I'm headed to Dubai in early March, and am planning on taking a day trip to Abu Dhabi between conference obligations (leave on a weekday morning, return the same evening). Traveling by car seems most comfortable.
Any recommendations for reliable car service with predictable availability in both cities?
Best could mean fastest or cheapest - or something in-between
Limo or taxi would the fastest (if we discount the idea of helicopter ...). Pricey though. Car rental is an option if you are confident: parking can be a faff, and be careful about speeding - you risk fines surfacing later for both.
The bus from Ghubaiba bus station (on the Dubai metro) to the very central Abu Dhabi bus station is every 15 minutes or so and excellent value at around £5 each way.
The trip will take about 2 hours, car or bus. OK, a car might shave a bit off that - but speed is controlled.
Not sure what you'll want to see in Abu Dhabi, but you'll need shortish taxi rides to get to the Grand Mosque or the Louvre. Both are worth the trip: the former is free, the museum around £12 admission.