The Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus is a direct public transport option between the two cities. Choose E100 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station or E101 from Ibn Battuta Bus Station. Both routes connect with Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, also called Abu Dhabi Main Bus Station. Check the live timetable before you travel because departures and service changes can vary by date.
E100 and E101: Which route should you take?
| Route | Dubai departure station | Abu Dhabi arrival station | Choose it if… |
| E100 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Abu Dhabi Central/Main Bus Station | Al Ghubaiba is convenient for you |
| E101 | Ibn Battuta Bus Station | Abu Dhabi Central/Main Bus Station | Ibn Battuta is convenient for you |
RTA lists E100 between Al Ghubaiba and Abu Dhabi Bus Station, and E101 between Ibn Battuta and Abu Dhabi Bus Station. Choose the Dubai station that is easiest to reach. From Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, you may need a local bus or taxi to reach your hotel or attraction.
How long does the bus take?
Journey time depends on the route, departure and road conditions. When checked on 23 September 2026, RTA’s Journey Planner showed sample E100 trips from Al Ghubaiba to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station taking about 130 to 145 minutes. Treat this as an estimate, not a guaranteed arrival time. Check the selected E101 trip and your travel date in the RTA Journey Planner, and leave extra time if you have a connection or appointment.
Fares, tickets and booking
Official pages currently show different prices. Abu Dhabi Mobility’s inter-emirate page lists AED 25 for Dubai services, while the RTA Journey Planner showed AED 30 for the E100 trips checked. Since these official figures conflict, confirm the fare for your selected E100 or E101 departure in RTA’s live planner or booking portal. Budgeting AED 30 gives you a margin based on the higher listing.
You can buy a ticket at the station or use a Nol card for RTA intercity buses. RTA also offers online e-ticket booking for E100 and E101, where you can choose a departure and secure a seat. Check the instructions for your selected trip before boarding.
Practical tips for the trip
- Check the departure on your travel day. Use RTA’s Journey Planner or S’hail app for current trip times and service updates.
- Go to the correct station. E100 leaves from Al Ghubaiba; E101 leaves from Ibn Battuta. Check the route number and destination on the station display.
- Allow time to find your platform. Arrive with time to buy or validate your ticket and locate the boarding area.
- Plan your onward journey. Both services arrive at Abu Dhabi Central/Main Bus Station. Check local bus or taxi options for your destination.
- Check accessibility in advance. RTA’s cross-city bus information currently says buses on Abu Dhabi routes do not have wheelchair space on board. Contact RTA before travelling if you need wheelchair access or assistance.
FAQs
Which bus is better from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, E100 or E101?
Neither is best for everyone. E100 departs from Al Ghubaiba, while E101 departs from Ibn Battuta. Choose the station that is easier to reach from your starting point.
How much is the Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus?
Abu Dhabi Mobility lists AED 25 for Dubai inter-emirate services, while RTA’s live Journey Planner showed AED 30 for E100 examples on 23 September 2026. Confirm the fare for your route and travel date before departure.
How long is the E100 bus ride?
RTA Journey Planner examples checked on 23 September 2026 took about 130 to 145 minutes from Al Ghubaiba to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. Traffic and the selected departure can change the journey time.
Can I book the E100 or E101 bus online?
Yes. RTA’s e-ticketing page lists both routes and lets passengers select a date and departure time and secure a seat. Station ticket options are also available.
Where does the bus arrive in Abu Dhabi?
Both routes serve Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, which Abu Dhabi Mobility also calls Abu Dhabi Main Bus Station. Arrange a local bus or taxi for the onward journey
