Visit Abu Dhabi’s top tourist attractions on a free shuttle bus service
Want to see all the top sights of the UAE capital without blowing your budget on transport? There is now a free bus ride for tourists in Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism has launched the Visit Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus. The free transportation service was developed to provide local and international tourists easy accessibility to Abu Dhabi’s leading hotels and attractions. Let’s find out more about the free shuttle bus in Abu Dhabi.
ABOUT THE FREE SHUTTLE BUS IN ABU DHABI
The Visit Abu Dhabi shuttle fleet consists of several buses, each decorated with a vivid cityscape depicting Abu Dhabi’s top attractions and activities. The hard-to-miss vehicles have comfortable seating, air conditioning, Wi-Fi connectivity and other facilities.
ROUTES AND SCHEDULES
The free shuttle bus in Abu Dhabi makes 39 stops across eight routes that include:
- Route A1
- Route A2
- Route B1
- Route B2
- Route B3
- Route C
- Route D
- Route E
The routes comprise hotels, leisure destinations and access to Abu Dhabi International Airport. These routes offer connectivity between popular locations such as Yas Island, Jubail Island, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi town centre and the Grand Canal.
Here are the details regarding the stops and destinations you can explore on each route:
Route A1
This route caters to visitors on Saadiyat Island, linking premium resorts and notable attractions such as:
- Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
- Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel
- Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island
- Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
- Manarat Al Saadiyat/Berklee Abu Dhabi
- Mamsha Al Saadiyat
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Timing: Bus 1 and Bus 2 run from 10:00 am – 05:15 pm
- Frequency and Interval: 6 times a day, every 75 minutes
Route A2
This route connects Mamsha Al Saadiyat to various urban landmarks and cultural and heritage sites such as:
- Manarat Al Saadiyat
- Southern Sun Hotel
- Ramada by Wyndham Abu Dhabi Downtown
- City Seasons Al Hamra Hotel
- Novotel Hotel City Center
- Qasr Al Hosn
- Qasr Al Watan
- Timing: Bus 3 and Bus 4 run from 10:00 am – 04:15 pm
- Frequency and Interval: 4 times a day, every 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Route B1
Explore the major hotels and iconic spots for outdoor and leisure activities on Route B1, the destinations on this route include:
- Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel
- Etihad Towers
- Heritage Village (Marina Breakwater)
- The Founder’s Memorial/Emirates Palace
- Qasr Al Watan
- Al Hudayriyat Island
- Timing: Bus 5 runs from 09:00 am – 02:40 pm
- Frequency and Interval: 3 times a day, every 2 hours and 20 minutes
Route B2
Route B2 offers a mix of shopping, leisure and spiritual landmarks in Abu Dhabi. This route will take you to and from these destinations:
- Qasr Al Watan
- Al Wahda Mall/Grand Millennium Al Wahda
- Umm Al Emarat Park
- Millennium Al Rawdah Hotel
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Timing: Bus 6 runs from 10:55 am – 04:55 pm
- Frequency and Interval: 3 times a day, every 2 hours and 30 minutes
Route B3
Route B3 connects key urban and leisure destinations, offering convenience for visitors and residents alike. Starting from Novotel Hotel Al Bustan, the route passes by major hotels and iconic landmarks such as:
- Novotel Hotel Al Bustan
- Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre Hotel
- Aloft Hotel
- Andaz Capital Gate Hotel
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Timing: Bus 7 runs from 09:00 am – 04:00 pm
- Frequency and Interval: 4 times a day, every 2 hours
Route C
For those arriving at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Route C links the terminal to destinations such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Galleria Mall. The stops will include:
- Abu Dhabi International Airport – Terminal A
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Andalus Al Seef Resort
- Eastern Mangrove
- Galleria Mall
- Timing: Bus 8 runs from 09:00 am – 04:00 pm
- Frequency and Interval: 3 times a day, every 4 hours
Route D
This route connects major leisure hubs like Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi with the city. It also links to stunning natural and urban experiences. This route will take you to and from these destinations:
- Abu Dhabi International Airport – Terminal A
- Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport Hotel
- Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi
- Yas Waterworld
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
- Yas Mall
- Jubail Mangrove Park
- Mamsha Al Saadiyat
- Timing: Bus 9 and Bus 10 runs from 10:30 am – 06:00 pm
- Frequency and Interval: 5 times a day, every 1 hour and 45 minutes
ROUTE E
Perfect for luxury and recreation, this route includes:
- Al Forsan International Sports Resort
- Shangri-La Hotel
- The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi
- Hotel Fairmont Bab Al Bahar
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Al Qana
- Timing: Bus 11 runs from 10:00 am – 04:00 pm
- Frequency and Interval: 3 times a day, every 3 hours
Check out the official website of Visit Abu Dhabi to get arrival and departure timings to and from each destination.
HOW TO BOOK THE FREE SHUTTLE BUS IN ABU DHABI
The rules to book the shuttle have changed. Previously, passengers had to purchase attraction tickets via Visit Abu Dhabi or book a hotel room along the route and pre-register to access the service.
However, this process has been simplified, now all you need to do is follow these steps to book your seat:
- Hop on the Visit Abu Dhabi Free Shuttle Bus at your desired stop.
- Once on board, scan the QR code provided.
- Complete the on-the-spot quick registration process directly from your device.
FAQS
What are the key attractions served by Visit Abu Dhabi free shuttle bus service?
The bus routes connect to iconic locations such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World, Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi and Al Hudayriyat Island. They also cover major hotels, parks and cultural landmarks in Abu Dhabi.
Are the buses frequent enough for a day trip?
Yes, the buses operate on regular schedules with multiple trips throughout the day, making it convenient for day trips to explore the UAE’s capital city.
Does the free shuttle bus cover Abu Dhabi Airport?
Yes, Routes C and D connect to Abu Dhabi International Airport, ensuring convenient access for travellers.
What is the Visit Abu Dhabi Shuttle bus ticket price?
The Visit Abu Dhabi Free Shuttle Bus is a complimentary service for all passengers. There is no charge for using this convenient transport option.
In Abu Dhabi, how do you pay for buses?
Fares for public buses can be paid in a variety of ways. The Hafilat card can be used to make online payments in Abu Dhabi. Like the Nol card in Dubai, you must load it with money and swipe it before and after each trip.
That’s all we have for you on the free shuttle bus in Abu Dhabi. Remember that if you’re on a limited budget, you can still have a great time in the UAE capital by checking out these things to do in Abu Dhabi for free, from seeing the exhibits at Manarat Al Saadiyat to visiting Wahat Al Karama.
Note: The cover image is courtesy of the Official Website of Visit Abu Dhabi.
