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Al Ain to Abu Dhabi Bus Timing: Complete X90 Route Guide 2026

September 14, 2025

Al Ain To Abu Dhabi Bus Timing

Last updated: October 18, 2026

Quick answer: The X90 express bus connects Al Ain Central Bus Station with Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station roughly hourly from 06:30 to 23:30 daily. Fare is AED 25–30, paid with a Hafilat card. Journey time is about 2 hours 45 minutes. Five more routes (CX88, CX50, CX90, CX411, CX60) also run between the two cities — see the full list below.

Planning a trip from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi? The X90 express bus is the main public transport link between the two cities, and several other routes cover the same corridor. This 2026 guide covers X90 timings, fares, all alternative routes, return timings, and contact numbers.

Al Ain to Abu Dhabi Bus: Quick Highlights

Detail X90 Express
Operator Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) / Abu Dhabi Mobility
From → To Al Ain Central Bus Station → Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
Distance ~144 km
Journey time ~2 hours 45 minutes
First / last bus 06:30 / 23:30 daily
Frequency Hourly
Fare AED 25–30 (Hafilat card)

X90 Timetable: Al Ain to Abu Dhabi (2026)

Departure — Al Ain Central Departure — Al Ain Central
06:30 15:45
07:45 16:45
08:45 17:45
09:45 18:45
10:45 19:45
11:45 20:45
12:45 21:45
13:45 22:45
14:45 23:30 (last bus)

Confirm live departures in the Darb app before travelling — times can shift on public holidays.

Return: Abu Dhabi to Al Ain Bus Timings

Going back? Buses run from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Al Ain Central Bus Station on the same corridor, roughly hourly from early morning to late night. The X90 return follows a mirrored schedule — check the Darb app on the day for exact departure times, or see the alternative routes below which publish full return timetables.

All Al Ain ↔ Abu Dhabi Bus Routes (2026)

The X90 isn’t your only option. These ITC routes also connect Al Ain Central Bus Station with Abu Dhabi:

Route Sample daily departures from Al Ain Frequency
CX88 06:30, 07:00, 07:30, 08:30, 09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:00–21:30 (21 departures) Every 30–60 min
CX50 06:00, 08:30, 11:00, 13:30, 16:00, 18:30 ~6 per day
CX90 07:30, 10:00, 12:30, 15:00, 17:30, 20:00 ~6 per day
CX411 07:00, 10:00, 13:00, 16:00 ~4 per day
CX60 06:00, 08:15, 10:30, 12:30, 16:00, 19:45, 20:30 ~7 per day
X90 06:30–23:30 hourly (see full table above) Hourly

Departure lists are indicative — always verify the day’s schedule in the Darb app or at the station.

X90 Fare & Payment

Item Detail
One-way fare AED 25–30
Payment Hafilat card (cash not accepted)
Children Discounted rates for children under 12

Buy and top up your Hafilat card at bus stations, authorized retailers, or online before travelling.

Major Stops: Al Ain → Abu Dhabi

  • Al Ain Central Bus Station — departure point (waiting area, restrooms, parking, food court; wheelchair accessible)
  • Al Ain University · Al Ain Mall · Mazyad Mall area · highway service areas
  • Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station — Sultan Bin Zayed the First Street; connects to E100/E101 to Dubai and the Abu Dhabi city bus network

Travel Tips for the X90 Journey

  1. Arrive 15–20 minutes early — intercity buses leave on time.
  2. Top up your Hafilat card before reaching the station.
  3. Pack water and entertainment — it’s a ~2h45m ride; buses are air-conditioned with luggage storage.
  4. Peak times: 07:00–09:00 and 17:00–19:00; Thursday/Friday evenings and Eid holidays are busiest.
  5. Alternative: private taxi costs ~AED 200–300 for the same trip.

Customer Support & Official Resources

Channel Contact
ITC customer service 800850
Abu Dhabi Mobility 800 555
Live timings Darb app / Darb journey planner

FAQs: Al Ain to Abu Dhabi Bus

What is the first X90 bus from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi?

The first X90 departs Al Ain Central Bus Station at 06:30 daily.

What is the last X90 bus?

The last X90 leaves at 23:30 from Al Ain.

Can I use a Nol card on the X90?

No — the X90 is an ITC Abu Dhabi service and requires a Hafilat card. Nol cards are for Dubai transport.

How much is the X90 fare?

AED 25–30 one-way, paid by Hafilat card. Cash is not accepted.

Are there buses from Abu Dhabi back to Al Ain?

Yes — return services run roughly hourly from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Al Ain. Check the Darb app for the day’s exact times.

Which bus is fastest: X90 or CX88?

Both cover the same corridor. The X90 is the express option with limited stops; CX routes make more stops. For speed, take the X90.

Is the X90 running during Ramadan and Eid?

Yes, but timings may be adjusted — check the Darb app or ITC announcements during holidays.

Can I carry luggage on the X90?

Yes — overhead and under-seat storage is available for reasonable-sized luggage.

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