If you are flying with Etihad Airways but living in Dubai or Al Ain, then you can use the Etihad shuttle bus which is officially known as the Etihad Coach, as a free airport transfer service from Zayed International Airport to the Al Wasl Centre in Dubai and to Al Kuwaitat in Al Ain. Passengers flying with Etihad can use this service by booking it through the Manage bookings page on the Etihad website at least 24 hours before their flight.
Here’s how the service works, where to catch the bus, the current timetable and the rules worth knowing before your trip.
- What is the Etihad shuttle bus?
- Who can use the Etihad free bus?
- Etihad Coach routes and pick-up points
- Etihad Coach timetable
- How to book Etihad Coach
- Things to know before you travel
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Etihad shuttle bus?
The Etihad Coach service is a free bus transfer offered by Etihad Airways between Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and the two cities of Dubai and Al Ain. The service operates in both directions, meaning that you can take it to the airport when you are leaving or use it to get home after you have arrived.
The buses are modern and air-conditioned, and there are several trips a day. In its timetables, Etihad calls the service the Etihad Shuttle, and every trip has its own EY shuttle number. So if you’ve seen it described as the Etihad shuttle bus or the Etihad Airways shuttle service, it’s the same free transfer.
Who can use the Etihad free bus?
The Etihad shuttle service is free for guests travelling on a flight operated by Etihad Airways to or from Abu Dhabi. You can book it for both arrivals at and departures from Zayed International Airport.
Etihad Coach is not available to:
- Unaccompanied minors
- Guests whose health needs special arrangements, or who have limited mobility
- Guests travelling on free or discounted tickets
If you’re not eligible, our guide on how to go to Abu Dhabi from Dubai covers the other ways to make the trip.
Etihad Coach routes and pick-up points
Etihad Coach runs on two routes, each with a single pick-up and drop-off point in the city. For a shuttle Dubai Abu Dhabi airport trip, use the Dubai route.
| Route | Pick-up and drop-off point | Journey time |
| Abu Dhabi ⇆ Dubai | Al Wasl Centre, behind Safestway Supermarket, Sheikh Zayed Road | About 75 minutes |
| Abu Dhabi ⇆ Al Ain | Morafiq city check-in facility, Lulu Hypermarket, Al Kuwaitat, Central District | About 90 minutes |
Etihad bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi airport
When you are using the Etihad shuttle that runs between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you will board at Al Wasl. In Dubai, the coach stops at the Al Wasl Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road, next to the Safestway Supermarket. This is the location that is used both for pick-ups heading to the airport and for drop-offs on the return journey. If you’re not familiar with the area, our Al Wasl Dubai guide will help you get a sense of it.
Etihad bus from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi airport
In Al Ain, the coach uses Morafiq, a city check-in facility at Lulu Hypermarket in Al Kuwaitat, Central District. Etihad describes it as a place where passengers can complete their travel procedures before heading to the airport. For more on the city itself, see our Al Ain guide.
Does the Etihad shuttle bus go to Dubai airport?
The Dubai stop is Al Wasl Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road, not Dubai International Airport. So if you need a bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai airport or a shuttle from Abu Dhabi to Dubai airport, Etihad Coach won’t take you there directly. Our guide on how to go to Abu Dhabi from Dubai covers the other options.
Etihad Coach timetable
Below are the Etihad shuttle bus schedules for Dubai and Al Ain. Please note that times may change, so check Etihad’s official website for the latest updates before you travel. The Dubai route usually takes about 75 minutes, while the Al Ain route takes around 90 minutes. However, the official timetable gives more time for each trip: two hours for Dubai and two and a half hours for Al Ain. It’s best to plan according to the timetable, especially if you have a flight to catch.
All times listed are in UAE time. Please note that schedules may change, so check Etihad’s website for the latest timetable before you book.
Dubai (Al Wasl Centre) to Zayed International Airport
| Shuttle | Departure | Scheduled arrival |
| EY 5411 | 03:55 | 05:55 |
| EY 5413 | 05:00 | 07:00 |
| EY 5415 | 10:00 | 12:00 |
| EY 5417 | 10:20 | 12:20 |
| EY 5419 | 16:10 | 18:10 |
| EY 5421 | 17:00 | 19:00 |
| EY 5423 | 18:45 | 20:45 |
| EY 5425 | 22:00 | 00:00 (next day) |
| EY 5427 | 22:30 | 00:30 (next day) |
Zayed International Airport to Dubai (Al Wasl Centre)
Landing in Abu Dhabi and heading home? The Etihad shuttle bus to Dubai leaves the airport eight times a day. Here’s the full Etihad shuttle Abu Dhabi to Dubai schedule.
| Shuttle | Departure | Scheduled arrival |
| EY 5412 | 01:10 | 03:10 |
| EY 5414 | 02:45 | 04:45 |
| EY 5416 | 08:25 | 10:25 |
| EY 5418 | 09:15 | 11:15 |
| EY 5420 | 14:15 | 16:15 |
| EY 5422 | 14:45 | 16:45 |
| EY 5424 | 20:50 | 22:50 |
| EY 5426 | 21:40 | 23:40 |
Al Ain to Zayed International Airport
| Shuttle | Departure | Scheduled arrival |
| EY 5402 | 09:30 | 12:00 |
| EY 5400 | 21:30 | 00:00 (next day) |
Zayed International Airport to Al Ain
| Shuttle | Departure | Scheduled arrival |
| EY 5403 | 01:10 | 03:40 |
| EY 5401 | 13:25 | 15:55 |
How to book Etihad Coach
There’s no separate ticket to buy, and you can book Etihad shuttle bus trips in two ways. You can add the coach while booking your flight on etihad.com, make the booking at least 24 hours before your flight.
- Find your trip on etihad.com/manage using your booking reference or ticket number and your last name.
- Choose the bus departure time that works with your flight.
- Show your booking confirmation before you board the coach.
A confirmed coach booking is a must. Guests without one won’t be allowed on the bus.
Things to know before you travel
- Connection time: Etihad recommends that guests allow at least two and a half hours to connect at Zayed International Airport.
- Booking deadline: You need to book at least 24 hours before your flight, so try not to wait until the last minute.
- Delays and cancellations: Sometimes, the coach may be delayed or cancelled due to bad weather or government rules. If this happens, you will need to arrange and pay for your own transport, and Etihad cannot be held responsible if you miss your flight.
- Late-night trips: There are several overnight departures, which can be helpful if you have an early-morning or late-evening flight.
Living near a shuttle bus pick-up point operated by Etihad can make it more convenient to travel between Dubai, Al Ain and Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, particularly if you travel frequently. By selecting an apartment with easy access to the Etihad Coach service, you can cut down on your travel time to the airport and make your airport transfers easier. If you are considering moving to either Dubai or Al Ain, you can look at apartments for rent in Al Wasl or search for apartments for rent in Al Ain on Property Finder to locate a home that fits your lifestyle and travel requirements.
Key Takeaways
- The Etihad shuttle bus, also called the Etihad Coach, offers free rides between Zayed International Airport and either Dubai or Al Ain for guests flying with Etihad.
- In Dubai, the bus stops at Al Wasl Centre, located behind Safestway Supermarket on Sheikh Zayed Road. It does not stop at Dubai International Airport. In Al Ain, the stop is Morafiq at Lulu Hypermarket in Al Kuwaitat.
- Please book your seat at etihad.com/manage at least 24 hours before your flight. You will need a confirmed booking to board the bus.
- This service is not available for unaccompanied minors, guests who need medical or mobility assistance, or those traveling on free or discounted tickets.
- Make sure to allow at least two and a half hours for your connection at the airport.
FAQs
The Etihad shuttle bus is free for guests travelling on an Etihad-operated flight to or from Abu Dhabi.
The Dubai pick-up and drop-off point is Al Wasl Centre, behind Safestway Supermarket on Sheikh Zayed Road.
In Al Ain, the bus uses Morafiq, the city check-in facility at Lulu Hypermarket in Al Kuwaitat, Central District.
Etihad puts the journey at about 75 minutes. The official timetable allows two hours between departure and scheduled arrival.
Add it when booking your flight on etihad.com, or later at etihad.com/manage. Bookings must be made at least 24 hours before your flight.
The Etihad Coach travels from Al Wasl Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai to Zayed International Airport. There are nine trips each day, and it’s free for guests flying on Etihad-operated flights.
No, guests who haven’t booked a coach booking in advance cannot get on the bus.
