Abu Dhabi to Dubai Bus: Complete Guide 2026 (Routes, Timings & Tickets)

🚌 Route E100: Abu Dhabi ↔ Al Ghubaiba (Most Popular)

Best for: Travelers to Old Dubai, Bur Dubai, Deira areas

🛑 Key Stops (Abu Dhabi → Dubai):

1. Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
2. Samha, Abu Dhabi
3. Max Metro Station Landside 2
4. Department of Ports and Customs
5. Al Ghubaiba Bus Station (Dubai)

🛑 Key Stops (Dubai → Abu Dhabi):

1. Al Ghubaiba Bus Station
2. Samha, Abu Dhabi
3. Al Quloub Street/Slaughter House
4. 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 (Express Route)

Best for: Travelers to Ibn Battuta Mall, Jebel Ali, Dubai Marina areas

🛑 Key Stops (Abu Dhabi → Dubai):

1. Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
2. Samha, Abu Dhabi
3. Ibn Battuta Metro Station

🛑 Key Stops (Dubai → Abu Dhabi):

1. Al Ghubaiba Bus Station
2. Samha, Abu Dhabi
3. Al Quloub Street/Slaughter House
4. Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station

✅ Why Choose E101: Fastest route (1.5 hours), 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/Abu Dhabi Airport

Best for: Travelers to Mussafah industrial area, Abu Dhabi Airport

✅ Why Choose E102: Direct access to Mussafah industrial zone, Abu Dhabi Airport connectivity, serves workers and airport travelers.

🚌 Route CX01: Al Quoz ↔ MBZ City (RTA x Capital Express)

Best for: Travelers to Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Al Quoz industrial area

⚠️ Note: Limited frequency (4 trips daily). Plan ahead and book in advance. Ideal for specific commute times.

💡 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/Airport? → E102 from Al Jafiliya
• 🏗️ Going to MBZ City/Al Quoz? → CX01 (limited schedule)
• ⏰ Need 24/7 service? → E100 (only route operating all night)

🌐 Option 1: Online Booking (Recommended)

Website: bustickets.rta.ae

Steps to Book Online:

1. Visit RTA Bus Tickets Portal
2. Select your route (E100, E101, E102, or CX01)
3. Choose travel date and time
4. Select number of passengers
5. Choose your seat (if available)
6. Enter passenger details
7. Pay online (Credit/Debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay)
8. Receive e-ticket via email and SMS
9. 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 Bus Station

Ticket Counters Available At:

• 📍 Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
• 📍 Al Ghubaiba Bus Station
• 📍 Ibn Battuta Bus Station
• 📍 Al Jafiliya Bus Station

Payment Methods:

• 💳 Cash (AED)
• 💳 Credit/Debit cards
• 💳 Nol Card (at Dubai stations)
• 💳 Hafilat Card (at Abu Dhabi stations)

⚠️ Note: During peak hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) and weekends, ticket counters can be crowded. Online booking is recommended to save time.

💳 Using Nol Card & Hafilat Card

Can I use my Nol Card or Hafilat Card?

Yes! You can use your Nol Card (Dubai) or Hafilat Card (Abu Dhabi) to pay for intercity bus tickets at station counters. However, you cannot tap on/off like local buses—you must purchase a ticket first.

How it works:

1. Go to ticket counter at bus station
2. Request ticket for your route (E100/E101/E102/CX01)
3. Pay AED 25 using your Nol/Hafilat Card
4. Receive printed ticket
5. Board bus with ticket (no tapping required)

💡 Tip: Ensure your Nol/Hafilat Card has at least AED 30 balance (AED 25 fare + buffer). Top up at station kiosks if needed.

💵 Standard Fares

💰 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)

🕐 E100 Schedule (24/7 Service)

✅ Best for: Late night/early morning travelers, 24/7 availability, most reliable schedule.

🕐 E101 Schedule (Daily Service)

✅ Best for: Fastest route, extended evening service until 2 AM, frequent departures.

🕐 CX01 Schedule (Limited Service)

⚠️ Important: Only 4 trips daily. Book in advance and arrive 15 minutes early. Missing your bus means waiting 3 hours!

Q1: How much is the bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?

A: AED 25 one way for all routes (E100, E101, E102, CX01). Round trip costs AED 50.

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. Journey time varies by route and traffic.

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: Which bus station in Dubai for Abu Dhabi buses?

A: Al Ghubaiba Bus Station (E100), Ibn Battuta Bus Station (E101), Al Jafiliya Bus Station (E102), Al Quoz Bus Station (CX01).

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: 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.

Q7: Can I bring luggage on the bus?

A: Yes, you can bring luggage. Each passenger is allowed 2 bags (1 carry-on + 1 checked). Large luggage goes in the storage compartment under the bus.

Q8: 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.

Q9: 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.

Q10: 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.