Travelling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi Airport is far easier than most people expect. Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi Airport bus timing is frequent, with buses running from Ibn Battuta Mall and Ibn Battuta Metro Bus Station, offering an affordable, air-conditioned, and reliable connection straight to Zayed International Airport (AUH).
Whether you’re catching an early morning flight or heading home after midnight, there’s usually a bus or shuttle available with minimal waiting time.
Here’s a clear, updated look at timings, fares, shuttle options, and everything else you need to know before you travel.
- Bus options from Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi Airport
- Detailed bus timings
- Ticketing & pricing
- Travel duration & experience
- Contact snippets
- Alternative transport options
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Bus options from Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi Airport
Three main services connect Ibn Battuta with Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport. They serve different types of travellers, from commuters using public transport to passengers who prefer a direct airport shuttle with more luggage space
1. Dubai RTA E102 Bus
The RTA’s E102 route runs directly from Ibn Battuta Metro Bus Station to Zayed International Airport – Terminal A. It offers a simple, air-conditioned connection for passengers who prefer public transport.
Route: Ibn Battuta Metro Bus Station → Zayed International Airport (Terminal A)
Payment: Nol card required
2. Airport Express Shuttle (AUH–Dubai shuttle)
This dedicated airport shuttle runs between Ibn Battuta Mall and Zayed International Airport. It is designed for travellers, offering a direct journey and reliable service day and night.
Route: Ibn Battuta Mall → Zayed International Airport
Booking: Online or at airport counters
3. Air Arabia Shuttle
This shuttle runs from Abu Dhabi Airport to Ibn Battuta Mall. Although designed for Air Arabia passengers, many travellers use it when seats are available.
Route: Zayed International Airport → Ibn Battuta Mall
Booking: Air Arabia counters or online
Detailed bus timings
Below is an easy reference for the main services running between the two cities. Timings may shift slightly on weekends or holidays, but the overall pattern remains consistent.
E102 timetable (Ibn Battuta → Abu Dhabi Airport)
The E102 runs directly from Ibn Battuta Metro Bus Station to Zayed International Airport – Terminal A.
First bus: 5:30 am
Last bus: 11:30 pm
Frequency:
The service operates hourly from Ibn Battuta.
(The peak/off-peak timings sometimes seen online apply to other intercity routes, not the E102.)
Important note:
The return direction (AUH → Ibn Battuta) can be less frequent, sometimes every 4 hours. Always check the RTA Wojhati planner for real-time updates
Abu Dhabi Airport → Ibn Battuta Mall (Airport Shuttle)
This airport shuttle operates hourly, 24/7, making it suitable for early-morning and late-night flights. Sample early-morning departures:
| Departure (AUH) | Arrival (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 |
(The same hourly pattern continues throughout the day and night.)
Booking: Online via the Zayed International Airport platform or at terminal counters.
A boarding pass may be required for some shuttle services.
Additional timing notes
- Timings may shift due to traffic, weekends, or holiday schedules.
- The airport shuttle’s consistent 24-hour operation makes it ideal for red-eye flights.
- Always check RTA Wojhati or Zayed International Airport for real-time updates.
Ticketing and pricing
Travelling between Ibn Battuta and Abu Dhabi Airport is one of the most affordable inter-emirate options in the UAE. Prices differ depending on the operator and comfort level.
1. Dubai RTA E102
- AED 17–25
- Paid using a Nol card
- Nol card must be topped up before boarding
2. Airport Express Shuttle
- AED 35
- Tickets available online or at airport counters
- Suitable for travellers with multiple luggage bags
3. Air Arabia Shuttle
- AED 35
- Booking usually required
- Often used by non-Air Arabia passengers when seats are available
Tip: If travelling with multiple suitcases or oversized bags, choose the Airport Express Shuttle for easier loading and more space.
Travel duration and experience
Most trips take 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic and the time of day. Travel times can increase slightly during peak traffic or late-night operations.
What to expect on board:
- Air-conditioned interiors
- Comfortable seating
- Luggage racks (varies by model; shuttles offer more space)
- Smooth express travel along Sheikh Zayed Road (E11)
- USB ports and WiFi on select shuttle services
- Digital signboards and clear route displays
Travellers appreciate the convenience of going directly to the airport without needing to switch between taxis and Metro lines.
Contact snippets
1. Dubai RTA — Public Transport
It’s located in Muhaisanah Fourth – Muhaisnah – Dubai
- Instagram: @rta_dubai
- Phone: 800 9090
2. Zayed International Airport Shuttle — Abu Dhabi
It’s located in Terminal A, Al Matar, Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi.
- Instagram: @zayedintlairport
- Phone: +971 2 805 5555
3. Air Arabia Shuttle — Abu Dhabi Airport
- Instagram: @airarabiagroup
- Phone: +971 6 558 0000
Alternative transport options
If you prefer not to take the bus, here are other ways to travel between Ibn Battuta and Abu Dhabi Airport:
1. Hala Taxi
Hala Taxi is Dubai’s official RTA taxi service that you book directly through the Careem app. It offers door-to-door convenience, metered fares and enough space for luggage, making it one of the easiest ways to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi Airport without pre-booking a private car.
Cost: AED 290–410 (metered, depending on traffic and time of day)
Travel time: ~52 minutes
2. Private airport shuttle or pre-booked car service
A good option for travellers who want a pre-booked, chauffeur-driven service with meet-and-greet support and help with luggage. These transfers are typically offered by licensed limousine companies or hotel transport providers.
Cost: Higher than taxis; depends on vehicle type and booking company
Travel time: ~50–60 minutes
3. Ride-hailing (Careem/Uber)
Ride-hailing services such as Careem and Uber operate across Dubai and can be booked from anywhere in the city, including Ibn Battuta Mall and surrounding neighbourhoods. They offer a convenient alternative to taxis, with different car types depending on your budget.
Cost: Similar to taxis during normal hours, with higher fares during peak times, holidays, or surge periods.
Travel time: ~50–60 minutes
Key takeaways
Buses between Ibn Battuta and Abu Dhabi Airport run regularly, with hourly departures on most routes. The RTA E102 leaves from Ibn Battuta between 5:30 am and 11:30 pm, while the Airport Express and Air Arabia shuttles operate 24/7 with hourly service, making them ideal for late-night or early-morning flights.
Journey times average 1 hour 20 to 1 hour 30 minutes, and fares range from AED 17–35, depending on the operator. Travellers can pay using Nol cards for RTA buses or purchase shuttle tickets online or at airport counters. The airport shuttle offers the most consistent frequency, dedicated luggage space, and round-the-clock reliability for trips to and from AUH.
FAQs
Most services operate hourly. The Airport Express and Air Arabia shuttles run 24/7, while the RTA E102 runs hourly from Ibn Battuta but has less frequent return trips from Abu Dhabi Airport (sometimes every 4 hours).
It is around 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes for direct services.
The RTA E102 costs AED 17–25. Airport shuttles, including the Airport Express and Air Arabia Shuttle, cost AED 35.
You can use a Nol card for RTA buses. Shuttle tickets can be purchased online or at airport counters.
Yes, the Airport Express and Air Arabia shuttles run 24/7, including late-night and early-morning departures.
Yes, it is allowed. All services accommodate luggage. Shuttles typically have more dedicated luggage space, making them more comfortable for travellers with multiple bags.
