-site parking is available at Zayed National Museum, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
  • The museum provides dedicated parking spaces including accessible parking for people with disabilities.
  • Parking is free for museum visitors.
  • Additional parking options are available at nearby Louvre Abu Dhabi (800 m away) and other facilities within Saadiyat Cultural District.
  • During peak hours and weekends, arriving early is recommended to secure parking close to the entrance. All parking areas are well-signposted and monitored for security.

Walking to Zayed National Museum

Travel time: 15-20 minutes from Louvre Abu Dhabi

Distance: 800 m from Louvre Abu Dhabi

Description: Walking to Zayed National Museum offers a unique cultural experience, especially through the scenic Al Masar Garden, a 600-meter outdoor gallery stretching from the Saadiyat coast between Louvre Abu Dhabi and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. This landscaped walkway features shaded areas, relief maps showcasing Abu Dhabi's development, and elements highlighting UAE achievements. The elevated pathway provides panoramic views of the Cultural District and Arabian Gulf. If you're visiting multiple museums on Saadiyat Island, walking between them lets you appreciate the architectural beauty of each institution while enjoying the island's pristine coastal environment.

What is the best way to get to Zayed National Museum?

Budget-friendly option

For travelers seeking the most economical route, Bus 170 from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station is your best choice at just AED 2. The service is reliable and comfortable with air-conditioned buses operating throughout the day. If traveling from Dubai, take intercity buses E100 or E101 (AED 25) to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, then connect to Bus 170.

Fastest route

Taxis and ride-hailing services (Uber/Careem) offer the quickest journey, taking just 20-25 minutes from Abu Dhabi city center. For visitors from Dubai, driving your own car or hiring a taxi saves time with direct access to the museum. The journey from Dubai takes approximately 50-60 minutes via Sheikh Zayed Road and E12 highway.

For sightseeing enthusiasts

If you're exploring Saadiyat Island's cultural attractions, combine public transport with walking. Take Bus 170 to the island, then use Abu Dhabi Link or walk between museums through Al Masar Garden. This approach lets you experience the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi while enjoying the island's cultural ambiance at a leisurely pace.

For visitors from Dubai

The E100 or E101 intercity buses (AED 25, 1.5-2 hours) from Al Ghubaiba or Ibn Battuta stations to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, followed by Bus 170 to Saadiyat Island, offer a budget-friendly option. Alternatively, taxis or private cars provide direct, comfortable access in about an hour, ideal for families or those with limited time.

Frequently asked questions about getting to Zayed National Museum

Where is Zayed National Museum located?

Zayed National Museum is located in Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The museum stands at the heart of the cultural district, approximately 15 kilometers from Abu Dhabi city center and about 800 meters from Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Which city is Zayed National Museum in?

Zayed National Museum is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. Specifically, it's situated on Saadiyat Island, a cultural and leisure destination off the coast of Abu Dhabi, within the Saadiyat Cultural District.

How do I get to Zayed National Museum by public transport?

Take Bus 170 from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station directly to Saadiyat Island (AED 2, 40-50 minutes). Alternatively, use the Abu Dhabi Link on-demand service within Saadiyat Island (AED 2). From Dubai, take E100 or E101 buses to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station first, then connect to Bus 170.

Which is the best way to get to Zayed National Museum?

The best option depends on your priorities. For budget travelers, Bus 170 offers economical access at AED 2. For convenience and speed, taxis provide direct door-to-door service in 20-25 minutes from Abu Dhabi. Driving offers flexibility, especially when visiting multiple attractions on Saadiyat Island.

Which is the fastest way to get to Zayed National Museum?

Taking a taxi or ride-hailing service (Uber/Careem) is the fastest option, reaching the museum in 20-25 minutes from Abu Dhabi city center or 50-60 minutes from Dubai. These services offer direct routes without stops, making them ideal for travelers prioritizing speed and convenience.

Which is the cheapest way to get to Zayed National Museum?

Bus 170 from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station is the most economical option at just AED 2. Use your Hafilat card for payment. From Dubai, the E100 or E101 intercity buses cost AED 25 to Abu Dhabi, plus AED 2 for the connecting Bus 170 to Saadiyat Island.

How far is Zayed National Museum from Dubai?

Zayed National Museum is approximately 130 kilometers from Dubai, about a 50-60 minute drive via Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and E12 highway. Intercity buses E100 or E101 take 1.5-2 hours to reach Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, plus 40-50 minutes on Bus 170 to Saadiyat Island.

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 Zayed National Museum?

Yes, Abu Dhabi's public transport system is reliable, safe, and punctual. Bus 170 operates consistently with 15-30 minute frequencies throughout the day. The DARBI app provides real-time tracking, making journey planning easy. Abu Dhabi Link on-demand service also offers flexibility within Saadiyat Island with bookings through their mobile app.