A Guide To Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
The Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, also known as the Main Bus Terminal, was established in 1989 in a U-shaped structure to provide a central transportation point for people in Abu Dhabi. The buses at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station are managed by AdMobility, where the main buses are available from 6:00 am till midnight, and some buses are available 24/7. The Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station includes several bus options, including the local city bus, limited stop services, Green Line Buses and City Express services.
Overview of Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
The Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station was first introduced to support the development needs for public transportation in Abu Dhabi. But then it became a reliable and affordable bus station in Abu Dhabi that everyone can access.
- It connects further with the different areas of the UAE, like Dubai via Ibn Battuta metro station, Yas Mall, Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
- Not only this, but it provides modern facilities like Wi-fi, minimarts, prayer rooms, taxi services and ATMs for passengers.
Location and Accessibility
The Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station is located exactly at Al Wahda Zone 1, at 2nd Street of Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street. You can also access it via Hazza Bin Zayed Street (Muroor Road).
The station is located at the central landmark of Abu Dhabi, which connects it with internal and external routes of the region.
Timings: Daily from 06:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Nearby Landmarks: Al Wahda Mall and Delma Park are in close proximity.
Key Accessibility Points
Address: Al Musa’i St, Al Jimi district, Al Ain
Nearest Place: Al Wahda Mall lies directly next to the bus station
Accessibility: By Taxi or Private Car: as it connects to Sultan Bin Zayed the First Street and Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street. By Bus: Many city buses stop near the station. From the Airport: The roads directly link to Zayed International Airport.
Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station Station Facilities and Services
Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station offers almost all basic facilities like toilets and prayer rooms, waiting areas and ATMs. It also provides a paid luggage storage option, and there are mini marts within the station.
Staffed Ticket Counters
The staffed ticket counters include both local and inter-emirate services. You can buy the tickets at the counter or top up the Hafilat Smart Card.
ATMs
ATMs are located inside the terminals for fast ticket collection and top-ups.
Waiting Areas
The waiting areas are well-maintained, clean, air-conditioned and have seating.
Restrooms
The clean toilets are always functional and ready to use. There is no fee for toilets at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.
Free Wi-Fi
Passengers at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station can have access to free Wi-Fi service in waiting areas.
Taxi Rank
You can get public taxis or shared rides just outside the station at Taxi Rank, which allows you to travel through Abu Dhabi with ease.
Prayer Rooms
The dedicated prayer rooms are located in a separate place at the station, to which the station staff will guide you.
Food & Refreshments
There are mini marts, small cafes, and fast food areas in the station. But if you want to have a proper meal, you can go to Al Wahda Mall.
Information / Customer Service Desk
The information desks at the station can provide you with details about routes, departure times, platforms, etc.
Nol / Payment Card Machines
The Nol machine is located within the station for inter-emirate transport. You can also use Hafilat cards for the local buses, which can also be topped up inside the station.
Accessibility for the Specially Abled, Pregnant Women and Senior Citizens
There is dedicated seating for special-abled senior citizens and pregnant women. The staff at the station also helps and guides such people on priority.
Connecting Lines and Routes
Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (Al Wahda) connects the city internally with many other major areas of the Emirates. The tourists, daily commuters and travellers loved the way it is managed. There are generally two routes through which the buses operate, known as:
- Local / Internal Connections
- Inter-Emirate / External Connections
Bus Services at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station are:
- Airport Express (Route A2): Operates from the Main Bus Station to Zayed International Airport
- Dubai Express (E100/E101): Connects Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station with Dubai via Al Ghubaiba Bus Station & Ibn Battuta.
- Sharjah Direct (117): Links Main Station to Al Jubail Bus Terminal, Sharjah.
- Al Ain Service (X90): Local buses for regular transport connect routes within Abu Dhabi.
- Ruwais / Western Region Express (X88): Connects Main Station with Ruwais ADNOC Compound and Western Region towns.
- City Buses (23, 45, 101, 102, 103, 110): These buses link to main places like Mussafah, MBZ City, Bawabat Abu Dhabi, Dalma Mall, and industrial areas.
Local / Internal Connection:
Below is the detailed table of the routes covered by Abu Dhabi’s Central Bus Station Services locally:
Route | From / To | Key Stops / Areas Covered |
City Bus 23 | Bawabat Abu Dhabi ↔ Al Bateen | Al Maqta Mall, Bawabat Abu Dhabi, Sheikha Fatima Park |
City Bus 45 | Around Al Nahyan / Central Bus Station loop | Local Buses in Al Nahyan and the Main Station |
Reg Bus 101 | Al Danah / Capital Park ↔ Dalma Mall / Industrial City | Buses for internal areas, including residential and industrial places |
Reg Bus 102 | Al Danah ↔ MBZ City Bus Station | Internal Abu Dhabi to Newly Developed areas. |
Reg Bus 103 | Al Danah ↔ ADVETI / MBZ City | Moves in the Educational and Residential sectors. |
Reg Bus 110 | Al Danah / central areas ↔ Mussafah (Street 16 / NPCC) | Best for daily passengers who travel to industrial areas |
Reg Bus A2 | Al Danah / Abu Dhabi city ↔ Abu Dhabi International Airport | Bus Services to/from the airport. |
Express Bus X60 | Central Bus Station ↔ Mezaira’a / Muzayr’ah region | Bus service to Abu Dhabi’s outer suburban or outer-emirate borders. |
Express Bus X70 | Central Bus Station ↔ Al Marfa / Mirfa (Western coast) | Connects to remote areas |
Express Bus X88 | Ruwais ADNOC Compound ↔ Central Bus Station | Buses for passengers from Ruwais |
Inter-Emirate / External Connections
Below is the detailed table of the routes covered by Abu Dhabi’s Central Bus Station Services externally:
Bus Route | Destination | Approx Frequency / Notes |
E100 | Al Ghubaiba, Dubai | Runs at 30-minute intervals daily |
E101 | Ibn Battuta, Dubai | Runs at 30-minute intervals daily for Dubai Bound Travels |
E102 | Dubai (other stops) | Departs from the Main Station and connects to Dubai |
117 | Sharjah (Al Jubail Bus Terminal) | Runs at 1-hour intervals daily |
118 | Sharjah / possibly further north | Recommended for passengers who want to go in inter emirates |
X90 | Al Ain | Best for local commuters |
How do The Buses at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station Connect?
Different platforms are assigned for different buses, where you can see the signage at the electronic boards or ask the station staff. If you want to take a ride on the bus at the Main station, you can buy the ticket from the station counter or use the Hafilat card for internal Abu Dhabi Routes. Similarly, if you want to go on buses covering external routes, use an Nol card.
Note: We recommend that you plan ahead to avoid long waits, as intercity buses at the Main station run less frequently at peak hours. For remote areas, you might have to get on different express buses or local feeder buses from other terminals to arrive on time.
Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station Timings
The Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station operates for extended hours to accommodate both daily commuters and intercity travellers:
Bus/Travel Type | Day | Operating Hours |
Long Distance Travels | Monday – Sunday | 05:00 AM – 10:00 pm |
Local Buses | Monday – Sunday | 06:00 AM – 12:00 Midnight |
Local Bus Timings from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
Below are the details of the Local Bus Timings from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station:
Route | Destination / Key Areas | Days | Approximate Departure Times* |
54 | Al Zafra → Mussafah | Daily | 06:30, 06:45, 07:00, 07:15, 07:30, 07:45, 08:00, 08:15, 08:30, 08:45, 09:00 |
56 | Corniche Area | Daily | 05:00, 05:30, 06:00, 06:30, 07:00, 07:30, 08:00, 08:30, 09:00, 09:30, 10:00 |
102 | Yas Island | Daily | 05:20, 06:00, 06:40, 07:20, 08:00, 08:40, 09:20, 10:00, 10:40, 11:20, 12:00 |
32 | Khalifa City A | Daily | 06:20, 06:40, 07:00, 07:20, 07:40, 08:00, 08:20, 08:40, 09:00, 09:20, 09:40 |
44 | Al Bateen → Mushrif | Daily | 05:15, 05:30, 05:45, 06:00, 06:15, 06:30, 06:45, 07:00, 07:15, 07:30, 07:45 |
Note: These departure times may vary depending on peak hours or traffic.
Intercity / External Bus Timings from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
Below are the details of the Intercity Bus Timings from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station:
Route | Destination | Days | Approximate Departure Times* |
E100 | Dubai (Al Ghubaiba) | Daily | The first bus departs at 04:30 AM; the intervals between buses are 20 to 30 minutes |
E101 | Dubai (Ibn Battuta) | Daily | Multiple Departures |
E102 | Mussafah → Dubai | Daily | First bus departs around 6:20 and runs till late at night |
List of Major Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station Routes and Stops
Below is the List of Major Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station Routes and Stops:
Bus Line | Destination | Typical Route/Stops (Not exhaustive) | Approx. Travel Time | Approx. Fare (AED) |
E100 | Dubai, Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Direct intercity bus ( limited stops) | 2 to 2.5 hours | ~25 – 30 |
E101 | Dubai, Ibn Battuta Bus Station | Direct intercity bus (stops include Abu Dhabi, Samha; Abu Dhabi, Shahama Village) | 1 hour 25 min to 1 hour 45 min | ~25 – 30 |
E201 | Al Ain Central Bus Station | Direct intercity bus | ~2 hours 35 min | ~25 – 30 |
X90 | Al Ain Central Bus Station | Express intercity bus (also stops at Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Bus Station) | ~2 hours 35 min | ~25 – 30 |
117 | Sharjah, Al Jubail Bus Terminal | Inter-emirate bus | ~2 hours 45 min | Varies (Higher than Dubai routes) |
A1/A2 | Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) | City to Airport route (varies slightly by route number) | ~1 hour | ~4 |
54 | Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque | Local city route (Also stops at Zayed Port) | ~30 – 40 minutes | ~2 – 4 |
005/007 | Marina Mall | Local city route | ~25 – 35 minutes | ~2 – 4 |
160 | Khalifa City/Souq | Local city route | Varies | ~2 – 4 |
X60 | Liwa Mezaira’a Bus Station | Express route to Al Dhafra region | Significant (Long Distance) | Varies |
X88 | Ruwais ADNOC Bus Station | Express route to Al Dhafra region | Significant (Long Distance) | Varies |
Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station Map
Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station Direction, Location
If you want to check how far you are from Main Station, open maps and add your location at from the dash and Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to the dash
Nearby Attractions and Points of Interest
The Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station is conveniently situated at the main points of Abu Dhabi. Below are details of the popular destinations from the station:
Attraction | Estimated Travel Time from Bus Station (Approx.) |
Al Wahda Mall | 6 minutes |
Al Bateen Palace | 6 minutes |
Delma Park | 6 minutes |
Gold Souq | 10 minutes |
Marina Mall | 25 – 35 minutes |
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque | Approx. 30 minutes |
Qasr Al Hosn | Close to the city center |
Emirates Heritage Village | Near the Corniche |
Essential Local Bus Routes from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Main Nearby Places
Below are the Essential Local Bus Routes from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Main Nearby Places:
Destination | Bus Route No. | Estimated Time |
Abu Dhabi International Airport | A2 | 1 hour |
Marina Mall | 034 or 022 | 26 – 36 minutes |
Mussafah Area | 110 | 34 minutes |
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque | 94 | 28 minutes |
Yas Island | 175, 160 or 216 | 1 hour 30 mins – 2 hours+ |
Inter-Emirate Bus Services to Major nearby Districts and Regions
Below are the details of Inter-Emirate Bus Services to Major nearby Districts and Regions:
Destination | Bus Route No. | Estimated Time |
Al Ain | X90 | 2 hours 35 mins |
Ajman | E100 or 117 (from Ajman to AUH) | 3 hours 30 mins |
Dubai | E101 or E100/104 | 2 hours 50 mins – 4 hours 25 mins |
Ibn Battuta (Dubai) | E101 | 1 hour 49 mins |
Ras Al Khaimah | E100, E101, or 117 | 4 hours 42 mins – 6 hours 5 mins |
Sharjah | E100 or 117 | 2 hours 45 mins + |
Umm Al Quwain | 117 | 5 hours 22 mins |
Tips for First-Time Commuters at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
If you want to travel via public transport in Abu Dhabi, then it is quite simple and easy. The buses are modern, affordable and air-conditioned and here are the steps you must follow for a safe and convenient journey:
1. The Essential Step: Using the Hafilat Smart Card
The most important thing to remember when travelling via Abu Dhabi Public Bus is that they do not accept cash fares. So, you must use a stored-value transit card called the Hafilat Smart Card. For external routes, you can use an Nol card.
2. Buying Card & Recharge:
You can either purchase a card or top up the smart card at ticket counters that are located at Central Bus Station. Also, make sure to tap the Hafilat card on the scanner when riding the bus.
3. Darbi App to Plan the Routes and Peak Hours:
You can download the Darbi app or visit the official website to check the bus schedules, routes and latest updates. If not necessary, we won’t suggest you travel during peak hours (between 7 to 10 am and 5 to 7 pm).
Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station Safety and Security:
The Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station is safe and secure for all passengers and is reputed to be one of the world’s safest public transportation hubs. Below are the safety and security measures that Abu Dhabi Main Station considers:
- 24/7 Surveillance: The entire station is monitored by high-quality CCTV cameras.
- On-Site Security Teams: Dedicated, uniformed security guards are present throughout the station.
Emergency Access: For any unexpected event or emergency, Emergency Buttons and Help Points are accessible throughout the facility.
Nearby Accommodations, Cafes and Places from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
There are multiple nearby accommodations, cafes and places from Abu Dhabi central bus station:
Hotels Near Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
- Grand Millennium Al Wahda
- Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi
- Centro Al Manhal by Rotana
- La Quinta by Wyndham Abu Dhabi Al Wahda
- Queen Palace Hotel
Cafés and Eateries Near Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
- Paavo’s Pizza
- Burger King (Quick service options)
- Gloria Jean’s Coffees (Café)
- London Dairy (Dessert/Café)
- Mister Baker (Bakery)
Note: Many more diverse options available inside Al Wahda Mall.
Landmarks Near Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
- Al Wahda Mall
- Qasr Al Hosn
- World Trade Center (WTC) Mall & Souk
- Corniche Beach
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station FAQs
Below are the answers to frequently asked questions about Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station:
Q. Is there an app for Abu Dhabi bus routes?
- Yes, there is an app/website named Darbi that you can use for Main Station Routes.
Q. How does the bus system work in Abu Dhabi?
- Abu Dhabi’s bus system uses contactless payments via Smart Cards like Hafilat Card for internal routes and Nol cards for external routes. The base fare starts from 2AED within the city, but it may change over time.
Q. Is there anywhere to store luggage at the Abu Dhabi Central bus station?
- Yes, there are paid luggage storage options at station.
Q. Can I catch a taxi from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station?
- Yes, there is dedicated taxi rank near Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station from where you can catch a taxi easily.
Q. Who is the bus operator at Abu Dhabi Main Station?
- The operator at Abu Dhabi Main Station is AdMobility, formerly known as the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC).
Q. Can I track the bus in Abu Dhabi?
A. Yes, you can track buses in Abu Dhabi via the Darbi app.
Conclusion
Buses at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station are not only for local travel, but for city explorers as well. They connect to major parts of Abu Dhabi and also to many parts of Dubai and Sharjah. If you have any queries or concerns related to bus routes, you may connect with us!