Most travel guides provide a name and an address for Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station in 2026, but nothing else. We decided to dig deeper. You will find out the station’s location, the routes that run from there, expected fares, and tips on navigating the terminal easily. Since fares and timings constantly change, check the final information on the Darb app or Abu Dhabi Mobility website before traveling.
Read Also: Gold Souq Bus Station Dubai
What Is Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (Quick Overview)
Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station is the primary interchange where both intercity and local buses plying within the capital city are stationed. The bus terminal is strategically located in Al Wahda and operates under the guidelines of the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), which oversees public bus transportation in Abu Dhabi. The building is characterized by a green roof shaped like a wave.
Read further to get a brief overview that will help you plan your trip better.
| Detail | What You Need to Know |
| Location | Al Wahda, next to Al Wahda Mall |
| Operator | Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) |
| Main services | Intercity buses and local city routes |
| Payment | Hafilat card, Nol card, and selected counter payments |
| Nearest landmark | Al Wahda Mall |
| Operating hours | Check the official ITC site or Darb before you go |
The locals also call it the Main Bus Station or Al Wahda bus station, and you will see all these names online.
Where Is Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station? (Exact Location & Landmarks)
The station is located close to the center of Abu Dhabi Island. Being near a large shopping mall and two main roads, this place can be reached from any point in the city.
Address and Google Maps pin
The terminal building lies on Sultan Bin Zayed the First Street or the old Muroor Road. The terminal building is at the junction of Hazza Bin Zayed the First Street. Both sources state that the terminal is located in the Al Wahda district, but other sources state that it is located in Al Nahyan, Zone 1.
Mark Google Maps with Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.
Landmarks near
Firstly, find the Al Wahda Mall. The station is very close to the mall, so if you are going to the station by taxi, you can ask the driver to drop you off at the bus station at Al Wahda Mall.
Embedded map
[Embed here Google Map with pin on Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station]
How to Reach the Station (By Car, Taxis, Buses & Metro Style Connects)
As Abu Dhabi lacks any metro facility, you will have to rely on the use of buses, taxis, and your car. Luckily, everything becomes quite easy due to its strategic location.
By taxi or ride-hailing
If you travel with luggage, it is recommended to use a taxi. The travel time from most districts is about 10-15 minutes although it may be increased due to traffic jams. Ride-hailing apps are working well as well.
By city bus
Some local routes go to or near the station. Hence, you will manage to reach it using the bus network. Enter your starting point in Darb and select the route that goes to the terminal.
By car and parking
If you want to take your car, go on Muroor Road until you see Al Wahda Mall. The station has its own parking facilities, though they fill up extremely quickly at peak times, in which case a quick drop-off would be better for you.
From Abu Dhabi International Airport
There are two possible ways of reaching the terminal. First, you may take a taxi or ride-sharing services. Second, you can go by bus at a lower price.But there have been changes to the stops and routes, so please refer to the current airport bus schedule from either ITC or Darb.
Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station Timings: When Is It Busiest
Whereas other sources say the terminal operates all day and night, the schedule for each specific route differs. Thus, it is necessary to check the timetable for your specific bus and not just assume that it departs anytime.
Buses that go to Dubai usually depart in the early morning hours, 4:30 or 5:00 AM, according to some travel guides, and operate till late at night. Verify the departure time of your bus on the Darb website.
When is the terminal busiest?
- On weekdays during the morning hours, when travelers depart for Dubai and Sharjah.
- On weekdays during the evening hours, when people return.
- On weekends and holidays, when people travel.
In order to have some free seats and shorter lines, arrive at the terminal during mid-morning or early afternoon hours.The schedule will be different during holiday times, so please make sure to confirm it during Eid.
Bus Routes from Central Bus Station of Abu Dhabi (What Can You Visit?)
The airport acts as the link that connects Abu Dhabi to other parts of the UAE. Here is a list of destinations together with some of the aspects about the flights going there.
Buses from Abu Dhabi to Dubai (E100 & E10
These are the two most preferred routes. The E100 route will take you to Al Ghubaiba, Bur Dubai, and it will be the best route if you have to go to Deira, Bur Dubai, or the old city.The route E101 leads to Ibn Battuta and would be helpful for going to Dubai Marina, Jebel Ali, and other new areas.
Travel time varies according to traffic conditions, so check the up-to-date stops and schedule at the Darb website prior to travel.
Abu Dhabi to Al Ain
There are also buses connecting the terminal with Al Ain, the garden city of the UAE.However, a day trip to Al Ain Oasis & Jebel Hafeet would be the ideal choice although departure flights are fewer than those for Dubai.
Dari Abu Dhabi sampai Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah dan Ras Al Khaimah
It is also possible to reach destinations that lie in the northern and eastern parts of Abu Dhabi, including Al Jubail Bus Terminal located in Sharjah from the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. This is achieved through Route 117, and the fare for traveling using this route is around AED 30. There are other buses to Ajman, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah but bus services are often subject to change, so make sure to enquire before buying tickets.
Bus routes within the city from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
There are different bus routes from the terminal in Abu Dhabi. These include route 201 that goes to Al Shahama and Al Bahyah, route 202 that travels to Al Rahba Hospital, and route 203 which goes to the BAPS Hindu Mandir on weekends.
Quick route table
| Route | Destination | Approx. Fare | Card Accepted |
| E100 | Al Ghubaiba, Dubai | About AED 25 | Nol / counter |
| E101 | Ibn Battuta, Dubai | Check Darb | Nol / counter |
| 117 | Al Jubail, Sharjah | About AED 30 | Check counter |
| 201 | Al Shahama / Al Bahyah | Local fare | Hafilat |
| 202 | Al Rahba Hospital | Local fare | Hafilat |
| 203 | BAPS Hindu Mandir (weekends) | Local fare | Hafilat |
Fares are approximate figures from public travel guides. Check the current fares before you travel.
Prices for Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station Tickets and Fares 2026
The cost of your bus ticket depends on the bus type and mode of payment.
Generally speaking, fares for intercity trips are higher compared to the ones for local trips, and card payments are better than cash payments.
Intercity fares
As per one online guide, the price of the Abu Dhabi-Dubai bus, E100, which travels to Al Ghubaiba is around AED 25. The fare to other emirates is different. However, as the prices are frequently changing, treat these figures as a planning guide and verify the latest fare of the bus on the Darb website.
Local city bus fares
Local buses accept the Hafilat card, which you should swipe when entering the bus and also when exiting the bus.
- The most cost-effective way of travel is
- Always use the card instead of money.
- Also, try not to use a taxi if a local bus goes to your destination.
Prices last verified: [insert date before publication].
Hafilat Card vs Nol Card: Which One Do You Need?
There are two cards that confuse passengers at the station. Read further and you will definitely feel confident in using any bus.
How the Hafilat card works
The Hafilat card is a public transport card of Abu Dhabi. You will need it to travel by local buses, and you will have to tap it both when boarding and when exiting the bus.
When the Nol card works
The Nol card is the public transport card of Dubai. However, according to some travel guides, it works on Dubai-bound intercity buses as well. Nonetheless, you should verify it on the Darb website.
Cash and bank card payments at the ticket counter
There are services accepting cash or bank card payment at the ticket counter. In case you don’t have either a Hafilat or Nol card, ask the staff about the payment methods for your trip.
Tourists: temporary Hafilat card
It is also possible to buy a temporary Hafilat card for visitors. According to one travel guide, it is valid for 14 days.Check the validity period and amount currently on the card.
How to purchase and charge the card: step-by-step
- Proceed to the ticket counter or card vending machine in the airport terminal.
- Select the card that is suitable for your trip.
- Buy the card and top it up with money.
- Verify the current balance on the screen or receipt.
- Tap your card on boarding.
- Top up your card before the next trip.
Facilities & Amenities Inside the Terminal
There are some basic facilities you will be able to use while waiting for your bus.
Comfort essentials
You will have air-conditioned halls to wait for your bus, restrooms, and special prayer rooms. Free Wi-Fi is provided in waiting halls.
Food and Shopping
Small coffee shops and mini supermarkets are available at the terminal where you can buy snacks.
To have a proper lunch or dinner, go to Al Wahda Mall located next to the terminal.
Money and storage
There are ATMs in the terminal. Additionally, you will have an opportunity to use paid luggage storage in case you need to leave a bag for some time.
Accessibility
The terminal was designed taking into account elderly travelers, families with children, and people of determination. There are various services offered, so it is necessary to ask the staff about them in advance.
Safety and assistance from the staff
There are information counters and helpers on the platform level to help you out whenever you are feeling confused.
Step by Step: how to catch a bus at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
Here are 6 easy steps that will make your journey around the terminal effortless.
- Verify your route and timing. Open the Darb app or ITC website and verify the number of the bus and the time of departure.
- Go to the right section. Head to the intercity or city bus sections depending on your destination.
- Buy or top up the card. You will need to purchase or top-up your card at the counter or a machine in advance.
- Find your platform. Verify the display board and ask the staff about the platform in case you are not sure.
- Board and tap in. Tap your card on boarding and remember to use it on exit from the bus in case it is required.
- Get off and plan your last mile.Consider how you will reach your destination once you leave the bus.
Time- and Money-Saving Insider Tips (Things Left Out of Most Travel Guides)
A few tiny tips can make all the difference. Try them before your next trip.
- Avoid rush hour. There will be shorter lines and empty seats during non-peak hours.
- Have a charged card and some cash with you. In case one way fails, the other one is prepared for you.
- Take a screenshot. Save your route and platform in case there is no Internet access in the building.
- Know your Plan B. In case you miss your bus, verify the next one on the Darb website and wait in the air-conditioned hall.
- Think about summer and Ramadan. These considerations will affect your travel plans; therefore, you should allocate additional time.
Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station vs Other Abu Dhabi Bus Terminals
There are various bus stations in Abu Dhabi that offer distinct services. The table below will assist you in comparing them.
To conclude, when traveling between emirates, use Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.
| Station | Best For |
| Central Bus Station (Al Wahda) | Intercity trips and most city routes |
| Mussafah Shabiya | Commuters between Mussafah and central Abu Dhabi |
| Al Shahama | Northern suburbs and residential areas |
| Al Zahiyah | Local routes toward Yas Island and nearby areas |
However, if you live near other stations, you will need to use them. But if your trip covers the entire UAE, it is also worth checking our guides on Union Bus Station in Dubai and Al Rashidiya Bus Station in Dubai.
Nearby Places to Visit or Eat Before Your Bus
Do you have 1 or 2 hours until your bus leaves? Then the best place for you is Al Wahda Mall, where you can shop and eat at the food court, or just relax and enjoy the air conditioning. You can find some cafes that serve light meals, but be sure to check their opening hours.
Contact Information & Official Help
For accurate details, refer to the following official sources:
- Abu Dhabi Mobility/ITC: schedules, prices, and service information
- Darb website: journey planning and live route information
- Customer care: verify the current phone number on the official website
If you lose anything, you can reach out to ITC customer service or seek help from the information counter of the station.
FAQs
Where is the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station situated?
The Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station is located in Al Wahda on Sultan Bin Zayed Street, locally known as Muroor Road. The station is found near the junction of Hazza Bin Zayed the First Street, which is situated next to the Al Wahda Mall. It will take you only 10-15 minutes to get there from any part of Abu Dhabi Island by taxi.
Is Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station operating round the clock?
While there are some travel guides that state the airport runs round-the-clock, each route will have its own schedule, and holiday schedules will be different from those at other times of the year. Hence, you will need to verify the departure time of your bus on the Darb website or the ITC website.
What is the price for travel from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Dubai?
The fare for the E100 bus to Al Ghubaiba is around AED 25.
However, the fare may change, and different routes have different costs. So, verify the latest fare on the Darb website or at the ticket counter.
Which card do I need to use for the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station bus service: Hafilat or Nol?
You use the Hafilat card for local Abu Dhabi routes. While some guidebooks claim that you can use the Nol card for your journey to Dubai even for the inter-city buses, there have been some changes, so better to confirm at the counter or Darb.
What is the route to Al Ain and Sharjah from the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station?
It is necessary for you to use the direct bus that runs from the terminal. Buses run to Al Ain, and route number 117 links the terminal to Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah.
Conclusion
Now you have knowledge of the location of the station, the buses that ply at this station, how fares are charged, how the cards function, and how to move around without any assumptions. Having your Hafilat card loaded with cash, making a picture of your route, and checking the Darb website before travel can be very helpful.
Before your next trip, save this guide and verify the latest timetables on the Darb website. You can also verify our guides on other bus terminals in the UAE to organize your trip. Have any questions left, post them in the comments, and we will assist you
Read Also: Al Musalla Bus Station 2026
