Abu Dhabi to Khasab by road — the 2026 self-drive guide
The 350 km drive from Abu Dhabi to Khasab goes north on the E11 to Ras Al Khaimah, then west on the E18 to the Al Dara border. The drive is 4–4.5 hours; the border adds 30–60 minutes.
Distance
350 km (E11 + E18)
Time
4–4.5 hours one-way, plus 30–60 minutes at the border
From
AED 270 total for 2 people, 1 day (visa + exit + insurance) + fuel
Route overview
The Abu Dhabi–Khasab drive is the same route as the Dubai drive, plus an extra 150 km from Abu Dhabi to Dubai on the E11. Most of the drive is motorway; the last 75 km on the Oman side is the scenic mountain road. The total door-to-door from Abu Dhabi to a Khasab hotel is 5–6 hours.
The drive is straightforward but it is a long day. We recommend leaving Abu Dhabi at 04:00 to be in Khasab by 09:00 (in time for the morning dhow cruise), or leaving the night before and staying at a Khasab hotel. We do not recommend the same-day return from Abu Dhabi — the total drive is 10–12 hours and it is not safe.
Step-by-step
1. Leave Abu Dhabi on the E11
The E11 north from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is six lanes, 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic. The road is the same motorway that connects Abu Dhabi to Dubai.
2. Continue on the E11 through Dubai to RAK
The E11 continues north through Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah. Total drive from Abu Dhabi to RAK: 3–3.5 hours without traffic, 4–4.5 hours on a Friday afternoon.
3. Take the E18 west to the Al Dara border
From RAK, the E18 is 45 minutes to the border. The road is two lanes, well-maintained. There is a Lulu Hypermarket on the right 15 minutes before the border — the last UAE stop.
4. Cross the border
Same as the Dubai route. 30–60 minutes total at the border. The total drive from Abu Dhabi to a Khasab hotel is 5–6 hours.
Border procedure
Al Dara border post, 24/7 for cars
Operator tip
Consider a self-drive + transfer package. We drive your car to Khasab and back; you fly home. The package is OMR 80 each way; it saves 5 hours of driving on each end.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Abu Dhabi?
4–4.5 hours one-way, plus 30–60 minutes at the border. The total door-to-door from Abu Dhabi to a Khasab hotel is 5–6 hours.
Can I do a same-day return from Abu Dhabi?
Not safely. The total drive is 10–12 hours. We recommend either an overnight in Khasab or a self-drive + transfer (we drive your car back, you fly home).
Is there a faster route?
No. The E11 + E18 is the only road route. There is no motorway through the Hajar Mountains.
What is the best day to drive?
Wednesday or Saturday. Avoid Friday afternoon (worst traffic) and the days after UAE public holidays (worst border queues).