Are you planning a road trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi? Thinking how to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by bus? Here’s a comprehensive guide for the different ways of traveling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.  

While it is suggested for first-time travelers to plan the trip with a leading travel agency in UAE, to enhance the travel experience by 10x. 

Confused which route will suit best for your Dubai to Abu Dhabi Tour Package? While the two UAE cities are well-connected by E11 road or the Dubai Abu Dhabi Highway. The road goes straight and slightly parallel to the coastline. 

Road journeys are fun and budget friendly,  

Dubai to Abu Dhabi by Bus 



Despite the different ways, traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by bus is the most convenient way.  

• Bus routes: E100, E101, and E102 connect Dubai’s Al Ghubaiba, Ibn Battuta, and Al Jafiliya bus stations to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station or Mussafah/Abu Dhabi Airport. 
• Travel time: RTA direct buses take 1.5–2.5 hours to reach Abu Dhabi, depending on the real-time traffic. 
• Fare: Buses charge only AED 25–35, making it the most budget-friendly option to travel the distance.  

Main Bus Departure Points in Dubai: Dubai has three main RTA direct or indirect bus departure points Al Ghubaiba, Ibn Battuta, and Al Jafiliya. 

• Al Ghubaiba – Located in the Bur Dubai area near Dubai Creek, so it is convenient for Emiratis residing in Old Dubai. 
• Ibn Battuta – Located in New Dubai areas like Jebel Ali, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Palm Jumeirah, and Al Barsha. 

Both stations are easily accessible via the well-linked Dubai Metro. 

Al Jafiliya – Located near Zabeel Park and Dubai Frame, this departure spot is perfect for those residing near Max Metro Station. 

Dubai to Abu Dhabi Bus Routes & Stations 

Thinking about how to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by bus? With three different routes connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi by bus, the two main intercity routes are especially operated by RTA Dubai. 

Popular mid-way bus pickup points in Dubai to Abu Dhabi Bus route are: 

Samha – A quick highway short-halt stop for passenger pickup/drop-off. There’s nothing to explore around, but if you are staying nearby Samha, then choose it as your pickup point. 

Shahama Village – Shahama Village lies on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi; the stop is more developed and closer to residential areas for locals commuting daily. 

Dubai to Abu Dhabi Bus Timings 

The Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus timing is very frequent, and services run from early morning to early hours.  

• Bus operating hours – 4:20 to 12:30 AM 
• Frequency – Every 20 to 30 mins for E100 and E101 
• Best options – E100 & E101 for most travelers 
• Travel duration – 1.5 to 2 hours  
• Dubai to Abu Dhabi Bus Fare – Dh 25 

There are fewer options for late-night journeys, and early morning/evening hours are highly active when frequent buses are crowded.  

For E100 Service Route: The first service is available from Monday to Friday at 4:20 am. While the last bus leaves around 11:50 pm. After the first bus leaves, you can get a Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus every 25 to 30 minutes. 

The first service is 4:20 am and last is 12:15 am on Saturdays and Sundays. The duration of Dubai to Abu Dhabi road journey by bus is around 2 hours. 

For E101 Service Route: The first service from Sunday to Wednesday starts at 5:00 am, while the last bus leaves at 10:00 pm.  

The first service leaves at 5:00 am with the last bus at 11:15 pm on Thursdays 

The first one is at 6:00 am, while the last one is at 11:15 pm on Fridays 

The bus is not operational, so plan wisely on Saturdays 

The distance is around 1 hour to 45 minutes, and buses depart every 30 minutes.  

For E102 Service Route: The first service from Monday to Sundays begins at 6:20 am while the last one is 12:40 pm. 

The journey is approximately 1.5 hours.  

Times between buses vary, so ensure you check the schedule on the RTA Site. 

Timings will vary during Ramadan and special public holidays. 

How Much from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by Bus? 

The direct Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus fare 2026 is Dh 25 one way and applies to all major routes like E100 and E101. 

The bus journey from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is one of the most affordable transportation options in the UAE. 

Payments can easily be processed using a Nol card. Just tap in before boarding buses.
  
Dubai Airport to Abu Dhabi by Bus 

Are you reaching Dubai by air and further planning to travel to Abu Dhabi by bus? Here’s the easiest way of traveling from Dubai Airport to Abu Dhabi by bus: 

DXB to Ibn Battuta Metro Station (for E101 service) 

• Take the Red line metro directly to Ibn Battuta metro station 
• Duration is just 45 to 60 minutes 
• From the Ibn metro station, you can board the bus from E101 to Abu Dhabi 

Optional: Take a direct taxi from DXB to Ibn Battuta and cover the distance in just 30 to 40 mins. 

DXB to Al Ghubaiba Metro Station (for E100 service) 

• First, take the red Line metro, then go by the green line and get off at Al Ghubaiba Metro Station 
• Travel duration is just 20 to 30 minutes 
• From Al Ghubaiba Metro Station take a walk to the bus stand and board E100 

Optional: Take a direct cab from DXB to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, which takes around 20 to 30 minutes. 

How to Travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai by Bus? 

Thinking about how to go from Abu Dhabi to Dubai by bus? Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to travel from Abu Dhabi: 

• Head to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, a primary departure point for buses to Dubai. 
• Choose the suitable route according to your location, either E100 (Al Ghubaiba Bus Station Old Dubai) or E101 (Ibn Battuta Bus Station New Dubai)  
• Use the Nol Card to pay the Abu Dhabi to Dubai bus fare AED 25 (one way). Tap before boarding the bus. 

Abu Dhabi to Dubai bus timing is 1.5 to 2 hours and is available every 20 to 30 minutes. No reservations are needed, just queue and board. 

Tips for Tourists Traveling by Bus from Dubai 



Who doesn’t like making the travel hustle easier? So, here it is. Check out a few smart tips to make your journey smoother and relaxed: 

Payments: The bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi price is at least AED 25, so keep your Nol card with enough balance. Cash is not acceptable on intercity buses. 

Timings: When looking for the Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus schedule today, it is best to avoid the peak hours (7 to 10 AM & 5 to 8 PM). Get more comfortable seats in the early morning or late evening buses. 

Nearest Pickup Points: If you are in Marina or JLT choose Ibn Battuta Bus station and for Bur Dubai or Deira, Al Ghubaiba Bus Station is the nearest one. 

Essentials: Carry water bottle & light snacks for non-stop Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus. Also keep your phone, charger, and headphones handy. 

Dress comfortably: Air-conditioning can be strong on the bus, so carry a light jacket. Wear modest clothes for public transportation. 

Suitable Drop Point: Final stop for Dubai Abu Dhabi By Bus journey is Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.  

Conclusion 

Planning a weekend getaway from Dubai to Abu Dhabi? Do you want to make the trip budget-friendly? If yes, then there’s no better way to travel the distance than the frequent bus services like 100 and 101. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a regular commute between the cities, buses are the most comfortable and reliable way to explore the UAE without breaking the bank. 

For travelers looking to enhance their UAE experience, Dubai Tour Packages can help combine convenient transportation with carefully planned sightseeing and activities.