1️⃣ Introduction
If you’re asking, “Can you drive to Sir Bani Yas Island?”, the short answer is yes and no. While you cannot drive your car directly onto the island itself, you can drive to the mainland jetty and then transfer to the island by ferry. This article explains how you can drive to Sir Bani Yas Island (to the jetty), what the restrictions are, what to expect in 2025, and how to plan your visit meticulously. We’ll cover the journey, parking, transfers, rules, costs, and tips.
2️⃣ Where Is Sir Bani Yas Island and Why Does the Question of Driving Matter
Sir Bani Yas Island is a natural island located off the western coast of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
Because the island is separated from the mainland by sea (approximately 9 km off the coast near Jebel Dhanna), it raises the question: can one simply drive onto the island, or does a ferry/boat transfer remain mandatory? According to official directions, you can drive to the jetty, park your car, and then board a ferry to the island.
Thus, while “drive to Sir Bani Yas Island” is technically possible — up to the mainland point — driving onto the island in your own vehicle is limited or not available to general visitors.
3️⃣How to Drive to the Mainland Jetty (Jebel Dhanna)
If you plan to drive to the entry point for Sir Bani Yas Island, here’s how:
- From Abu Dhabi: Take the E11 highway westwards via Tarif, Mirfa, and Al Ruwais. After Al Ruwais, look for Exit 113 marked for Sir Bani Yas Island.
- The drive takes approximately 2 hours from Abu Dhabi city to the jetty.
- There is a designated parking area at the jetty for visitors arriving by car.
When you plan to drive to Sir Bani Yas Island, ensure your navigation is set to Jebel Dhanna jetty (or the “Sir Bani Yas Island parking/jetty”). Once you park, you’ll transfer to the island via boat or ferry.
4️⃣ The Ferry Transfer and Rules for Vehicles
Since your car cannot freely drive onto the island’s internal resort areas (that are often reserved for guests or resort vehicles), you will need to board a ferry from the jetty. Important points:
- The official visitor info states: “Park the car at the jetty, and hop into the complimentary speed boat.”
- Some sources state that only resort guests’ vehicles are permitted on the internal island roads.
- Ferry timings may vary by season and must be checked ahead of time.
Thus, when you decide to drive to Sir Bani Yas Island, you must plan the boat transfer and anticipate that your car will remain on the mainland. This means you can enjoy the island but not drive your car through its nature reserve roads.
5️⃣ Costs, Reservations, and Practical Tips (2025 Update)
When planning to drive to Sir Bani Yas Island, consider the following in 2025:
- Parking at the jetty: While many sources mention parking, the exact fee or who can leave cars may vary. One visitor noted that only hotel vehicles were permitted.
- Ferry: Usually complimentary for resort guests; if you’re not staying at the resort, you’ll need to check how the transfer is arranged.
- Road conditions: The drive via E11 is in good condition; fuel stations on the route appear, but some visitors mention long gaps between stations.
- Booking: It’s strongly advised to book your visit and check both the jetty transfer and any rules on vehicle access ahead of time.
- Timing: The drive + ferry will take more time than just a ferry; if you ‘drive to Sir Bani Yas Island’, expect at least 2-3 hours from Abu Dhabi to the jetty, plus transfer time.
- Vehicle restrictions: If you’re staying at a resort on the island, the resort will often manage the transport and may limit outside vehicles.
6️⃣ The Visitor Experience Once You Arrive
After you drive to Sir Bani Yas Island (to the jetty) and transfer by boat, what to expect:
- The island is home to a large wildlife reserve, luxury resorts, and nature experiences.
- Internal transfer: Resorts often provide shuttle vehicles or buggies to move you around once on the island.
- If you had driven your own car to the jetty, you would leave it there and enjoy the island via organised transport.
- Bring everything you need: while the island is developed, the sense of remoteness means check-in, refreshments, and your schedule are key.
7️⃣ FAQs – Can You Drive Directly? What’s Allowed?
Q1: Can I drive my own car all the way onto Sir Bani Yas Island internal roads?
No, you can drive up to the jetty, then you must board a boat. General visitor cars are not permitted to drive freely across the island’s internal network.
Q2: Is there vehicle parking at the jetty when driving to Sir Bani Yas Island?
Yes – there is parking available at the jetty for vehicles that drive to Sir Bani Yas Island via the mainland route. However, check for any restrictions, as some posts suggest only hotel vehicles may proceed.
Q3: How long does the “drive to Sir Bani Yas Island” take from Abu Dhabi?
Approximately 2 hours by road from Abu Dhabi city to the jetty, then you board the boat.
Q4: Do I need to book in advance when I drive to Sir Bani Yas Island?
Yes, because the boat/ferry schedules and resort admissions require booking; just driving up may not guarantee boarding.
Q5: Can I drive to Sir Bani Yas Island as a day trip?
Yes – many visitors drive to the jetty, then visit the island for the day (if their resort allows day access). But you’ll need to factor in the boat transfer and check day-visitor availability.
8️⃣ Planning Your Road Trip to the Jetty – Step-by-Step
Here’s a simple plan if you intend to drive to Sir Bani Yas Island (via the mainland):
- Choose your origin – e.g., Abu Dhabi or Dubai, leaving early is better.
- Set your GPS: E11 highway heading west, through Tarif → Mirfa → Al Ruwais. After Al Ruwais, take Exit 113 for Sir Bani Yas Island.
- Check fuel: fill up before leaving the main city; some stretches may have fewer stations.
- Arrive at the jetty parking: Park your vehicle.
- Board the ferry/boat to the island – check the schedule in advance.
- On the island: use the resort shuttle or internal transport.
- Return: Allow extra time for the boat back, the drive home, and possible traffic.
🧾 Conclusion
So, can you drive to Sir Bani Yas Island? The answer is: Yes, you can drive to the mainland jetty of Sir Bani Yas Island, but no, you cannot drive over to the island itself in your vehicle under regular visitor access.
You’ll park near the ferry terminal and board a boat or transfer to reach the island. If you plan accordingly — booking the transfer, checking parking, leaving early, and choosing your route — your “drive to Sir Bani Yas Island” experience will be smooth and enjoyable. For 2025, this remains the standard approach to reach the island by road + boat.
External Links
- Visit Abu Dhabi – Sir Bani Yas Island Experience Abu Dhabi
- Sir Bani Yas Island Detail Guide blog.raynatours.com
- Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Location Map Anantara
Also Read: Resort Comparison: Which Is the Best Resort on Sir Bani Yas Island in 2025?