Abu Dhabi, a popular UAE destination, requires an efficient public transport system for its residents and visitors. While the city lacks a metro system, buses are the primary mode of public transport, offering a budget-friendly alternative to taxis. Managed by the Department of Transport (DoT), the extensive bus network covers all key areas, ensuring convenient travel across the city. Let’s explore the Abu Dhabi bus service, including its stations, routes, and other essential details.
- A Quick History of Abu Dhabi Bus Services
- Understanding the Types of Public Bus Services in Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi Bus Services – Paying Your Fare
- Upcoming Projects and Improvements in Bus Services
- FAQs
A Quick History of Abu Dhabi Bus Services
Established in the early 2000s, Abu Dhabi bus service helps people get around the city easily. At first, there were only a few buses on important routes. Over time, more buses were added to cover more areas, making it easier for everyone to travel without using cars.
The government focused on creating an efficient and environmentally friendly system that aligns with the UAE’s sustainability goals. By 2010, the network had included residential, commercial, and tourist areas, providing a reliable alternative to private vehicles.
Key Milestones and Developments Over the Years
Important events in Abu Dhabi’s bus history include the start of modern bus services in 2008 and further route addition by 2010.
In 2012, new, fancy buses were introduced, while in 2015, buses started travelling between different Emirates, such as Dubai. Moreover, people could start paying for their rides with cards instead of cash in 2017.
In 2019, hybrid and electric buses were added to help the environment. By 2020, people could get real-time updates on bus schedules. And in 2022, night buses were introduced to help people travel at all hours.
Understanding the Types of Public Bus Services in Abu Dhabi
The bus routes in Abu Dhabi have been designed to cover the entire city and its outskirts. This extensive network ensures commuters can easily travel in the town and all its major landmarks.
The following are the different public buses in Abu Dhabi Emirate with their route details:
Regional Bus Service in Abu Dhabi and Their Routes:
Regional buses in Abu Dhabi connect the city with different towns, cities, and areas within the UAE. They are designed to facilitate travel over longer distances than city buses.
The ticket prices for regional buses in Abu Dhabi start at AED 2 to AED 5 (for each added kilometre). The total fare depends on the pickup stop and the distance travelled.
The following are the regional buses in Abu Dhabi with their assigned routes:
- Reg Bus 101: Al Danah, Sultan Bin Zayed Street / Capital Park to Main Entrance of Dalma Mall in International City of Abu Dhabi, Al Wazn Street
- Reg Bus 102: Al Danah, Sultan Bin Zayed Street / Capital Park to MBZ City, MBZ City Bus Terminal
- Reg Bus 103: Al Danah, Sultan Bin Zayed Street / Capital Park to MBZ City, Al Nasr Street / ADVETI
- Reg Bus 110: Al Danah, Sultan Bin Zayed Street / Capital Park to Mussafah, Street No. 16 / National Petroleum Corporation
- Reg Bus 111: Al Danah, Sultan Bin Zayed Street / Capital Park to Mussafah, Street No. 14 / Tasheel
- Reg Bus 120: Al Sadiyat, Shati Al Sadiyat Street / Saadiyat Public Beach to MBZ City, Street No. 79 / Mazyad Mall
- Reg Bus 121: Al Sadiyat, Al Dhiba Street / Hidd Al Saadiyat to MBZ City, Street No. 79 / Mazyad Mall
- Reg Bus 155: Al Danah, Sultan Bin Zayed Street / Capital Park to Shakhbout City, Al Saqiy Street / ADNOC
- Reg Bus 160: Al Danah, Sultan Bin Zayed Street / Capital Park to Khalifa City, Theyab Bin Eissa Street / Souq
- Reg Bus 161: Al Bateen, Corniche Street / Commercial International Bank to Khalifa City, Theyab Bin Eissa Street / Souq
- Reg Bus 170: Al Sadiyat, Saadiyat NYU 2 to Al Rahah, Al Zeina
- Reg Bus 175: Al Bateen, Al Bateen Street / Sheikha Fatima Park to Al Rahah, Al Zeina
- Reg Bus 201: Al Bahyah, Al Saay Street / Shuhadah Badar Mosque to Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal
- Reg Bus 202: Al Rahbah, Al Yaseer Street / Al Rahba Hospital to Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal
- Reg Bus 210: Al Bahyah, Al Sinad Street / Al Shahama Bus Terminal to Abu Dhabi Industrial City, Al Wazn Street / Main Entrance of Dalma Mall
- Reg Bus 216: Al Bahyah, Al Sinad Street / Al Shahama Bus Terminal to MBZ City, MBZ City Bus Terminal
- Reg Bus 221: Al Samhah, Al Kubara-a Street / Souq to Al Bahyah, Al Sallah Street / Al Bahyah Souq
- Reg Bus 222: Al Samhah, Hili Street / Souq to Al Shahama, Al Shaeel Street / Osama Bin Zaid Mosque
- Reg Bus 225: Al Sader, Al Fattan Ship Industry to Al Bahyah, Al Rubban Street / Al Widayhi Street
- Reg Bus 227: Zayed Military City, Sweihan Prison to Al Bahyah, Al Sinad Street / Al Shahama Bus Terminal
- Reg Bus 228: Zayed Military City, Tawazun to Al Bahyah, Al Sinad Street / Al Shahama Bus Terminal
- Reg Bus 300: Al Shamkhah, Al Tasmeeh Street / Al Shamkhah Makani Mall to Al Danah, Sultan Bin Zayed Street / Capital Park
- Reg Bus 350: Sweihan, Street No. 65 / Slaughter House to Central District, Othman Bin Affan Street / Al Ain Central Bus Terminal
- Reg Bus 360: Nahil, Street No. 81 / Ali Hader Al Mazrouei Mosque to Central District, Othman Bin Affan Street / Al Ain Central Bus Terminal
- Reg Bus 380: Al Faqa’, Street No. 1 / Al Ain Co-op to Central District, Othman Bin Affan Street / Al Ain Central Bus Terminal
- Reg Bus 390: Al Shiwayb, Street No. 1 / Souq to Central District, Othman Bin Affan Street / Al Ain Central Bus Terminal
- Reg Bus 401: Al Rawdah, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to Bani Yas, Bani Yas Street / Souq
- Reg Bus 404: Al Danah, Sultan Bin Zayed Street / Capital Park to Al Nahdah, Al Burouj Street / Al Wathba Municipality
- Reg Bus 405: Al Danah, Sultan Bin Zayed Street / Capital Park to Al Nahdah, Al Burouj Street / Al Wathba Municipality
- Reg Bus 407: Al Zahiyah, Ghurair Al Ojaan Mosque to Jarn Yafour, Al Fasayil Street / Al Raha Shopping Centre
- Reg Bus 408: Al Wathba South, Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival to Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal
- Reg Bus 410: Mussafah, Street No. 7 / Mussafah Port to Jarn Yafour, Al Nawahi Street / Life Care Hospital
- Reg Bus 420: Shakhbout City, Al Saqiy Street / ADNOC to Jarn Yafour, Al Nawahi Street / Life Care Hospital
- Reg Bus 540: Industrial City, Ath Thabat Street No. 2 / Roundabout Nael Cement Products to Khattm Al Shikhla, Al Diffah Street / ADNOC
- Reg Bus 550: Al Qou’a, Um Al Zumoul Road / Municipal Souq to Central District, Othman Bin Affan Street / Al Ain Central Bus Terminal
- Reg Bus 640: Al Mahadir Al Garbiyyah, Western Mahadir Road / Arrada Farms to Muzayr’ah, Sheikha Salama Bint Butti Rd / Mezaira’a Bus Terminal
- Reg Bus 655: Hameem, Al Dhahabi Street / Saif Bin Esyan Almansoori Mosque to Muzayr’ah, Sheikha Salama Bint Butti Rd / Mezaira’a Bus Terminal
- Reg Bus 660: Muzayr’ah, Sheikha Salama Bint Butti Road / Mezaira’a Bus Terminal to Madinat Zayed Bus Terminal
- Reg Bus 670: Madinat Zayed Bus Terminal to Al Taf Al Gharbi, Al Iffah Street / Tarif Bus Terminal
- Reg Bus 675: Habshan, Bu Hasah Road / ADCO Accomdn. to Madinat Zayed Bus Terminal
- Reg Bus 686: Madinat Zayed Bus Terminal to Ghiyathi, Ghayathi Road / Ghayathi Bus Terminal
- Reg Bus 760: Zayed City, Al Saraya Street / Dhafra Mall Lulu to Al Marfa, Bandar Al Marfa Street / Mirfa Souq
- Reg Bus 770: Al Taf Al Gharbi, Al Iffah Street / Tarif Bus Terminal to Al Taf Al Gharbi, Al Kanar Street / Mirfa Dates Factory
- Reg Bus 780: Al Dhannah, Al Rubban Street / Al Dhannah ADNOC Bus Terminal to Al Taf Al Gharbi, Al Iffah Street / Tarif Bus Terminal
- Reg Bus 880: Ghiyathi, Ghayathi Road / Ghayathi Souq to Al Dhannah, Al Dhannah Mall
City Buses in Abu Dhabi With Their Routes
City buses travel within the city boundaries. They are designed to provide transportation services to the town’s residential, commercial and other areas.
The ticket price for the city bus ranged from AED 2 to AED 5, with a maximum fare of AED 5.
The following are the city buses in Abu Dhabi with their routes:
- City Bus 5: Al Zahiyah, Al Falah Street / Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street to Al Kasir, King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street / Marina Mall
- City Bus 7: Al Zahiyah, Al Falah Street / Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street to Al Kasir, King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street / Marina Mall
- City Bus 8: Zayed Port, Al Doum Street / Fish Market to Al Bateen, Al Quffal Street / Marina Al Bateen
- City Bus 9: Zayed Port, Cruise Terminal to Al Kasir, King Salman Bin Abdul aziz Al Saud Street / Marina Mall
- City Bus 11: Zayed Port, Al Yamyam Street / 42 Abu Dhabi to Al Kasir, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street / Marina Mall
- City Bus 23: Bawabat Abu Dhabi, Bawabat Abu Dhabi Street / Al Maqta Mall to Al Bateen, Al Bateen Street / Sheikha Fatima Park
- City Bus 24: Al Rawdah, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to Al Kasir, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street / Marina Mall
- City Bus 26: Al Muntazah, Al Muntazah Street / Khalifa Park to Al Kasir, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street / Marina Mall
- City Bus 33: Al Rawdah, Al-Mu Atamarat Street / ADNEC to Al Bateen, Al Bateen Street / Sheikha Fatima Park
- City Bus 34: Al Rawdhah, Al Nawfal Street / Abu Dhabi Courts to Al Ras Al Akhdar, Qasr Al Watan
- City Bus 40: Al Muntazah, Al Sunbulah Street / Al Muntazah South to Jazeerat Al Maryah, Hamouda Bin Ali Al Dhaheri Street / Al Maryah
- City Bus 41: Al Rawdah, Al-Mu Atamarat Street / ADNEC to Al Zahiyah, Al Meena Street / Corniche Hospital 1
- City Bus 42: Al Rawdhah, Al Nawfal Street / Abu Dhabi Courts to Jazeerat Al Maryah, Hamouda Bin Ali Al Dhaheri Street / Al Maryah
- City Bus 43: Al Mushrif, Al Markib Street / Al Mushrif Coop to Al Zahiyah, Al Meena Street / Corniche Hospital 2
- City Bus 44: Al Muzoun, Al Nada Street / Abu Dhabi Ladies Club to Zayed Port, Cruise Terminal
- City Bus 45: Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal / Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal
- City Bus 54: Al Rawdah, Saif Ghobash Street / Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to Zayed Port, Al Doum Street / Fish Market
- City Bus 55: Al Muntazah, Al Sunbulah Street / Al Muntazah South to Al Zahiyah, Al Meena Street / Corniche Hospital 2
- City Bus 56: Al Muntazah, Al Muntazah Street / Khalifa Park to Zayed Port, Al Qibli Street / New Mina Souq
- City Bus 63: Reem Island, Al Ghazal Street / Reem Mall to Al Kasir, King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street / Marina Mall
- City Bus 65: Jazeerat Al Reem, Al Rayfah Street / Al Reem to Al Kasir, King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street / Marina Mall
- City Bus 67: Jazeerat Al Reem, Al Muqarrab Street / Al Reem Shams to Al Kasir, King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street / Marina Mall
- City Bus 69: Jazeerat Al Maryah, Hamouda Bin Ali Al Dhaheri Street / Al Maryah to Al Kasir, King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street / Marina Mall
- City Bus 71: Jazeerat Al Reem, Al Muqarrab Street / Al Reem Shams to Al Kasir, King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street / Marina Mall
- City Bus 73: Jazeerat Al Reem, Al ‘Oud Street / Al Reem, Shams to Al Hudayriat, Bab Al Nojoum
- City Bus 94: Al Rawdah, Al Majd Street / Wahat Al Karamah to Al Saadiyat, Jacques Chirac Street / Mamsha Al Saadiyat
- City Bus 651: Muzayr’ah, Mahdar Al Jafn Street / Mezaira’a Industrial Area to Muzayr’ah, Mahdar Al Jafn Street / Mezaira’a Industrial Area
- City Bus 652: Western Mahadir, Mahdar Liteer Street / Al Mariyah Farms to Muzayr’ah, Mahdar Nifayr St/ Mezaira’a South
- City Bus 662: Zayed City, Miyar Street / Al Jaber Camp to Madinat Zayed Bus Terminal
- City Bus 663: Zayed City, Al Qattar Street / Baynunah Market to Madinat Zayed Bus Terminal
- City Bus 664: Zayed City, Al Qattar Street / Baynunah Market to Madinat Zayed Bus Terminal
- City Bus 665: Zayed City, 1001 Lane / Khalifa Mosque to Zayed City, Al Riyoum Street / MZ Police Station
- City Bus 771: Al Haramiyah, Al Dajeej Street / Harmiya Residence to Al Taf Al Gharbi, Al Kanar Street / Mirfa Dates Factory
- City Bus 861: Ghiyathi, Um Al Hisn Road / Ghayathi Farms to Ghiyathi, Ghayathi Road / Ghayathi Bus Terminal
- City Bus 862: Bada Al Mutawah, Al Bidou Street / Bida Al Muthawa to Ghiyathi, Ghayathi Road / Ghayathi Bus Terminal
- City Bus 863: Ghiyathi, Ghayathi Road / Industrial Area to Ghiyathi, Um Al Hisn Road / LuLu Express
- City Bus 864: Ghayathi, Al Musfirah Street / Workers City Stop 1 to Ghiyathi, Um Al Hisn Road / LuLu Express
- City Bus 881: Jabal Al Dhannah, Al Hulayfah Street / Sir Baniyas Port to Al Dhannah, ADWEA Saipam Camp
- City Bus 882: Jabal Al Dhannah, Al Hulayfah Street / Sir Baniyas Port to Al Dhannah, Al Dhannah Mall
- City Bus 883: Al Dhannah, Al Rubban Street / Al Dhannah ADNOC Bus Station to Al Dhannah, Al Rubban Street / Al Dhannah ADNOC Bus Terminal
Express Buses in Abu Dhabi with Their Routes
By making fewer stops than regular city or regional buses, express buses provide faster service. They typically operate longer distances, connecting major bus stations with limited stops to reduce travel time.
The fare for express buses in Abu Dhabi is AED 12 for one side. However, you must pay the amount in cash, as they do not accept Hafilat Cards.
The following are the express bus routes in Abu Dhabi:
- Exp Bus X60: Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal to Muzayr’ah, Sheikha Salama Bint Butti Road / Mezaira’a Bus Terminal
- Exp Bus X70: Al Marfa, Al Khor Street / Mirfa Bus Terminal to Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal
- Exp Bus X86: Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal to Ghiyathi, Ghayathi Road / Ghayathi Bus Terminal
- Exp Bus X90: Central District, Othman Bin Affan Street / Al Ain Central Bus Terminal to Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal
- Exp Bus X91: Al Hiyar, Sweihan Road / Al Hayer Souq to Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal
Abu Dhabi Bus Services – Paying Your Fare
The Department of Transport has made fare payment for Abu Dhabi public transport quicker and easier. In 2015, they introduced a Hafilat Card that replaced all cash transactions for fare payments.
These cards offer a range of convenient services for consumers. For example, commuters can buy passes like T-purse and weekly and monthly balances for unlimited rides. There is also a dedicated Hafilat Pass for senior citizens and students.
You can purchase these cards easily at any bus station in Abu Dhabi, supermarket or online.
Upcoming Projects and Improvements in Bus Services
Abu Dhabi plans to introduce new projects to enhance its bus services. These include expanding the fleet with more buses, incorporating eco-friendly models, and upgrading bus stops with improved facilities. The goal is to make UAE public transport more comfortable and convenient for everyone.
Potential Changes in Routes, Schedules and Services
In the future, new bus routes might be added to cover more areas. Changes to existing schedules could be made to speed up travel. Additionally, new services, such as express buses, might be introduced. These changes aim to enhance the efficiency of the bus system. They will ensure passengers can reach their destinations quickly and easily.
FAQs
Abu Dhabi Mobility Centre offers different public transport services to make travel easy and comfortable for residents and visitors. It’s a great way to get around the city and its nearby areas.
Fare payments on Abu Dhabi buses are made using Hafilat cards. However, the city’s Express Bus services still take cash.
Here’s how you can use your Hafilat card to pay fare of Abu Dhabi bus:
– Verify the validity of your card, passes, and permits before boarding.
– Ensure there is enough balance for at least one trip.
– Tap the card on the reader when getting on and off the bus.
– Check the remaining balance before getting off.
Buses are the most affordable way to travel around Abu Dhabi, with fares starting at just AED 2 per ride. They run 24 hours a day and are air-conditioned, providing a break from the intense summer sun.
The Metro has yet to be introduced in Abu Dhabi. It was planned in 2007, but construction has yet to begin as of 2024.
In conclusion, Abu Dhabi’s bus service offers an affordable and convenient way to explore the city, with routes that connect you to all major landmarks. Whether you’re commuting daily or just visiting, these buses ensure you get around easily without breaking the bank.
Talking about budget, here are some budget-friendly places to visit in Abu Dhabi to enjoy your trip in the city!
