Getting around Abu Dhabi is set to become easier for visitors, with plans unveiled for a brand-new tram network. The Abu Dhabi Light Rail Project (LRT) will begin on Yas Island, home to some of the city’s most popular attractions, and eventually connect directly to Zayed International Airport.

A New Way to Explore Yas Island

The first phase of the tram project will start at Yas Gateway Park, looping around key destinations including:

• Ferrari World
• Yas Marina Circuit (home of the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix)
• Yas Bay Waterfront

From there, the line will extend across to the mainland, with stops planned at Etihad Plaza, Al Raha Mall, and onwards to the airport. For future visitors, this means a convenient new way to move between Yas Island’s theme parks, shopping, and hotels without relying only on taxis or buses.

Linking the Airport to the City

Currently, Zayed International Airport is primarily accessible to Abu Dhabi by taxi and limited bus services. The tram will provide a much-needed alternative, helping travellers link smoothly from their flights to Yas Island and the wider city.

Officials at Abu Dhabi Airports have highlighted the importance of this project, stating that they aim to make it easier for passengers to reach the capital’s main attractions as well as travel onwards across the Emirates.

Innovation on the Horizon: Urbanloop

Alongside the tram, Abu Dhabi is also exploring Urbanloop, a new French-designed autonomous pod system that debuted at the Paris Olympics. Trials are scheduled to begin on Reem Island within the next six months.

These pod-like vehicles are designed for short, flexible journeys and could one day serve business class or VIP passengers at the airport.

Each vehicle can carry between 2 and 12 people, offering direct, non-stop service to destinations at speeds of up to 1,500 passengers per hour. Designed with the UAE climate in mind, they feature advanced air-conditioning and dust protection.

Note, these projects are in addition to the ART (Automated Rapid Transport) Trackless Trams currently serving Reem Mall to Marina Mall on weekends.

What This Means for Abu Dhabi Travellers

For visitors planning a trip in the next few years, the new tram will transform how you explore Abu Dhabi:

• Easy access from the airport to Yas Island theme parks and resorts.
• More sustainable travel options, reducing the need for private taxis.
• Direct links to attractions, shopping, and entertainment hubs.

While the official launch timeline has not been confirmed, construction of the base phase is set to begin soon. Travellers heading to Abu Dhabi in the coming years can expect a smoother, more connected journey from touchdown at Zayed International Airport to the heart of the city’s entertainment districts.

Getting Around Abu Dhabi Until the Tram Launches

While the tram is still under development, visitors already have several reliable options for traveling between Yas Island, the airport, and the city. To help you plan, here are our guides to the main transport options in Abu Dhabi:

• Abu Dhabi Transport Guide – An overview of all public transport, including buses, taxis, water taxis, and more.
• Using Hafilat and Local Buses in Abu Dhabi – How the bus fare system works, where buses run, and tips for first-time riders.
• How to Use the Yas Bay Water Taxi – A scenic way to connect Yas Bay with other waterfront destinations around Raha Beach and Water’s Edge.
• Experience Abu Dhabi Free Shuttle Bus – Complimentary shuttle connecting major attractions, malls, and landmarks across the city.
• Hiring a Car and Driving in Abu Dhabi – Everything you need to know about rental requirements, road rules, and navigating the city.
• Understanding the Abu Dhabi DARB Toll System – Detailed guide to how and when the city’s toll system operates for visitors who choose to drive.
• Everything You Need to Know About Taxis in Abu Dhabi – How to hail a taxi, pre-book, expected fares, and payment options.

When Does The Yas Bay Water Taxi (Green Line) Operate?

Operating 7 days a week, the ‘Green Line’ has a separate timetable for weekdays and weekends (this has changed on multiple occasions since the new service launched, so apologies if the below is not 100% accurate; last check and updated for spring 2026):

• Monday to Friday – Starting from 3:00 PM at Yas Bay, then every hour, the last service leaves at 10:00 PM
• Saturday & Sunday – Starting 3:30 PM at Yas Bay, then every 30 minutes until the last service at 10:30 PM (NB since March 2026, this looks to have dropped back to hourly)

The water taxi then leaves Al Zeina at 15 minutes past the hour, Al Muneera at 25 minutes past, and Al Bandar at 40 minutes past on weekdays.

On weekends, when there’s a 30-minute service, stops will also be made at Al Zeina, 45 minutes past the hour; Al Muneera, 55 minutes past the hour; and Al Bandar, 10 minutes past the hour.

Yas Bay Waterfront (Purple Line)

This new service connects the Yas Water’s Edge Community to Yas Bay, via Yas Marina.

• Every 1.5 hours from 4:15 PM to 8:15 PM Monday to Thursday
• Every 15/30 minutes from 4:15 PM to 10:00 PM Friday to Sunday

Yas Bay – Al Qana (Red Line)

Connecting two popular tourist destinations in the capital, this is a twice-daily service in both directions and takes 35 minutes:

• Al Qana departures are at 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM daily
• Yas Bay departures are at 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM daily

Learn more about what to see and experience in Al Qana here

What Does the Yas Water Taxi Cost?

The pricing has increased since the Yas water taxi service was first introduced. You should now expect to pay:

• Adult one way – AED 10
• Children under 12 – AED 5
• Under 2 or over 60 – Free
• For a round trip, AED 20 per adult, kids AED 5

You must pre-book the Yas Water Taxi and present your QR code upon boarding. It appears they no longer accept cash or card payments on board. (Note that a service charge of 1 AED and a transaction fee per ticket is also added).

• Get the Al Nalia App on Google Play
• Get the Al Nalia App on App Store
• Book through the AD Maritime Website

This can be done while you’re queuing for the boat, but we recommend booking several hours/days in advance to secure your spot, especially before or after major events at Yas Bay. There is no obvious signage at the docks to indicate that this is required while you’re waiting!

Where Can I Learn More About The Yas Bay Water Shuttle

Operated by Abu Dhabi Maritime, you can visit their website for Yas Bay Water Taxi booking online, or call 800 10 20 30.

What Happened to Yellow Boats, Yas Bay?

Yellow Boats still operate tourist boat tours from Yas Marina. However, the trial water shuttle service that operated in the Spring of 2022 has not returned. The smaller Yas Bay Water Taxi appears to be the permanent replacement service.

We’d still recommend tourists check out Yellow Boats for longer scenic tours around the mangroves.

What Are Other Transport Options For Yas Bay?

• Yas Bay is connected with the other major attractions on Yas Island by the free Yas Express shuttle service. You can learn more about the other Yas Island attractions and shuttles over here.

• There is a public bus service to Yas Island from the Airport (Route A19) and Al Wadha Central Bus Station (Route 190). Note these drop you on the main road, and you’ll still have a 5-10 minute walk to Etihad Arena and Yas Bay.

• A taxi rank operates from Yas Bay, with plentiful metered taxis to take you wherever you’re headed next. A journey back to the Raha Beach communities will cost under AED 15 (minimum fare), while the return trip to town will cost approximately AED 60-80.

• You can self-drive to Yas Bay; note that on Etihad Arena event days, underground parking is reserved for VIP ticket holders only. There is plentiful parking most days in the Waterfront car park – follow signage past the Hilton hotel. A new multi-story car park is also available; U-turn at the traffic light, and it’s on your immediate right, don’t turn into Yas Bay. (Coming from Dubai, we explain all your Etihad Arena parking options here)

We have a complete guide to Abu Dhabi Transport over here.

Where are DARB toll gates in Abu Dhabi located?

Abu Dhabi’s toll gates are found in 4 locations, all bridges that lead onto the main Abu Dhabi island; you’ll find them on:

• Sheikh Zayed Bridge (Sas Al Nakhl Toll Gate)
• Mussafah Bridge (Rabdan Toll Gate)
• Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Bridge (Al Saadiyat Toll Gate)
• Al Maqta’a Bridge (Al Maqta Toll Gate)

They operate in both directions, both on and off Abu Dhabi island.

NB – drivers have recently reported seeing two new toll gates on the E11 (Highway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai) at Al Qurm and Ghantoot. These rumours have NOT been confirmed by Abu Dhabi mobility, but we can only assume they may well be added to the existing network at some point.

When are DARB gates in Abu Dhabi operational?

Toll Gates in Abu Dhabi do not run 24 hours a day. Since the change to weekends in the UAE, the toll gates now operate only during peak periods, Monday through Saturday:

• Mornings 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
• Evenings (new from 1 September 2025) 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

No tolls are levied on Sundays or Public Holidays.

During Ramadan, DARB tolls are operational six days a week:

• Mornings 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
• Afternoons 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

What Do Road Tolls Cost in Abu Dhabi?

Every time you pass under a DARB toll gate during operational hours, you are charged AED 4, up to a maximum of AED 16 per day.

Note that the monthly caps were abolished on 1 September 2025 (previously, AED 200 per month for your first car, AED 150 for a second car, and AED 100 for subsequent vehicles).

Abu Dhabi Toll Gate Exemptions

There are exemptions for People of Determination, Senior Citizens, and low-income Emiratis. These exemptions must be applied for.

Automatically exempt are motorcycles, taxis, school buses, public transport buses, emergency services vehicles, and passenger buses with more than 26 passengers.

Fines For Using Toll Roads Unregistered

Unregistered vehicles passing under DARB tolls will be fined:

• AED 100 from the first day
• AED 200 from the second day
• AED 400 for the third day and beyond

Fines are also issued for vehicles with insufficient balance in their DARB account (without Abu Dhabi plates), after 5 working days at AED 50 per day.

How Do I Register My Car For Abu Dhabi Tolls?

Rental Vehicles in the UAE

The good news is that if you are only renting a car in Abu Dhabi or from anywhere in the UAE, including Dubai, your car rental company is obliged to register the vehicle; there is nothing further for you to do as the renter.

However, you must be aware that when you have driven under the toll gates during operational hours, your rental company will invoice you or debit your account after your rental (plus, most likely, an administrative fee).

Privately owned vehicles

If you own a vehicle in any Emirate of the UAE, you will need to register it with DARB or risk a fine.

You can register your vehicle on DARB here.

As part of the registration process, you must pre-load a balance on your account – your ewallet.

You will need to have a resident visa and an Emirates ID in order to register (and own) a vehicle and provide a traffic file number.

You can manage your account through the DARB mobile App (Google | App Store)

Uber & Careem in Abu Dhabi

Ridesharing apps, including Uber and Careem (now owned by Uber), operate in the capital. They are becoming increasingly popular to book, alongside taxis, particularly in the evenings when finding cabs lined up at a rank can be harder.

Careem offers a range of different cars, including Economy Limo, Careem Kids (fitted with one child seat), Max & Careem Assist. You select your car type, and the exact fare will be calculated via the Careem App (Google) | Careem (App Store)

• You can find latest fare information for Careem Abu Dhabi here.

You can also use Uber via the Uber App (Google) | Click here for App Store. As part of their terms of reintroduction to the Abu Dhabi market, their service is at a premium above regular taxis.

Uber AV’s (Driverless Taxis)

[NEW!] If you are interested in trying the new Autonomous Vehicles (AV), ie, driverless taxis, in Abu Dhabi, note that they operate only on specific routes between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island.

You must use UberX or Uber Comfort and have ‘Autonomous Vehicle‘ set as a preference in your settings.

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Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.

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Navigating the new International Airport in Abu Dhabi (AUH)

Zayed International Airport (AUH airport code) is the renamed Abu Dhabi International Airport. The fresh new Terminal A opened its glistening doors in November 2023 and is now one of the world’s premier long-haul hubs*

Home to Etihad, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, here’s exactly what you can expect using this fabulous new airport.

Arrivals into Abu Dhabi Airport – Airlines and Terminals at AUH

Zayed International Airport – the gateway to the capital of the United Arab Emirates – sees around 150,000 flights a year coming and going from its runways and in 2024, saw 29 million people passing through teh new terminal.

Arrival at the Terminal Building in AUH

The vast majority of flights into AUH arrive via an air bridge directly to the terminal building. From there, you can expect up to a 10-minute walk back to transit or passport control and bag collection. Everything in the airport is sign posted in English and Arabic.

Electric buggies are available for those with mobility issues, or you could use Salam Meet & Assist (must be pre-booked and paid). Complimentary strollers are also available for people travelling with small children.

Leaving the airport?

Passport control is usually quite speedy and is largely now e-gates. Be careful to follow the instructions given by the passport control officer and answer any questions honestly.

Once through passport control, you will be required to scan any hand luggage you may have before collecting your main luggage from the baggage hall. Porters can help with your luggage for a small fee (payable in cash only – I believe AED 40 but we’ve not used them in a while!).

Note, if you can’t find your larger items like strollers and car seats on the luggage belt, look for the oversize baggage area near belt 2 and 8.

You will find a few cafes, newsagents, toilets, and cash machines in the arrivals hall to prepare you for your onward journey. Transport connection options are clearly signposted.

Are you onward connecting to a US destination?

One of the huge draw cards of using AUH as a transit hub is that you can pass through US Customs and Border Protection (U.S. CBP) IN THE UAE! Yes!

One of the few worldwide hub airports that can offer this service means no waiting at the other end, you’re straight to baggage collection, but it does mean you need to allow extra time before your flight.

Flying with a Disability or Differently Able?

AUH excels in accessibility. They participate in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard programme and offer a Sensory Space (near Gate D43) that can be pre-booked (max 1 hour, 6 family members per room).

It’s well worth checking out all the services on offer that may assist you or your loved ones who require special assistance with your journey.

Stay in AUH Airport or Go Sightseeing on a Long Layover in AUH?

So, let’s get down to it: if you’re transiting through AUH, do you stay at the airport or take a tour around town?

It can depend significantly on your arrival time, the length of your layover, and how many people are in your traveling party.

Here, we set out what you can expect to find inside the airport terminal building and what you can do nearby, should you wish to leave the airport.

Option 1: Staying in Abu Dhabi Airport to Transit

With under 5 hours in transit, this will be your preferred option.

The airport is fairly sized and contains many cafes, a few small designer shops, and larger ‘duty-free’ stores. There is a McDonald’s, Burger King, Costa Coffee, Boots Pharmacy, and WH Smith, to name but a few of the ‘big brand’ names you might internationally recognise—plus plenty of spots to pick up your souvenirs, ‘Dubai Chocolate’, or even designer goods duty-free.

Seating is ample, including plenty of quite spaces with recliner chairs.

Airport Lounges

The airport currently offers two paid lounges for guests travelling with any airline (Pearl Lounge for credit card/lounge card holders⁺ and Diamond Lounge, a paid luxury offering).

Customers flying Business or First with Etihad, or Gold Card holders and above with Etihad Guest can use the Etihad Business and First Lounges by invitation.

We’ll shortly publish another guide for you comparing the lounges as we work our way through them all!

⁺Our experience is that if you’re flying at a busy time of the year, such as over Eid or the start of the school holidays, forget the lounges. You’ll spend half your time queuing to get in, and then there’s very limited seating inside.

Zayed Airport is undoubtedly beautiful, airy, and spacious which is great for a building you’ll be ‘trapped in’ for many hours. However, personal opinion, we’re surprised up against fierce competition from airline hubs like Dubai, Doha and Singapore that there aren’t a few more leisure facilities and gardens built into the airport’s design.

Option 2: Sleep it off at a transit Hotel in AUH

There is presently only one transit hotel inside Zayed International Airport, the AUHotel. It is basic but comes with all the mod cons you want, including Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making, and, importantly, comfy beds and showers.

There are no other hotels in the immediate vicinity of the airport if you’re looking for a land side option within walking distance (a surprising design flaw, surely?)

That said, there are many options within a 10-minute drive on Yas Island. All hotels here will give you access to a pool, restaurants and an opportunity to walk about and stretch your legs.

Free Hotel stay for long layovers?

Unlike neighbouring Dubai, where Dubai Connect is offered by Emirates to long layover passengers as a complimentary service, no such service exists with Etihad in Abu Dhabi – but read on below for Option 4!

Option 3: Layover Activities in Abu Dhabi

Ideal if you have a stopover between the hours of 8:00 am and midnight, and at least 6 hours between flights

Although Visit Abu Dhabi encourages you to leave the airport with anything more than a 4-hour layover, realistically, you’d want at least 5-6 hours to comfortably make it through customs on either end (longer if you have a US flight as you clear US customs this side of the border).

Many major tourist attractions don’t open until 9:00 or 10:00 AM, so consider leaving the airport terminal carefully.

For a short and straightforward break in the sunshine, you could spend a couple of hours at Yas Bay enjoying the many restaurants and bars – its less than 10 minutes away in a taxi.

Alternatively, you could venture to the capital’s major attraction, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, just a 15-minute taxi away, and allow at least 60-90 minutes to explore.

• See several suggestions here for ‘One Perfect Day in Abu Dhabi’ you can piece together the attractions or experiences that fit your layover timing
• This guide takes you through in much more detail 60+ attractions you could include on an Abu Dhabi stopover (some might be seasonal)

NB – if your stopover is in the dead of night and you want to get out and about, check if the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is still offering their Sura Night tours

A note on visas for short stays in Abu Dhabi

Many nationalities are entitled to a free UAE visa on arrival for 30 or 90 days. If you are not from one of these visa-on-arrival countries and need a tourist or transit visa (48 or 96 hours), you can apply here.

Transport For Short Stops

• With careful planning, you could use the free shuttle buses put on by Visit Abu Dhabi
• We have a detailed guide to Abu Dhabi transport options over here to help you with your onward journey; taxis are honestly the quickest and easiest way to get around on a short stop, but public transport does exist.

Option 4: Break up your travel with a 2-day break in Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi offers every type of accommodation you can imagine, from cost-effective chain hotels like the Premier Inn, to beyond 5-star luxury hotels like the Emirates Palace.

But why spend 2 days, not just one? Because Etihad will cover your hotel!

You read that right! Whilst they don’t offer a free city tour like other layover cities, Abu Dhabi rolls out the red carpet in a different way by giving you the option to stay for a minimum of 2 nights at one of their designated hotels.

Alternatively, stay up to 4 nights from their list of 3 to 5-star hotels and save 40% booking through Etihad.

We explain exactly how this stopover package deal works in much more detail here, but the most important criterion is that you must be flying Etihad, and must stay over 24 hours!

You can find our complete guide to all the best areas to stay in Abu Dhabi here.

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Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.

Abu Dhabi Travel Planner

A new long-term car park option has opened at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport.

This is excellent news for travellers driving from other parts of the Emirates who want to use AUH as their gateway to the world. In addition to short-term parking, a long-term car parking solution can work for up to 1 month.

We know public transport connections in the country can often be tedious (or non-existent), so we’re excited to share some new options for bringing your own car to Abu Dhabi airport. From there, you can catch flights with Etihad, Wizz Air, Air Arabia, and dozens of other international airlines.

Let’s take a closer look at parking and transportation options at AUH.

Short-Term Parking at AUH

First, we’ll look at short-term parking.

This will be your ideal solution if you’re only driving to AUH to drop off or pick up a passenger, not flying anywhere yourself, as you’ll see the charges start to get pretty hefty if you go beyond a day.

NB, since we first published this guide, and despite what’s officially published on the Zayed International Airport website, you now get 15 minutes of free parking for the short-term car park before the above charges apply (correct as of April 2025).

Number plate recognition is used, so you’ll find no ticket machines in Arrivals or the car park. You must pay with cash or a credit card to the staff at the exit barriers.

Long-Term Parking at AUH

The latest parking option to be introduced at AUH is long-term parking, situated just 2 minutes away from the main terminal. You’ll need to be slightly more organized for this, but it’s very straightforward and well sign-posted on arrival.

You’ll want to pre-register your long-term parking space at parking.zayedinternationalairport.ae. When registering, you’ll be asked:

• To enter your travel dates with an estimated time of departure and return
• You’ll be given available locations
• Enter your personal details with flight numbers
• Enter your vehicle details

You will receive a pre-booked parking confirmation, but don’t worry; there is no need to pay at this time. Payment is made upon your return and collection of your car, using number plate recognition.

Other Transportation Options – When Is Parking at AUH Worth It?

Parking with your own car at AUH can make sense when;

• You need the luggage space and seating available in your own car – generally, when you can’t all fit in a taxi, which can be limited to 4 passengers and only four small suitcases (especially if the taxi has an LP Gas tank, which is common in Abu Dhabi)
• When you want to travel with your own car seats for children, though, weigh up the cost of the parking vs a Careem Kids service with car seats
• When you don’t want to be tied to public transport schedules, particularly in the middle of the night, and want to get home faster
• When the combined cost of parking and fuel is cheaper than a taxi or Careem.

To help you compare some more cost comparisons:

• The airport coach from Dubai (Ibn Battuta) costs AED 35 per person each way, plus the cost of the Metro (Nol) or taxi to get to Ibn Battuta Station in Dubai; for a family of four, that’s already AED 280 before considering other transport costs.

• The standard Intercity Bus (Route 102) costs less than the Airport Shuttle Bus and now has a stop at AUH; this will cost you AED 25 per person in each direction.

• A standard taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi costs approximately AED 300-400 one way. Some taxis can theoretically accommodate six people, but not all of them, with luggage, so assume 4 is the maximum for a cab with a small suitcase each. Premium taxis can accommodate more, but you’re looking at a fare of around AED 500 each way.

• If you are flying with Etihad from AUH, you can get a complimentary coach from Dubai—learn more about this here—so there may be no need to bring your own car.

You can find here our complete and up-to-date guide to Abu Dhabi Transport

Want to learn more about flying through AUH?

• Our complete guide to navigating AUH is coming soon!
• Remote check-in to AUH and enjoy a day at Yas Island
• Flying through AUH? See if you’re eligible for a FREE stopover stay with Etihad
• How the local bus system and Halifat card work in Abu Dhabi
• Get around Abu Dhabi using the FREE Visit Abu Dhabi Shuttle Service

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Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.

Abu Dhabi Travel Planner

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.

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).

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.

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

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.

Take me back to the Abu Dhabi Travel Blog

Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.

Abu Dhabi Travel Planner

Take me back to the Abu Dhabi Travel Blog

Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.

Abu Dhabi Travel Planner

Ticketing and other Facilities at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station

The Central Bus Station is very basic but has all the amenities you need, from toilets and prayer rooms to mini-marts and quick-bite sandwich shops. Some basic waiting areas are available inside and on the platforms, but as far as transportation hubs go, it’s a far cry from its counterpart, the shiny new Zayed International Airport.

You can buy Hafilat cards required for Abu Dhabi suburban buses from within the station and tickets for intercity services from a ticketing counter with a card or cash.

There is also a Nol machine – for those travelling onward to Dubai Emirate from Abu Dhabi bus station, you can top up your Nol card in advance to tap and pay as you board and for use on Dubai’s public transport system.

Other Intercity Services from Abu Dhabi Bus Station

Buses to Other Emirates in the UAE

You can get direct buses from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to the Emirates of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah from platform 1.

• RAKTA operates the Ras al Khaimah coach service, which costs AED 35 one-way (For some reason, the return journey is AED 47 from RAK to Abu Dhabi).
• There are two services daily from Abu Dhabi to the terminal at RAK’s Al Hamra Station.
• We are confirming the daily departure times as online sources do not align with the times we’ve seen the bus leave!
• It is approximately a 250km journey, which takes over 3.5 hours to complete.

• There is also a service to Sharjah, operated by Sharjah RTA from platform 1
• Bus Route 117 from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Sharjah’s Al Jubail Bus Station.
• Depending on the time of day, the bus leaves every 35 to 60 minutes and takes 2 hours, 50 minutes.
• The first bus of the day starts at 6:30 AM, and the last bus departs at 11:15 AM.
• This bus service costs AED 33.

Bus Services to other cities in Abu Dhabi Emirate

Heading beyond the capital city, there are multiple bus services to regional cities in Abu Dhabi. Finding information online is unexpectedly difficult, even using Darbi – we do hope they’ll improve their search tools in future.

• The X90 is the service to Al Ain. It makes several stops, and the full journey takes 2 hours 35 minutes. Services leave every 2 hours from 6:45 am to 22:45 am.

• The X60 is the service to the Western Region city of Madinat Zayed, with 6 daily services.

• The X70 is the service to Al Marfa. We understand four services run daily.

• Th X86 is a once-daily service to Ghayathi, via Mirfa departing midday.

• Intercity bus services are charged at AED 10 + AED 0.1 per kilometre.

Suburban Bus Services in Abu Dhabi

All buses within Abu Dhabi are run by the Integrated Trasport Centre (ITC), and you will need a Hafilat bus card to pay onboard by tapping in. There are several Hafilat machines at the central bus station.

To get a complete timetable of Abu Dhabi suburban bus services, visit itc.gov.ae/en/pb-bus-service/ or you can download the Darbi app for Google Play and the Apple App Store.

You can also get real-time bus information in Abu Dhabi by scanning the QR code at every bus stop.

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Take me back to the Abu Dhabi Travel Blog

Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.

Abu Dhabi Travel Planner