Planning to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about intercity bus services, including detailed schedules, routes, and fare information for 2025.
Quick Overview: Dubai to Abu Dhabi Bus Routes
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) operates three main intercity bus routes connecting Dubai to Abu Dhabi: E100, E101, and E102. These air-conditioned buses provide a comfortable, budget-friendly alternative to taxis and rental cars.
Route | From | To | Fare | Duration |
E100 | Al Ghubaiba | Abu Dhabi Central | AED 25 | 2-2.5 hours |
E101 | Ibn Battuta | Abu Dhabi Central | AED 25 | 90-120 minutes |
E102 | Ibn Battuta | Mussafah | AED 25 | Up to 2.5 hours |
E100 Bus Route: Al Ghubaiba to Abu Dhabi Central
E100 Bus Timings and Schedule
The E100 route serves passengers traveling from Bur Dubai to Abu Dhabi’s city center.
Operating Hours:
- First Bus: 4:20 AM daily
- Last Bus: 11:50 PM daily
- Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes during peak hours
- Journey Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Fare: AED 25 (Nol Card required)
E100 Route Stations and Stops
Starting Point: Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, Bur Dubai
- Located near BurJuman Metro Station (Green Line)
- Easy access from Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Historical District
- Facilities: Nol Card recharge counters, restrooms, cafés
Destination: Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
- Main transportation hub in Abu Dhabi
- Connections to local Abu Dhabi buses
- Walking distance to Abu Dhabi Mall
Best For: Travelers staying in Bur Dubai, Deira, or near BurJuman Metro Station.
E101 Bus Route: Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi Central
E101 Bus Timings and Schedule
The E101 bus runs from 04:30 AM to 02:00 AM at 30-minute intervals, making it the most frequent service between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Operating Hours:
- First Bus: 5:00 AM daily
- Last Bus: 11:00 PM daily
- Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes
- Journey Time: 90-120 minutes
- Fare: AED 25 (Nol Card required)
E101 Route Details
Starting Point: Ibn Battuta Metro Station (Exit 2)
- Connected to Dubai Metro Red Line
- Ideal for tourists staying in Dubai Marina, JBR, or Palm Jumeirah
- Large parking facility available
Destination: Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
Best For: Visitors staying in Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), or near Mall of the Emirates Metro Station.
E102 Bus Route: Ibn Battuta to Mussafah
E102 Bus Timings and Schedule
The E102 route serves passengers traveling to Abu Dhabi’s industrial and residential suburbs.
Operating Hours:
- First Bus: 6:40 AM daily
- Last Bus: 10:40 PM daily
- Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes
- Journey Time: Up to 2.5 hours
- Fare: AED 25 (Nol Card required)
E102 Route Information
Starting Point: Ibn Battuta Metro Station Destination: Mussafah Shabia Bus Station
Best For:
- Workers and residents in Mussafah area
- Travelers to Mohammed Bin Zayed City (MBZ City)
- Those visiting Mussafah Bus Station area
How to Pay for Dubai to Abu Dhabi Bus
Nol Card Requirements
By 2025, the price for a one-way ticket from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is 25 AED. Cash payments are not accepted – you must use a Nol Card.
Nol Card Options:
- Silver Nol Card: Most popular option for tourists
- Gold Nol Card: Premium option with First Class metro access
- Blue Nol Card: For UAE residents only
Where to Buy/Recharge Nol Cards:
- Any Dubai Metro station
- RTA customer service centers
- Selected supermarkets and malls
- Online at RTA website
Best Times to Travel Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Peak vs Off-Peak Hours
Time Period | Duration | Crowd Level | Recommendation |
Early Morning (5:00-7:00 AM) | 90-120 minutes | Low | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best choice |
Mid-Morning (7:00-10:00 AM) | 120-150 minutes | High | Expect delays |
Afternoon (12:00-4:00 PM) | 90-120 minutes | Medium | Good option |
Evening (4:00-7:00 PM) | 120-180 minutes | Very High | Avoid if possible |
Night (7:00 PM onwards) | 90-120 minutes | Low | Good for return trips |
Weekend vs Weekday Travel
Sundays: Busiest day due to work week starting Fridays: Moderate crowds, good for leisure travel Saturdays: Lower frequency but less crowded
Alternative Routes and Connections
From Dubai Airport to Abu Dhabi
No direct bus service exists from Dubai Airport. Use these connections:
Option 1: Dubai Airport → Ibn Battuta Metro Station → E101 Option 2: Dubai Airport → BurJuman Metro → Al Ghubaiba → E100
From Dubai Mall to Abu Dhabi
Recommended Route: Dubai Mall → Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro → Ibn Battuta → E101
Before traveling, explore best attractions near Dubai Mall to maximize your Dubai experience.
From Union Metro Station to Abu Dhabi
No direct connection from Union Metro Station. Transfer options:
- Green Line to Al Ghubaiba → E100
- Transfer to Red Line → Ibn Battuta → E101
Official Apps and Real-Time Information
Essential Apps for Bus Travel
- S’hail App – Official RTA app for real-time updates
- Wojhati Journey Planner – Route planning and schedules
- Careem Bus – Alternative booking platform
- Google Maps – General navigation and timing estimates
Real-Time Bus Tracking
Check live departure times and seat availability through:
- LED displays at bus stations
- RTA mobile app
- RTA official website
- Station information kiosks
Special Services and Connections
Wizz Air Airport Shuttle
For Wizz Air passengers, a dedicated shuttle operates between Ibn Battuta and Abu Dhabi Airport. This is a separate service requiring advance booking and is not part of the regular RTA network.
Key Details:
- Pre-booking required
- Synchronized with flight schedules
- Only available to Wizz Air ticket holders
- Not covered by Nol Card
Connecting Bus Routes in Dubai
Before starting your intercity journey, familiarize yourself with Dubai’s local bus network:
- F11 Bus Route – Marina connections
- F32 Bus Route – JBR and Marina
- Dubai Metro Timings – Integration with metro system
Travel Tips and Recommendations
What to Bring
- Nol Card with sufficient balance (minimum AED 30 recommended)
- Valid ID/passport for identification
- Light jacket for air-conditioned buses
- Entertainment for the 2-hour journey
- Snacks and water (limited stops en route)
Luggage Policy
- One large suitcase per passenger
- One carry-on bag allowed
- No additional charges for standard luggage
- Oversized items may require approval
Comfort Features
All intercity buses include:
- Air conditioning
- Comfortable seating
- Luggage compartments
- USB charging ports (on newer buses)
- Free Wi-Fi (limited routes)
Station Facilities and Amenities
Al Ghubaiba Bus Station Facilities
- Location: Bur Dubai, near Dubai Creek
- Metro Connection: BurJuman Station (Green Line)
- Facilities: Restrooms, prayer rooms, cafés, Nol Card machines
- Parking: Limited paid parking available
- Nearby Attractions: Dubai Museum, Al Fahidi Historical District
Ibn Battuta Metro Station Facilities
- Location: Jebel Ali, Dubai
- Metro Connection: Direct Red Line access
- Facilities: Large waiting area, restrooms, shops, restaurants
- Parking: Extensive free parking
- Nearby Attractions: Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai Marina
Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
- Location: Downtown Abu Dhabi
- Connections: Local Abu Dhabi bus network
- Facilities: Full passenger amenities
- Nearby: Abu Dhabi Mall, cultural sites
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel without booking in advance?
Yes, no advance booking required. Simply tap your Nol Card when boarding.
Is there a direct bus from Dubai Mall to Abu Dhabi?
No, you need to transfer via metro to either Ibn Battuta or Al Ghubaiba stations.
What happens if I miss my bus?
Simply wait for the next departure. Buses run frequently throughout the day.
Are buses operational during Ramadan?
Yes, but timings may be slightly adjusted. Check the S’hail app for updates.
Can I bring food and drinks on board?
Yes, but avoid messy foods and dispose of trash properly.
Is Wi-Fi available on buses?
Limited Wi-Fi is available on newer buses, but it’s not guaranteed.
What if my Nol Card doesn’t work?
Visit the customer service desk at the bus station or recharge at any metro station.
Planning Your Dubai Experience
Before You Travel
Make the most of your Dubai stay by exploring:
- Top 10 must-visit attractions in Dubai
- Best free Dubai attractions
- Lesser-known attractions you must visit
Booking Dubai Attractions
Save money on Dubai experiences:
- Book Dubai attraction tickets for best prices
- Dubai attractions combo tickets
- Best time to book Dubai attractions tickets
Conclusion
Traveling by RTA bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is the cheapest way to travel, offering excellent value at just AED 25 per journey. With three convenient routes (E100, E101, E102) and frequent departures, the intercity bus service provides a reliable connection between the UAE’s two major cities.
For the best experience, travel during off-peak hours, ensure your Nol Card is topped up, and allow extra time during weekends and holidays. Whether you’re commuting for work or exploring as a tourist, these buses offer a comfortable and budget-friendly travel option.
Quick Recap:
- Best Route for Tourists: E101 from Ibn Battuta (closest to Dubai Marina/JBR)
- Best Route for Bur Dubai: E100 from Al Ghubaiba
- Best Route for Mussafah: E102 from Ibn Battuta
- Best Travel Times: Early morning (5:00-7:00 AM) or evening after 7:00 PM
- Essential Apps: S’hail, Wojhati Journey Planner
For official schedules and real-time updates, always check the RTA website or download the S’hail app before traveling.
Bus timings and fares subject to change. Always verify current information through official RTA channels.