The E102 bus route is a crucial intercity express service connecting Abu Dhabi’s industrial heartland with Dubai’s metropolitan areas. The government has opened a new bus route (E102) that will connect the industrial area of Mussafah with Ibn Battuta in Dubai via the Abu Dhabi International Airport. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the E102 bus service, including current timings, fares, and route information.
What Is the E102 Bus Route?
The E102 is an intercity express bus service operated by Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) that provides direct connectivity between Mussafah Shabiya Bus Station in Abu Dhabi and Ibn Battuta Metro Station in Dubai. The E102 bus operates from early morning till late at night, with timings starting from 6:20 and running until 23:20. Taking the E102 bus promises passengers a comfortable and hassle-free ride with an average travel time of an hour and forty minutes to two hours from Ibn Battuta to Mussafah.
This vital transportation link serves thousands of daily commuters, particularly those working in Abu Dhabi’s industrial areas who need reliable access to Dubai’s business and residential districts.
E102 Bus Schedule and Timings 2025
Current Operating Hours
- First Bus: 6:20 AM
- Last Bus: 11:20 PM (updated from previous 11:40 PM)
- Frequency: Every 60 minutes during regular hours
Weekly Schedule
| Day | First Departure | Last Departure | Service Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday – Thursday | 06:20 AM | 11:20 PM | Every 60 minutes |
| Friday | 06:20 AM | 11:20 PM | Every 60-70 minutes |
| Saturday | 06:20 AM | 11:20 PM | Every 60 minutes |
Peak Hour Services
- Morning Peak (6:20 AM – 9:20 AM): Regular hourly service
- Evening Peak (5:20 PM – 8:20 PM): Regular hourly service
- Off-Peak Hours: Every 60-70 minutes
Payment Method: Hafilat Card only – cash payments are not accepted. Learn more about getting your Hafilat Card Abu Dhabi for seamless travel.
Complete E102 Route Details and Stops
The total distance from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is 148 KM which is covered by E102 buses in total 2:30 hours. The route follows major highways and serves key transportation hubs.
Major Stops on E102 Route
- Mussafah Shabiya Bus Station – Starting point in Abu Dhabi’s industrial area
- ICAD Industrial Area – Key manufacturing and warehouse district
- Abu Dhabi International Airport – Terminal access for air travelers
- Al Mafraq Hospital – Medical facility and residential area
- Ghantoot Interchange – Highway rest area with amenities
- Jebel Ali Free Zone – Dubai’s major industrial complex
- Ibn Battuta Metro Station – Final destination with metro connectivity
For comprehensive information about your departure point, visit our detailed guide on Mussafah Bus Station facilities and amenities.
E102 Bus Fares and Payment Options 2025
Current Fare Structure
| Passenger Type | One-Way Fare | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | AED 25.00 | Hafilat Card only |
| Children (5-15 years) | AED 12.50 | Hafilat Card only |
| Children (Under 5) | Free | No ticket required |
| Senior Citizens (60+) | AED 12.50 | Registered Hafilat Card |
Hafilat Card Information
- Card Cost: AED 10 (valid for 16 years)
- Minimum Top-up: AED 10
- Monthly Pass: AED 80 (unlimited intercity travel)
- Weekly Pass: AED 30 (7 days unlimited)
Important Note: Dubai bus stations only accept payments with the Nol Card. E102 bus is available 24 hours in intervals of 60 minutes. However, the E102 specifically requires Hafilat Card payments only.
Live Tracking and Real-Time Updates
Track your E102 bus location and get accurate arrival times using these official platforms:
Official Tracking Methods
- Darb App (ITC Official) – Most reliable for real-time updates
- Hafilat Website – hafilat.darb.ae for comprehensive journey planning
- Smart Kiosks – Located at major bus stations
- SMS Updates – Available for registered Hafilat users
- Digital Display Boards – Live arrival information at key stops
The Darb system is operated by the Integrated Transport Centre and provides comprehensive journey planning without barriers or kiosks.
Dubai Metro Connection at Ibn Battuta
The E102 bus terminates at Ibn Battuta Metro Station, providing seamless connectivity to Dubai’s extensive metro network via the Red Line.
Easy Dubai Connections
From Ibn Battuta Metro Station, you can easily reach:
- Mall of the Emirates Metro Station – Premier shopping and entertainment
- Dubai Mall Metro Station – Downtown Dubai attractions
- Union Metro Station – Business Bay and historic areas
- Burjuman Metro Station – Traditional souks and heritage sites
For complete metro timing information, check our Dubai Metro Timing guide.
Alternative Intercity Routes
Compare the E102 with other Abu Dhabi-Dubai services:
Other Available Routes
- E101 Bus – Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Ibn Battuta (more frequent service every 30 minutes)
- E100 Bus – Al Wahda to Al Ghubaiba (budget-friendly option)
- X25 Bus Route – Dubai internal connections
For comprehensive intercity options, refer to our complete Dubai to Abu Dhabi Bus Timings guide.
How to Use E102 Bus – Complete Travel Guide
Step-by-Step Journey Planning
- Get Your Hafilat Card – Purchase at any ITC station or authorized retailer
- Load Sufficient Credit – Minimum AED 25 for a single journey
- Check Live Timings – Use the Darb app for real-time schedules
- Arrive Early – Buses depart punctually from scheduled stops
- Tap In and Out – Touch your card when boarding and exiting
Essential Travel Tips
- Download the Darb app before traveling for live updates
- Carry a fully charged Hafilat card with adequate balance
- Allow 2.5 hours total travel time during peak periods
- Plan connecting Dubai metro journeys in advance
- Consider monthly passes for regular commuting
Bus Facilities and Comfort Features
Onboard Amenities
- Climate Control – Fully air-conditioned coaches
- Comfortable Seating – Spacious seats for long-distance travel
- Accessibility – Wheelchair-friendly boarding at major stops
- Luggage Space – Designated areas for personal belongings
- USB Charging – Available on newer fleet buses
- Limited Wi-Fi – Select vehicles (availability not guaranteed)
Station Facilities
- Covered Waiting Areas – Weather protection at major stops
- Real-Time Displays – Digital boards with live information
- Card Services – Hafilat card purchase and recharge facilities
- Restrooms – Available at Ibn Battuta and Mussafah terminals
Connecting Bus Services in Dubai
Once you reach Ibn Battuta Metro Station, several local Dubai bus routes provide additional connectivity:
Popular Connecting Routes
- F45 Bus Route – Al Qusais and Airport areas
- F11 Bus Timetable – Downtown Dubai connections
- 13B Bus Route – Satwa and Karama neighborhoods
- F36 Bus Schedule – Marina and JBR areas
Airport Connectivity
The E102 route provides convenient access to both major airports:
Abu Dhabi Airport
The route includes a stop at Abu Dhabi International Airport, making it ideal for air travelers.
Dubai Airport Connection
From Ibn Battuta, use metro connections or the F45 bus route for Dubai International Airport access.
For direct airport bus services, check our guide on Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi Airport bus timings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the first E102 bus start?
The first E102 bus departs at 6:20 AM daily from both Mussafah Shabiya and Ibn Battuta stations.
Can I use a Nol Card on the E102 bus?
No. The E102 is operated by ITC Abu Dhabi and accepts only Hafilat Cards. Nol Cards are not valid on intercity ITC services.
How long does the complete E102 journey take?
The journey takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2.5 hours depending on traffic conditions, covering 148 kilometers.
Does E102 operate on weekends?
Yes. The E102 operates 7 days a week with consistent schedules, including Fridays and weekends.
Where can I purchase a Hafilat card?
Buy Hafilat cards at ITC stations, authorized retailers, or through the official Hafilat website. Visit our Hafilat Card Abu Dhabi guide for complete purchasing information.
What’s the difference between E101 and E102 routes?
Both routes cost AED 25 for a single journey, but E101 offers more frequent service (every 20-30 minutes vs hourly for E102) and serves different areas of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Additional Abu Dhabi Transportation Resources
Explore more transportation options in Abu Dhabi:
Local Abu Dhabi Routes
- A15 Bus Timings Abu Dhabi – Local city connections
- 65 Bus Route Abu Dhabi – Residential area service
- Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station – Main transportation hub
Dubai Connection Guides
- Dubai Metro Timing – Complete metro schedule
- F36 Bus Schedule – Local Dubai routes
- X28 Bus Schedule Dubai – Cross-city connections
The E102 bus route remains one of the most reliable and cost-effective ways to travel between Abu Dhabi’s industrial areas and Dubai’s business districts. With regular timings, modern facilities, and convenient metro connections, it serves as a vital link in the UAE’s integrated public transportation network.
