The complete guide to Abu Dhabi-Dubai intercity buses

Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the two most populated cities in the UAE, are home to famous attractions, hotels, shopping malls and restaurants. People commute frequently between these two emirates and the Abu Dhabi to Dubai bus journey is a popular choice with most commuters. One can also opt for taxis or private cars to make this journey, but the bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi or vice versa works out to be the most cost-effective option for those relying on public transportation.

If you commute between the cities frequently, bus travel might be a more suitable option, even if you own your own vehicle. Besides saving money, riding the bus is far more relaxing than navigating the busy traffic in the city. Moreover, using public transport is beneficial for the environment as it results in lesser carbon emissions per passenger. 

Abu Dhabi to Dubai bus

This blog looks at the various public buses that travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and vice versa. Compare their routes, timings, ticket costs and other pertinent details to pick one that’s right for you.

Bus E102

The E102 Bus is a recent addition to the list of buses from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. It connects Ibn Battuta (Dubai) to Mussafah (Abu Dhabi). For residents of suburban areas of Mussafah, this bus comes as a blessing. Earlier, they had to travel to Abu Dhabi central bus station to find a bus to Dubai.

How many stops does the E102 Bus have?

This Abu Dhabi-Dubai bus will stop at the following stations:

• Mussafah Shabiya Bus Station
• Mussafah Park
• Al Najah Private School
• Al Ain University of Science and Technology
• Abu Dhabi International Airport Terminal 1 and 3
• Ibn Battuta Metro Station

If you are taking the Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus on the same route, the boarding point is Ibn Battuta Metro Station. 

What is the ticket cost for Abu Dhabi to Dubai journey?

Abu Dhabi to Dubai bus ticket will cost you AED 25 (each side). 

How long will it take to travel from the first stop to the last stop?

The whole journey will take an hour and forty minutes approximately.

What are the timings of the bus?

The first bus of the day leaves at 06:20 am. You can board the last bus for the day at 11:40 pm.

Bus E101

Residents of Central Abu Dhabi can opt for bus E101. The bus runs six days a week, i.e., from Sunday to Friday. The journey starts at the Central Bus Station, Abu Dhabi and the last stop is Ibn Battuta bus stop. Earlier, residents of Mussafah had to travel to Central Abu Dhabi to make this journey. With the launch of E102, the rush on this bus route from Abu Dhabi to Dubai might go down a little.

How many stops does the E101 Bus have?

This bus will stop at the following stations:

• Abu Dhabi, Central Bus Station
• Abu Dhabi, Shahama Village
• Abu Dhabi, Samha
• Ibn Battuta Metro Bus Stop

This is another Dubai-Abu Dhabi bus from Ibn Battuta station that those travelling to the capital city can consider. 

What is the ticket cost for Abu Dhabi to Dubai journey?

Abu Dhabi to Dubai bus ticket will cost you AED 25 (each side).

How long will it take to travel from the first stop to the last stop?

Your travel time from Abu Dhabi to Dubai will be an hour and twenty-six minutes, approximately.

What are the timings of the bus?

The first bus of the day leaves at 05:00 am. You can board the last bus of the day at 10:00 pm on weekdays and 11:15 pm on weekends.

Bus E100

This bus also starts from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station and the last stop is Al Ghubaiba bus station. Those who want to go to Al Ghubaiba or nearby areas can opt for this bus. These buses have been used for many years now and authorities are vigilant in ensuring that these services run in a smooth and efficient manner. For those travelling towards the capital city, this is the Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus route that starts from Old Dubai. 

How many stops does the E100 Bus have?

This bus will stop at the following stations:

• Abu Dhabi, Central Bus Station
• Abu Dhabi, Shahama Village
• Abu Dhabi, Samha
• Al Ghubaiba Bus Station

What is the ticket cost for Abu Dhabi to Dubai service?

Abu Dhabi to Dubai bus fare is AED 25 (one side).

How long will it take to travel from the first stop to the last stop?

Your travel time from Abu Dhabi to Dubai will be an hour and fifty-four minutes approximately.

What are the timings of the bus E100?

Here are the timings for the first bus of the day: 

From Sunday to Wednesday: 12:00 pm | Thursday: 12:25 pm | Friday: 05:00 am | Saturday: 12:14 pm

Here’s the schedule for the last bus of the day:

From Sunday to Thursday: 11:40 pm | Friday: 11:54 am | Saturday: 11:30 pm

Things You May Want to Know About Bus Travel

How can I get authentic information about travel timings?

You can download the RTA application or visit their official website to find all the pertinent information about buses and other travel modes. You can also find Abu Dhabi to Dubai bus timings on the app. 

Where can I buy a ticket for a bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai bus tickets?

You will have to buy NOL Cards. The type of Nol card depends on your journey and the frequency of use. If you intend to use it for a single journey, you can opt for Red Nol Pass. The ticket prices start from AED 4.

Abu Dhabi to Dubai bus ticket cost you AED 25. However, this pass can only be used in one mode of transport. Moreover, there is the option of a silver card which will cost you AED 25 and come with AED 19 credit. A gold card can also be bought, but for your Abu Dhabi and Dubai bus journey, there is no added advantage with the Gold card. However, you do get access to VIP gold carriage in Metro.

You can buy Nol cards from the metro station ticket office or vending machines, RTA Customer Service Centres, authorised sales agents or online.

Can I carry food on the bus?

No, you can’t eat food during this journey. However, this is will be a very comfortable drive. So you can read a book, listen to music or watch a film.

Are there facilities for people with special needs?

Yes.

Is bus travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai comfortable?

Many people assume that a bus ride would be uncomfortable, but that’s not the case. Each bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai comes fully equipped with features like air-conditioning, information screens, priority seats for women and children and facilities for people with special needs. Likewise, all bus stations have prayer rooms for men and women, dedicated areas for people with special needs, air-conditioned waiting areas, cafeterias and vending machines.

RTA’s smart services have made travel convenient for customers. There shouldn’t be any problem even if you are not too apt at using technology. There are some top travel apps in Dubai which can make the process convenient. You can find bus timings from Abu Dhabi to Dubai as well as Abu Dhabi to Dubai bus schedule on these apps.  

In the past decade or so, the government has focused on improving public transport in Abu Dhabi. Public transport from Abu Dhabi to Dubai has never been better. The new Route 2020 Metro expansion for Expo 2020 is another example of this policy. Similarly, many arrangements are underway in Abu Dhabi to enhance connectivity between the two emirates ahead of the Expo 2020. Keep following MyBayut to know more about life in Dubai.