Abu Dhabi to Dubai by Bus: Guide (E100 & E101)

💰 Cheapest Way to Travel

Abu Dhabi to Dubai by Bus: Cheapest Way 2025 Guide

Save money and travel smart! Complete guide to routes E100 & E101 with timings, fares, Nol card tips, and everything you need for a smooth intercity journey.

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Why Take the Bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?

Traveling between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is a common journey for residents, tourists, and business travelers. While taxis and private cars offer convenience, the intercity bus service is the most economical option, costing just 25 AED per journey compared to taxi fares that can exceed 250 AED.

The bus routes (E100 and E101) operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) provide comfortable, air-conditioned travel with regular departures throughout the day. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know for a hassle-free journey.

If you also use Abu Dhabi local buses, make sure you understand the difference between Hafilat Card vs Nol Card and follow our step-by-step guide to buying your first Abu Dhabi Hafilat Card .

Quick Facts

Fare: 25 AED per journey (one-way)
Duration: 1h 45min – 2h 30min depending on traffic
Routes: E100 (Al Ghubaiba) & E101 (Ibn Battuta)
Payment: Nol card required (minimum 25 AED balance)
Frequency: Every 20-40 minutes during peak hours
Operating Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily

E100 vs E101: Which Route Should You Choose?

Both routes depart from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station but arrive at different destinations in Dubai. Your choice depends on your final destination and which metro line you need to connect to.

Route	Destination in Dubai	Metro Connection	Best For	Duration	Fare
E100	Al Ghubaiba Bus Station	Green Line	Bur Dubai, Deira, Old Dubai, Creek area	~2h 15min	25 AED
E101	Ibn Battuta Mall	Red Line	Dubai Marina, JLT, Downtown, Business Bay	~1h 45min	25 AED

⚠️ Important Correction: Some sources incorrectly mention "E11" as the route to Ibn Battuta. The correct bus number is E101. Always look for E101 signage at the bus station.

Step-by-Step: How to Travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai

Get to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station

The main departure point is Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, located in the Al Wahda area at Sultan Bin Zayed First Street. It's adjacent to Al Wahda Mall, making it easy to find. If you plan to use local Abu Dhabi buses before or after this trip, you'll need a Hafilat card – you can see how to get a Hafilat Card and current Hafilat fares in our main guide.

Address: Sultan Bin Zayed First Street, Al Wahda, Abu Dhabi
Landmark: Next to Al Wahda Mall
Parking: Available at the station
By taxi: Tell the driver "Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station" or "Al Wahda Bus Station"

💡 Pro Tip: Arrive 15-20 minutes early to purchase/recharge your Nol card and locate the correct platform.

Buy or Recharge Your Nol Card

You must have a Nol card to pay for the bus. Cash is not accepted onboard. You can purchase or recharge your Nol card at:

Ticket counters at the bus station (staffed)
Self-service machines (accept cash and cards)
Retail outlets displaying the Nol logo

Minimum balance required: 25 AED for a one-way journey. For round-trips, ensure you have at least 50 AED.

💡 Pro Tip: Load 50-60 AED on your first visit so you don't need to recharge for the return journey.

Choose the Correct Bus Route

Look for electronic display boards showing bus numbers and departure times. Choose your route based on your destination:

E100: If you're heading to Old Dubai, Bur Dubai, Deira, or Creek areas (connects to Metro Green Line at Al Ghubaiba)
E101: If you're going to Dubai Marina, JLT, Downtown Dubai, or Business Bay (connects to Metro Red Line at Ibn Battuta)

The platform numbers are clearly marked. Staff at the information desk can help if you're unsure.

⚠️ Common Mistake: Don't confuse E101 with "E11" – there is no E11 bus. The correct route to Ibn Battuta is E101.

Board the Bus & Tap Your Nol Card

When your bus arrives:

Queue at the designated boarding area
Tap your Nol card on the card reader as you board (you'll hear a beep and see a green light)
Find a seat – buses are air-conditioned and comfortable
Store luggage in overhead racks or under seats (medium-sized suitcases are allowed)

💡 Pro Tip: Sit near the front if you want to get off quickly at your destination. The bus can get crowded during peak hours.

Enjoy the Journey

The bus journey takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes depending on traffic. During the ride:

✅ Air conditioning: All buses are climate-controlled
✅ Comfortable seating: Reclining seats with adequate legroom
❌ No toilets: Plan bathroom breaks before boarding
❌ Limited WiFi: Use your mobile data for internet access
✅ Luggage allowed: Medium suitcases fit in overhead compartments

💡 Pro Tip: Download movies or music beforehand. The scenic desert highway can be monotonous, but it's a great opportunity to relax or catch up on work.

Arrive in Dubai & Connect to Metro

When you arrive at your destination bus station in Dubai:

📍 If you took E100 (Al Ghubaiba):

You're at Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Bur Dubai
Walk 5 minutes to Al Ghubaiba Metro Station (Green Line)
From here, you can reach: Deira, Bur Dubai, Creek, Dubai Healthcare City
Taxis and ride-hailing services are also available outside

📍 If you took E101 (Ibn Battuta):

You're at Ibn Battuta Mall
The metro station is directly connected to the mall
Metro Red Line connects to: Dubai Marina, JLT, Business Bay, Downtown, Burj Khalifa, Airport
The mall has restaurants, cafes, and shops if you need refreshments

💡 Pro Tip: Your Nol card works on Dubai Metro too! Just tap in and out at metro gates. Check your balance to ensure you have enough credit for your metro journey.

Understanding Nol Card Types & Prices

The Nol card is Dubai's unified payment system for all public transport (metro, bus, tram, water bus). Here's a breakdown of the different types and which one is best for your trip:

🔴 Red Ticket

2 AED

Paper card for single/short-term use

Valid for up to 10 trips or 90 days
Best for: Tourists staying 1-3 days
Must recharge after each journey
Disposed after 10 uses

🔷 Silver Card (Most Popular)

25 AED

Reusable card with 19 AED preloaded credit

Valid for 5 years
Best for: Regular travelers & tourists
Can top up to 1,000 AED
Works on all public transport
Recommended for Abu Dhabi-Dubai trips

🟡 Gold Card

25 AED

Premium card with Gold Class access

Access to Gold Class metro/tram cabins
Higher fare per journey
More spacious seating
Not necessary for bus travel

🔵 Blue Card

70 AED

Personalized card for residents

Requires Emirates ID
Photo & name printed on card
Discounts for students/seniors
Top-up limit: 5,000 AED

💡 Recommendation: For Abu Dhabi to Dubai bus travel, buy a Silver Nol Card (25 AED). Load it with 50-60 AED so you have enough for:

Bus to Dubai: 25 AED
Metro rides in Dubai: 3-7.50 AED per journey
Return bus to Abu Dhabi: 25 AED

If you are also using Abu Dhabi buses, don't miss our detailed guides: how to recharge your Hafilat Card , how to check your Hafilat balance online , and our in-depth comparison Hafilat Card vs Nol Card .

Watch: Real Journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai

See the actual journey experience in this comprehensive video guide showing the entire process from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Dubai:

Video credit: iamsajaved on YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai cost?

The bus fare is 25 AED per journey (one-way). You need a Nol card with sufficient balance to pay. There are no round-trip tickets, so you pay 25 AED each time you travel.

Which bus should I take: E100 or E101?

E100 goes to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station (connects to Metro Green Line, ideal for Old Dubai, Bur Dubai, Deira). E101 goes to Ibn Battuta Mall (connects to Metro Red Line, ideal for Dubai Marina, JLT, Downtown).

How long does the journey take?

The journey typically takes between 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the specific route. E101 is slightly faster as it heads to the western side of Dubai.

What type of Nol card do I need?

You can use any Nol card type: Red Ticket (2 AED + fare), Silver Card (25 AED with 19 AED credit), or Gold Card (25 AED with access to Gold Class). We recommend the Silver Card for tourists as it's reusable and valid for 5 years. Ensure you have at least 25 AED balance before boarding.

What time does the first/last bus depart?

Buses operate from approximately 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. The exact schedule can vary, with more frequent departures (every 20-30 minutes) during peak hours and less frequent service (every 40-60 minutes) late at night.

Can I use the same Nol card in Abu Dhabi public transport?

No. Nol cards work only in Dubai (metro, bus, tram) and for intercity buses between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. For Abu Dhabi's local public transport, you need a Hafilat Card. Learn everything about Hafilat with our step-by-step guide , see how to recharge your Hafilat Card and check your Hafilat balance online .

Are there toilets on the bus?

No, there are no toilets on board. Plan bathroom breaks before departure. The bus station in Abu Dhabi has clean facilities you can use before boarding.

Can I bring luggage on the bus?

Yes, medium-sized suitcases are allowed. Store them in overhead racks or under your seat. Very large luggage may not fit, so check with staff if you're unsure.

Official Transport Resources

For the most up-to-date information on schedules, fares and rules, always double-check with these official sources:

Need a Hafilat Card for Abu Dhabi Travel?

While the Nol card works for Dubai and intercity buses, you'll need a Hafilat Card for local public transport within Abu Dhabi. Learn everything about Hafilat Card, including how to get one , recharge options and fare information .

If you're travelling in the opposite direction, don't miss our guide on how to go from Dubai to Abu Dhabi to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque .

Visit Hafilat Card Guide →