Abu Dhabi to Dubai Bus: Timings, Fare & E100/E101 Routes (2026)
Before you travel: This is an independent planning guide. Fares, schedules, stops and operating conditions can change, so confirm time-sensitive details with the relevant official operator before departure.
Abu Dhabi to Dubai Bus: Complete Guide 2026
Routes, Timings, Tickets & Everything You Need to Know
Editorial review: 17 October 2026 | ✅ Official RTA Routes | Online Booking Available | E100, E101, E102 & CX01
✅ Your Complete Intercity Bus Resource: Traveling between Abu Dhabi and Dubai by bus is the most affordable and convenient option for daily commuters, tourists, and residents. If your Dubai day is mostly sightseeing, check the Dubai hop-on hop-off bus vs RTA comparison after choosing your intercity bus route. Flying in first? See our Dubai tourist visa updates 2026 guide. This comprehensive guide covers 4 main routes (E100, E101, E102, CX01), timings and frequencies, ticket prices (AED 25), online booking process, bus stations, journey duration, airport connections, and expert travel tips.
Abu Dhabi to Dubai Bus Quick Reference
| Ticket Price: | AED 25 (one way) — all routes |
| Journey Time: | 1.5 – 2.5 hours (depending on route and traffic) |
| Main Routes: | E100, E101, E102, CX01 |
| Frequency: | Every 20–30 minutes (E100/E101), every 30–60 min (E102), every 3 hours (CX01) |
| Abu Dhabi Station: | Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station |
| Dubai Stations: | Al Ghubaiba, Ibn Battuta, Al Jafiliya, Al Quoz |
| Online Booking: | bustickets.rta.ae |
| Payment: | Nol Card for intercity tickets (buy at counter or online — no tap on/off) |
| Operators: | RTA Dubai, ITC Abu Dhabi, Capital Express |
Complete Route Guide: Abu Dhabi ↔ Dubai
All intercity bus routes with detailed information. Editorial review: October 2026.
Route E100: Abu Dhabi ↔ Al Ghubaiba (Most Popular)
Best for: Travelers to Old Dubai, Bur Dubai, Deira areas
| From Abu Dhabi: | Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station |
| To Dubai: | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station |
| Journey Time: | 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Frequency: | Every 20–30 minutes |
| First Bus: | 12:30 AM (from Abu Dhabi) |
| Last Bus: | 11:39 PM (from Abu Dhabi) |
| Fare: | AED 25 (one way) |
| Operating: | 24/7 service, 7 days a week |
Key Stops (Abu Dhabi → Dubai):
- Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
- Samha, Abu Dhabi
- Max Metro Station Landside 2
- Department of Ports and Customs
- Al Ghubaiba Bus Station (Dubai)
Key Stops (Dubai → Abu Dhabi):
- Al Ghubaiba Bus Station
- Samha, Abu Dhabi
- Al Quloub Street / Slaughter House
- Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
✅ Why Choose E100: Most frequent service, 24/7 availability, connects to Dubai Metro at Al Ghubaiba, perfect for Old Dubai access, reliable schedule.
Route E101: Abu Dhabi ↔ Ibn Battuta (Fastest)
Best for: Travelers to Ibn Battuta Mall, Jebel Ali, Dubai Marina, JBR areas
| From Abu Dhabi: | Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station |
| To Dubai: | Ibn Battuta Bus Station |
| Journey Time: | 1 hour 30 minutes – 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Frequency: | Every 20–30 minutes |
| First Bus: | 4:30 AM (from Abu Dhabi) |
| Last Bus: | 2:00 AM (from Abu Dhabi) |
| Fare: | AED 25 (one way) |
| Operating: | Daily, 7 days a week |
Key Stops (Abu Dhabi → Dubai):
- Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
- Samha, Abu Dhabi
- Ibn Battuta Metro Station
Key Stops (Dubai → Abu Dhabi):
- Ibn Battuta Bus Station
- Samha, Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
✅ Why Choose E101: Fastest route (~1.5 hours — Ibn Battuta sits at the Abu Dhabi end of Dubai, so it skips most Dubai traffic), connects to Dubai Metro Red Line at Ibn Battuta, access to Ibn Battuta Mall, fewer stops, ideal for western Dubai.
Route E102: Al Jafiliya ↔ Mussafah / Zayed International Airport
Best for: Travelers to Mussafah industrial area and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport
| From Dubai: | Al Jafiliya Bus Station |
| To Abu Dhabi: | Mussafah Shabiya Bus Station via Zayed International Airport (Terminal A) |
| Journey Time: | ~2 hours |
| Frequency: | Every 30–60 minutes |
| Fare: | AED 25 (one way) |
| Operating: | Daily, 7 days a week |
Key Stops: Al Jafiliya Bus Station → Ibn Battuta Bus Station → Zayed International Airport (Terminal A) → Mussafah stations → Mussafah Shabiya Bus Station
✅ Why Choose E102: The only RTA intercity route that goes directly to the airport terminal — no transfer needed. Serves Mussafah industrial zone workers and airport travelers.
Route CX01: Al Quoz ↔ MBZ City (RTA × Capital Express, Non-Stop)
Best for: Travelers to Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Al Quoz industrial area
| From Dubai: | Al Quoz Bus Station |
| To Abu Dhabi: | MBZ City Bus Station |
| Journey Time: | ~1.5 hours (non-stop) |
| Frequency: | Every 3 hours |
| Daily Trips: | 4 trips: 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM |
| Fare: | AED 25 (one way) |
| Operator: | RTA × Capital Express Partnership |
Note: Limited frequency (4 trips daily). Plan ahead and book in advance — missing your bus means waiting 3 hours.
Which Route Should You Choose?
- ✅ Going to Old Dubai / Deira? → E100 to Al Ghubaiba
- ✅ Going to Dubai Marina / JBR? → E101 to Ibn Battuta (fastest!)
- ✅ Going to Mussafah / Zayed International Airport? → E102 from Al Jafiliya
- ✅ Going to MBZ City / Al Quoz? → CX01 (limited schedule)
- ✅ Need 24/7 service? → E100 (only route operating all night)
Dubai → Abu Dhabi: The Return Direction at a Glance
All four routes run in both directions on the same corridors. Dubai-side boarding points:
| Route | Board in Dubai at | Arrive in Abu Dhabi at | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| E100 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station | ~2h 20m |
| E101 | Ibn Battuta Bus Station | Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station | ~1h 40m |
| E102 | Al Jafiliya Bus Station | Mussafah Shabiya / Zayed Intl Airport | ~2h |
| CX01 | Al Quoz Bus Station | MBZ City Bus Station | ~1h 30m |
Tip: From Dubai, E101 is the fastest option because Ibn Battuta is at the Abu Dhabi end of the city — you skip most of Dubai’s traffic.
Station Mini-Guides
Al Ghubaiba Bus Station (Dubai): Bur Dubai, near Dubai Creek. Metro: Al Ghubaiba station (Green Line), 5-minute walk. Nearby: Al Fahidi Historical District, Gold Souk (via abra). E100 departs from here.
Ibn Battuta Bus Station (Dubai): Next to Ibn Battuta Mall and Metro (Red Line). E101 departs from here; E102 passes through. Best hub for Marina/JBR/JLT travelers.
Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (Al Wahda): Central Abu Dhabi, next to Al Wahda Mall. All E100/E101 trips start/end here. Buy your Hafilat card here for Abu Dhabi city buses — Nol is not accepted on local Abu Dhabi buses.
Al Jafiliya Bus Station (Dubai): Near Satwa. E102 departs from here toward Mussafah and the airport.
Al Quoz Bus Station (Dubai): Industrial area. CX01 non-stop departs from here (4 trips/day).
Airport Connections
Zayed International Airport (Abu Dhabi) ↔ Dubai:
- E102 — stops directly at Zayed International Airport Terminal A (AED 25, via Ibn Battuta and Al Jafiliya).
- AUH Express shuttle — dedicated airport shuttle between Zayed International Airport and Ibn Battuta Bus Station, AED 35, running hourly, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Fastest public option for airport transfers (~1h 15m).
- Free airline shuttles — Emirates and Etihad operate free pre-booked coach shuttles between the airports for their own passengers (Emirates requires seat reservation at least 48 hours before travel).
- E101 + transfer — E101 to Abu Dhabi Central, then local bus/taxi to the airport (~20–30 min).
For international flights, leave Dubai at least 4–5 hours before departure to absorb bus transfers and traffic.
Bus vs Taxi vs Car: Cost and Time
| Option | Cost (one way) | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intercity bus (E100/E101/E102/CX01) | AED 25 | 1.5–2.5 hrs | Solo travelers, commuters, budget trips |
| AUH Express (airport shuttle) | AED 35 | ~1h 15m | Airport transfers |
| Taxi / Uber / Careem | AED 250–320 | 1.5–2 hrs | 3+ passengers, families with luggage, tight schedules |
| Private car (fuel + tolls) | AED 60–100 | 1.5 hrs | Groups, flexibility |
Rule of thumb: bus is ~90% cheaper than a taxi. A taxi only beats the bus on value with 3+ passengers sharing the fare.
Nol vs Hafilat: The One Rule to Remember
For the intercity bus itself, you only need a Nol card — buy your AED 25 ticket at the station counter or online at bustickets.rta.ae. You do not tap on/off; you board with a printed ticket or QR code.
Once you arrive: Nol cards are not accepted on Abu Dhabi’s local city buses — buy a Hafilat card at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (AED 10 for the card, valid 5 years) if you need local buses there. In Dubai, your Nol card works on metro, tram, and RTA buses.
How to Book Abu Dhabi ↔ Dubai Bus Tickets
Online and offline booking options. Editorial review: October 2026.
Option 1: Online Booking (Recommended)
Website: bustickets.rta.ae
Steps to Book Online:
- Visit the RTA Bus Tickets Portal
- Select your route (E100, E101, E102, or CX01)
- Choose travel date and time
- Select number of passengers
- Choose your seat (if available)
- Enter passenger details
- Pay online (Credit/Debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay)
- Receive e-ticket via email and SMS
- Show QR code at boarding
Online Booking Benefits: Guaranteed seat reservation · Skip ticket counter queues · Dedicated fast-track boarding lane · Exclusive seating area at stations · Easy cancellation/modification · Digital ticket (no paper needed) · Book up to 30 days in advance
Option 2: Buy at the Station Counter
Request your route at the counter and pay AED 25 with your Nol/Hafilat card (ensure at least AED 30 balance). Receive a printed ticket and board — no tapping required. Arrive 45–60 minutes early if buying at the counter.
Abu Dhabi to Dubai Bus Fare & Pricing
Transparent pricing for all routes. Editorial review: October 2026.
Standard Fares
| Route | One Way | Round Trip | Monthly (40 trips) |
|---|---|---|---|
| E100 (Abu Dhabi ↔ Al Ghubaiba) | AED 25 | AED 50 | AED 1,000 |
| E101 (Abu Dhabi ↔ Ibn Battuta) | AED 25 | AED 50 | AED 1,000 |
| E102 (Al Jafiliya ↔ Mussafah/Airport) | AED 25 | AED 50 | AED 1,000 |
| CX01 (Al Quoz ↔ MBZ City) | AED 25 | AED 50 | AED 1,000 |
Cost Comparison: Bus (AED 25) vs. Taxi (AED 250–300) = 90% savings! For daily commuters, bus saves AED 450/week or AED 1,800/month.
Special Fares & Discounts
- Children under 5: FREE (must sit on parent’s lap)
- Students: No special discount (standard AED 25)
- Seniors (60+): No special discount (standard AED 25)
- People of Determination: Standard fare applies
- Group bookings (10+): Contact RTA for corporate rates
- Monthly passes: Not available (pay per trip)
Complete Timetable & Schedule
Plan your journey. Exact departure times vary by day — always confirm on bustickets.rta.ae or the RTA app before travel. Editorial review: October 2026.
E100 Schedule (24/7 Service)
| Time Period | Frequency | First Bus | Last Bus |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Day | Every 20–30 min | 12:30 AM | 11:39 PM |
Best for: Late night/early morning travelers, 24/7 availability, most reliable schedule.
E101 Schedule (Daily Service)
| Time Period | Frequency | First Bus | Last Bus |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Day | Every 20–30 min | 4:30 AM | 2:00 AM |
Best for: Fastest route, extended evening service until 2 AM, frequent departures.
E102 Schedule
Every 30–60 minutes, daily. Confirm current first/last departures on the RTA portal — this route’s airport timings shift with flight schedules.
CX01 Schedule (Limited Service)
| Departure Time | From Al Quoz | From MBZ City |
|---|---|---|
| Trip 1 | 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM |
| Trip 2 | 11:00 AM | 12:30 PM |
| Trip 3 | 2:00 PM | 3:30 PM |
| Trip 4 | 5:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
Important: Only 4 trips daily. Book in advance and arrive 15 minutes early. Missing your bus means waiting 3 hours!
Abu Dhabi ↔ Dubai Bus FAQs
Q1: How much is the bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?
A: AED 25 one way for all RTA intercity routes (E100, E101, E102, CX01). Round trip costs AED 50. The AUH Express airport shuttle costs AED 35.
Q2: How long does the bus take from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?
A: E101 (fastest): ~1.5 hours | E100: 2 hours 20 minutes | E102: ~2 hours | CX01: ~1.5 hours (non-stop). Journey time varies by route and traffic — add 30 minutes during peak hours.
Q3: Can I book Abu Dhabi to Dubai bus tickets online?
A: Yes! Visit bustickets.rta.ae to book tickets online. Benefits include guaranteed seats, fast-track boarding, and digital tickets.
Q4: Do I need to book in advance, or can I just show up?
A: For E100/E101 you can just show up — they run every 20–30 minutes and tickets are sold at the counter. For CX01 (4 trips/day) and peak-hour travel (7–9 AM, 5–8 PM), book online at bustickets.rta.ae to guarantee a seat.
Q5: Can I use Nol Card for Abu Dhabi to Dubai bus?
A: Yes, you can use Nol Card or Hafilat Card to pay for tickets at station counters, but you cannot tap on/off. You must purchase a ticket first.
Q6: Can I pay cash for the intercity bus?
A: At station counters, cash is generally accepted for ticket purchase. Onboard, payment is by pre-purchased ticket only — board with your ticket or QR code ready. The CX01 (RTA × Capital Express) accepts Nol cards, bank cards, and cash.
Q7: Are Abu Dhabi to Dubai buses comfortable?
A: Yes! All intercity buses feature air-conditioning, comfortable reclining seats, luggage storage, wheelchair accessibility, and onboard restrooms.
Q8: Can I bring luggage on the bus?
A: Yes. Each passenger is allowed 2 bags (1 carry-on + 1 checked). Large luggage goes in the storage compartment under the bus. Pack light for easier boarding.
Q9: Is there WiFi on Abu Dhabi to Dubai buses?
A: WiFi availability varies by bus. Some newer buses have free WiFi, but it’s not guaranteed on all routes. Bring mobile data as backup.
Q10: What time should I arrive at the bus station?
A: Arrive 30 minutes before departure if you have a ticket, or 45–60 minutes if buying at the counter. During peak hours, arrive even earlier.
Q11: Can I cancel or change my bus ticket?
A: Yes, online tickets can be cancelled or modified through the RTA portal. Cancellation fees may apply. Check RTA’s refund policy for details.
Q12: Which bus goes to Dubai Airport (DXB)?
A: From Abu Dhabi, take E100 to Al Ghubaiba, then the Dubai Metro (Green Line) or a taxi to DXB (~30–40 min). There is no direct RTA bus from Abu Dhabi to DXB. From Zayed International Airport (Abu Dhabi), the E102 and AUH Express go toward Dubai (Ibn Battuta).
Q13: Is there a non-stop bus between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
A: Yes — the CX01 (RTA × Capital Express) runs non-stop between Al Quoz Bus Station (Dubai) and MBZ City Bus Station (Abu Dhabi), 4 trips daily, AED 25.
Expert Travel Tips
Maximize Your Bus Journey
- Book online: Save time, get guaranteed seats, use fast-track boarding
- ✅ Avoid peak hours: Travel off-peak (10 AM–4 PM) for less crowded buses
- Choose E101 for speed: Fastest route at ~1.5 hours vs. E100’s 2h 20m
- E100 for flexibility: 24/7 service, most frequent departures
- Download RTA app: Track buses, manage bookings, get updates
- Select seats online: Window seats for views, aisle for legroom
- Pack light: Easier boarding, less hassle with luggage
- Bring a light jacket: Buses can be very cold (AC on full blast)
- Charge devices: Some buses have USB ports, but not all
- Bring snacks/water: No food sold on board
- Know your station: Al Ghubaiba for Old Dubai, Ibn Battuta for Marina
- Plan metro connections: Both Al Ghubaiba and Ibn Battuta connect to Dubai Metro
- Save 90% vs. taxi: Bus AED 25 vs. Taxi AED 250–300
- Keep ticket safe: You’ll need it for boarding and may be checked during journey
- Allow buffer time: Traffic can delay buses by 15–30 minutes during peak hours
Official Contact & Support
RTA Dubai
Hotline: 800 9090 (24/7)
Email: PublicTransport@rta.ae
Website: rta.ae
ITC Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi Mobility)
Hotline: 800 90 90 (toll-free)
App: Darbi (live tracking, journey planning)
Booking Portal
Online: bustickets.rta.ae
App: RTA Dubai (iOS/Android)
Payment: Cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay
Content Verification
Last Verified: 17 October 2026 | Sources: RTA Dubai official documentation and booking portal (bustickets.rta.ae), Abu Dhabi Government portal (adro.gov.ae — confirms E100 Al Ghubaiba ↔ Abu Dhabi Central and E101 Ibn Battuta ↔ Abu Dhabi Central), ITC Abu Dhabi hotline 800 90 90, The National (fares AED 25, durations, AUH Express AED 35 hourly 24/7). Fares and route numbers re-checked 17 October 2026; exact first/last departure times vary by day and season — confirm on bustickets.rta.ae or the RTA app before travel.
Sources and limitations
Use this page as a planning guide, not as an official timetable. Route information, fares, schedules, and operating conditions may change. Check the relevant operator before travel. See our Editorial and Data Policy, Disclaimer, and Corrections and Data Updates page.
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Continuing Your Journey in Dubai
The bus gets you to Dubai — these reader favourites cover the rest of the trip:
- Airport transfers: arriving or departing through DXB? Book a private Dubai airport transfer instead of negotiating at the rank.
- Things to do: Dubai tours, attractions and activities — Burj Khalifa tickets, desert safaris, marina cruises and more, bookable in advance.
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