If you’ve been dreaming of a secluded UAE escape that blends wild safari encounters, white-sand beaches, and five-star luxury, you’ve probably set your sights on Anantara Sir Bani Yas. This sprawling island resort, located off the coast of Abu Dhabi, feels worlds away from the busy skyscrapers of Dubai, but getting there doesn’t have to be complicated or overpriced. I’ve made the trip three times in the last two years, both for family vacations and work retreats, so I’ve tested every possible transport route to find the fastest, cheapest, and most comfortable options for every type of traveler. We’ll walk through every step of how to get to Anantara Sir Bani Yas, plus little hacks I picked up along the way to make your journey as smooth as possible.
How to Get to Anantara Sir Bani Yas: By Scheduled Ferry (Most Affordable Option)
The scheduled public ferry is the most popular choice for solo travelers, couples, and small groups on a budget, with tickets starting at just AED 125 per person one way. Ferries depart from Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, which is easily accessible by taxi or rideshare from all major Dubai and Abu Dhabi locations. Book your ferry ticket at least 2 weeks in advance if you’re traveling during peak season, weekends, or UAE public holidays, as sailings sell out extremely fast.
Scheduled ferries run 4 times a day during the week, and 6 times a day on weekends and public holidays. The first ferry departs Jebel Ali at 8am, and the last one leaves at 7pm, so you’ll want to plan your arrival to the UAE accordingly. The ride takes roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes, with air-conditioned seating, free bottled water, and large windows to enjoy views of the Arabian Gulf as you cross to the island. If you’re traveling with kids, the ferry has a small play area at the back, so little ones can burn off energy during the ride instead of being stuck in their seats the whole time.
Arrive at Jebel Ali port 45 minutes before departure to clear security and check in, as lines can get very long during holiday periods. You will need to show a digital or printed copy of your Anantara Sir Bani Yas booking confirmation to board, so make sure you have that saved to your phone before you leave for the port. The only real downside of the scheduled ferry is the fixed timetable, if you miss your sailing you may have to wait up to 4 hours for the next available slot.
Private Transfer and Charter Options: For Maximum Comfort and Flexibility
If you’re traveling with a large group, have lots of luggage, or just don’t want to stick to the fixed ferry schedule, private transfer options are well worth the extra cost for the convenience alone. You can choose between private speedboat charters, seaplane transfers, or even luxury yacht charters if you want to turn the journey into part of your vacation experience. If you’re running late to the scheduled ferry dock, a private transfer is the fastest way to make sure you don’t lose out on your first day at Anantara Sir Bani Yas.
Private speedboat charters fit up to 8 people and take just 45 minutes to reach the island, with fully customizable departure times that work around your schedule. For a truly memorable luxury experience, seaplane transfers take 25 minutes from either Dubai or Abu Dhabi, with panoramic aerial views of the desert coastline and the island’s safari reserve as you land. Seaplane transfers are weather-dependent, so if there’s heavy fog or strong winds, they may be rescheduled to a later time or switched to a ferry transfer automatically.
Most private transfer packages include extra perks that make the added cost feel worth it, including:
- Door-to-door pickup from your Dubai or Abu Dhabi hotel, airport, or private residence
- Complimentary water and light snacks on board all charter ferries and seaplanes
- Priority check-in at the resort so you can drop your bags and start exploring right away
- Free luggage allowance of up to 23kg per person, with no extra fees for golf bags or diving equipment
I split a private speedboat charter with 5 friends last year, and we only paid AED 150 more per person than we would have for scheduled ferry tickets. The ability to leave an hour later to catch up on sleep after our early morning international flight made the extra cost 100% worth it for all of us.
Flying to Nearby Airports First: For International Travelers
If you’re visiting the UAE from another country, you’ll first fly into either Abu Dhabi International Airport or Dubai International Airport before making your way to the island. Abu Dhabi International is the closer option, with just a 1-hour drive to Jebel Ali Port, while Dubai International is roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes away, depending on traffic. Many international travelers don’t realize how close the island is to both major UAE airports, so you don’t have to add multiple days of travel to your itinerary just to get to Anantara Sir Bani Yas.
If your flight lands after 7pm, you won’t make the last scheduled ferry of the day, so you’ll need to book a one-night stay in a hotel near Jebel Ali Port before heading to the island the next morning. There are plenty of affordable mid-range hotels within 10 minutes of the port, so you don’t have to travel all the way into central Dubai or Abu Dhabi for an overnight stay.
For travelers flying on private jets, there is a small dedicated airfield on Sir Bani Yas itself, so you can land directly on the island and be at your resort room in less than 10 minutes after touchdown. This is a fairly niche option, but it’s perfect for high-end business retreats, celebrity visits, or special occasions where you want to minimize travel time as much as possible.
Pro Tips to Make Your Journey Even Smoother
After three trips to the island, I’ve picked up a handful of small hacks that make the journey far less stressful, even during the busiest holiday seasons. First, if you’re traveling between June and September, book the earliest possible ferry or transfer. Midday heat in the summer can create choppy waters that make ferry rides far bumpier, and seaplane transfers often get delayed in the afternoon due to thermal winds.
Pack a small carry-on bag with sunscreen, a hat, a swimsuit, and a change of clothes, because your checked luggage may be delivered to your room 30 to 45 minutes after you arrive at the resort. That way you can head straight to the pool or beach as soon as you check in, instead of waiting around for your bags. If you have any mobility issues, let the resort know 72 hours before your arrival, and they’ll arrange for priority boarding on the ferry and a golf cart to pick you up directly from the dock when you land.
You don’t need a separate visa to visit Sir Bani Yas if you already have a valid UAE tourist visa, the island is part of the Abu Dhabi emirate so no extra immigration checks are required when you board the ferry. You can also bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks on the ferry, so you don’t have to pay the premium prices for snacks on board. I usually pack a few sandwiches and a bottle of cold juice for the ride, and it saves me around AED 80 each trip.
If you’re renting a car during your UAE trip, you can leave it parked in the secure long-term car park at Jebel Ali Port for just AED 30 per day, which is far cheaper than paying for private transfers to and from the port. Just make sure you book your parking spot in advance during peak season, as spaces fill up fast.
At the end of the day, there’s no one right way to make the trip, it all depends on your budget, travel style, and schedule. Whether you opt for the cheap scheduled ferry, a luxury seaplane ride, or a private group speedboat, you’ll be greeted with warm hospitality and incredible views the second you step onto the dock. Now that you know how to get to Anantara Sir Bani Yas, you can stop stressing about the logistics and start planning all the fun parts of your trip, from the sunset safari drives to the private beach dinners. I promise the journey is 100% worth it once you’re sipping a cold drink by the pool, watching gazelles graze in the distance.