Bus Timings & Schedule Changes: Abu Dhabi Bus System Guide (2026)
Need to know when the next bus arrives? From 24/7 airport shuttles to the E100 intercity schedule, here is your complete guide to Abu Dhabi bus timings.
By Rifat Hossain
Bus Timings & Schedule Changes: Abu Dhabi Bus System
Navigating the capital requires up-to-date knowledge of the abu dhabi bus schedule. Operated by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), the network runs on a precise timetable that varies between weekdays, weekends, and route types. Whether you are catching the abu dhabi bus morning start time for work or looking for the abu dhabi bus last trip after a night out, understanding these operational hours is essential.
This guide details the 2025 operating framework, including city routes, the popular E100/E101 intercity lines, and the 24/7 airport services.
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General Abu Dhabi Bus Operating Hours
The general abu dhabi bus hours depend heavily on whether you are traveling within the city or heading to another emirate.
City Bus Routes (Intra-Abu Dhabi)
Most local buses follow a standard 19-hour daily cycle.
| Day | Operating Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Monday - Friday | 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Every 8–15 mins (Peak) Every 20–40 mins (Night) |
| Weekends (Fri/Sat) | 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Every 10–20 mins (Peak) Every 20–30 mins (Off-Peak) |
- Peak Hours: 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
- Night Service: Limited or no service between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM for most city routes.
Intercity Route Timings (Dubai Connections)
Commuting between Abu Dhabi and Dubai? The dot abu dhabi bus timings for the E-Series are strictly regulated.
Route E100: Abu Dhabi Central $\leftrightarrow$ Al Ghubaiba
- First Bus: 4:30 AM.
- Last Bus: 12:00 AM (Midnight).
- Frequency: Every 15–30 minutes (Peak: Every 15–20 mins).
- Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes.
Route E101: Abu Dhabi Central $\leftrightarrow$ Ibn Battuta
- First Bus: 5:00 AM (from Ibn Battuta) / 4:45 AM (from Abu Dhabi).
- Last Bus: 11:30 PM (from Ibn Battuta) / 11:15 PM (from Abu Dhabi).
- Frequency: Every 20–30 minutes.
Route E102: Mussafah $\leftrightarrow$ Al Jafiliya
- Daily Service: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
- Frequency: Hourly (Every 60 minutes).
Airport Route Timings (A-Series)
Zayed International Airport (AUH) is served by specific routes, one of which offers the city's only true 24-hour service.
- Route A1 (Al Zahiyah): 6:00 AM – 12:01 AM.
- Route A2 (City Center): 24 Hours (24/7). This route runs every 60 minutes round-the-clock.
- Route A10 (MBZ City): 5:00 AM – 11:30 PM.
- Route N2 (Night Service): 12:01 AM – 5:59 AM (Only runs overnight).
Peak vs. Off-Peak Schedules
Understanding traffic patterns can help you plan a faster trip.
- Morning Peak (6:30 AM – 9:30 AM): Maximum fleet deployment. City buses run every 8–15 minutes, but journey times may increase by 20–40% due to traffic.
- Evening Peak (4:30 PM – 8:30 PM): High frequency (8–15 mins) to handle the post-work rush.
- Off-Peak (9:30 AM – 4:30 PM): Buses run every 15–30 minutes with moderate crowding.
How to Check Real-Time Timings
Paper schedules are useful, but digital tools are better.
1. Abu Dhabi Bus Timing App
Available on Google Play and the App Store, this official app provides real-time tracking, full route timetables, and notifications for delays.
2. Darbi App
The integrated "Darbi" app covers the entire UAE transport network, allowing you to plan multi-modal journeys involving both Abu Dhabi buses and the Dubai Metro.
3. Google Maps
Simply select the "Public Transit" option to see live arrival predictions and bus stop locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the first bus leave Abu Dhabi?
For intercity travel, the E100 starts at 4:30 AM. Most city routes begin service at 5:00 AM.
Is there a 24-hour bus in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, Route A2 (Airport to City Center) operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What is the last bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?
The last E100 bus departs Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station at 12:00 AM (Midnight).
Do bus timings change during Ramadan?
Yes. Schedules are typically adjusted with extended late-night hours (until 2:00 AM or 3:00 AM) and reduced frequency during Iftar time.
Your Next Commute Step
Don't guess when the next bus is coming. Download the Abu Dhabi Bus Timing App or Darbi today to track your ride in real-time. If you are catching a late flight, remember that Route A2 is your reliable 24/7 connection to the airport.
