Dubai to Yas Marina for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: how to get there
Over a decade in luxury hospitality, with Odyssia hosting guests trackside at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2025.
Many Grand Prix guests stay in Dubai and drive to Abu Dhabi for the race. Yas Marina is on Yas Island, on the Dubai side of Abu Dhabi, about an hour and a quarter by car from Dubai, more on race days. Here is how to plan the trip for the 2026 weekend, Friday 4 to Sunday 6 December.
The quick answer
- Time: about 1 h 15 by car from Dubai, longer on race days
- Route: south on Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) towards Abu Dhabi, then follow the signs for Yas Island
- Best option: a private driver, so nobody has to drive back after a night on board
- Leave: late morning, to be on board when the doors open at 1 pm
Your options from Dubai
| Option | Good for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Private driver or chauffeur | Couples, VIP guests, anyone staying late | Book ahead: drivers are in demand on race weekend |
| Group transfer by van or coach | Teams, clients and groups | We can arrange it as part of a private yacht programme |
| Taxi or ride-hailing app | The outbound trip | Return trips after midnight can be hard to find and expensive |
| Driving yourself | Flexibility | Race-day traffic and parking, and you cannot drink on board |
When to leave Dubai
On board, the day starts at 1 pm with lunch while the first session runs. Traffic builds in the afternoon before the evening sessions, so leave Dubai late in the morning and you will arrive relaxed. On race day, Sunday 6 December, allow extra time: the Grand Prix starts at 17:00 and the roads to Yas Island are at their busiest.
Arriving at Yas Marina
During the race weekend, Yas Marina is access controlled. With an Odyssia hospitality package, your marina access covers the yacht and Yas Marina from 1 pm to 2 am, and a private buggy takes you from the marina entrance to the superyacht at Berth 40. More in our Yas Marina guide.
Getting back to Dubai
The marina stays open until 2 am, after the concerts. Book your driver for the return in advance and agree a pick-up point and time, as the exits are busy when the concerts end. Leaving straight after the chequered flag means sitting in the heaviest traffic of the day; staying for the concert and the marina usually means an easier drive home.
Staying in Abu Dhabi instead
The hotels on Yas Island, including the one built over the track, sell out early for race weekend. Another option is to stay on the water: several yachts in our private fleet have guest cabins for an overnight stay at Yas Marina. See the private superyachts.
Questions
How long does it take to get from Dubai to Yas Marina?
About an hour and a quarter by car, more on race days. Leave Dubai late in the morning to be on board at Yas Marina when the doors open at 1 pm.
What is the best way to get from Dubai to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
A private driver, booked in advance for both ways. Nobody has to drive back after a night on board, and you avoid looking for a taxi after midnight.
Can Odyssia arrange transfers from Dubai?
Yes, for groups, as part of a private yacht programme. On site, hospitality packages include private buggy transfers from the marina entrance to the superyacht.
What time should I leave Dubai on race day?
Late morning. Traffic builds through the afternoon and the Grand Prix starts at 17:00 on Sunday 6 December.
Can I stay overnight at Yas Marina?
Yes, with a private yacht: several yachts in Odyssia’s fleet have guest cabins. Hotels on Yas Island sell out early for race weekend.
Odyssia is an independent hospitality provider on board private yachts and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Formula 1, the FIA or the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix organisers. No race tickets are sold or included. Formula 1, F1, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and related names and marks are the property of their respective owners. Yas Marina and the artists named are shown for information only.