Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station – Routes, Fares & Timings Complete Guide

Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station is the capital’s main bus terminal for local and inter-emirate travel. Located in the Al Wahda area on Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street, near Al Wahda Mall, it connects passengers with Abu Dhabi’s public bus network and services to Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah. Local buses use the Hafilat smart card system, while inter-emirate services have separate fares and ticketing arrangements. Route A2 also connects the station with Zayed International Airport Terminal A. For Dubai, the main services are E100, E101, and E102, with current fares listed at AED 25. 

Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station Quick Facts

Abu Dhabi Mobility uses Abu Dhabi Main Bus Station in its inter-emirate service information, while Abu Dhabi Bus Station and Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station are commonly used to describe the same main terminal. Current route documents identify the station as stop 420 on several services.

Where Is Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station?

Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station is in the Al Nahyan/Al Wahda area of Abu Dhabi, along Sultan Bin Zayed Street. It is close to Al Wahda Mall, one of the easiest nearby landmarks for visitors to use when finding the terminal.

The location is particularly convenient for passengers travelling between central Abu Dhabi and other parts of the emirate. Several local bus routes serve the station, while inter-emirate services depart from the main terminal.

For navigation, search for “Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station” or “Abu Dhabi Main Bus Station” rather than relying on an old street description. The official route documents use Abu Dhabi Bus Station as the stop name.

What Services Run From Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station?

The station handles both local public buses and inter-emirate services.

Passengers can use it for journeys within Abu Dhabi and for scheduled connections to other emirates. The most important inter-emirate destinations from the station are Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah.

The station is also connected to Zayed International Airport through route A2, which makes it useful for passengers transferring between the airport and central Abu Dhabi.

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Main services at a glance

• Local Abu Dhabi bus routes
• Regional services within Abu Dhabi Emirate
• E100, E101 and E102 to Dubai
• Routes 117 and 118 to Sharjah
• Scheduled service to Ajman
• Scheduled service to Ras Al Khaimah
• A2 airport connection
• Hafilat card sales and recharge facilities

Exact departure times can change, especially during public holidays. Abu Dhabi Mobility publishes route information and timetables, so passengers should check the current schedule before travelling.

Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station Bus Routes

The routes that matter most to visitors are the inter-emirate services.

Main Inter-Emirate Routes

Abu Dhabi Mobility currently lists E100, E101, and E102 from Abu Dhabi Main Bus Station to Dubai at AED 25. It lists routes 117 and 118 to Sharjah at AED 30, while the current Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah services are AED 35.

For inter-emirate journeys, Abu Dhabi Mobility says tickets can be purchased through the Customer Happiness Offices at the station.

Abu Dhabi to Dubai Bus

The Abu Dhabi–Dubai connection is one of the main reasons passengers use the central bus station.

The current Abu Dhabi Mobility listing includes E100, E101 and E102 for Dubai, with a listed fare of AED 25.

The best route depends on where you want to go in Dubai.

E100 Abu Dhabi to Al Ghubaiba

E100 connects Abu Dhabi with Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Dubai.

RTA’s current intercity information lists E100 between Al Ghubaiba and Abu Dhabi Bus Station.

This route is particularly useful for passengers heading toward Bur Dubai and the older central districts of Dubai.

If you are continuing your journey by Dubai public transport, check the latest RTA information for your onward connection.

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E101 Abu Dhabi to Ibn Battuta

E101 connects Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station with Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai.

RTA currently lists E101 as an intercity route between Ibn Battuta and Abu Dhabi Bus Station.

Ibn Battuta is also connected to Dubai’s wider public transport network, making E101 useful for passengers who need to continue by Metro or another bus service.

E102 Abu Dhabi to Dubai

Abu Dhabi Mobility currently lists E102 among the Dubai services departing from Abu Dhabi Main Bus Station at AED 25.

However, passengers should check the current schedule before travelling. RTA has published temporary changes to E102 and other intercity services during holidays and special operating periods.

This is why an old article should not be used as the final source for a same-day departure time.

Abu Dhabi to Sharjah Bus

Abu Dhabi Mobility currently lists routes 117 and 118 between Abu Dhabi Main Bus Station and Sharjah.

The listed fare is AED 30. Inter-emirate tickets are purchased through the Customer Happiness Offices at the station.

Because these are scheduled inter-emirate services, check the latest timetable before travelling.

If your final destination is in another part of Sharjah, you may need a local connection after arriving.

Abu Dhabi to Ajman Bus

A scheduled service also connects Abu Dhabi Main Bus Station with Ajman.

The current Abu Dhabi Mobility listing gives the fare as AED 35 and shows two daily departures from Abu Dhabi:

These are the times currently published by Abu Dhabi Mobility. They can change, so passengers should confirm the timetable before travelling.

Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah Bus

Passengers can also travel from Abu Dhabi Main Bus Station to Ras Al Khaimah.

The current listed fare is AED 35, with two departures shown:

Abu Dhabi Mobility also lists an Al Ain–Ras Al Khaimah service on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Because the Abu Dhabi departures are limited, check the current timetable before making your journey.

Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Zayed International Airport

One of the most useful connections from the station is A2.

Route A2 connects Abu Dhabi Bus Station with Zayed International Airport Terminal A. The official A2 timetable identifies Abu Dhabi Bus Station as stop 420-A and Zayed International Airport Terminal A as a stop on the same route.

Airport Bus Connection

The official timetable provides separate weekday and weekend schedules. Airport passengers should check the latest timetable before travelling because missing a bus can affect a flight connection.

This also means you should not rely on older information claiming that a taxi is the only direct option between the airport and Abu Dhabi Bus Station.

Abu Dhabi Bus Station Timings

There is no single departure time that applies to every service at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.

Local buses and inter-emirate buses follow their own schedules. Abu Dhabi Mobility publishes route-specific timetables, while Dubai-bound services can also be affected by RTA schedule changes.

For this reason, a fixed statement such as “the station operates 24 hours” should not be treated as a universal bus timetable.

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Customer Service Hours

Abu Dhabi Mobility provides customer service through its Customer Happiness Offices.

For the latest opening information, check Abu Dhabi Mobility before visiting, particularly if you need help with a Hafilat card or an inter-emirate ticket.

Customer service number: 800850.

Hafilat Card at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station

The Hafilat smart card is used to pay for Abu Dhabi public bus services.

Passengers tap the card when boarding and again when getting off. The system calculates the fare based on the journey and deducts it from the card balance.

Hafilat Card Prices

The standard anonymous card is valid for five years, while personalized cards also have a five-year validity period according to the current Hafilat information.

Hafilat cards can be purchased and recharged through sales and recharge machines, bus stations, customer service offices, and other listed locations.

Abu Dhabi Bus Fares

Abu Dhabi’s standard public bus fare depends on the type and distance of the journey.

The current official fare structure is:

AED 2 boarding fee + 5 fils per kilometre, with a maximum fare of AED 5 per journey for trips longer than 60 km.

Standard Public Bus Fares

Abu Dhabi Mobility also allows transfers between public transport services without another AED 2 boarding fee when the transfer conditions are met. The passenger must tap into the connecting bus within 60 minutes of the previous tap-out, and intercity services are excluded from this transfer arrangement.

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Hafilat Transfer Rules

If you change buses during a local journey, the Hafilat card needs to be used correctly.

Abu Dhabi Mobility states that passengers can make up to two transfers using three buses, provided the transfer conditions are met. The next bus must be boarded within 60 minutes of the previous tap-out, and the transfer cannot reverse the direction of travel.

Always tap your card when boarding and alighting. Failing to tap out can cause the system to deduct the full journey amount on the next use.

Senior and People of Determination Hafilat Passes

Abu Dhabi offers personalized Hafilat passes for eligible passengers.

The current official information lists:

The relevant passes provide free unlimited city and regional trips for the year, subject to the applicable eligibility and requirements. The official Hafilat page also lists a free accompanying passenger for these categories.

Passengers applying for personalized passes need the required identification and supporting documents specified by Abu Dhabi Mobility.

Local Bus Routes From Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station

The station serves several local routes.

Official Abu Dhabi Mobility timetables identify Abu Dhabi Bus Station, stop 420-A, on route A2 and other local services.

This makes the terminal useful not only for Dubai or Sharjah journeys but also for moving around central Abu Dhabi and connecting with other parts of the emirate.

For exact route numbers and departure times, use the current Abu Dhabi Mobility timetable rather than relying on a fixed list because routes and schedules can change.

How to Reach Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station

By Local Bus

Several Abu Dhabi bus routes serve the central station.

The best route depends on your starting point. Search for Abu Dhabi Bus Station in the Darbi journey planner or Google Maps and check the current departure before leaving. Abu Dhabi Mobility provides route and timetable information through its public transport resources.

By Taxi

A taxi is convenient if you are carrying heavy luggage or travelling with children.

Tell the driver that you are going to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station or Abu Dhabi Main Bus Station.

By Car

Drivers can reach the terminal through the central Abu Dhabi road network around Sultan Bin Zayed Street.

Parking rules in Abu Dhabi are controlled through the MAWAQiF system. Check the signs around the destination before leaving your vehicle because parking zones and payment rules vary.

From Zayed International Airport

Take A2 toward Abu Dhabi Bus Station.

The official timetable confirms that the route serves both the airport’s Terminal A and Abu Dhabi Bus Station.

Parking Near Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station

Parking around central Abu Dhabi is subject to MAWAQiF regulations.

The applicable parking type and fee depend on the marked zone. Before parking, check the roadside signs and payment requirements.

For a short bus-station visit, allow extra time to find a suitable legal parking space rather than assuming that spaces immediately outside the terminal are free.

If you have heavy luggage, a taxi or drop-off may be easier than searching for parking.

Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Dubai: Which Bus Is Better?

The right bus depends on your destination in Dubai.

Choose E100 if:

• You are going toward Al Ghubaiba.
• Your destination is around Bur Dubai.
• You prefer the E100 route’s Dubai terminal.

Choose E101 if:

• You are going toward Ibn Battuta.
• You need access to the Dubai Metro around Ibn Battuta.
• Your final destination is better served from the south-western side of Dubai.

Check E102 before travelling if:

• Your trip falls on a public holiday.
• You are travelling during a special event.
• You are relying on a specific departure.

RTA has repeatedly issued temporary changes to intercity services during public holidays. In June 2026, for example, RTA advised passengers to use E101 when E100 was temporarily suspended during the Hijri New Year holiday.

How to Check Abu Dhabi Bus Timings

For accurate departure information, follow this process:

1. Find your route number.
2. Check the latest Abu Dhabi Mobility timetable.
3. Check Darbi or Google Maps for the journey.
4. If travelling to Dubai, check RTA as well.
5. Recheck the service if travelling on a public holiday.

This approach is more reliable than copying a departure time from an old travel article.

Abu Dhabi Mobility provides route information through its public transport resources, while RTA publishes temporary changes for Dubai intercity routes when required.

Customer Service at Abu Dhabi Bus Station

If you need assistance with public transport, Abu Dhabi Mobility provides customer service support.

Customer service number: 800850

For Hafilat-related questions, card sales, recharge, and personalized services, passengers can use the relevant Customer Happiness Office or Hafilat service point. Abu Dhabi Mobility also lists bus stations among the locations where Hafilat cards can be purchased or recharged.

If you lose an item during your journey, keep details such as the route number, date, approximate time,e and location ready when reporting the loss.

Is Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station Good for Tourists?

Yes. The station is particularly useful for travellers who want to use public transport rather than taxis for longer journeys.

Its biggest advantage is the number of connections available from one location. You can travel around Abu Dhabi, take an inter-emirate bus to Dubai or Sharjah, or use A2 for the airport connection.

The nearby Al Wahda area also gives passengers access to shops and other everyday facilities.

For first-time visitors, the most important thing is to check the correct route and payment method before boarding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing Hafilat With Nol

Hafilat is Abu Dhabi’s public bus smart-card system. Nol is Dubai’s transport card system.

Do not assume that a Dubai Nol card can replace Hafilat for a normal Abu Dhabi public bus journey.

Using an Old E100 or E102 Timetable

Dubai RTA changes intercity bus operations during some public holidays.

Always check the latest service notice if your trip is time-sensitive.

Choosing the Wrong Dubai Bus

E100 and E101 do not terminate at the same Dubai location.

E100 → Al Ghubaiba

E101 → Ibn Battuta

Check your final destination before choosing the route.

Forgetting to Tap Out

Hafilat passengers need to tap when boarding and alighting.

Failure to tap out can affect fare calculation and transfer eligibility.

Treating Every Bus as an Intercity Service

Local Abu Dhabi buses and inter-emirate buses use different fare and ticketing arrangements.

Local public buses use Hafilat, while Abu Dhabi Mobility lists separate ticketing arrangements for inter-emirate services.

Tips for a Smooth Journey

• Check your route before leaving.
• Keep enough Hafilat balance for local journeys.
• Tap in and tap out on every public bus trip.
• Confirm the Dubai destination before choosing E100 or E101.
• Check RTA notices during public holidays.
• Use A2 when travelling between Abu Dhabi Bus Station and Zayed International Airport Terminal A.
• Arrive early for a less-frequent inter-emirate service.
• Keep your route number and destination ready if you need help from station staff.
• Check parking signs before leaving your car.
• Recheck the timetable on the day of travel.

Final Thoughts

Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station is the main starting point for many local and inter-emirate bus journeys in the capital. It connects passengers with Abu Dhabi’s public transport network and scheduled services to Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah, while A2 provides a direct bus connection with Zayed International Airport Terminal A.

For local travel, keep a Hafilat card ready and tap it when boarding and alighting. For Dubai and other emirates, check the specific route, fare, and current timetable before travelling because intercity services can change during holidays and special operating periods.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station?

Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station is in the Al Nahyan/Al Wahda area on Sultan Bin Zayed Street, near Al Wahda Mall.

What is the official name of Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station?

Abu Dhabi Mobility uses Abu Dhabi Main Bus Station for the terminal in its inter-emirate service information.

How much is the bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?

The current Abu Dhabi Mobility listing gives the fare as AED 25 for E100, E101, and E102.

Which bus goes from Abu Dhabi to Al Ghubaiba?

E100 connects Abu Dhabi Bus Station with Dubai’s Al Ghubaiba Bus Station.

Which bus goes from Abu Dhabi to Ibn Battuta?

E101 connects Abu Dhabi Bus Station with Ibn Battuta Bus Station.

Is there a bus from Abu Dhabi Bus Station to the airport?

Yes. A2 connects Abu Dhabi Bus Station with Zayed International Airport Terminal A.

Do I need a Hafilat card in Abu Dhabi?

You need Hafilat for Abu Dhabi’s regular public bus fare system. The card is tapped when boarding and alighting.

How much is the Abu Dhabi local bus fare?

The Standard Service fare is AED 2 plus 5 fils per kilometre, with a maximum of AED 5 per journey for trips over 60 km.

How much is the Abu Dhabi to Sharjah bus?

The current inter-emirate fare is AED 30 for routes 117 and 118.

How much is the Abu Dhabi to Ajman bus?

The current listed fare is AED 35. Abu Dhabi Mobility currently lists departures at 10:00 AM and 9:30 PM.

How much is the Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah bus?

The current listed fare is AED 35, with departures currently shown at 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM.

Can I travel from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Dubai by bus?

Yes. E100, E101, and E102 are currently listed by Abu Dhabi Mobility as Dubai services from Abu Dhabi Main Bus Station.

How can I check Abu Dhabi bus timings?

Use the current Abu Dhabi Mobility route information and journey-planning tools. For Dubai intercity services, also check RTA because temporary timetable changes can occur.

What is the Abu Dhabi public transport customer service number?

The Abu Dhabi Mobility customer service number is 800850.

Does Abu Dhabi Bus Station have an airport connection?

Yes. Route A2 serves both Abu Dhabi Bus Station and Zayed International Airport Terminal A.

Can I use Nol instead of Hafilat?

Do not assume that a Nol card can be used for Abu Dhabi’s normal public bus fare system. Abu Dhabi uses the Hafilat smart-card system.

Does Hafilat support transfers?

Yes. Abu Dhabi Mobility allows qualifying transfers between public transport services when the passenger follows the stated transfer conditions, including the 60-minute transfer window. Intercity services are excluded.