Etihad Airways Bus Station Dubai 2026: Shuttle Location, Timings & Booking

The Etihad Airways Bus Station in Dubai is the pickup and drop-off point for the Etihad Shuttle, a complimentary coach service connecting Dubai with Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.

The current Dubai pickup point is:

Al Wasl Centre, behind Safestway Supermarket, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

The Etihad Shuttle is available to eligible passengers travelling on an Etihad-operated flight to or from Abu Dhabi.

Etihad also operates a shuttle connection between Zayed International Airport and Al Ain.

Etihad Airways Bus Station Quick Guide

DetailInformation
ServiceEtihad Shuttle
Dubai pickup pointAl Wasl Centre
LandmarkBehind Safestway Supermarket
RoadSheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Abu Dhabi endpointZayed International Airport
Dubai–Abu Dhabi serviceYes
Al Ain serviceYes
CostComplimentary for eligible Etihad passengers
BookingRequired in advance
Minimum booking timeAt least 24 hours before flight
Booking methodEtihad Manage Booking
Dubai coach scheduleMultiple daily departures
CoachesModern, air-conditioned
Unaccompanied minorsNot eligible
Guests requiring medical/mobility assistanceShuttle not available

What Is the Etihad Airways Bus Station?

“Etihad Airways Bus Station” is a common search term, but this is not a normal RTA public bus terminal.

It is the pickup and drop-off point used by Etihad Airways for its own coach transfer service between Dubai and Abu Dhabi Airport.

The current Dubai shuttle point is at Al Wasl Centre.

Passengers may also see searches for:

  • Etihad Airways Centre in Dubai;
  • Etihad Shuttle Dubai;
  • Etihad bus Dubai to Abu Dhabi;
  • Etihad coach Dubai;
  • Al Wasl Centre Etihad bus;
  • Etihad free shuttle.

These generally refer to the same Dubai–Zayed International Airport coach service.

Etihad Airways Bus Station Dubai Location

The current Etihad Shuttle pickup and drop-off location in Dubai is:

Al Wasl Centre
Behind Safestway Supermarket
Sheikh Zayed Road
Dubai

This is the location passengers should use when travelling between Dubai and Zayed International Airport on the Etihad Shuttle.

Is Al Wasl Centre the Etihad Airways Bus Station?

Yes, for the current Dubai shuttle service.

Etihad identifies:

Al Wasl Centre

as its Dubai pickup and drop-off point.

If an older guide gives a different Dubai coach location, check the current Etihad booking information before travelling.

Etihad Shuttle Dubai to Abu Dhabi

The Etihad Shuttle connects:

Al Wasl Centre, Dubai → Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi

There are multiple departures throughout the day.

You must book the shuttle before travelling.

Al Wasl Centre to Zayed International Airport Timings

The current published timetable lists:

ShuttleDubai DepartureAirport Arrival
EY 54113:55 AM5:55 AM
EY 54135:00 AM7:00 AM
EY 541510:00 AM12:00 PM
EY 541710:20 AM12:20 PM
EY 54194:10 PM6:10 PM
EY 54215:00 PM7:00 PM
EY 54236:45 PM8:45 PM
EY 542510:00 PM12:01 AM
EY 542710:30 PM12:30 AM

Passengers should use the departure selected in their Etihad Shuttle booking rather than simply arriving for any coach.

Etihad Shuttle Abu Dhabi to Dubai

The same service operates in the opposite direction:

Zayed International Airport → Al Wasl Centre, Dubai

This is useful for passengers arriving at Abu Dhabi on Etihad and continuing their journey to Dubai.

Zayed International Airport to Al Wasl Centre Timings

ShuttleAirport DepartureDubai Arrival
EY 54121:10 AM3:10 AM
EY 54142:45 AM4:45 AM
EY 54168:25 AM10:25 AM
EY 54189:15 AM11:15 AM
EY 54202:15 PM4:15 PM
EY 54222:45 PM4:45 PM
EY 54248:50 PM10:50 PM
EY 54269:40 PM11:40 PM

The schedule can change, so passengers should confirm the selected shuttle in their Etihad booking before travel.

How Long Is the Etihad Shuttle From Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

There is a timing discrepancy within Etihad’s published information.

The Etihad route overview describes the Dubai–Abu Dhabi shuttle journey as approximately:

75 minutes

However, the current published departure timetable allocates approximately:

2 hours

between departure from Al Wasl Centre and arrival at Zayed International Airport.

For flight planning, it is safer to use the scheduled arrival time shown for your booked shuttle rather than assuming a 75-minute journey.

Traffic between Dubai and Abu Dhabi can also affect travel time.

Is the Etihad Shuttle Free?

Yes, for eligible passengers.

Etihad states that the shuttle is complimentary when you travel on an Etihad-operated flight to or from Abu Dhabi.

This means it should not be treated as a free public bus available to anyone travelling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Who Can Use the Etihad Shuttle?

The complimentary service is intended for passengers travelling on an:

Etihad-operated flight to or from Abu Dhabi.

You need a qualifying flight booking before adding the shuttle.

Who Cannot Use the Etihad Shuttle?

Etihad states that the shuttle is not available for:

  • unaccompanied minors;
  • guests requiring medical assistance;
  • guests requiring mobility assistance.

Passengers who fall into these categories should arrange an alternative airport transfer that meets their needs.

How to Book the Etihad Shuttle

The shuttle must be booked through your Etihad reservation.

Step 1: Open Manage Booking

Go to Etihad’s Manage Booking service.

Step 2: Find Your Flight

Enter your:

  • trip reference or ticket number;
  • last name.

Step 3: Choose Etihad Shuttle

Select an available shuttle departure that works with your flight.

Step 4: Confirm the Shuttle

Complete the shuttle reservation.

Step 5: Show Your Confirmation

Have your shuttle confirmation ready before boarding the coach.

How Early Must You Book the Etihad Shuttle?

Etihad requires the shuttle to be booked:

at least 24 hours before your flight.

Do not leave the coach reservation until you arrive at the pickup point.

Do You Need an Etihad Flight to Use the Bus?

Yes.

The complimentary shuttle is connected to travel on an Etihad-operated flight to or from Abu Dhabi.

It is not presented as a general Dubai–Abu Dhabi public coach service.

Can You Board Without Booking?

The official Etihad instructions tell passengers to book the shuttle at least 24 hours before their flight.

Do not rely on walk-up availability unless Etihad specifically confirms it for your journey.

What Do You Need Before Boarding?

Keep your shuttle booking confirmation available.

Etihad’s booking process requires you to:

  1. locate your Etihad flight;
  2. select a shuttle departure;
  3. confirm the booking;
  4. show confirmation before boarding.

Etihad Shuttle Coach Facilities

Etihad describes the shuttle as operating with:

modern, air-conditioned coaches.

Specific onboard features can vary, so do not assume amenities such as Wi-Fi or entertainment unless they are shown in your current booking information.

Etihad Shuttle to Al Ain

Etihad also operates a complimentary coach service between:

Zayed International Airport ↔ Al Ain

The current Al Ain pickup and drop-off location is:

Morafiq City Check-in, Al Kuwaitat, Al Ain

Abu Dhabi to Al Ain Shuttle Travel Time

Etihad lists the approximate journey time between Zayed International Airport and Al Ain as:

90 minutes

Passengers should select an available Al Ain shuttle through their Etihad booking.

Dubai vs Al Ain Etihad Shuttle

RoutePickup / Drop-offPublished Route Time
DubaiAl Wasl Centre, behind Safestway~75 min in route overview*
Al AinMorafiq City Check-in, Al Kuwaitat~90 min

*The Dubai timetable itself currently blocks around two hours, so use your booked shuttle’s scheduled arrival time for flight planning.

Etihad Airways Centre at Al Raha Is a Different Location

Passengers should be careful not to confuse the Dubai shuttle pickup with another location appearing online as Etihad Airways Centre near Al Raha in Abu Dhabi.

Public transport searches associate that Etihad location with:

  • Al Raha Boulevard / Al Muneera;
  • St 5 / Stop 16061;
  • Route 162;
  • Route 218.

This is not the same location as the Etihad Shuttle pickup at Al Wasl Centre in Dubai.

Public Bus Near Etihad Airways Centre in Al Raha

For the Al Raha-area Etihad location, nearby public transport information lists:

Al Raha Boulevard / Al Muneera

Approximately:

479 metres / 7 minutes on foot

and served by Route:

218

St 5 / Stop 16061

Approximately:

1,519 metres / 20 minutes on foot

with Route:

162

Again, these stops relate to the Al Raha-area Etihad Airways Centre rather than the Al Wasl Centre Dubai shuttle pickup.

Route 162 Near Etihad Airways Centre

Route 162 is associated with the Al Raha Etihad location.

Current nearby-stop information lists it on the:

Terminal 1 – Khalifa Street

corridor.

It should not be confused with Etihad’s private Dubai–airport shuttle.

Route 218 Near Etihad Airways Centre

Route 218 serves the:

Abattoir – Al Raha Mall

corridor and stops around Al Raha Boulevard / Al Muneera.

This can be useful for reaching the Al Raha-area Etihad facilities.

Etihad Shuttle vs Public Bus

FeatureEtihad ShuttlePublic Bus
OperatorEtihad AirwaysPublic transport authority
Main purposeAirline passenger transferGeneral public transport
Dubai pointAl Wasl CentreDepends on route
Airport connectionZayed International AirportDepends on route
BookingAdvance reservation requiredStandard transit rules
PaymentComplimentary for eligible Etihad guestsPublic transport fare
Flight booking requiredYesNo

Best Etihad Shuttle for Your Flight

Choose a shuttle that leaves enough time between:

coach arrival at Zayed International Airport

and:

your flight departure.

Do not choose a coach based only on the fastest theoretical road journey.

Use the actual scheduled airport arrival shown in your booking.

Using the Shuttle After Arriving at Abu Dhabi Airport

If your Etihad flight arrives at Zayed International Airport and you are travelling onward to Dubai:

  1. collect your baggage;
  2. follow the airport’s current ground-transport directions;
  3. locate the Etihad Shuttle service;
  4. have your confirmation ready;
  5. board the specific coach you booked for Al Wasl Centre.

Follow current airport signage because boarding locations inside the airport can change.

Travel Tips

Book at Least 24 Hours Ahead

This is an Etihad requirement.

Confirm Al Wasl Centre

Do not travel to an older Etihad coach location without checking your booking.

Check the Coach Number

Services use numbers such as:

EY 5411, EY 5412, EY 5413 and similar shuttle numbers.

Plan Around the Scheduled Arrival

The timetable currently gives around two hours between Dubai and Abu Dhabi even though the route overview states approximately 75 minutes.

Keep Your Confirmation Ready

You need to show it before boarding.

Do Not Confuse Al Raha With Al Wasl

Al Raha is an Abu Dhabi Etihad-office area; Al Wasl Centre is the Dubai shuttle point.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Treating the Etihad Shuttle as a Public Bus

It is a complimentary airline transfer for eligible Etihad passengers.

Turning Up Without a Reservation

Etihad tells passengers to book at least 24 hours before the flight.

Going to the Wrong Etihad Airways Centre

The Al Raha Etihad location is different from the Dubai Al Wasl Centre pickup point.

Assuming the Coach Takes Exactly 75 Minutes

The published schedule currently allows around two hours.

Assuming Every Passenger Can Use It

Eligibility is linked to an Etihad-operated flight.

Assuming Mobility Assistance Is Available on the Shuttle

Etihad states that the service is not available for guests requiring medical or mobility assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Is the Etihad Airways Bus Station in Dubai?

The current pickup point is:

Al Wasl Centre, behind Safestway Supermarket, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.

Is the Etihad Bus Free?

Yes, when you are travelling on an eligible Etihad-operated flight to or from Abu Dhabi.

Where Does the Etihad Bus Go?

The Dubai shuttle connects Al Wasl Centre with Zayed International Airport.

Etihad also operates a shuttle between the airport and Al Ain.

How Do I Book the Etihad Shuttle?

Use Etihad Manage Booking, find your flight, choose a shuttle departure and confirm it.

How Early Do I Need to Book?

At least 24 hours before your flight.

Do I Need an Etihad Ticket?

Yes. The complimentary service is linked to travel on an Etihad-operated flight.

What Is the First Etihad Shuttle From Dubai?

The currently published Al Wasl Centre schedule starts with:

EY 5411 at 3:55 AM

arriving at the airport at:

5:55 AM.

What Is the Last Etihad Shuttle From Dubai?

The current schedule lists:

EY 5427 at 10:30 PM

with airport arrival at:

12:30 AM.

What Is the First Shuttle From Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai?

The current schedule begins with:

EY 5412 at 1:10 AM

arriving at Al Wasl Centre at:

3:10 AM.

What Is the Last Shuttle From Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai?

The current published schedule lists:

EY 5426 at 9:40 PM

arriving in Dubai at:

11:40 PM.

How Long Does the Etihad Shuttle Take?

Etihad’s route description states approximately 75 minutes, while the current timetable allocates about two hours between Dubai and Zayed International Airport.

Use the arrival time attached to your booked coach.

Is There an Etihad Shuttle to Al Ain?

Yes.

The Al Ain pickup/drop-off point is Morafiq City Check-in, Al Kuwaitat, and the published journey time is around 90 minutes.

Can an Unaccompanied Minor Use the Shuttle?

No. Etihad says the service is not available to unaccompanied minors.

Can Passengers Requiring Mobility Assistance Use It?

Etihad states that the shuttle is not available to guests requiring medical or mobility assistance.

Is Etihad Airways Centre at Al Raha the Dubai Bus Station?

No.

The Dubai Etihad Shuttle uses Al Wasl Centre. The Al Raha-area Etihad Airways Centre is a separate location in Abu Dhabi.

Which Public Buses Serve the Al Raha Etihad Airways Centre?

Nearby public transport information lists 162 and 218.

Final Etihad Airways Bus Station Guide

For the Dubai pickup:

Al Wasl Centre

For the landmark:

Behind Safestway Supermarket

For the road:

Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

For Abu Dhabi:

Zayed International Airport

For the fare:

Complimentary for eligible Etihad passengers

For booking:

Etihad Manage Booking

For the booking deadline:

At least 24 hours before your flight

For Al Ain:

Morafiq City Check-in, Al Kuwaitat

For the most important distinction:

Al Wasl Centre in Dubai and Etihad Airways Centre near Al Raha are different locations.

Always check the shuttle departure and arrival shown in your Etihad booking before travelling to the coach pickup point.