Dubai to Abu Dhabi Bus Timings, Routes & Fares [2025]

If you are looking for a cheap, comfortable, and easy way to travel to Abu Dhabi from Dubai, taking the bus is the best option. With modern coaches, affordable fares, and regular schedules, it’s a popular option for both residents and tourists.

In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus travel, including fares, timings, and station details.

Available Routes from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by Bus

There are three main bus routes that connect Dubai to Abu Dhabi, each starting from different areas of the city. So, if you are staying in Bur Dubai, Ibn Battuta, or near the Expo area, you will find a bus route that fits your location.

Below are the main routes, along with their timings, stops, and travel times to help you plan better.

E100 – Al Ghubaiba (Dubai) → Abu Dhabi Central

The E100 bus is a popular route that connects Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Bur Dubai to the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.

E100 Bus Timings from Dubai To Abu Dhabi:

Weekdays: The bus starts around 4:20 AM and runs until 11:50 PM
Weekends: The last bus departs around 12:15 AM
Frequency: Every 20 to 30 minutes throughout the day
Travel Time: Around 2 to 2.5 hours covering 150 km

This route is great for people staying near old Dubai, BurJuman, or Dubai Creek, and drops you in the heart of Abu Dhabi.

H3: E101 – Ibn Battuta (Dubai) → Abu Dhabi Central

This popular route starts from Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai and takes you directly to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. It runs frequently throughout the day, making it a convenient option for many travelers. The trip usually takes about 1.5 to 1.75 hours, covering roughly 115 kilometers.

E101 Timings from Dubai to Abu Dhabi:

Starts: 4:30–5:00 AM
Ends: around midnight (varies on weekends)
Frequency: Every 20–30 minutes
Trip time: 1.5–1.75 hours for 115 km

E102 – Ibn Battuta or Al Jafiliya → Mussafah Shabiya (via Abu Dhabi Airport)

The E102 bus connects Dubai with Mussafah Shabiya, passing through Abu Dhabi Airport along the way. It runs every 1 to 2 hours daily, giving you flexible travel options. Depending on the stops, the journey can take between 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

Summary Table

Route	Starts From	Ends At	Duration	Fare
E100	Al Ghubaiba	Abu Dhabi Central	2h 15m	AED 25
E101	Ibn Battuta	Abu Dhabi Central	1h 45m	AED 25
E102	Ibn Battuta / Al Jafiliya	Mussafah Shabiya	1h 30m	AED 25

Bus Fare & NOL Card Info

Traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by bus is not only easy but also very affordable.

Fare: AED 25 per trip (flat rate)
Payment Method: You must use a Nol Card — the same card used for Dubai Metro and buses.
No Cash or Booking Needed: You don’t need to book in advance. Simply tap your Nol card when you enter the bus, and you’re good to go.

Important: Bus drivers do not accept cash. If you don’t have a Nol card, you can buy one at metro stations or major bus terminals.

Pro Tip: Make sure your Nol card has at least AED 25 balance before your trip to avoid delays.

Bus Station Locations in Dubai

To catch a Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus, you can start your journey from two main stations in Dubai. Each station is connected to the metro, making it easy to reach from anywhere in the city.

Al Ghubaiba Bus Station

Location: Bur Dubai
Linked with metro: Connected to Al Ghubaiba Metro Station (Green Line)
Best For: People living in Old Dubai areas like Deira, Al Fahidi, and Karama

This station is perfect if you are staying or working in older parts of the city. It’s also near Dubai Creek and traditional markets.

Ibn Battuta Bus Station

Location: Near Ibn Battuta Mall, along Sheikh Zayed Road
Linked with metro: Connected to Ibn Battuta Metro Station (Red Line)
Best For: Residents in New Dubai areas like Dubai Marina, JLT, Al Barsha, and Discovery Gardens

This station is ideal if you live closer to the Dubai Marina side or anywhere near Sheikh Zayed Road heading toward Abu Dhabi.

What to Expect Onboard

inside dubai to abu dhabi bus — Inside a bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi

The Dubai to Abu Dhabi buses are designed for a comfortable and relaxing journey, even over long distances. Here is what you will find on most buses:

Comfortable Seats & Air Conditioning: The buses have soft, cushioned seats and strong air conditioning to keep you cool during the ride.
Free Wi‑Fi: Stay connected while you travel—great for browsing, chatting, or working on the go.
Priority Seating: There are special seats reserved for women, children, elderly, and people with disabilities to ensure safe and comfortable travel.
Luggage Space: Large suitcases or bags can be stored in the luggage compartment under the bus, so you don’t have to carry them with you inside.

Other Ways to Travel Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Besides taking the bus, there are a few other ways to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Each option has its pros and cons:

Taxi or Ride-Hailing (Uber, Careem)

Cost: Around AED 250–350 one way
Time: Faster – about 1 hour 20 minutes (depending on traffic)
Best for: When you need direct, door-to-door travel or are in a hurry
Note: It’s the most expensive option.

Car Rental

Cost: Depends on the car and rental company, but on average 200-250 AED.
Pros: Full control of your schedule
Cons: Watch out for Salik tolls, which can cost around AED 50–80 depending on your route
Best for: Tourists or residents planning to explore both cities at their own pace

FAQs

The bus fare is AED 25 per trip when using a Nol card. It’s one of the cheapest and most convenient ways to travel between the two cities.

Yes! Tourists can easily take the intercity bus. Just make sure your Nol card is loaded with enough balance, and you’re good to go. No prior booking is needed.

A taxi or ride-hailing app like Uber or Careem is the fastest — around 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on traffic. But it’s more expensive than the bus.

A one-way trip by taxi usually costs between AED 200 to AED 250. Prices may vary based on traffic and pickup location.

An Uber ride can cost around AED 250 to AED 350, depending on the time of day, traffic, and ride type (UberX, Uber Black, etc.).

As of now, no, there is no passenger train service between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, a high-speed rail called Etihad Rail is under development and will connect both cities in the near future.

Yes. You can take the same intercity bus back from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Dubai (E100, E101, or E102). Buses run frequently every day.

No, you must use a Nol card. Drivers do not accept cash, so make sure your Nol card is loaded before boarding.

Yes, absolutely! The bus makes it easy. Many tourists take a day trip to Abu Dhabi and return the same evening.

Final Thoughts

Traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by bus is one of the easiest and most budget-friendly ways to get between the two cities. Whether you’re a tourist or a UAE resident, the buses are clean, comfortable, and run regularly from key locations like Al Ghubaiba and Ibn Battuta.

With a Nol card in hand and just AED 25, you can enjoy a relaxed ride without worrying about traffic or high taxi fares. It’s a great option if you’re not in a hurry and want a smooth, affordable journey.

So next time you plan to visit Abu Dhabi, consider hopping on the bus, it’s simple, smart, and stress-free.