Public Transport in Abu Dhabi for Tourists
Abu Dhabi public transport for tourists: how the Hafilat card works, main bus routes, and easy ways to reach the Corniche, Louvre, and Yas Island without a car.
Why skip the car in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s roads are wide, but parking and traffic can eat into sightseeing time. The city’s bus network reaches most tourist spots and costs far less than taxis for short hops. In 2026 the Integrated Transport Centre still runs all services under RTA rules, so one card covers buses, the ferry, and the forthcoming metro extension.
Getting the Hafilat card
Buy the reloadable Hafilat card at any bus station ticket office or at the airport arrivals hall for AED 5. Load credit in AED 5 steps; a single ride inside the city costs AED 2, while longer routes to Yas Island are AED 4. Tourists can also tap a contactless bank card, but the Hafilat card gives the cheapest daily cap of AED 14.
Key bus routes for visitors
Route 54 runs from the airport to the Corniche every 15 minutes between 6 am and midnight. Route 63 links the Corniche to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Island Cultural District. Route 88 travels directly from the city centre to Yas Island theme parks and the Ferrari World entrance. All buses are air-conditioned and have free Wi-Fi and USB ports.
Ferry and water taxi options
The Abu Dhabi Marine Transport ferry departs from Al Maryah Island to Saadiyat every 30 minutes for AED 6. Water taxis at the Corniche charge AED 20 per person for a 15-minute ride to the Breakwater or Emirates Palace. Both services accept Hafilat cards.
Planning your day without delays
Download the official Abu Dhabi DOT app to see live bus arrivals and plan transfers. Peak hours 7-9 am and 5-7 pm see higher passenger loads; aim for off-peak if possible. All major tourist sites have nearby stops within a 5-minute walk, and buses run until 1 am on weekends.
Ask Tovi for more
Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything. Ask Tovi free →
Want more UAE tips?
Ask Tovi anything about Dubai or UAE life — your AI guide answers in your language, 24/7. Ask Tovi free →
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Hafilat card cost?▾
The card itself costs AED 5; rides start at AED 2 and daily travel is capped at AED 14.
Can I use a bank card on Abu Dhabi buses?▾
Yes, contactless bank cards work, but the Hafilat card offers the AED 14 daily cap.
Do buses run late at night?▾
Most tourist routes run until 1 am on weekends and midnight on weekdays.
Still have questions about transport?
Ask Tovi — your free AI assistant for UAE life. Instant answers in 10+ languages, 24/7.
Ask Tovi about transport →