For two close neighbouring cities running huge international airlines, there’s one thing you think could be better organised in the UAE – that is a direct connection between Zayed International Airport (Abu Dhabi Airport AUH) and Dubai’d DXB – and vice versa!
A complimentary airline bus service operates between Dubai and AUH for Etihad customers if they have booked to start/end their journey with the correct airport code. However, its existence remains a bit of a mystery to travellers, and it’s only open to those flying with Etihad who’ve pre-booked.
That’s why we were super excited in 2022 when Abu Dhabi Airports announced the new AUH Express shuttle service! It’s still running in 2024, with a much-expanded timetable—albeit still not an airport-to-airport connection. Here’s what you need to know about using the Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai bus in 2024.
AUH Express – Zayed International Airport Abu Dhabi Shuttle to/from Dubai
The AUH Express connects passengers from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport to Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai.
What does the Abu Dhabi Airport Shuttle Cost?
The Zayed International Airport shuttle service – (formerly known as AUH Express) – costs passengers 35 AED ($8.20 USD/€7.68) each way.
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Book your AUH Express ticket via ticketing agency Get Your Guide (NB the ability to purchase online somehow vanished over summer 2024, they look to be rebranding and changing the service)
Where do I board the AUH Express?
You can buy tickets and board the service at Zayed International Airport (Terminal A arrivals; they have ceased serving the old Terminal 1 & 3) or Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai.
ABU DHABI: All coach services from AUH leave from the bus stop immediately outside arrivals (turn to the right). Look for this coach.
DUBAI: Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai is connected to the Red Line Metro, from where you can complete your journey in Dubai. Plentiful taxis and buses are also available from Ibn Battuta.
How long will the journey take on the Abu Dhabi Airport Shuttle?
The journey from AUH to Dubai will be (traffic-dependent), approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes (though we note the published timetable in Ibn Battuta says only 1 hour 15 minutes).
How often does AUH Express run?
The service has significantly expanded since the initial launch and now runs hourly from AUH and Dubai. The main stop is at AUH Terminal A (A few months after the new Terminal A opened, they’ve now dropped the additional stop at the Old Terminal 1/3 and Premier Inn).
AUH Express Timetable AUH to Ibn Battuta
| Departs New Terminal A | Arrives Ibn Battuta |
|---|---|
| 00:00 | 01:30 |
| 01:00 | 02:30 |
| 02:00 | 03:30 |
| 03:00 | 04:30 |
| 04:00 | 05:30 |
| 05:00 | 06:30 |
| 06:00 | 07:30 |
| 07:00 | 08:30 |
| 08:00 | 09:30 |
| 09:00 | 10:30 |
| 10:00 | 11:30 |
| 11:00 | 12:30 |
| 12:00 | 13:30 |
| 13:00 | 14:30 |
| 14:00 | 14:30 |
| 15:00 | 14:30 |
| 16:00 | 14:30 |
| 17:00 | 14:30 |
| 18:00 | 14:30 |
| 19:00 | 20:30 |
| 20:00 | 21:30 |
| 21:00 | 22:30 |
| 22:00 | 23:30 |
| 23:00 | 00:30 |
Timings to be aware of! Although Ibn Battuta has great connections, be aware that the Dubai Metro shuts at 1:15am during the week and 2:15am at weekends. Factor this into your onward connections.
Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi Airport Bus Timings
NB signage at the bus stop indicates arrival times are quarter past the hour. These times will be traffic dependent.
| Departs Ibn Battuta | Arrives AUH Terminal A |
|---|---|
| 00:00 | 01:30 |
| 01:00 | 02:30 |
| 02:00 | 03:30 |
| 03:00 | 04:30 |
| 04:00 | 05:30 |
| 05:00 | 06:30 |
| 06:00 | 07:30 |
| 07:00 | 08:30 |
| 08:00 | 09:30 |
| 09:00 | 10:30 |
| 10:00 | 11:30 |
| 11:00 | 12:30 |
| 12:00 | 13:30 |
| 13:00 | 14:30 |
| 14:00 | 15:30 |
| 15:00 | 16:30 |
| 16:00 | 17:30 |
| 17:00 | 18:30 |
| 18:00 | 19:30 |
| 19:00 | 20:30 |
| 20:00 | 21:30 |
| 21:00 | 22:30 |
| 22:00 | 23:30 |
| 23:00 | 00:30 |
For international departures from AUH airport you should try to arrive at least 3 hours before your flight time – longer if you will be clearing US Customs in Abu Dhabi
AUH Express vs Regular Intercity services
The AUH Express is a little bit more than the Intercity Bus service E101 that runs from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and vice versa (AED 25), but remember, you are getting a point-to-point service here, so much faster; there is no need to catch a local bus into Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station in Al Wadha first, which will easily add an hour in the wrong direction to your overall journey.
There IS the 102 Intercity bus service, however, from Musaffah to Ibn Battuta, terminating in Al Jaffiliya, which now includes a stop at AUH. This service is only AED 25 and takes only a few minutes longer with an extra stop in Shahamah vs the AUH Express. Look for the cream and red bus parked at the far end of the bus station at the airport.
(Also note that Intercity bus services do not run from approximately 1 am to 3 am, which can be peak arrival times for AUH)
Do I need to pre-book my AUH Express shuttle ticket?
No, passengers can use this as a walk-up service. However, online booking is possible (NB seems to have stopped as of July 2024—we’re seeking clarity on how to now nook in advance).
After you pass customs and collect your bags, there is a bus counter in the arrivals meet and greet hall at AUH.
Coming from Ibn Batutta Bus Station, you’ll find the AUH Express coach at stand 11, where there is an adjacent ticket machine. As far as we’re aware, you CAN NOT use a Dubai Nol card to pay for the fare; you will need cash or a credit card if you don’t have a pre-paid ticket.
Flying with Etihad – Free Coach to/from Dubai
The new shuttle service will not replace the Etihad complimentary coach service. Both services are due to continue running, servicing different passenger needs.
Passengers wanting to use the Etihad coach must bear in mind that the service MUST be pre-booked at least 24 hours before their flight to guarantee their seat. The airline does now take walk-up passengers, but they are charged 25 AED.
To use the free Etihad Coach service, you must hold an EY flight ticket or codeshare and complete the online form here (or if using a travel agent, they can do this for you).
There are 10 daily services running at present from Downtown Dubai to AUH.
Note that the departure point in Dubai has changed; the new Etihad Travel Mall is at Al Wasl Centre (not Mazaya Shopping Centre). You’ll find it just behind the Safestway Supermarket on Sheikh Zayed Road, near Business Bay Metro Station on the Red Line Metro.
Air Arabia AUH To Dubai
Another airline joining the complimentary bus connection service is AirArabia. They are offering a twice-daily service from AUH to their office in Dubai, located at Shop 6, Al Sharafi Building No1, Karama (Opposite Karama Post Office)
The AirArabia coach service will depart at:
- 11:30 AM AUH to AirArabia Karama Office 2:00 PM
- 11:30 PM AUH to AirArabia Karama Office 2:00 AM
Please get in touch with AirArabia to confirm they are still offering this service +971 4 388 0788 / +971 2 815 3455
Emirates Abu Dhabi to Dubai
Emirates also offers passengers from Abu Dhabi a complimentary coach transfer to DXB, but it’s very important to note that this service does NOT depart from AUH.
The Emirates office is based on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, 30-40 minute drive FURTHER AWAY from Dubai!
If you landed at AUH and wanted to use the Emirates complimentary coach, you’d have to take a taxi or take local bus services to the Emirates office to connect. The coach then drives back the way you just came!
On the plus side, once you’re on the bus, you’ll get dropped at the door for DXB; no further connections are needed in Dubai.
The same service runs in return; you can board the Emirates free coach at DXB, and it will drop you back to the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Like Etihad, this service should be pre-booked in advance.
Direct connection AUH to DXB
Unfortunately, as much as the AUH Express improves transport connections between the two cities, it still does not resolve the fact that there is no direct connection between the two major international airports of the United Arab Emirates.
You can continue your journey to DXB from Ibn Battuta on the Metro, but bear in mind that it will add at least another hour to your journey, plus train/bus station connections. The Metro from Ibn Battuta to DXB starts from AED 7.50 (Silver Nol) or AED 15 (Gold Nol)
If you plan connecting flights between the two cities, you should allow yourself a minimum of 6 hours in case there are any delays in connections.
More FAQs on Abu Dhabi Dubai Shuttles
If you are flying with Emirates or Etihad, you can avail their free shuttle services. Etihad takes passengers from AUH to Etihad Travel Mall in Dubai, whilst Emirates takes passengers from Emirates’ office on the Corniche to DXB.
Transitting within Abu Dhabi, there is a free shuttle service to Yas Island destinations (albeit it’s not frequent), and you can avail the Visit Abu Dhabi free shuttle service to key tourist destinations. Learn more about the Visit Abu Dhabi bus here.
The AUH Express shuttle service costs AED 35 per person one way.
There are two choices to get between Abu Dhabi and Dubai by bus: The Abu Dhabi Airport Express, which departs from outside the arrivals hall at the new Zayed International Airport Terminal A. This bus terminates at Ibn Battuta.
Alternatively, there are Intercity buses that depart from the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station and arrive at Ibn Battuta or Al Ghubaiba in Bur Dubai.
We hope this guide has assisted you in making your onward travel arrangements in the UAE. Remember you can pop over her to see our complete Abu Dhabi transport guide which will help you with getting into the city centre of Abu Dhabi and onward to the regional cities.
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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