With the E16 bus, traveling to the quiet region of Hatta in Dubai is easy and inexpensive. The RTA’s Dubai bus service covers the 130-kilometer trip from Sabkha Bus Station in Deira to Hatta Bus Station.
In this guide, I will provide you everything you need to know about E16 buses, along with rates and schedules.
E16 Bus
E16 has been designated a long-distance bus route by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The road distance between Sabkha Bus Station in Deira and Hatta Bus Station is about 130 kilometers. For those who want to escape the city and breathe clean air at low costs, choosing this route is your top choice.
Key Route Information
- Route Name: E16
- Route: From Sabkha Bus Station in the Deira area in Dubai, travel all the way to Hatta Bus Station.
- Total Distance: 30 km
- Total Journey Time: Around 1 hour and 57 minutes
- Fare: AED 25
E16 Bus Timings
| Day | Bus Timings |
|---|---|
| Monday | 06:30 AM to 10:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 06:30 AM to 10:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 06:30 AM to 10:30 PM |
| Thursday | 06:30 AM to 10:30 PM |
| Friday | 06:29 AM to 10:35 PM |
| Saturday | 06:30 AM to 10:30 PM |
| Sunday | 06:30 AM to 10:30 PM |
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Fare Details
The E16 route gives you a great value for your money on long-distance trips in the UAE.
Fare Breakdown
- Payment Method: You need a Nol Card to pay for your journey
- Standard Fare: AED 25
E16 Bus Route
What to Expect on the Journey
I wish you would be prepared for your journey. E16s are long-haul buses that offer all the usual amenities.
Comfort & Convenience
- Having air conditioning in the bus is necessary in the UAE.
- Cushioned seating and a proper space for your legs
- Designated areas for standing passengers
- Seating that prioritizes women and families should be a separate area from the rest.
Travel Tips
- Always carry a charged Nol Card
- Live tracking is available using the RTA S’hail App
- Bring water with you, mainly for your afternoon cycling sessions.
Why Take the E16 Instead of a Car or Taxi
For just AED 25-30, you travel to Hatta on the E16 which is an amazingly low price. On top of that, you avoid having to figure out where to go, how much gas to buy and getting traffic tickets.
Bonus Points
- Eco-friendly: If one less car drives to school, that’s better for the environment.
- Zero Parking Hassle: You can drop off at the bus station.
- Explore Like a Local: You get to mingle with real people, not just tourists
E16 to Hatta: Background and Trip Planning
The E16 is the long-distance route connecting Deira with Hatta, and it is one of the few ways to reach the mountains without a car. Because it is a long ride, a little background helps you decide what to do when you arrive.
What Hatta is
According to Wikipedia, Hatta is an inland area in the Hajar mountains, about 134 km east of Dubai city, and is an exclave of the Emirate of Dubai, separated from the main territory by other UAE and Omani land. It borders Oman to the east and south, the Ajman exclave of Masfout to the west and Ras Al Khaimah to the north. Because of its altitude it is cooler and less humid than central Dubai, although summers can still be very hot and winters are noticeably colder.
What you can do there
The same source lists the Hatta Heritage Village, a restored traditional village, two military towers from the 1880s, a fort from 1896 and the Hatta Fort Hotel. It also mentions Hatta Dam, popular for kayaking, wadis for hiking and off-road driving, mountain biking routes, and Al Tallah Park. The page also says the Juma mosque, built in 1780, is the oldest building in the village.
Trip planning tips
- Open the RTA website or the RTA/S’hail apps the day before and check the current timetable, because routes and frequencies are adjusted from time to time.
- Make sure your Nol card has enough balance before you leave, as the card is used to tag on and tag off.
- Note the name of your stop and the name of the terminus on the bus display, so you do not board the opposite direction by mistake.
- If the trip includes a Metro leg, allow extra minutes for the walk between the station and the bus stop.
- Check the return timetable before you go, because the last bus back matters more than the first one out.
- Bring a light layer, since temperatures in the mountains can differ from Dubai.
- Read the original guide for stops, but verify distance and fare on the RTA, as I noticed small inconsistencies in the figures quoted for this route.
Wikipedia’s page on the RTA lists the S’hail app as an official RTA app. For anything time-sensitive, the RTA website is the source to trust.
A note on paying: according to Wikipedia’s article on the Nol card, it is a prepaid contactless smartcard introduced in 2009 for public transport in Dubai, and you tag on and off to have the fare deducted. The article describes several card types, including the Red Ticket for visitors, and says the card can be topped up online, at machines or at ticket offices. Card types and rules have changed over the years, so confirm what applies to you on the official site before buying or topping up.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where does the E16 bus go?
From Sabkha Bus Station in Deira, the E16 bus goes to the Hatta Bus Station, stopping at stops in both the city and the countryside.
2. What time does the E16 bus start operating?
The first E16 bus departs at about 5:30 AM, but services are normally offered from 6:30 AM until 10:30 PM every day. Starting at 6:29 AM is service on the Fridays.
3. How much does the E16 bus cost?
Prices for one-way fares are often AED 25 to AED 30, as per the latest bulletin from the RTA. You must use a Nol Card to make payments.
4. Can I use cash to pay for the E16 bus?
You can’t pay by cash in the Museum. It’s important to have enough money on your Nol Card for travel, so add funds before entering a train.
5. How long does the E16 journey take from Dubai to Hatta?
The trip averages about 1 hour and 57 minutes, but it can run longer if there is heavy traffic. You should confirm the live timings using the RTA S’hail app before you begin your trip.
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Final Words
Riding the E16 bus from Dubai to Hatta is safe and won’t cost much. People traveling daily and those on tours are drawn to trains by their extensive routes and easy stops. Early planning and using the advice listed will ensure you enjoy your trip a lot.
If you have any further questions or need assistance with planning your trip, feel free to ask.
