Abu Dhabi to Dubai By Bus: Timings, Ticket Price & Stations

If you are already in Abu Dhabi or just landed at Abu Dhabi International Airport and need to get to Dubai without a car, taking a bus is your best option. It’s affordable, easy, and much cheaper than a taxi.

In this guide, I will explain everything you need to know about traveling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai by bus, including its timings, ticket prices, and stations.

Abu Dhabi to Dubai By Bus: Route & Bus Options

Four buses run between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Two depart from the Central Bus Station, one from Mussafah Shabiya Bus Station, and one from Abu Dhabi International Airport. Here are the exact details:

Bus Number E100

Bus number E100 starts from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station and reaches its final destination at Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Dubai. This is the most commonly used bus, as hundreds of people commute daily between the capital and Dubai for different purposes.

Taking the E100 is recommended if you want to explore or have work in Deira, Bur Dubai, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, or Jumeirah. You can easily reach these places by connecting to the Dubai Metro from Al Ghubaiba station.

The bus covers a distance of around 156 KM and usually takes about 2 to 2.5 hours during peak times.

E100 Bus Stops:

display showing bus stops on abu E100 bus from abu dhabi to dubai

Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (Departure)
Samha, Abu Dhabi (Bus Stop)
Max Metro Station (Bus Stop)
Department of Ports and Customs (Bus Stop)
Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, Dubai (Destination)

E100 Ticket Price

The ticket price for the E100 bus is AED 25. To travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai by bus, you need a NOL Card. This public transport card, issued by Dubai’s RTA, is used for Dubai Metro, taxis, water taxis, and other transportation services in Dubai.

If you are traveling just once, you can purchase a Red NOL Card, which is a one-time use card. However, if you are a frequent traveler, I recommend buying the NOL Silver Card. It costs AED 25 and comes preloaded with AED 19 of credit.

Bus E101

E101 departs from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station and reaches Ibn Battuta Metro Station in Dubai, which is its final destination.

Taking the E101 is recommended if you want to explore Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), or Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR).
You can easily continue your journey by connecting to the Dubai Metro from Ibn Battuta Station.

The bus covers a distance of around 125 KM and usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic during peak times.

E101 Bus Stops:

Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (Departure)
Samha, Abu Dhabi (Bus Stop)
Ibn Battuta Metro Station, Dubai (Destination)

E101 Ticket Price

The one-way ticket price for the E101 bus from Abu Dhabi Central Station to Ibn Battuta Station is AED 25. As mentioned earlier, you cannot pay with cash; you will need a NOL Card to board the bus.

Bus E102

Bus E102 departs from Mussafah Shabiya Bus Station in Abu Dhabi and reaches its final destination at Al Jafiliya Station in Dubai.

The E102 covers a distance of around 150 km and usually takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

This bus is recommended if you live in Mussafah and are far from the Central Bus Station in Abu Dhabi.

E102 Bus Stops:

Mussafah Shabiya Bus Station (Departure)
Mussafah Park (Bus Stop)
Al Najah Private School (Bus Stop)
Al Ain University of Science and Technology (Bus Stop)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (Terminals 1 & 3) (Bus Stop)
Ibn Battuta Metro Station, Dubai (Bus Stop)
Al Jafiliya Station (Destination)

E102 Ticket Price

The ticket price for the E102 bus is also AED 25.

Abu Dhabi International Airport to Dubai Bus Shuttle

Etihad operates a 24/7 bus shuttle service from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) to Dubai, with buses departing every hour, all day and night. The final destination of the bus is Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai.

This bus service is perfect for travelers arriving at the airport who have work or are staying at a hotel in Dubai. It operates 24/7, making it convenient for travelers at any time of day or night.

Ticket Price

The ticket price for the bus from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Dubai is AED 35. You can purchase tickets either with cash or card at the arrival hall of the airport.

Pro tip: Read our guide on Sharjah to Abu Dhabi Bus service.

Abu Dhabi to Dubai Bus Timings

Here are the timings of different buses that departs from Abu Dhabi for Dubai:

E100 & E101

First Bus:	4:30 AM
Last Bus:	12:15 AM
Interval:	Every 30–40 minutes

E102

First Bus:	6:30 AM
Last Bus:	11:40 PM
Interval:	Every 30–40 minutes

Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Bus Shuttle

Frequency:

Every hour

Facilities in Abu Dhabi to Dubai Buses

When traveling between Abu Dhabi and Dubai by bus, you can expect a comfortable and convenient experience with the facilities designed to improve your journey. Here are some of the facilities available on the buses:

Air Conditioning: All buses are air-conditioned, so it’s a perfect and comfortable option as it’s quite hot in UAE summers.
Comfortable Seating: The buses are equipped with comfortable, cushioned seating and are designed for both short and long rides.
Wi-Fi (Depending on the Bus): While not all buses may offer Wi-Fi, some of the newer and premium buses on routes like E100 and E101 may offer free Wi-Fi for passengers.
Luggage Storage: In each Bus, there is space available for passengers to store their luggage securely.
Safety Features: Passenger safety is a priority on all buses. They are equipped with seat belts, and the buses are regularly inspected to ensure they meet safety standards.
Charging Ports: Most of the buses on the E100 and E101 routes, are equipped with charging ports, so the passengers can charge their devices during the journey.
Information Display: Onboard digital screens are placed that display important information, such as bus stops, next destinations, and safety announcements. These screens are helpful for travelers who may not be familiar with the route.

FAQs

The ticket price from Abu Dhabi to Dubai by bus is AED 25.

Yes, public transport between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is operated by the UAE’s RTA.

Buses run 7 days a week between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. A new bus leaves every 30 to 40 minutes.

The cheapest way to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is by bus from the Central Bus Station. The ticket costs AED 25 only.

A taxi from Abu Dhabi to Dubai usually costs between AED 200 and AED 500. I recommend traveling by bus instead — it’s comfortable, air-conditioned, and buses leave every 30 to 40 minutes.

The E101 bus departs from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station and reaches Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai in about 1 to 1.5 hours.

You can purchase a NOL Card at the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.

Final Points

As discussed in the article, traveling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai by bus is a comfortable and affordable option for both residents and visitors. Whether you are departing from the Central Bus Station, Mussafah, or Abu Dhabi International Airport, there are many routes to choose from, depending on your destination in Dubai. With frequent departures, air-conditioned buses, and convenient facilities like luggage storage and charging ports, the journey towards Dubai is designed to be as smooth as possible.

Just remember to have your NOL card ready for payment. No matter which bus you take, you will find this an easy and budget-friendly way to move between the two cities.

Final Tip: If you are planning the reverse journey, check out our full guide Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus timings, routes, and prices to make your journey even smoother.

Abu Dhabi to Dubai By Bus: Timings, Ticket Price & Stations