Al Shahama Bus Station is one of the main bus hubs in northern Abu Dhabi. If you live in Al Shahama or nearby neighbourhoods, it is often the most straightforward place to catch a bus towards Baniyas, Mussafah, or central Abu Dhabi. It is used for everyday trips, from hospital visits and shopping to work commutes, and connects to the wider Abu Dhabi bus network.
For many residents, the station is part of the weekly routine. Once you know which routes stop here and how schedules shift on Fridays and public holidays, planning becomes much simpler, especially if you depend on the bus every day.
- Where is Al Shahama Bus Station located?
- Major routes operating through Al Shahama
- Local and city bus routes
- Operating times and service frequency
- Travel times and typical fares
- Facilities and amenities at the station
- How Al Shahama Bus Station supports daily commuting
- Planning a trip to or from Al Shahama
- Route and stop comparison
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Where is Al Shahama Bus Station located?
Al Shahama Bus Station is located in the Al Shahama area of Abu Dhabi, along Al Sinad Street. It is close to landmarks such as Al Rahba Hospital and Deerfields Mall, which makes it a practical starting point for healthcare visits, shopping trips, and onward travel.
Its location in northern Abu Dhabi also makes Al Shahama Bus Station relevant for commuters travelling towards Baniyas, Al Rahba, and other developing districts, as well as those connecting to longer routes serving the wider emirate.
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Several residential communities are either walkable or a short feeder-bus ride away, so the station serves as a local transport anchor rather than a stand-alone terminal.
Major routes operating through Al Shahama
Al Shahama Bus Station works as a useful changeover point for northern Abu Dhabi, balancing neighbourhood-level services with longer routes that connect residents to employment, healthcare, and education hubs. In day-to-day use, this means the station supports both short local trips and longer cross-city journeys. Its route mix reflects the area’s role as a residential neighbourhood with direct links to wider Abu Dhabi routes.
Rather than relying on a single trunk route, the station is served by multiple overlapping services, allowing passengers to reach destinations via different paths and offering flexibility during peak periods and alternatives when certain routes operate at reduced frequency.
Local and city bus routes
Al Shahama is served by a wide range of local and city routes, reflecting its role as a residential and service hub in northern Abu Dhabi. Regularly used routes include 210, 218, 222, 224, 225, 240, and 420, which connect Al Shahama with hospitals, driving schools, residential districts, and retail destinations.
Stops such as St 13 / Bus Depot and St 13 / Adib are typically within a short walking distance, usually between two and six minutes. This can be helpful when one stop is busy or when choosing a safer or simpler walking route.
Tip: If you commute daily, the main thing to watch is frequency: some lines come regularly, while others can have longer gaps.
Key route: A40 bus
The A40 is one of the most significant routes passing through Al Shahama Bus Station. It connects Al Shahama with Baniyas West Bus Station, passing through a range of residential communities, schools, markets, and airport-related areas.
For many commuters, the A40 is valued for reducing the need for multiple transfers when travelling across northern Abu Dhabi.
Operating times and frequencies
Bus services operate daily, with schedules varying by route. First departures on some routes begin around 05:25 to 05:30. Several services continue until late evening, with last departures on some lines as late as 12:10 AM.
Because service patterns can change on Fridays and public holidays, travellers are advised to check schedules on the day of travel rather than relying on fixed assumptions. Regular commuters often check first and last bus times in advance rather than waiting until they arrive at the station.
Travel times and typical fares
Travel times from Al Shahama Bus Station depend on distance, route, and traffic conditions. Local journeys within northern Abu Dhabi are generally straightforward, while longer inter-emirate trips require additional planning.
To give you a rough idea, here are two common journeys that people use as reference points.
| Route or journey | Approximate travel time | Typical fare range |
| Shakhbout City / New Al Mafraq Hospital → Al Shahama (Bus 420) | Around 50–55 minutes | AED 2–3 |
| Sharjah → Al Shahama (via inter-city buses) | Around 3 hours | AED 26–37 |
Traffic closer to Abu Dhabi City, peak hours, and summer conditions can affect timings. Local trips tend to be more predictable, while longer journeys can be noticeably affected by traffic.
For renters comparing commute trade-offs across the emirate, looking at current apartments for rent in Abu Dhabi can help show how living closer to key employment corridors may reduce travel time versus commuting from Al Shahama.
Facilities and amenities at the station
Al Shahama Bus Station is set up for everyday use rather than long-distance coach travel. The focus is on simple, practical facilities that support daily commuting and make waiting times more manageable, particularly during peak hours or in hotter weather.
- Sheltered and air-conditioned waiting areas
- Seating throughout the station
- Ticket counters and card recharge points
- Restrooms are located at or near the station
- Nearby convenience shops
How Al Shahama Bus Station supports daily commuting
For many residents, Al Shahama Bus Station is a practical alternative to private car travel. It enables commuting to employment centres, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities across Abu Dhabi, particularly for those living in northern districts.
Because commuting time often influences housing choices, transport access influences where people choose to live. Some residents prefer to live close to the station to minimise daily travel, while others compare this option with accommodation closer to the capital. If you are weighing monthly rent against buying, the Rent vs Buy Calculator can help you compare the two based on your budget and plans.
At the same time, Al Shahama’s location and bus connectivity make it attractive for residents who prioritise affordability and access to local services while remaining connected to the wider city.
Planning a trip to or from Al Shahama
Planning travel through Al Shahama Bus Station is generally straightforward with the help of live transit apps that provide real-time arrival information and route updates. Streets such as St 13 / Bus Depot and St 1 / Shuhadah Badar Mosque are commonly used as reference points for walking-based navigation around the station.
During off-peak hours, some routes may operate less frequently, so checking schedules in advance is particularly important for time-sensitive journeys. Early arrival is recommended for longer routes or late-evening services that operate only once per day. For late buses, arriving early can be the difference between boarding comfortably and missing the service.
For buyers comparing areas based on budget alongside commute practicality, the Home Value Estimator can provide an additional reference point when weighing different Abu Dhabi neighbourhoods.
Route and stop comparison
Understanding which routes start directly at the station and which require a short walk to nearby stops helps travellers better plan connections, reduce waiting time, and choose the most practical option for their regular journeys.
The comparison below highlights how different routes serving Al Shahama vary in destination coverage and pedestrian access. Walking distance to the nearest stop is an important factor for daily commuters, particularly during summer months or for passengers transferring between services.
| Route number | Key destinations | Direct start at the station |
| 210 | Al Rahba Hospital – Emirates Driving School | St 13 / Adib (≈6 minutes) |
| 218 | Abattoir – Al Raha Mall | St 13 / Adib (≈6 minutes) |
| A40 | Al Shahama – Baniyas West Bus Station | Direct start at station |
These routes reflect the station’s role in connecting residential areas with essential services and employment corridors across Abu Dhabi.
Key takeaways
Al Shahama Bus Station is a well-located transport hub in northern Abu Dhabi, offering early-morning and late-night services across local and inter-city routes. With strong connections to hospitals, residential areas, and major bus corridors such as the A40, it supports both daily commuting and longer journeys. For regular users, the biggest advantage is knowing which routes run frequently and which ones require careful planning.
FAQs
Some routes begin operating around 05:25 AM, depending on the line and direction of travel.
Key routes include 210, 218, 222, 224, 225, 240, 420, and the A40 service.
Stops such as St 13 / Bus Depot are about a two-minute walk, while St 13 / Adib is usually a five- to six-minute walk.
Local trips within Abu Dhabi often cost AED 2–3, while longer journeys from other emirates, such as Sharjah, cost more and take longer.
Yes, passengers can access sheltered waiting areas, restrooms, ticket counters, and card recharge services at or near the station.
