Dubai to Abu Dhabi Bus Fare and the Best Ways to Save Money
The Dubai to Abu Dhabi route is a common one for tourists and municipal residents as well. With the rising price of travel, there is a strong need to resort to a less expensive approach towards commuting.
As per the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), 50,000 passengers on average travel from between these two cities every month (RTA Official Website). If you want to make your trip cheaper, then understanding the Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus fare and finding cost-saving methods will get your trip affordable.
Furthermore, in case you are making an allure visit to Dubai, you may wish to explore How to Plan Your Journey Around Dubai Metro Closing Time Today to get smooth conjunction.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi Bus Services
The affordable, convenient option is the three main bus routes operated by Dubai’s RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) to Abu Dhabi. Second, these buses offer a dependable connection between the two cities and are suitable for both daily commuters and tourists.
Main Bus Routes
The three major routes between Dubai and Abu Dhabi are.
E100: Operated from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Bur Dubai, it goes directly to Abu Dhabi’s central bus station (E100). Passengers who travel mostly from older sections of Dubai would like to take this.
E101: Ibn Battuta Metro Station is the starting point for E101, which is the perfect way to travel in case you’re from New Dubai. It is preferred due to its faster travel time.
E102: Al Jafiliya Metro Station to Abu Dhabi (E102): It starts from Al Jafiliya Metro Station, goes through Mussafah, and then ends at Abu Dhabi. It is useful for passengers who travel towards industrial areas and land in the city centre.
Frequency and Travel Time
There are different schedules and durations for each route.
E100: Runs every 30 minutes, with a travel time of approximately 2 hours.]
E101: This route is 1 hour and 45 minutes long, shorter by a total journey time of about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
E102: This route is less frequent and serves passengers who are going to Mussafah before reaching Abu Dhabi (E102).
Dubai’s buses are air-conditioned coaches using which budget and comfortable travel is also possible as tickets are quite cheap. In case you are commuting for work or visiting Abu Dhabi’s tourist attractions, these routes are great because they are an excellent alternative to taxis or private cars.
How Much is the Bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Standard Ticket Price
It is quite cheaper than other travel options where the Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus fare is concerned. The breakdown of the costs follows below.
| Bus Route | Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus ticket price |
| E100 | AED 25 |
| E101 | AED 25 |
| E102 | AED 25 |
Fare Variations Based on Route and Bus Type
While there are different routes and bus types available, the fare structure on all RTA buses is the same.
Travel becomes easier and affordable with discounts available for Nol card users.
How to Pay for Your Bus Ticket
When you are travelling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by bus, you can make your payment in several styles. Each is explained in detail below.
Nol Card:
It is the most convenient and least expensive approach. When you want to take the bus, just tap your Nol card at the bus entrance and the amount will be deducted automatically. Fares for cash are more expensive than with NOL cards. Check your card balance before going on the bus.
Cash Payment:
If you want to use cash to pay for your ticket, you have to buy it at the ticket counters that are specifically for this purpose before you can board. It’s important to buy the ticket in advance as cash payments are not accepted on the bus itself.
Smart App:
RTA’s official app enables you to book and pay online for your bus ticket which is a definite boost for a smooth digital experience. It is a method that facilitates planning your trip, the check of your schedules and a way to avoid long queues on the counters.
What’s the Best Ways to Save Money on Bus Travel
These smart strategies are a good way to reduce your transportation cost if you are traveling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi regularly.
Use a Nol Card:
This is the cheapest method so far to pay for your trip. Cash payments are more expensive than fares for Nol card users. So, it is the best way to cut down the RTA bus fare from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and you can reload your card online or in metro stations.
Travel During Off-Peak Hours:
In general, buses are less crowded early in the morning or late at night. The fare remains the same, but travel during these times might be your best chance to get away from the long waiting times and the risk of delay from traffic congestion.
Book a Return Ticket:
In some cases, there are slight discounts for round-trip bookings at some of the ticket counters. You should also try checking if a return ticket on the Dubai to Abu Dhabi routes could save you a great deal on your overall fare as you will be traveling back to the same place.
Use Monthly Passes:
If you repeat the same journey daily, you can buy a Nol monthly pass. Since these passes allow for unlimited travel within the chosen areas, it cuts down on the per-trip cost for a frequent commuter.
Compare Different Bus Routes:
Also, some routes may be quicker or have few stops that you could save some time and maybe some costs too. The last thing you want to do is to check the latest RTA bus schedules and then choose the one that suits your needs and leave.
Take Advantage of Special Discounts:
There are some occasions for promotional fares or discounts for students, seniors and people of determination offered by RTA. Depending on the fare you qualify for these special fares may even save you more.
Alternatives to Buses: Comparing Costs
Sometimes, buses may not be the most convenient option. Here’s a comparison of alternative travel methods:
| Transport Option | Approximate Cost |
| Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus fare | AED 25 |
| Taxi | AED 250 – 300 |
| Ride-Hailing (Uber/Careem) | AED 200 – 250 |
| Car Rental (Daily) | AED 100 – 200 + fuel |
Which Option is Most Budget-Friendly?
Buses are the cheapest and most budgetary way to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi and are a great option for daily commuters. The bus fare from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by RTA is also not expensive, aside from those in the Nol card who have other discounts to pay.
Using car rentals is flexible and can be cost-effective when shared. However, taxis and the like of Uber are convenient but very expensive. RTA buses are good for budget travellers and car rent for cost and flexibility.
Tips for a Comfortable and Cost-Effective Trip
The Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus price is cheaper when you pay using a Nol Card rather than a cash payment as it comes with discounted rates.
One can avoid waiting by checking Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus timings and fare beforehand, and this would make your journey pleasant.
Besides the no food services available on buses, it is essential to bring water and snacks.
A hassle free trip without delays is booked tickets early the tickets, mainly during peak timing.
Sometimes bus and metro travel works – if you are traveling inside Dubai, check out How to Plan Your Journey Around Dubai Metro Closing Time Today to ensure that these lines are combined.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
The Dubai to Abu Dhabi public transport cost is considered an affordable one by many travelers, though with Nol card discounts. Given this, buses are considered to be a reliable, comfortable, and budget-friendly mode of transportation for daily commuting. Some people like to go for car rentals for flexibility, while others feel that taxis and ride-hailing services are too costly. On the whole, RTA buses still offer the best bargain for cost-conscious travelers.
Conclusion
If you love travelling comfortably between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, then use public buses and you will have an affordable and convenient option to do that. The cheapest way to travel is AED 25, which is the Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus fare. Traveling off-peak hours, and in advance, using Nol Cards will save you even more. For those interested in convenience, taxis and car rentals are a real option, however, a bit more expensive. Make your selection wisely for which purpose you are traveling!
FAQs
How long will it take the shortest time to reach Abu Dhabi from Dubai?
E101 will be the fastest service taking around 1h 45m.
Is there a 24/7 Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus running?
They usually work from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and it’s frequent that they endlessly exist in the console. As a result, they are not able to work at a regular level.
Do I pay for my bus ticket with cash?
The tickets are being sold at the counters only for cash payment, no credit card payment on board.