Traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by bus is one of the most affordable and convenient ways to move between the UAE’s two biggest cities. Every day, thousands of tourists, office workers, students, and residents use intercity buses to travel comfortably without the stress of driving.
Dubai has multiple bus stations that offer direct routes to Abu Dhabi, with regular departures throughout the day. The most popular departure points are Al Ghubaiba Bus Station and Ibn Battuta Bus Station, both operated by the Roads and Transport Authority.
Whether you are planning a weekend trip, a daily office commute, or your first visit to the UAE capital, this guide explains everything you need to know about traveling from Dubai bus stations to Abu Dhabi.
Dubai Bus Station Overview
Dubai’s intercity bus network is well-developed and easy to use. The main stations for Abu Dhabi travel are:
- Al Ghubaiba Bus Station
- Ibn Battuta Bus Station
Both stations offer direct bus services to:
- Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
These routes are popular because they are:
- Budget-friendly
- Comfortable
- Reliable
- Connected to Dubai Metro
- Suitable for tourists and daily commuters
Exact Location and Nearby Landmarks
Al Ghubaiba Bus Station Location
Located in Bur Dubai near Dubai Creek.
Nearby landmarks:
- Al Fahidi Historical District
- Meena Bazaar
- Dubai Creek
- Al Seef
- BurJuman area
Ibn Battuta Bus Station Location
Located in Jebel Ali near Sheikh Zayed Road.
Nearby landmarks:
- Ibn Battuta Mall
- Discovery Gardens
- Jebel Ali Village
- Dubai Marina area
Both stations are situated in busy and well-connected parts of Dubai.
Nearest Metro Station
Dubai’s metro connectivity makes bus travel to Abu Dhabi very convenient.
Nearest metro stations:
For Al Ghubaiba Bus Station
- Dubai Metro Al Ghubaiba Metro Station (Green Line)
For Ibn Battuta Bus Station
- Dubai Metro Ibn Battuta Metro Station (Red Line)
Passengers can easily switch from metro to bus within a short walking distance.
Available Bus Routes from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Dubai offers two major intercity bus routes to Abu Dhabi.
E100 Bus Route
Route:
- Al Ghubaiba Bus Station → Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
Best For:
- Travelers staying in Bur Dubai
- Tourists visiting old Dubai
- Budget commuters
Approximate Travel Time:
- Around 2 to 2.5 hours
E101 Bus Route
Route:
- Ibn Battuta Bus Station → Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
Best For:
- Dubai Marina residents
- Jebel Ali commuters
- Travelers looking for a slightly faster route
Approximate Travel Time:
- Around 1.5 to 2 hours
Bus Timings
Both E100 and E101 buses operate daily, including weekends and public holidays.
General Operating Hours
- First buses usually start around 4:00 AM to 4:30 AM
- Last departures are generally close to midnight
Bus Frequency
- Every 15 to 30 minutes depending on time and route
Peak Travel Hours
The busiest timings are:
- Morning office commute
- Friday evenings
- Sunday return traffic
- Public holidays
Travelers are advised to arrive early during busy periods.
Ticket Price and Fare Details
Bus travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is considered one of the cheapest transport options in the UAE.
Approximate Fare
| Route | Fare |
| Dubai to Abu Dhabi (E100/E101) | Around AED 25 |
Payment Methods
Passengers can usually pay using:
- Nol Card
- Ticket vending machines
- Recharge counters
Keeping enough balance on your Nol card helps avoid delays.
Bus Station Contact Number
For transport-related inquiries, passengers can contact:
Dubai RTA Customer Service
- 800 9090
Passengers can ask about:
- Route schedules
- Fare updates
- Lost and found
- Nol card support
- Public transport information
Facilities Available at Dubai Bus Stations
Both Al Ghubaiba and Ibn Battuta stations offer useful facilities for travelers.
Available amenities include:
- Air-conditioned waiting areas
- Comfortable seating
- Ticket vending machines
- Nol card recharge machines
- Public washrooms
- Grocery shops
- Snack counters
- ATM machines
- Information screens
- Nearby restaurants and cafes
The stations are generally clean, organized, and beginner-friendly.
Parking and Taxi Availability
Taxi Services
Passengers can easily find:
- Dubai Taxi
- Careem
- Uber
Taxi pickup areas are available near both stations.
Parking Availability
- Paid parking zones nearby
- Mall parking near Ibn Battuta
- Public parking around Bur Dubai
Parking may become crowded during weekends and office hours.
Nearby Hotels, Restaurants, and Shopping Areas
Near Al Ghubaiba Bus Station
Hotels
- Arabian Courtyard Hotel
- Four Points by Sheraton
- Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel
Shopping Areas
- Meena Bazaar
- Al Seef
- BurJuman
Restaurants
- Indian restaurants
- Arabic cafes
- Pakistani food outlets
- Fast-food chains
Near Ibn Battuta Bus Station
Hotels
- Premier Inn Ibn Battuta
- Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel
- Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai Hotel
Shopping Areas
- Ibn Battuta Mall
Restaurants
- International food chains
- Cafes
- Budget dining options
- Family restaurants
How to Reach Dubai Bus Stations
By Metro
The easiest and most affordable option.
By Taxi
Available from all major areas of Dubai.
By Public Bus
Several RTA buses connect directly to both stations.
By Car
Drivers can use Sheikh Zayed Road or Bur Dubai routes depending on the station.
Useful Travel Tips
- Recharge your Nol card before arrival
- Avoid peak office timings if possible
- Carry water during summer
- Arrive early during weekends and holidays
- Keep luggage minimal during rush hours
- Use Google Maps or RTA apps for live updates
FAQs
Which bus goes from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
The E100 and E101 buses are the main intercity routes.
Which station is better: Al Ghubaiba or Ibn Battuta?
- Al Ghubaiba is better for Bur Dubai travelers
- Ibn Battuta is better for Marina and Jebel Ali areas
How much is the Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus fare?
The fare is usually around AED 25.
How long does the bus journey take?
The journey typically takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours depending on traffic and route.
Are the buses comfortable?
Yes, intercity buses are air-conditioned and designed for long-distance travel.
Can tourists use Dubai to Abu Dhabi buses?
Yes, tourists regularly use these buses because they are affordable and easy to access.
Conclusion
Traveling from Dubai bus stations to Abu Dhabi is one of the most practical and budget-friendly ways to explore the UAE. With reliable E100 and E101 bus services, comfortable seating, metro connectivity, and affordable fares, the journey is suitable for tourists, daily commuters, students, and residents alike.
Whether you choose Al Ghubaiba Bus Station or Ibn Battuta Bus Station, both offer smooth and convenient access to Abu Dhabi through the UAE’s well-organized public transport system.
