How To Travel From Abu Dhabi To Dubai By Bus

Travelling by bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai offers an affordable, convenient, and eco-friendly transportation option. With three key routes (E100, E101, and E102) operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi, passengers can expect regular, comfortable, and punctual services between these two major UAE cities.

Here’s an in-depth guide covering all you need to know about the bus services, including route details, timings, journey duration, fares, and the nol Card payment method for seamless transactions.

Primary Routes For Bus From Abu Dhabi To Dubai

The main bus routes connecting Abu Dhabi to Dubai are E100, E101, and E102, each serving different parts of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Here’s a quick look at these routes:

E100: Runs from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Dubai, ideal for passengers heading toward Dubai’s main city areas.
E101: Operates between Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station and Ibn Battuta Metro Station in Dubai, a great option for those connecting to the Dubai Metro for onward travel.
E102: Connects Mussafah Shabiya Bus Station in Abu Dhabi with Al Jafiliya Bus Station in Dubai, benefiting passengers living in Abu Dhabi’s Mussafah region.

Timings & Schedule For Abu Dhabi To Dubai Bus Routes

The bus services from Abu Dhabi to Dubai operate frequently, ensuring travellers can plan trips according to their schedules. Here’s a breakdown of departure frequencies and timings:

E100 (Abu Dhabi Central to Al Ghubaiba, Dubai)

Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes
First Bus: 5:00 AM
Last Bus: 11:30 PM
Main Stops: Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (Starting point), Shahama Village, Samha, Ibn Battuta Metro Station (Transfer point, Dubai), Al Ghubaiba Bus Station (Final stop in Dubai)

E101 (Abu Dhabi Central to Ibn Battuta, Dubai)

Frequency: Every 30-40 minutes
First Bus: 5:00 AM
Last Bus: 11:30 PM
Main Stops: Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (Starting point), Shahama Village, Samha, Ibn Battuta Metro Station (Final stop in Dubai)

E102 (Mussafah to Al Jafiliya, Dubai)

Frequency: Every 60 minutes
First Bus: 6:00 AM
Last Bus: 11:00 PM
Main Stops: Mussafah Shabiya Bus Station (Starting point), Abu Dhabi International, Airport, Shahama Village, Al Samha, Al Rashidiya (near the metro), Al Jafiliya Bus Station (Final stop in Dubai)

These routes are designed to accommodate a wide range of travel schedules, offering both early and late-night options for passengers travelling between the two cities.

Journey Duration For Abu Dhabi To Dubai Bus Routes

The time it takes for a bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai varies slightly depending on the route and traffic conditions. Here’s a general guideline on the journey duration for each route:

E100 (Abu Dhabi to Al Ghubaiba): Approximately 2 hours
E101 (Abu Dhabi to Ibn Battuta): Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
E102 (Mussafah to Al Jafiliya): Approximately 2 hours

All buses are air-conditioned and offer comfortable seating, making the journey between Abu Dhabi and Dubai a pleasant experience.

Cost & Payment Options For Abu Dhabi To Dubai Bus Services

Fare: The standard fare for the bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is AED 25 one-way, making it a budget-friendly choice for regular commuters and visitors alike.
Return Fare: AED 50

Using The nol Card For Payment

For maximum convenience, the nol Card is the recommended payment method on the RTA-operated buses, as it eliminates the need for cash transactions. Here’s how to use it:

The nol Card is a smart card widely used across Dubai’s public transportation network, including the Metro, trams, buses, and water taxis. It allows passengers to pay their fares electronically.
Nol Cards are available at Metro and bus stations, ticket offices, and various retail outlets in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Simply tap the nol Card on the payment terminal when boarding and the fare is automatically deducted. The nol Card is essential for cashless travel across Dubai’s public transit network and is ideal for those commuting regularly between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Advantages Of Taking The Bus From Abu Dhabi To Dubai

Using the bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai offers several advantages:

Cost-Effective: At AED 25 one-way, the bus provides an economical alternative to taxi services.
Convenient Payment: With the nol Card, transactions are easy and cash-free, allowing travelers to quickly board without additional hassle.
Flexible Scheduling: Frequent departure times mean that travellers can choose a schedule that best fits their needs.
Environmentally Friendly: Public transportation helps reduce carbon emissions, supporting eco-friendly travel between the cities.
Comfort and Reliability: Buses are air-conditioned and equipped with comfortable seating, providing a dependable and pleasant travel experience.

Travel Tips For Abu Dhabi To Dubai Bus Passengers

Plan for Peak Times: Traffic can impact travel times, so planning for slight delays during peak hours can help manage expectations.
Ensure Sufficient nol Card Balance: To avoid delays, ensure that your nol Card is topped up with enough balance before travelling.
Carry Light Luggage: Buses have limited storage space, so try to keep luggage minimal.
Stay Informed on Schedules: Although the buses run frequently, checking the latest schedule online ensures you’re up to date with any last-minute changes.

Opting for a bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is a practical, cost-effective, and eco-friendly choice, perfect for regular commuters and tourists alike. With three main routes — E100, E101, and E102 — and the ease of nol Card payments, the bus services between Abu Dhabi and Dubai ensure an accessible and streamlined travel experience for everyone.

How much is Abu Dhabi to Dubai by bus?

The one-way bus fare from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is AED 25. You can pay this fare with a nol Card, which is widely accepted across Dubai’s public transport system.

What is the best way to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?

For affordable and convenient travel, the bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is one of the best options. The E100, E101, and E102 bus routes provide regular service and connect key areas in both cities, offering air-conditioned comfort at a low fare of AED 25.

Is there a free shuttle from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?

No, there isn’t a free shuttle service between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. However, the public buses provide an economical and reliable option, with a one-way fare of AED 25.

Can I pay cash to a bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?

No, cash payments are not accepted on buses between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Instead, you’ll need a nol Card for payment. This stored-value card can be topped up and used for various forms of public transport in Dubai.

How much is a bus ticket from Dubai to Abu Dhabi in AED?

The fare for a bus ticket from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is also AED 25 one-way. Passengers can board the E100, E101, or E102 routes depending on their starting and destination points in Dubai.

How to pay for an Abu Dhabi bus?

Payment on Abu Dhabi-Dubai buses is made through a nol Card, which can be tapped on the card reader when boarding the bus.

How to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai by bus?

To travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai by bus, you can board one of three main routes: E100 (to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station), E101 (to Ibn Battuta Metro Station), or E102 (from Mussafah to Al Jafiliya Bus Station). These buses run frequently and offer a journey duration of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions.

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