Connecting the vibrant new Yas Bay area of the city to the neighbouring Raha Beach community, a new permanent water transport solution has been launched – the Yas Bay Water Taxi, run by Abu Dhabi Maritime.
Here’s what we know and our experience with the new Abu Dhabi water taxi!
Yas Bay Water Taxi Route
Presently, the water taxi runs from Al Bandar to Yas Bay and Yas Marina, taking 50 minutes to complete the round-trip journey.
The once-an-hour service can take 20 passengers at a time. A larger water taxi was seen when the service first launched in November. However, it seems this new smaller boat, as pictured above, is here to stay.
There’s no need to book the water taxi; it operates on a first-come basis (Edited to add, you can now pre-book online, but they still take standby passengers).
There is no indication yet when the stops for Al Zeina and Al Muneera residents will open – the signage is up, but the taxi presently does not make these scheduled stops.
When Does The Yas Bay Water Taxi Operate?
Operating 7 days a week, there is a separate timetable for weekdays and weekends.
- Monday to Thursday – Starting from 5:00 PM at Yas Bay, then every hour, the last service leaves at 10:00 PM
- Friday – Starting from 3:00 PM at Yas Bay, then every hour, the last service 10:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – Starting 11:00 AM at Yas Bay, then every hour; break 4:00 PM, restarting 5:00 PM until last service at 10:00 PM
The taxi leaves Yas Marina at 15 minutes past the hour and Al Bandar at 40 minutes past.
What Does the Yas Water Taxi Cost?
The pricing has increased since the introduction of the new Yas water taxi service. You should now expect to pay:
- 1 way AED 10 per adult; children under 12 free
- For a round trip, AED 20 per adult, kids AED 5
You can buy on the boat, or there’s now an option to pre-book the Yas water taxi online.
Where Can I Learn More About The Yas Bay Water Shuttle
Operated by Abu Dhabi Maritime, you can visit their website 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.
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.
- A taxi rank operates from Yas Bay with plentiful metered taxis to take you wherever you’re headed next. A journey back to Raha Beach communities will be under AED 15 (minimum fare), whilst all the way back to town will be AED 60 – 80, approximately.
- You can self-drive to Yas Bay; note on Etihad Arena event days, underground parking is reserved for VIP ticket holders. There is plentiful parking most days in the Waterfront car park – follow signage past the Hilton hotel.
We have a complete guide to Abu Dhabi Transport over here.
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.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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