Two public buses run between Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai and Zayed International Airport Terminal A in Abu Dhabi. The AUH Express is a direct hourly service taking 90 minutes, costing AED 35. The E101 costs AED 25 but terminates at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, where passengers must transfer to Bus A1 to reach Terminal A. Both services require a Nol card — cash is not accepted on either bus.
What to do now:
- Top up your Nol card to at least AED 35 at Ibn Battuta Metro Station
- Board the AUH Express at Ibn Battuta Bus Station for a direct journey to Terminal A
- Allow 90 minutes travel time plus airport check-in time before your flight
Table of Contents
AUH Express — Direct Bus to Zayed International Airport Terminal A
The AUH Express is the direct public bus connecting Ibn Battuta Bus Station to Zayed International Airport Terminal A. It departs every hour on the hour, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The AUH Express does not stop at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station — it runs directly to the airport terminal with no transfer required.
| Departure — Ibn Battuta | Arrival — Zayed International Airport Terminal A |
|---|---|
| 00:00 | 01:30 |
| 01:00 | 02:30 |
| 02:00 | 03:30 |
| 03:00 | 04:30 |
| 04:00 | 05:30 |
| 05:00 | 06:30 |
| 06:00 | 07:30 |
| 07:00 | 08:30 |
| 08:00 | 09:30 |
| 09:00 | 10:30 |
| 10:00 | 11:30 |
| 11:00 | 12:30 |
| 12:00 | 13:30 |
| 13:00 | 14:30 |
| 14:00 | 15:30 |
| 15:00 | 16:30 |
| 16:00 | 17:30 |
| 17:00 | 18:30 |
| 18:00 | 19:30 |
| 19:00 | 20:30 |
| 20:00 | 21:30 |
| 21:00 | 22:30 |
| 22:00 | 23:30 |
| 23:00 | 00:30 +1 |
Pro tip: Passengers arriving at Zayed International Airport and heading to Dubai can buy AUH Express tickets at the dedicated counter inside the Arrivals Hall — no app or advance booking needed. From Ibn Battuta, use your Nol card directly at the bus station gate.
Abu Dhabi Airport to Ibn Battuta Bus Timings — Return Journey
The AUH Express operates identically in both directions. Buses depart Terminal A every hour on the hour and reach Ibn Battuta Bus Station 90 minutes later.
| Departure — Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal A | Arrival — Ibn Battuta |
|---|---|
| 00:00 | 01:30 |
| 01:00 | 02:30 |
| 02:00 | 03:30 |
| 03:00 | 04:30 |
| 04:00 | 05:30 |
| 05:00 | 06:30 |
| 06:00 | 07:30 |
| 07:00 | 08:30 |
| 08:00 | 09:30 |
| 09:00 | 10:30 |
| 10:00 | 11:30 |
| 11:00 | 12:30 |
| 12:00 | 13:30 |
| 13:00 | 14:30 |
| 14:00 | 15:30 |
| 15:00 | 16:30 |
| 16:00 | 17:30 |
| 17:00 | 18:30 |
| 18:00 | 19:30 |
| 19:00 | 20:30 |
| 20:00 | 21:30 |
| 21:00 | 22:30 |
| 22:00 | 23:30 |
| 23:00 | 00:30 +1 |
E101 Bus — Budget Option with Transfer at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
The E101 is the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) intercity bus between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It does not serve the airport directly — it terminates at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, from where passengers connect to Bus A1.
| Day | First Bus | Last Bus | Peak Frequency | Off-Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 05:30 AM | 11:30 PM | Every 20–30 min | Every 45–60 min |
| Saturday – Sunday | 06:00 AM | 12:00 AM | Every 30–45 min | Every 45–60 min |
From Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, take Bus A1 directly to Terminal A (AED 4, every 30–40 minutes, runs 24/7). A Hafilat Card is required for Bus A1 — Nol cards are not valid on Abu Dhabi city buses.
The total journey via E101 and Bus A1 takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road (E11). Use the S’hail app to track E101 in real time.
Read: UAE bus timings | Hafilat Balance Check
Fares and Payment
| Service | Adult Fare | Student / Senior | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUH Express | AED 35 | — | Nol Card |
| E101 | AED 25 | AED 12.50 | Nol Card (personalised) |
| Bus A1 (Abu Dhabi transfer) | AED 4 | — | Hafilat Card |
Cash is not accepted on any of these services. Credit cards are not accepted by the driver.
As of 2026, Terminals 1, 2, and 3 at Abu Dhabi International Airport are permanently closed for passenger operations. All domestic and international flights now depart and arrive exclusively at Zayed International Airport Terminal A.
Also read: Nol Card and Hafilat Card guide | AUH Airport Express
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the E101 go directly to Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal A?
No. The E101 operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) terminates at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, not at the airport. Passengers must transfer to Bus A1 (AED 4, Hafilat Card required) to reach Zayed International Airport Terminal A. The total journey including the transfer takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours from Ibn Battuta.
What is the direct bus from Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi Airport?
The AUH Express is the direct service. It departs Ibn Battuta Bus Station every hour on the hour around the clock, reaches Zayed International Airport Terminal A in 90 minutes, and costs AED 35 payable by Nol card. No transfer or connection is needed. The same hourly schedule applies for the return journey from Terminal A back to Ibn Battuta.
Can I use my Nol card for the whole journey from Ibn Battuta to the airport?
The Nol card covers the AUH Express in full. If taking the E101, the Nol card pays for the Dubai leg only. Inside Abu Dhabi, Bus A1 requires a separate Hafilat Card, which is available at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station on arrival. The two card systems are operated by different transport authorities and are not interchangeable.
Last verified: May 2026
Reviewed by: UAE Content Team
Source: Zayed International Airport (AUH), Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
