Yas Mall, located on Yas Island next to Ferrari World, CLYMB, Warner Bros. World and Yas Waterworld, is one of Abu Dhabi’s most popular shopping and tourism spots. While no direct buses reach the mall, it’s easy to go with one transfer from Khalifa City.
Abu Dhabi’s bus network is reliable, air-conditioned, and well-connected across central neighbourhoods. Although no single direct bus goes straight to Yas Mall, reaching it is easy with one stopover, usually via Khalifa City, followed by a short ride to Yas Island.
- Public Bus Routes to Yas Mall
- Step-by-Step Guide: Reaching Yas Mall by Bus
- Alternative Bus Routes and Connections
- Shuttle & Special Bus Services
- Fares, Schedules & Practical Tips
- Alternative Transport Options
- Maps, Stops & Route Details
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Public Bus Routes to Yas Mall
Reaching Yas Mall by bus is simple once you know the main connections that serve Yas Island. Abu Dhabi’s public transport network links central districts, residential zones and airport areas to Khalifa City, which acts as the primary interchange point for buses heading toward Yas Mall and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.
Two key routes form the core journey for most passengers:
- Bus 160 → Abu Dhabi City to Khalifa City: Departs from Al Wadha Bus Terminal and Sultan Bin Zayed Street.
- Bus 216 → Khalifa City to Ferrari World / Yas Mall West: Continues from Khalifa City directly into Yas Island. This route stops at Ferrari World and Yas Mall West, both of which are a short walk from the mall.
Average fare: AED 3–4 using a Hafilat card
Typical travel duration: 2–2.5 hours, depending on waiting times and transfer intervals
Is there a direct bus to Yas Mall?
No, all bus routes require one interchange at Khalifa City. Accordingly, many commuters use Community Insights to compare accessibility across Abu Dhabi neighbourhoods before choosing where to live.
Step-by-Step Guide: Reaching Yas Mall by Bus
Travelling to Yas Mall by bus is straightforward as long as you follow the correct connection at Khalifa City. Below is the exact sequence most passengers use when travelling from central Abu Dhabi, Reem Island, Saadiyat, or nearby residential districts.
- Start from: Al Wadha Bus Terminal, Al Mushrif, Hamdan St or Tourist Club Area
- Take Bus 160 to Khalifa City (~40 min)
- Transfer to Bus 216 (~30 min)
- Walk 3–5 minutes from Ferrari World / Yas Mall West
Alternative Bus Routes and Connections
Although 160 → 216 is the central public transport route to Yas Mall, a few alternative connections can get you to Yas Island depending on your starting point.
Bus 218
Serves parts of Mussafah, ICAD and Mohamed Bin Zayed City, stopping at Yas Mall West and Ferrari World. Valid for passengers coming from industrial or residential districts south of Abu Dhabi.
From Reem Island, Saadiyat & Corniche
- Take any bus to Abu Dhabi Central, then continue via 160 → 216.
- Typical travel time: 1.5–2 hours. Some commuters compare long-term transport costs using the Rent vs Buy Calculator when evaluating moves closer to Yas Island.
From the Airport District (Masdar City & AUH Hotels)
- Take a local bus toward Khalifa City and transfer to 216.
From Mussafah & ICAD
- Travel to Khalifa City or Central Bus Station, then continue via 160 → 216 or 218.
- Travel time varies between 1.5 and 2.5 hours depending on frequency.
Shuttle and Special Bus Services
Once you reach Yas Island, moving around is easy thanks to the Yas Express, a free shuttle that links Yas Mall with Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, CLYMB, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, Yas Beach, and major hotels. It runs every 30–45 minutes and is a convenient option for visitors arriving by bus or taxi who want quick, internal transport without extra cost.
Yas Express (Free Shuttle Service)
The Yas Express operates across several loops and stops directly at Yas Mall, making it ideal for passengers arriving at neighbouring bus stops such as Ferrari World. It’s handy for travellers planning a full day across Yas Island attractions.
Who This Works Best For
- Tourists staying at Yas Island hotels.
- Visitors coming to the theme parks and wanting to explore other attractions.
- Families prefer short and free transfers rather than long bus walks.
- Residents who rely on taxis or long-distance buses but need internal Yas Island transport.
Fares, Schedules and Practical Tips
Travelling to Yas Mall by bus is one of the most affordable ways to reach Yas Island, especially for residents who use public transport daily or tourists staying in budget-friendly areas of Abu Dhabi. Understanding bus fares, schedules and the best travel practices will help you avoid delays and plan a smooth, stress-free journey.
Bus Fares
Abu Dhabi maintains a budget-friendly and straightforward fare system for city buses.
- Standard fare: AED 2–4
- Payment method: Hafilat card (tap-in and tap-out required)
Suppose you’re new to the city and researching long-term housing. Many expats compare transport costs with neighbourhood convenience using tools such as the Home Value Estimator, especially when evaluating communities like Khalifa City, Al Reem Island or Al Raha.
Schedules and Frequency
Bus timings can vary throughout the day, particularly for Route 216, which serves Yas Island.
- Bus 160: every ~30 minutes
- Bus 216: every ~3 hours
- Bus 218: varies based on route and area
Comfort and Accessibility
Abu Dhabi buses are designed with comfort in mind, making long rides manageable:
- Fully air-conditioned cabins
- Reserved seating for women and families
- Priority seating for seniors and people with disabilities
- Ample space for light luggage and shopping bags
Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Start your trip early if you’re catching Route 216
- Carry water, especially in the summer months.
Alternative Transport Options
While buses are the most affordable way to reach Yas Mall, they aren’t always the fastest, especially when Route 216’s infrequent service doesn’t align with your schedule. Fortunately, Abu Dhabi offers several convenient alternatives that significantly reduce travel time. These options are especially popular among families, tourists, and residents living in neighbourhoods with limited direct bus connectivity.
By Taxi: Taxis are the fastest option, costing AED 75–95 from central Abu Dhabi and taking 20–25 minutes. They’re metered, air-conditioned and available 24/7.
By Ride-Hailing Apps: Careem and Uber operate across Abu Dhabi with prices similar to taxis, sometimes higher during peak hours.
Drive Yourself: Driving is straightforward, with free parking and a 20–25-minute travel time from central Abu Dhabi via Sheikh Khalifa Highway.
Hotel Shuttles: Many Yas Island and select airport hotels offer free or paid shuttles to Yas Mall; schedules vary by property.
Which Option Should You Choose?
- Fastest: Taxi or ride-hailing
- Cheapest: Bus 160 + 216
- Best for families: Taxi or hotel shuttle
- Best for tourists staying on Yas Island: Yas Express shuttle
Maps, Stops and Route Details
Understanding where Yas Mall’s bus stops and shuttle points are located makes the final part of your journey much easier. Yas Island is designed with pedestrian-friendly walkways, shaded paths, and clear signage, so once you arrive at the right stop, reaching the mall is simple.
Main Bus Stops Near Yas Mall
Two primary bus stops serve Yas Mall directly or within a short walking distance:
- Yas Mall West Bus Stop
- Located beside the west entrance of Yas Mall
- Serves Bus 216 and 218
- Ideal if your route connects through Khalifa City or Mussafah
- Ferrari World Bus Stop
- Approximately a 3–5 minute walk to Yas Mall
- Shaded walkways and clear directional signs lead directly to the mall entrance.
- Well-connected to Yas Express, making it easy to visit other attractions afterwards.
These stops are marked on Yas Island transport maps and supported by live directions in apps like Moovit and Darbi, which many Abu Dhabi residents use for real-time updates before planning their daily commute.
Useful Map Resources
To help you navigate Yas Island and its various transport links, the following resources are beneficial:
- ITC Bus Network Map: shows citywide route connections and bus frequencies
- Yas Express Shuttle Map: outlines the free loops covering malls, theme parks and hotels
- Moovit Live Route Planner: offers accurate walking routes, stop locations, and departure times
- Yas Island Attraction Map: valid for visitors planning a full day across Yas Mall, Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and Yas Waterworld
Key Takeaways
Reaching Yas Mall by bus is budget-friendly but requires a transfer, as no direct city bus goes straight to the mall. The most common and economical route is to take Bus 160 from central Abu Dhabi to Khalifa City, then transfer to Bus 216 toward Ferrari World or Yas Mall West, with a total fare under AED 5 and a travel time of 2–2.5 hours, depending on timing. Several alternative routes exist, including Bus 218 and other connections that lead to Yas Island.
At the same time, the free Yas Express shuttle provides convenient movement between hotels, theme parks and Yas Mall once you arrive. For a quicker journey, taxis and ride-hailing services reach Yas Mall in about 20–25 minutes but cost more.
FAQs
The standard fare is AED 3–4 using a Hafilat card.
Since no direct bus exists, the fastest option is taking a taxi; the bus routes are cheaper but slower.
Yes, there are. The Yas Express shuttle is free and connects Yas Mall with major attractions and hotels on Yas Island.
Check Moovit or Darbi for the latest timings, as Route 216 does not run frequently in the late evening.
All Abu Dhabi buses use the Hafilat card for payment.
