Travelling between Abu Dhabi and Dubai? Here’s your ultimate guide to bus routes, timings, and fares
When it comes to travelling between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, you’ve got a few options. Driving is quick, but not everyone has a car.
Taxis are convenient, but let’s be honest – those fares can add up fast. The metro? Well, that’s great if you’re already in Dubai, but it won’t get you out of Abu Dhabi.
This is where the humble intercity bus comes in. If you’ve never considered it before, you should.
It’s affordable, reliable, and honestly, not a bad way to travel if you plan it right.
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Whether you’re commuting, visiting friends, or just fancy a day out in Dubai, taking the bus is one of the easiest ways to get from one city to the other.
So, how does it all work? What routes can you take? How much does it cost?
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about catching the bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BUS ROUTES FROM ABU DHABI TO DUBAI
There are two main bus routes operating between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, so choosing the right one depends on where you need to go.
- E100: This route runs from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Dubai. It’s a great choice if you’re heading to areas like The Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Creek, or Jumeirah.
- E101: This route also departs from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station but terminates at Ibn Battuta Bus Station. It’s ideal for those visiting Dubai Marina, JBR, JLT, or Palm Jumeirah.
Both routes are operated by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and both run frequently throughout the day.
Abu Dhabi to Dubai bus schedules and travel times
The buses run roughly every 30 minutes, making it easy to hop on whenever you need to travel.
- E100: First bus departs at 12.30am, and the last bus leaves at 11.39pm. Travel time is around 2 hours and 20 minutes.
- E101: First bus departs at 12.30am, and the last bus leaves at 11.55pm. Travel time is around 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Abu Dhabi to Dubai bus ticket prices and payment options
A one-way ticket costs AED 25—making the bus the cheapest way to travel between the two cities.
But before you rush to the station, there’s one key thing to remember: you cannot use an Abu Dhabi Hafilat card for intercity buses. The Abu Dhabi to Dubai buses are run by Dubai’s RTA, which means you’ll need a Nol card to pay for your trip.
If you don’t already have one, you can buy a Nol card at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station or Mussafah Shabiya Bus Station. The silver Nol card costs AED 25 and comes with AED 19 in credit, but you’ll need to top up before travelling. You can add credit at the station or via the Nol Pay app, available on iOS and Android.
What’s the Abu Dhabi to Dubai bus like?
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If you’re picturing a packed, uncomfortable ride, think again.
The Abu Dhabi to Dubai buses are air-conditioned and spacious, with reclining seats, so you can sit back and relax on the journey.
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They also come with free WiFi and USB charging ports, making it easy to scroll through your phone, catch up on emails, or just enjoy some music without worrying about battery life.
If you’d rather take a nap, the seats are comfortable enough; just don’t sleep through your stop.
Travelling from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Dubai by bus
If you’re landing at Zayed International Airport and heading straight to Dubai, you don’t have to go into the city first; there’s a direct option for you.
The Abu Dhabi Airport Express runs from the airport to Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai, making it a great alternative if you want to avoid multiple transfers.
- Tickets cost AED 35 and can be purchased at the counter in the arrivals hall.
- Buses run every hour on the hour from the airport.
- Travel time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes – slightly faster than the E101 bus from Abu Dhabi city.
- The bus stop is conveniently located right outside the arrivals hall, so you won’t need to cross any busy roads to find it.
One important note: this is a one-way service. You won’t be able to take the Abu Dhabi Airport Express from Dubai back to the airport unless you have a valid boarding pass.
What are the Abu Dhabi Green Buses?
While travelling around the capital, you might come across Abu Dhabi’s Green Buses, but these aren’t part of the intercity routes.
The Green Bus initiative is Abu Dhabi’s latest push for sustainable transport, with hydrogen- and electric-powered buses now operating on Route 65, connecting Marina Mall and Al Reem Island’s Shams Boutik.
This is all part of a larger plan to transform Abu Dhabi into a zero-emissions city by 2030, with the Green Bus Programme expected to reduce over 100,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
The goal is to eventually roll out these buses across the city, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional transport options.
Final travel tips for taking the bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai
- Check bus schedules in advance, as times may change.
- Arrive early during peak hours, as buses can get crowded.
- Make sure your Nol card is topped up before you get to the station.
- Choose the right route based on your final destination – E100 for Al Ghubaiba, E101 for Ibn Battuta.
- Keep an eye on your belongings, as buses can get busy.
Taking the bus between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is one of the easiest and most budget-friendly ways to travel.
Whether you’re commuting, visiting family, or just exploring, this guide has everything you need to make the journey smooth and hassle-free.
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