Public transport in Abu Dhabi – guide

How does public transport work in Abu Dhabi?

Before going on vacation, we always check how transport works in that place. Is it possible to reach tourist attractions by public transport, or will it be necessary to rent a car? This is one of the basics of vacation planning. It is no different with the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Public transport in Abu Dhabi works well and quite efficiently, although it is still not as popular among tourists as taxis. What are the main means of public transport in Abu Dhabi? When talking about buses and the metro in Abu Dhabi, you have to exclude the metro, as this type of transport is only available in Dubai. Public transport in Abu Dhabi consists mainly of buses.

The transport infrastructure of the UAE capital has developed significantly in recent years, with new bus lines being added every year. When considering transportation options in Abu Dhabi, tourists still tend to choose taxis over buses due to crowding and traffic jams, but this trend is expected to reverse in the next dozen or so years with further investments in public transportation in Abu Dhabi.

Interesting fact: the first tram line was planned in Abu Dhabi as early as 2009, but it was at the end of 2025 that a project was announced to build a tram in Abu Dhabi that will connect the airport in the UAE capital with Yas Island in just 20 minutes. For more interesting facts, check out our articles on Abu Dhabi, such as Abu Dhabi's top attractions - what's worth seeing?, Where to buy souvenirs in Abu Dhabi?, UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Abu Dhabi, and the Dubai Guide, where you will find a lot of useful information before your first trip to the UAE.

Halifat card in Abu Dhabi – a must-have for transportation

To use public transportation in Abu Dhabi, you will need a “Hafilat” card. Public transportation in the capital of the UAE is not possible without a Hafilat card. The card costs AED 10, but you will need to top it up with a minimum of another AED 10. The card is valid for 5 years. You can buy it from special machines at Abu Dhabi Airport, before leaving the arrivals hall, at the central station, and at the following stations: Bani Yas, Mussafah, Shahama, Al-Ain, Al-Sila, Ghayathi, and Madinat Zayed stations, as well as at some bus stops and in some shopping centers. There is also a 7-day ticket option with unlimited travel for AED 35. Simply tap your card on the reader when boarding and exiting the bus. You can top it up at machines at some stops. It is a good idea to have cash with you to top up your card. You can also top up your card online at https://hafilat.darb.ae/, but it may take up to 2 hours for your account balance to be updated. Public transport for tourists and residents in Abu Dhabi is the primary means of transportation along with cars, so it is worth reading about car rental in Abu Dhabi.

Public transport ticket prices in Abu Dhabi

How to use public transport in Abu Dhabi? To travel by bus, you will need a Hafilat card, which you tap when entering and exiting the bus. What tickets and fares are valid in Abu Dhabi? The cost of travel depends on the distance, but the minimum cost is AED 2 (+ 5 fils per km, AED 1 = 100 fils), so if you plan to explore the city, it is worth topping up your card with a slightly higher amount. If you want to change buses and you are not going in the opposite direction and you change buses within a short time, you will not pay another AED 2. Unlimited travel packages are also available:

• 1 week – AED 35
• 1 month – AED 90

Does public transport in Abu Dhabi serve all tourist attractions?

Getting around Abu Dhabi by public transport has one major drawback: yes, you can get to all the major tourist attractions, but it often takes longer than by taxi. In terms of economy, however, buses have the advantage, although public and private transport in the Emirates, as exemplified by Abu Dhabi, complement each other and cover all the major locations. The central starting point for all bus connections is Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, from where you can take regional buses to other cities, the airport, and freely move around the city. Here are some examples of connections from the central station:

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – line 94
• Ferrari World Abu Dhabi – line 102
• Louvre Abu Dhabi – line 94
• Qasr Al Hosn – line 34
• Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center – line 33
• Mangrove Marine National Park – line 56
• Warner Bros World – line 102

Traveling around the United Arab Emirates with Two Continents

Traveling around Abu Dhabi by bus is not only an economical choice, but also an adventure and a better opportunity to get to know the country from every angle. If you want to visit the fairytale Middle East and experience an incredible adventure in the desert, book a trip to Dubai with accommodation, a package of excursions, insurance, and tour guide assistance, or book your accommodation in Dubai in a private apartment with a phenomenal view of the city.

Questions and answers (FAQ)

• How to get around Abu Dhabi without a car?

Transportation in Abu Dhabi does not require renting a car. You can get around the capital of the United Arab Emirates by bus, with numerous bus lines throughout the city, readily available taxis, or simply on foot in the city center, where distances are short.

• Is public transport in Abu Dhabi cheap and convenient?

Public transport in Abu Dhabi, consisting mainly of buses, is cheap and convenient thanks to air-conditioned vehicles, well-located stops, and timetables, although there is no metro and the system is less extensive than in Dubai, which often makes taxis a quick alternative, especially for longer distances, although more expensive.

• How to use buses and the metro in Abu Dhabi?

Buses, taxis, and trams in Abu Dhabi look different than in Dubai – there is no metro, and a tram is only in the planning stages, but to use the buses, you will need a city card called Hafilat, which you top up and tap on a special device on the bus when boarding and alighting.