Get between Abu Dhabi’s top tourist attractions for FREE! Here’s how….
Back in 2021, Visit Abu Dhabi announced the arrival of a new fleet of tourist shuttle buses to get passengers between top Abu Dhabi tourist destinations and many popular hotels in the capital.
Since its launch, the rules for using this service have been slightly modified, and the routes covered across the city have expanded significantly. They now run under the name ‘Experience Abu Dhabi‘.
In this 2026 update, we will talk you through exactly how to use this brilliant complementary tourism service in Abu Dhabi to maximize your time in the city and minimize costs.
Where do the Experience Abu Dhabi shuttle buses stop?
At launch, there were only two routes. Now, they have broken this down into several smaller routes. As of Summer 2025, these routes include:
Route A1: Saadiyat Island (Runs every 75 minutes, 10:00 AM to last service 5:15 PM)
- Jumeirah at Saadiyat
- Park Hyatt Saadiyat
- Rixos Saadiyat
- Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
- Manarat Al Saadiyat/ Berklee Abu Dhabi
- Mamsha Al Saadiyat (Soul Beach)
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
Route A2: Saadiyat to Qasr Al Watan (Runs 4 times a day from 10:00 AM to the last service at 4:15 PM)
- Manarat Al Saadiyat
- Southern Sun Hotel
- Ramada by Wyndham Abu Dhabi Downtown
- City Seasons Al Hamra Hotel
- Novotel Hotel City Center
- Qasr al Hosn
- Qasr Al Watan
Route B1: (runs 3 times a day)
- Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel
- Etihad Towers
- Heritage Village (Marina Breakwater)
- The Founder’s Memorial / Emirates Palace
- Qasr Al Watan
- Al Hudayriyat Island
Route B2: (runs 3 times a day)
- Qasr Al Watan
- Al Wadha Mall/Grand Millennium
- Umm Al Emarat Park
- Millenium Al Rawdah Hotel
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Route B3:(runs 3 times a day)
- Novotel Hotel Al Bustan
- Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre Hotel
- Aloft Hotel
- Andaz Capital Gate Hotel
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Route C: Airport to Al Maryah via Mosque (runs 3 times a day)
- Zayed International Airport (Terminal A)
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Andalusia Al Seef Reeost
- Eastern Mangroves
- Galleria Mall
Route D: Yas to Saadiyat Island (runs 5 times a day from 10:30 AM, last service 6:00 PM)
- Zayed International Airport (Terminal A)
- Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport
- Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi/Yas Waterworld
- Ferrari World/Yas Mall
- Jubail Mangrove Park
- Mamsha Al Saadiyat (Soul Beach)
Route E: Off-Island (runs 3 times a day)
- Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
- Shangri-La Hotel
- Al Qana
- The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Al Forsan International Sports Resort
Who can use the Experience Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus?
The shuttle bus service is open to both local and international tourists in Abu Dhabi.
What Can You Expect on the Shuttle Buses?
The Experience Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus fleet will be easy to spot with its brightly-coloured livery.
The buses themselves are equipped with comfortable seating, wifi access, accessible seating for wheelchairs, and, of course, air conditioning.
What does the Experience Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus cost?
Previously, guests needed to book attraction tickets with Visit Abu Dhabi to avail of the service and pre-register. Now, all you have to do is scan the QR code to register when you board the bus.
There is no longer any pre-registration required for this service or any ticket required; it’s all done on board and all complimentary.
What are my other transport options in Abu Dhabi?
If the free shuttle services don’t quite align with your plans or you’re in a rush, there are plenty of other public transport options in Abu Dhabi, including the local bus network, taxis, Careem private vehicle hire, and even boats!
- You could alternatively use the Abu Dhabi Hop-on-hop-off Big Bus, which includes recorded commentary and runs in a circular loop around many of the city’s key attractions. It does, however, come with a charge in addition to your attraction tickets.
Head over here to find out about all the free (and really cheap things) you can experience in Abu Dhabi, plus we share how you can score yourself a FREE night or two of accommodation in Abu Dhabi if you travel with Etihad
Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack and top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Start planning your itinerary around the 60+ top places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi.
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Feature image credit visitabudhabi.ae