Looking FOR PUBLIC transportation to VISIT THE beautiful abu dhabi city
The public transportation in Abu Dhabi can be availed via the following conveyances:
1. Buses in Abu Dhabi
The bus network forms the backbone of Abu Dhabi’s public transport system. Operated by Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi (DMT) (via its mobility arm AD Mobility), these buses connect major districts across the emirate including Al Shahama, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra.
Key points to know:
- You’ll typically need a smart travel card (the “Hafilat” card) for regular intra-emirate bus travel.
- Weekly or monthly unlimited-ride passes have been introduced starting at around AED 35 within the emirate region (city, Al Ain, Al Dhafra) via Hafilat.
- Services generally run from early morning (around 6 am) to late evening (around 11 pm) for most local routes.
Tip: If you’re planning several bus trips in a week or staying for a longer period — the unlimited pass i.e., Weekly or Monthly could be far more economical.
2. Inter-city Buses
If you’re travelling beyond Abu Dhabi to neighbouring Emirates, the intercity bus options offer good connectivity.
Major routes & fares:
- From Abu Dhabi to Dubai: Routes such as E100 (Abu Dhabi Central → Al Ghubaiba) and E101 (Abu Dhabi Central → Ibn Battuta) run regularly. Fare: AED 25 one-way.
- A newer express non-stop route (launched 2025) connects Dubai’s Al Quoz Bus Station to Abu Dhabi’s MBZ Bus Station, fare AED 25 and runs approx every 3 hours.
- From Abu Dhabi to Sharjah / other Emirates: While less prominent in published schedules, services exist and are expanding.
Journey time: Around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours (depending on route and traffic) for the Abu Dhabi-Dubai links.
Tip: Make sure your travel card is valid across emirates — e.g., the RTA “Nol” card (Dubai) may work for some intercity routes, but Hafilat is standard for Abu Dhabi. For inter-cities, cash is often good to go.
3. Taxis in Abu Dhabi
For more convenience, door-to-door service, or later hours, taxis are a reliable alternative.
Fare structure (2025):
- Daytime flag-fall: AED 5.00 (from 6 am to 10 pm)
- Per km: AED 1.82 day and night.
- Booking fee: AED 4 day, AED 5 night.
- Airport taxi minimum fare: AED 20 base when departing airport.
Booking & Apps:
- You can hail taxis roadside, call the central number (600 53 53 53) or use the “Abu Dhabi Taxi” app.
- Ride-hailing services such as Careem are also available, offering more flexibility.
Tip: For airport pickups, large luggage or shared rides, compare app-based fares vs standard taxi as promos may apply.
4. Tips for Commuting Smartly
Recharge your card ahead of time. If using Hafilat or another smart card, top-up before boarding.
- Check service hours. Some routes may start early or finish late; check apps or station boards.
- Use apps for live updates. The government’s mobility apps help with route & schedule info.
- Consider unlimited-ride passes if you’ll be making multiple trips in a week or month.
- Traffic delays: For intercity bus travel (e.g., Abu Dhabi to Dubai), keep extra time in mind in peak time periods.
- Taxis at odd hours can cost more; night-flag fares and booking fees apply.
- Inter-emirate travel: Double-check which transport card is valid for your journey — some cards are emirate-specific.
