Whether you are the one who regularly commutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai or you are going to make your first trip, the E100 bus service may become your best friend ever. I, myself, have been writing for decades and have been riding buses around the UAE even longer, and I can tell you, it might seem very confusing at first, but once you get the E100, you will be fine.
I will take you through all the information you might need in this comprehensive guide, including the timings of the E100 bus, its route, and the fares, as well as some tips that you would have liked to know beforehand.
About E100 Bus
E100 bus service is an intercity mass transportation service founded by the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport (DoT) in collaboration with the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) in Dubai. It links Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station and Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Dubai, and it passes thousands of commuters per day.
As a resident or a tourist, this is one of the most comfortable and yet affordable modes of transport that can take you between the two leading cities.
E100 Bus Timetable
| Days | Bus Timings | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | First: 4:20 AM | Last: 11:50 PM |
| Tuesday | First: 4:20 AM | Last: 11:50 PM |
| Wednesday | First: 4:20 AM | Last: 11:50 PM |
| Thursday | First: 4:20 AM | Last: 11:50 PM |
| Friday | First: 4:20 AM | Last: 11:50 PM |
| Saturday | First: 4:30 AM | Last: 12:15 AM |
| Sunday | First: 4:30 AM | Last: 12:15 AM |
Read Also: Dubai to Hatta E16 Bus: Full Route, Fares & Timings (2025)
Fare Details – How Much Does the E100 Bus Cost?
Now, let’s talk about money.
Ticket Price
- Flat Fare: 25 AED per person
- No zones or segments—just one simple price
Here is an intercity deal that is among the best. And even by taxi, the same trip would cost you more than 250 AED, so you are saving a lot.
How to Pay
You can pay using:
- NOL Card (Dubai’s transport card)
- Cash (sometimes accepted at Abu Dhabi station)
- Ticket counters or vending machines
Be sure to fill your NOL card before travel. I have witnessed lots of individuals get in trouble at the very last moment with not enough balance.
E100 Bus Route
| # | Bus Stop | Map Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Central Bus Station 1 | 📍 View Map |
| 2 | Shahama Bus Station | 📍 View Map |
| 3 | Samha 2 | 📍 View Map |
| 4 | Max Metro Bus Stop Landside | 📍 View Map |
| 5 | Department of Ports & Customs 2 | 📍 View Map |
| 6 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station 9 | 📍 View Map |
Tips for a Comfortable E100 Bus Journey
I have taken the E100 several times, and I would like to give you some tips to make your ride easier.
1. Arrive Early
Seats are given on a first-come, first-served basis, and during peak hours, buses fill up quickly. Arrive at the station at least 15 to 20 minutes earlier.
2. Carry Essentials
Pack the following:
- Water bottle
- Headphones or earplugs
- Book or mobile device
- Power bank
3. Be Mindful of Luggage
When you have big bags or suitcases, you can keep them below the bus. Its interior is quite small and can fit small handbags or backpacks.
4. Dress Comfortably
Light and breathable clothes will make a world of difference, especially in the summer, even when there is air conditioning.
5. Use the Max Metro Stop Strategically
When you are going to Downtown Dubai or Dubai Marina, it may be time-saving to get off at Max Metro and then change to the Dubai Metro Red Line.
How Long is the Journey?
The trip usually takes 90 to 100 minutes, depending on:
- Time of day
- Traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road
- Waiting time at stops
I would recommend that you leave 30 minutes earlier than what you had planned, during the rush hour.
Who Should Use the E100?
This route is perfect for:
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai daily commuters
- Visitors going to see Bur Dubai, Dubai Creek or Old Souks
- Students studying in Dubai
- People are coming to the city to have interviews or appointments as job seekers.
If you fall in one of these categories, this bus is In case you fit in any of the above categories this bus is the one that you need because it is reliable, safe and economical.
Read Also: X23 Bus Route Dubai: Al Ghubaiba to Intl City Guide
E100 bus: operators, related routes and trip planning
The E100 is an inter-emirate service, so it sits in a different category from Dubai’s local buses. According to Gulf News, in its guide to intercity buses from Abu Dhabi, the E100 is operated by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority and runs between Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station and Dubai’s Al Ghubaiba Bus Station. The same guide, dated July 2024, says that you can pay with a nol card, that nol cards can be bought at the customer service counters at Abu Dhabi’s main bus station, and that tickets can also be booked online through the RTA. It recommends the S’hail app for detailed trip times. Check the current position on the RTA website before travelling.
Other RTA intercity lines worth knowing
The Gulf News guide lists several related RTA lines that are easy to confuse with the E100, so check the number on the front of the bus:
- E101 runs from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Dubai’s Ibn Battuta Bus Station, so pick the line that ends nearest to where you are going.
- E102 runs between Zayed International Airport and Al Jafiliya, and on weekends it also departs from Musaffah Bus Station.
- E201 runs from Al Ain Central Bus Station to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station.
Holidays and temporary changes
Intercity services can change during public holidays. Gulf News reported that the RTA temporarily suspended the E100 at Al Ghubaiba during an Eid holiday and pointed passengers to alternatives, including a line from Ibn Battuta Bus Station to Abu Dhabi and the E102 between Al Jafiliya and the airport parking lot. The RTA advised passengers to plan their journeys in advance and use the S’hail app for holiday operating hours. If you are travelling around Eid or National Day, check before you leave home.
Other emirates use different payment systems
If you are comparing options for onward travel, the same Gulf News guide notes that Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah buses from Abu Dhabi are run by their own operators and mostly take cash, so they do not work like the nol-based RTA lines. Treat the fares in that article as a July 2024 snapshot and confirm with the operator.
Read the full reports here: Gulf News intercity bus guide and Gulf News on the Eid E100 suspension.
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Final Words: Is the E100 Worth Taking?
At AED 25, you are paying to have a direct, comfortable, and eco-friendly mode of transportation between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The E100 is also dependable and affordable, whether you use it as a commuter, sightseeing or even as a general exploration of the UAE.
This is the route I would certainly recommend if you want trouble-free travel.
