Hafilat Bus Timings
& Fares
Abu Dhabi Routes & Schedules β Everything You Need to Know
Abu Dhabi’s Hafilat buses start at 6:00 AM and run until 1:00 AM. The A1 airport bus runs all day and all night. You can also commute at night easily, as night buses N41 and N43 run from 12:00 AM to 4:00 AM.
Hafilat bus fare in Abu Dhabi starts at AED 2 plus a small per-kilometer charge. Weekly and monthly passes save money if you ride often. The network covers over 100 routes across the city, suburbs, and other emirates.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Hafilat bus timings, frequency, routes, and fares. Let’s dive in.
Quick Navigation
Operating Hours Overview
Most Hafilat buses run daily from early morning until late at night. Here’s a quick look.
| Service Type | First Bus | Last Bus | Operating Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Buses (Standard) | 6:00 AM | 1:00 AM | Daily |
| Regional Buses (201, 202) | 6:00 AM β 6:32 AM | 11:00 PM β 12:00 AM | Daily |
| A1 Airport Bus | 24/7 | 24/7 | Daily |
| Night Buses (N41, N43) | 12:00 AM | 4:00 AM | Daily |
| Express Intercity (E100) | 4:30 AM | 2:00 AM | Daily |
| Dubai-Sharjah Routes | 3:45 AM | 11:30 PM | Daily |
City buses give you about 19 hours of service every day. Same schedule on weekdays and weekends.
Bus Frequency by Time Period
How long you wait depends on when you travel.
| Time Period | City Buses | Regional Buses | Express Buses | A1 Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) | 10-15 min | 15 min | 10 min | 30 min |
| Off-Peak Hours | 20-30 min | 30 min | 25 min | 60 min |
| Night Service (12-4 AM) | N/A | N/A | N/A | 60 min |
β‘ Peak Hours (7-9 AM & 5-7 PM)
Peak hours are morning rush (7-9 AM) and evening rush (5-7 PM). Buses come more often. Best to leave a bit early or a bit late to avoid the crowds.
π Off-Peak & Late Nights
Fewer buses, but still running. Night buses run from midnight to 4:00 AM for late travelers.
Popular Bus Routes & Timings
Here are some of the most used routes. First bus, last bus, and how often they come.
| Route | From | To | First Bus | Last Bus | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Bus 5 | Al Zahiyah | Marina Mall | 6:00 AM | 12:00 AM | 15-20 min |
| City Bus 24 | Grand Mosque | Marina Mall | 6:00 AM | 12:00 AM | 20-30 min |
| A1 | Airport | City Terminal | 24/7 | 24/7 | 30-60 min |
| Reg Bus 201 | Al Bahyah | Bus Station | 6:32 AM | 11:00 PM | 30 min |
| Reg Bus 202 | Al Rahbah | Bus Station | 6:00 AM | 12:00 AM | 30 min |
| E100 | Abu Dhabi | Dubai | 4:30 AM | 2:00 AM | 30 min |
| Bus 117 | Sharjah | Abu Dhabi | 3:45 AM | 11:30 PM | 45-60 min |
| N41 / N43 | Al Zahiyah | Rabdan | 12:00 AM | 4:00 AM | 30-60 min |
| X90 | Al Ain | Abu Dhabi | 6:45 AM | 11:45 PM | 60 min |
π City Bus 24
City Bus 24 is the one that goes to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Handy for visitors.
βοΈ A1 Airport Bus
A1 runs all day, all night. Best for airport trips.
π E100 Express
E100 connects Abu Dhabi to Dubai. Takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
π N41 & N43 Night Buses
N41 and N43 are night buses. Good for late shifts or early flights.
Hafilat Bus Fare Abu Dhabi
Here’s how the fare works. You pay a small base amount plus a little extra for how far you go.
| Service Type | Base Fare | Distance Charge | Max Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City / Regional Buses | AED 2 | AED 0.05 per km | AED 5 | Free transfers within 60 min |
| Express Intercity | AED 2 | AED 0.10 per km | Varies | Fewer stops, faster ride |
| A1 Airport Bus | AED 4 | Flat rate | AED 4 | Runs 24/7 |
| Weekly Pass | AED 35 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Good for 7 days |
| Monthly Pass | AED 95 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Good for 30 days |
| Student Annual Pass | AED 500 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Good for 1 year |
How much will you actually pay?
Say you ride a city bus for 10 kilometers.
- Base fare: AED 2
- Distance charge: 10 Γ AED 0.05 = AED 0.50
- Total: AED 2.50
- Short trips cost around AED 2 to AED 3. Long trips cap at AED 5.
- Airport trip? The A1 bus is AED 4 flat. No math needed.
- Ride often? Weekly (AED 35) or monthly (AED 95) passes are cheaper.
Free Transfer Benefit
Here’s a money saver. You can switch buses without paying extra.
β‘ How it works
- Tap out from the first bus.
- Board the next bus within 60 minutes.
- Tap in. No extra boarding charge.
π’ How many transfers?
Up to 2 free transfers per journey. That means you can take up to 3 buses and pay for only one trip.
π° What about the fare?
The system looks at your complete journey. First tap to final tap. It calculates the total distance and charges the correct fare. No overpaying.
Example:
- Bus 1: 4 km β AED 2.20
- Bus 2: 3 km β free (within 60 min)
- Bus 3: 2 km β free (within 60 min)
- Total distance: 9 km
Instead of paying three separate fares, you pay once.
Good to know
- Works on city and regional buses.
- Does not apply to express or intercity routes.
- Tap out every time. No tap out, no free transfer.
Bus Pass Options
If you ride often, a pass saves money. Weekly passes cost AED 35 and monthly passes AED 95, covering Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra. Students pay AED 500 for an annual pass, about AED 1.37 per day, and need a personalized student card (see the different types of Hafilat cards.) Seniors and people of determination ride free; just visit any Customer Happiness Center. Emirati families in social support programs get subsidized passes: AED 30 for 7 days or AED 80 for 30 days.
Weekly Pass
7 days unlimited rides. Covers Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra.
Monthly Pass
30 days unlimited rides. Covers city and suburban areas across the whole emirate.
Student Annual Pass
1 year unlimited. About AED 1.37 per day. Needs personalized student card.
Senior & POD Pass
Free travel. Visit any Customer Happiness Center to get the pass.
Subsidized Pass
For Emirati families in social support programs. AED 30 for 7 days or AED 80 for 30 days.
Hafilat Fine: What You Need to Know
Most fines happen for simple reasons: forgetting to tap out, traveling without a valid card, or using someone else’s pass.
β οΈ Common reasons for fines
- Forgetting to tap out
- Traveling without a valid card
- Using someone else’s pass
β How to check & pay a fine
- Check it through the DARBI app, the official website, or by calling 800850.
- Pay online or at any Customer Happiness Center
Ways to Check Bus Timings
Need to know when the next bus arrives? Here are your options.
| Method | Features | Real-Time Updates |
|---|---|---|
| DARBI Mobile App | Route search, live tracking, trip planning | Yes |
| Official Website | Timetables, route maps, schedules | Limited |
| Bus Stop Displays | Next bus arrival times at major stops | Yes |
| Customer Service | Phone assistance at 800850 | Via phone |
| Google Maps | Trip planning, route suggestions | Yes |
π± DARBI Mobile App (best option)
The DARBI app gives you real-time bus information. Free on iOS and Android. What you can do:
- Search for any bus route and see all stops.
- See exactly when the next bus arrives at your stop.
- Plan a trip from A to B.
- Get live traffic updates and delay alerts.
- Calculate the fare for your trip.
π» Official Website
Go to darbi.itc.gov.ae. Download timetables for any route. View full route maps for Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra.
π₯οΈ Bus Stop Digital Displays
Major bus stations and busy stops have screens showing real-time arrival times. Updates every few seconds based on bus locations. Printed timetables are also posted at stops for those without a smartphone.
π Customer Service Hotline
Call 800850. Get timing information, route help, or answers to any question. Customer Happiness Centers at major bus stations offer in-person help too.
πΊοΈ Google Maps
Works just like the DARBI app. Enter your start and end points. Google shows bus routes, numbers, and estimated arrival times.
Major Bus Terminals & Stops
Here are the main places where buses start, end, and stop.
| Terminal / Stop | Location | Routes Available | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi Central Station | Al Wahda | City, Regional, Intercity | 6:00 AM β 12:00 AM |
| Al Zahiyah Station | Central Abu Dhabi | Multiple city routes | 6:00 AM β 1:00 AM |
| Marina Mall | King Salman St | 5, 7, 9, 11, 22, 24, 26, 63 | Mall hours |
| Grand Mosque | Saif Ghobash St | 24, 94, 401 | Prayer times aligned |
| Airport Terminals | Abu Dhabi Airport | A1 (24/7) | 24 hours |
| Yas Island | Yas Island | Multiple routes and link services | 6:00 AM β 11:00 PM |
π’ Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
The main hub. Located on Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street in Al Wahda. Green building. You can’t miss it. Runs from 6:00 AM to midnight.
π Al Zahiyah Bus Station
Right in the city center. Many routes start or pass through here.
ποΈ Marina Mall
One of the busiest stops. Nine different routes serve it. Good for shoppers and residents.
π Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Has dedicated bus routes (24 and 94). Also served by regional bus 401. Easy access for visitors and worshippers.
βοΈ Airport Terminals
Connect to the A1 bus. Runs 24/7. Stops at all terminals.
ποΈ Yas Island
Has its own routes, plus the Abu Dhabi Link on-demand service.
Bus Route Coverage Areas
Hafilat buses reach across the Abu Dhabi emirate and beyond.
ποΈ Abu Dhabi City Routes
Central Abu Dhabi has the most routes. Covers:
Island areas like Al Reem Island, Al Maryah Island, Yas Island, and Saadiyat Island connect to the mainland through dedicated routes.
ποΈ Suburban Coverage
Buses also reach:
These routes bring suburban residents into the city for work or school.
πΊοΈ Regional Connections
- Al Ain City: Express bus X90 from Al Ain Central Terminal. Takes about 2 hours and 44 minutes.
- Al Dhafra Region: Routes to Madinat Zayed, Ghayathi, Al Mirfa, and other western areas.
βοΈ Inter-Emirate Routes
- Dubai: Express routes E100, E101, and E102. Every 30 minutes. Takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
- Sharjah: Route 117. Takes 2 to 2.5 hours.
- Other emirates: Connections to Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.
Tips for Using Hafilat Buses
A few simple habits make bus travel easier.
Plan your journey in advance
Check bus timings on the DARBI app before leaving. Allow extra time during peak hours. Download route info for offline use if needed.
Travel at the right time
Buses are less crowded between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM, or after 7:30 PM. Peak hours (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) are packed. Night buses run from midnight to 4:00 AM for late travelers.
Keep your card ready
Top up your card before it runs low. Online recharges take 1-2 hours to reflect. Use vending machines for instant credit. Keep at least AED 5 on your card at all times.
Tap in and tap out
Always tap your card when boarding and when getting off. Forgot to tap out? The system charges the maximum fare for that route. Do it too often? You may get a fine.
Plan your transfers
Free transfers are available within 60 minutes. Allow 10-15 minutes between buses. Up to 2 free transfers per journey.
Stay informed
Monitor live arrival times on the DARBI app. Real-time updates are more accurate than printed schedules. Traffic delays happen. Check service alerts for route changes.
Carry your ID
Inspectors may ask to see your Emirates ID. Needed to verify card ownership, especially for personalized passes.
Ramadan & Special Schedules
During the holy month of Ramadan, bus timings see minor adjustments.
π Ramadan operating hours
Most buses still run from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily. However, services in the Al Dhafra region pause during Iftar time.
π’ Customer service center hours during Ramadan
- Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
π Where to get Ramadan schedules
The Integrated Transport Centre announces detailed Ramadan timings on their official website and the DARBI app before the month begins.
π Weekend & holiday service
Buses run on Fridays and weekends. Some routes may have slightly reduced frequency, but most services stay the same. Public holidays? Essential routes continue operating. The A1 airport bus runs 24/7 every single day of the year.
Abu Dhabi Link On-Demand Service
In the Saadiyat Island and Yas Island areas, you can use the Abu Dhabi Link. It’s an on-demand bus service.
Operating hours
6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily
How to book
Through the Abu Dhabi Link app
Cost
AED 2 per trip
Free for
Free for: Residents of Saadiyat and Yas Islands
Recent Service Improvements
The Integrated Transport Centre has made several upgrades to make bus travel better.
π November 2023 Enhancements
| Improvement | Details |
|---|---|
| New Express Routes | Limited-stop routes L41, L42, and L43 launched on Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Street. Fewer stops. Faster travel. |
| Night Bus Services | Routes N41 and N43 were introduced. First dedicated overnight public transport between downtown and the suburbs. |
| Expanded Mosque Access | New route 23 and expanded route 24 service to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Regional route 401 extended from Al Qana bus interchange to the mosque. |
π February 2024 Fare Reforms
| Improvement | Details |
|---|---|
| Standardized Pricing | New fare system: AED 2 base + AED 0.05 per kilometer. Replaced the old complex zone-based system. |
| Free Transfer Benefits | Switch buses within 60 minutes without extra boarding charges. Up to 2 free transfers. Makes multi-leg journeys cheaper. |
| Expanded Pass Coverage | Weekly and monthly passes now cover city and suburban areas in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra under one pass. No more city-only restrictions. |
These changes mean: Faster trips on express routes | Night buses for late workers | Easier access to the Grand Mosque | Simpler fare calculation | More savings on multi-bus trips | One pass for the whole emirate.
FAQs
What time do Abu Dhabi buses start operating?
Most city buses start at 6:00 AM daily and run until 1:00 AM. The A1 airport bus runs 24/7. Night buses N41 and N43 run from midnight to 4:00 AM.
How often do buses come during peak hours?
Every 10-15 minutes for city buses. Regional buses run every 15 minutes. Express buses run every 10 minutes. A1 airport bus every 30 minutes.
What is the current Hafilat bus fare in Abu Dhabi?
AED 2 base fare plus AED 0.05 per kilometer for city and regional buses. The maximum fare is AED 5 per trip. The A1 airport bus is AED 4 flat.
How can I check real-time bus timings?
Use the DARBI app. It shows live bus locations and arrival times. Also available on Google Maps and digital displays at major stops.
What is the best app to check Hafilat bus timings?
DARBI app. Free on iOS and Android. It gives you route search, live tracking, trip planning, and fare calculation.
What is the difference between Hafilat and Salik?
Hafilat is a smart card for bus fares. Salik is a toll gate system for cars on Dubai roads. They are not related. Hafilat is for public transport. Salik is for private vehicles.
How long does the A1 bus take from the airport to the city center?
About 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic. The A1 has 31 stops, including Yas Island, Mushrif Mall, and Abu Dhabi Bus Station.
Are there buses available after midnight?
Yes. Night buses N41 and N43 run from midnight to 4:00 AM between Al Zahiyah and Rabdan.
What is the maximum fare for a single journey?
For city and regional buses, the maximum fare is AED 5. For express intercity, it varies based on distance.
Can I use my Hafilat card on all bus routes?
Yes. One Hafilat card works on all city, regional, express, airport, and night buses.
How do I check if I have a Hafilat fine?
Log in to the DARBI app or website. Go to "Fine Inquiry." You can also call 800850 or visit a customer happiness center.
How do I pay a Hafilat fine?
Pay online through the DARBI app or website. Or pay in person at any customer happiness center. Use a credit or debit card.
Are free transfers available?
Yes. Tap out and board another bus within 60 minutes. No extra charge. Up to 2 free transfers per journey.
Do buses run on Fridays and weekends?
Yes. Most routes run daily, including Fridays and weekends. Some routes may have slightly reduced frequency.
What buses connect Abu Dhabi to Dubai?
Express buses E100, E101, and E102. Every 30 minutes. Takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Conclusion
- Abu Dhabi’s Hafilat bus network runs from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily, with the A1 airport bus operating 24/7 and night buses N41 and N43 covering midnight to 4:00 AM. During peak hours, city buses arrive every 10-15 minutes.
- Hafilat bus fare in Abu Dhabi starts at AED 2 plus AED 0.05 per kilometer, with a maximum of AED 5 per trip. Weekly passes cost AED 35 and monthly passes AED 95 for unlimited travel. Free transfers within 60 minutes save money on multi-bus journeys.
- A Hafilat fine can happen if you forget to tap out, travel without a valid card, or use someone else’s pass. Check for fines on the DARBI app and pay online or at a customer happiness center.
- For real-time bus tracking, the DARBI app is your best option. Major terminals like Abu Dhabi Central Station, Marina Mall, and the airport connect you to the entire network.