Travelling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is a routine part of life for many UAE residents, whether for work, study, appointments, or weekend visits. Among the various transport options available, the intercity bus from Al Ghubaiba bus station to abu dhabi remains one of the most affordable and dependable ways to make the journey, especially for travellers starting in Bur Dubai.
Al Ghubaiba Bus Station serves as a major departure point for long-distance bus services, including the main route to Abu Dhabi. Well connected to the Dubai Metro and surrounding neighbourhoods, the station is a practical choice for commuters and visitors alike.
This guide explains everything you need to know about travelling from Al Ghubaiba to Abu Dhabi by bus, including available routes, schedules, fares, travel times, amenities, and useful tips to help you plan a smooth trip.
- Bus Routes from Al Ghubaiba to Abu Dhabi
- E100 Bus Timings and Frequency
- Journey Time: What to Expect
- Bus Fares and Payment Method
- Main Stops Along the E100 Route
- Alternative Routes and Transport Options
- Al Ghubaiba Bus Station: Location and Facilities
- Using Apps and Live Travel Information
- Best Times to Travel
- What to Bring for a Comfortable Trip
- Who This Route Is Best For
- Common Mistakes First-Time Passengers Make
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Bus Routes from Al Ghubaiba to Abu Dhabi
Al Ghubaiba Bus Station is one of Dubai’s main intercity transport hubs, and for travellers heading to Abu Dhabi, there is a single, direct option. The E100 bus route runs from Al Ghubaiba in Bur Dubai straight to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (Al Wahda), making it the most convenient choice for passengers starting their journey in this part of the city.
While other intercity routes, such as E101 and E10,2, also connect Dubai and Abu Dhabi, they depart from different locations and do not stop at Al Ghubaiba. As a result, passengers travelling from Bur Dubai typically rely on the E100 for a direct, no-transfer journey to the capital.
E100 Bus Timings and Frequency
One advantage of the E100 route is its extended operating hours, which accommodate early-morning departures and late-night returns.
Buses typically begin running around 4:30 AM, making them suitable for early work shifts or morning appointments in Abu Dhabi. Services continue until just after midnight, allowing flexibility for evening travel back to Dubai.
Typical First and Last Departures
| Day | First Bus | Last Bus |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday–Thursday | ~4:30 AM | ~12:50 AM |
| Friday | ~4:40 AM | ~12:15 AM |
| Saturday | ~4:40 AM | ~12:15 AM |
How Often Do Buses Run?
Under normal conditions, the E100 operates every 30 to 45 minutes. During peak commuting hours, especially weekday mornings and late afternoons, buses may run slightly more frequently. Late-night and early-morning services are generally less frequent but still reliable.
Journey Time: What to Expect
The journey from Al Ghubaiba to Abu Dhabi usually takes between 2 hours and 2 hours 20 minutes. Travel time can vary depending on several factors:
- Traffic conditions on Sheikh Zayed Road
- Congestion near Dubai and Abu Dhabi entry points
- Time of day and public holidays
While the bus is not the fastest option compared to driving or taking a taxi, it offers a consistent travel experience without the stress of traffic or parking.
Bus Fares and Payment Method
Understanding how fares work before you arrive at the station can save time and prevent delays. Intercity buses in Dubai operate on a cashless system, and passengers must have the correct payment method ready before boarding.
- Standard one-way fare: Approximately AED 25
- Reported variations: Some recent passenger reports suggest fares may reach AED 30 on certain trips
Fares are deducted automatically using a Nol Card, which is mandatory for boarding intercity buses. Cash payments are generally not accepted, so travellers should ensure their card has sufficient balance before arriving at the station.
Main Stops Along the E100 Route
The E100 route includes several key stops between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, serving residential and suburban areas along the highway. These stops allow passengers to access the route from different points while keeping the journey relatively direct.
Typical stops include:
- Al Ghubaiba Bus Station (Dubai departure point)
- Samha area, Abu Dhabi
- Shahama Village
- Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (final stop)
Once in Abu Dhabi, passengers can easily connect to local buses or taxis to reach other parts of the city.
Alternative Routes and Transport Options
While the E100 is the most straightforward option from Al Ghubaiba, it isn’t the only way to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Depending on where you’re coming from, your schedule, or how quickly you need to arrive, other routes or modes of transport may be more suitable.
- E101: Departs from Ibn Battuta Bus Station and travels to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, often with a slightly shorter journey time
- E102: Also departs from Ibn Battuta and serves Mussafah Shabia, useful for industrial and residential areas
For those prioritising speed over cost, taxis and ride-hailing services are available, with travel times of around 1.5 hours under good conditions. However, fares typically range from AED 300 to AED 400, making them far less economical than the bus.
Al Ghubaiba Bus Station: Location and Facilities
Al Ghubaiba Bus Station is designed to comfortably handle high passenger volumes and long-distance travel.
Located next to Al Ghubaiba Metro Station on the Green Line, it offers seamless connectivity for travellers coming from other parts of Dubai. The surrounding area is well served by taxis and local buses.
Inside the station, passengers will find:
- Seating areas and shaded waiting spaces
- Restrooms and basic amenities
- Nol card vending and top-up machines
- Small kiosks selling snacks and drinks
These facilities make waiting times more manageable, especially for longer journeys.
Using Apps and Live Travel Information
Public transport schedules can change due to traffic, public holidays, or service adjustments. Using official transport apps helps you stay informed, plan connections more accurately, and avoid unnecessary waiting at the station.
- RTA Dubai App
- S’hail App
- Abu Dhabi Department of Transport platforms
These tools provide real-time updates, route planning, and fare information, which can be particularly useful during public holidays or periods of heavy traffic.
Best Times to Travel
Traffic conditions play a major role in how long the journey takes, particularly during weekday rush hours. Choosing the right time to travel can make the trip faster, quieter, and more comfortable, especially if you’re carrying luggage or travelling during busy periods.
- Peak hours: 7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM, when buses are busiest and travel times may increase
- Off-peak hours: Mid-morning and late evening trips are usually quieter and more comfortable
For first or last buses of the day, arriving 10–15 minutes early is recommended to secure a seat and avoid last-minute stress.
What to Bring for a Comfortable Trip
The journey from Al Ghubaiba to Abu Dhabi takes around two hours, so a little preparation can make the trip more comfortable. While intercity buses are air-conditioned and generally well-maintained, having a few essentials with you helps avoid inconvenience during peak hours or longer travel times.
- Fully topped-up Nol Card
- Water and light snacks
- Headphones or reading material
- A light jacket, as air conditioning can be cool
Planning ahead helps ensure a smoother and more relaxed trip.
Who This Route Is Best For
The bus route from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Abu Dhabi is designed for travellers who value cost, convenience, and reliability. It’s not the fastest way to travel between the two cities, but it’s one of the most practical for many people.
This route works especially well for:
- Daily commuters working in Abu Dhabi and living in Bur Dubai or along the Green Line
- Students travelling between universities, colleges, or training centres
- Budget-conscious travellers who want a fixed, affordable fare
- Tourists and visitors staying near Bur Dubai with easy metro access
- First-time intercity bus users who prefer a direct, no-booking option
It may not be ideal if you:
- Are you in a hurry or travelling on a tight schedule
- Need to reach the outer districts of Abu Dhabi immediately
- Prefer door-to-door travel without transfers
Common Mistakes First-Time Passengers Make
Most issues on the Al Ghubaiba–Abu Dhabi bus route stem from minor oversights rather than major problems. Knowing what to avoid can make the journey smoother.
Frequent mistakes to watch out for:
- Insufficient Nol card balance: always load at least the full fare before boarding
- Confusing routes: E101 and E102 do not depart from Al Ghubaiba
- Arriving too late during peak hours: buses can fill quickly
- Ignoring holiday or weekend schedule changes, especially for late-night services
- Overpacking luggage: storage space is limited on intercity buses
Simple tips to avoid these issues:
- Top up your Nol card in advance
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early
- Travel lighter if possible
- Check live timings on the day of travel
Key Takeaways
Travelling from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Abu Dhabi by bus is a practical and budget-friendly option for residents and visitors alike. The E100 route offers direct connectivity, frequent services, and affordable fares, making it ideal for daily commuting and occasional trips. While journey times depend on traffic, the convenience of metro access, reliable scheduling, and low cost make the bus a popular choice for intercity travel in the UAE.
FAQs
No. Only the E100 departs directly from Al Ghubaiba.
AED 25 is standard, but slight increases have been reported. Check before travelling.
Services usually end shortly after midnight. Taxis or overnight alternatives may be needed.
No booking is required, just tap your Nol Card when boarding.
Schedules are reliable but may change during holidays or special events, so checking official apps is advised.
