Travelling from Ajman to Dubai is quite easy, simple, and affordable. You can take a bus for AED 10, drive for 30-35 minutes via the E11 highway, or hire a taxi service for AED 80-120. The best option I recommend to you is to hire a car with a professional chauffeur service. The overall distance from Dubai to Ajman is about 40-45 kms.
Ajman is located north of Dubai. It's the smallest emirate but has a lot of beaches, and the cost of living is also lower than in any other emirate in the UAE.
Distance and Total Travel Time From Dubai to Ajman
Dubai to Ajman covers roughly 40-45 kilometers. Your travel time depends on where you start in Dubai. From Deira, expect 30 minutes. From Dubai Marina, plan for 50-60 minutes.
Traffic matters most here. Morning rush (7-9 AM) and evening peak (5-8 PM) add 15-25 minutes to your trip. Weekends move faster than weekdays.
Travel by Bus From Dubai to Ajman
Buses are the cheapest option ever. The RTA runs regular services between both cities. Route E400 connects Dubai to Ajman directly.
Getting Your Bus Ticket
Buy a NOL card at any metro station or bus stop. Load it with credit, and each trip costs about AED 10. Red tickets work too, but NOL cards save money for frequent travelers.
Main Bus Routes
Route E400 starts from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Bur Dubai. It stops at several points before reaching Ajman. The trip takes 60-75 minutes, depending on stops.
Route E400A runs from Union Square in Deira. This route is faster for people starting from northern Dubai.
Bus Timings
Buses run from 5:30 AM to midnight. Peak hours see buses every 20 minutes. Off-peak times stretch to 30-40 minutes between buses.
Download the RTA app to check live bus times.
Travel by Car From Dubai to Ajman
Driving gives you freedom and comfort. The route is straightforward with clear signs.
The Driving Route
Take Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) north. Merge onto E11 (Emirates Road) toward Sharjah. Keep following the signs for Ajman. You'll pass through part of Sharjah before entering Ajman.
Fuel and Tolls
Fill up your fuel tank before leaving. Dubai has more petrol stations. You won't pay road tolls for this journey. Parking in Ajman is mostly free except in some big shopping malls.
What to Watch For
Speed cameras are common on E11. Stick to 120 km/h on highways. Inside cities, speed limits drop to 60-80 km/h.
Travel by Taxi
Taxis offer door to door service. They cost more but are worth it for groups or luggage.
Taxi Costs
Expect AED 80-120 from central Dubai to Ajman. Starting from Dubai Marina costs around AED 130-150. Split among 3-4 people, it's reasonable.
Booking Your Ride
Hail a street taxi with the cream-colored RTA taxis. Or use the Careem and Uber apps. Apps show prices upfront and track your ride.
Tell the driver your exact Ajman location. Many drivers know landmarks better than street names.
Ride Duration
Plan for 35-45 minutes in normal traffic. Rush hours push this to 60-75 minutes. Early morning trips (before 7 AM) are quickest.
Travel by Private Car Rental
Renting a car with a driver works for multi-day visits. Companies operate at Dubai Airport and across the city.
Rental Costs
Economy cars start at AED 80-100 per day. SUVs like the Toyota Land Cruiser rental or the GMC Yukon rental cost AED 150-200 daily. Book online for better rates.
You'll need your driving license. Tourists need an international driving permit. Insurance is mandatory; most companies include basic coverage.
Benefits of Renting
Stop anywhere along the way. Visit multiple Ajman locations in one day. Return when you want, not when buses run. If your group is too large, you can rent a bus for travel.
Best Time to Travel
Mornings before 7 AM see empty roads. Mid-afternoon (1-3 PM) works well too. Avoid Thursday evenings and Friday mornings when traffic builds.
Winter months (November-March) make driving pleasant. Summer heat hits hard, so having AC matters.
Tips for Your Trip
Carry water and snacks. The drive has few stops. Keep GPS active because some areas in Ajman confuse first time travellers.
Download offline maps before leaving. Mobile signals occasionally drop between emirates. Save your destination address in Arabic and English.
Check your phone battery. Long trips drain power, especially with GPS running.
What to Do in Ajman
Visit Ajman Beach for free access to clean sand. The Ajman Museum shows local history. Corniche offers walking paths and cafes.
City Centre Ajman provides shopping and food courts. Prices run lower than those in Dubai malls.
Your trip from Dubai to Ajman is straightforward regardless of transport choice. Buses suit budget travelers. Cars offer flexibility. Taxis provide comfort. Pick what fits your needs and enjoy your short journey.
