In a move to improve intercity connectivity and expand public transport options, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a new direct, non-stop bus service between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Operating in partnership with Capital Express — a major transport provider in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain — this express service is designed to serve residents in areas of Dubai not previously covered by existing routes to the capital.
Direct Dubai-Abu Dhabi bus route linking Al Quoz and MBZ City
The new express bus connects Al Quoz Bus Station in Dubai with MBZ City Bus Station in Abu Dhabi, operating non-stop along Sheikh Zayed Road, the main highway linking the two emirates. With no scheduled stops in between, the estimated journey time ranges from 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on real-time traffic conditions. This is slightly faster than traditional intercity buses, which typically take 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, especially when serving multiple stops along the route. Each journey is priced at Dh25 ($6.80) per person, with payments accepted via cash, contactless bank cards, or nol cards — the latter being the city’s unified fare payment system. The service runs seven days a week, with buses departing every three hours. Each bus accommodates up to 50 passengers and features bright green livery for easy identification. While the RTA have yet to disclose the specific route number or publish a full timetable, the frequency and non-stop nature mark this as a distinct addition to the intercity network.
Expanding Dubai-Abu Dhabi bus network for improved accessibility
Until now, intercity buses between Dubai and Abu Dhabi primarily departed from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station (serving Bur Dubai) and Ibn Battuta Bus Station, which caters to commuters from areas like Jebel Ali, JLT, Dubai Marina, and The Palm. The addition of the Al Quoz route offers a new departure point for residents in Umm Suqeim, Al Barsha, and nearby neighborhoods, significantly improving accessibility. This development is part of the RTA’s broader public transport strategy, which focuses on enhancing connectivity, intermodal integration, and commuter convenience. The authority aims to make public transport a first-choice option by linking buses with other transit modes such as the Dubai Metro, tram, and marine transport.
Part of a bigger shift toward seamless mobility
The launch follows similar intercity transport expansions, including a Dubai-Sharjah service introduced in May 2025. That service, known as Route 308, connects Stadium Bus Station in Dubai to Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah at a fare of Dh12 per trip. The RTA also recently introduced five new bus routes across Dubai and modified several existing routes to meet growing demand and improve commuting efficiency. According to Adel Shakeri, Director of Planning and Business Development at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, improving intermodal transport options is vital to encouraging the use of public transit. The goal, he stated, is to offer smoother and more efficient journeys by connecting various transportation modes and routes across the city and beyond. Currently, the RTA operates a fleet of over 250 intercity buses, all of which are equipped with free Wi-Fi, allowing passengers to stay connected, whether for work or leisure, during their commute.Looking ahead, more developments are on the horizon. The long-awaited Etihad Rail passenger service is scheduled to launch in 2026, offering high-speed train travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi in under an hour. Beyond speed and comfort, Etihad Rail plans to integrate seamlessly with existing metro routes and feeder bus services, enhancing last-mile connectivity and ensuring smooth transfers between the rail network and the cities’ broader public transport systems. While buses remain the most budget-friendly transport option between the emirates for now, rail is set to introduce a new dimension of convenience and efficiency for commuters.
