How much is the cheapest bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

AED 15 one-way on the E11 route from Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.

Do buses run after midnight?

No. The last E11 bus departs Ibn Battuta at 11:30 pm; after that use a taxi or shared ride.

Can I pay cash on the E11 bus?

Yes, but exact change is preferred. A Nol card or contactless bank card is faster.

Is there Wi-Fi on the public bus?

Yes, free Wi-Fi and USB charging points are available on all E11 buses.

What happens if I miss the last bus?

Take a shared taxi (AED 80) or book a Careem; both operate 24 hours.

Cheapest Transfer Dubai to Abu Dhabi 2026

Quick answer

The cheapest transfer Dubai to Abu Dhabi in 2026 is the E11 bus from Ibn Battuta Bus Station to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. A one-way ticket costs AED 15, takes 90–120 minutes, and runs every 20–30 minutes from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm. Book via the RTA app or pay contactless with Nol card.

Why compare transfer options?

Whether you’re an expat heading to a meeting or a tourist visiting the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the cost of moving between the two emirates matters. Prices range from AED 15 (bus) to AED 350+ (private car), so knowing the trade-offs saves both money and stress.

Option 1: Public bus (E11 route)

Route and schedule

Board at Ibn Battuta Bus Station (Dubai) and alight at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. Buses depart every 20–30 minutes from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm daily. Journey time is 90–120 minutes depending on traffic.

Cost breakdown

Single trip: AED 15 (cash or Nol card)
Weekly Silver Nol pass: AED 125 (unlimited Dubai–Abu Dhabi travel)
Children under 5 travel free

Pros and cons

Pros: cheapest option, air-conditioned, Wi-Fi, USB charging, luggage space. Cons: limited late-night service, can fill up on Friday mornings.

Option 2: Intercity taxi (RTA shared & private)

Shared taxi

Available at Ibn Battuta and Deira taxi stands. Fare is fixed at AED 80 per person; four passengers share one car. Journey 75–90 minutes.

Private taxi or ride-hailing

Careem or RTA meter starts at AED 220–260 off-peak, AED 280–350 on Friday evenings or public holidays. Tolls (Salik) add AED 8 each way. Book 30 minutes ahead on weekends.

Option 3: Rental car one-way

Economy hatchback from Dubai airport to Abu Dhabi city costs AED 120–160 per day plus AED 100 one-way drop fee. Fuel on E11 motorway is about AED 25. Parking at Abu Dhabi malls is free for first three hours. Verify current fee with RTA before booking.

Option 4: Intercity coaches (private operators)

Companies like Emirates Express and Abu Dhabi Bus Services run VIP coaches with reclining seats and onboard toilet. Fare AED 25–35; departures every hour from 6 am to 10 pm. Book via their apps or at Ibn Battuta counters.

Step-by-step: cheapest bus transfer

Download the RTA Dubai app and top-up your Nol card (Silver or Gold).
Reach Ibn Battuta Bus Station via metro (red line) or Careem.
Tap Nol card at Gate 7 marked “Abu Dhabi E11”.
Store luggage in the lower hold; keep valuables on you.
Alight at Abu Dhabi Central, then connect to local buses or taxis.

Common mistakes to avoid

Boarding the wrong E11 bus (some terminate at Mussafah).
Forgetting Friday prayer rush (10 am–1 pm) when seats run out.
Paying cash without small notes; drivers prefer exact change.
Assuming 24-hour service—last bus leaves at 11:30 pm.

Pro tips for smooth travel

Travel light: overhead bins are small; large suitcases go below.
Check Salik toll balance if driving; unpaid fines double after 30 days.
Women-only seating is available at the front of every bus.
Download offline map of Abu Dhabi before you leave Wi-Fi.

Cost comparison table

Method	Price (AED)	Duration	Best for
E11 Bus	15	90–120 min	Budget solo travellers
Shared taxi	80	75–90 min	Groups of 3–4
Private taxi	220–350	60–75 min	Late arrivals, families
Rental car	120–160/day + fees	60 min	Multi-day trips
VIP coach	25–35	90 min	Comfort on a budget

Accessibility and family notes

All RTA buses have wheelchair ramps and priority seats. Children under 5 travel free; 5–15 pay half fare. Stroller-friendly space is available near the driver. For travellers with reduced mobility, private taxi remains the easiest door-to-door option.

Key takeaway

For most visitors and expats, the AED 15 E11 bus is the cheapest transfer Dubai to Abu Dhabi without sacrificing safety or comfort. Plan around prayer times, keep a charged Nol card, and you’ll move between the emirates for less than the price of a coffee.