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UAE Bus Stations 2026: Major Bus Terminals in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah & All Emirates
The UAE bus station network connects major cities, residential districts, airports, shopping areas and intercity routes across all seven emirates.
For residents, buses provide an affordable alternative to driving or taxis. For international travellers, major hubs such as Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, Union Bus Station, Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, Al Jubail Bus Station, Al Musalla Bus Station and Ras Al Khaimah bus terminals provide straightforward connections between emirates.
This guide covers the main bus stations in the UAE, including:
- Dubai bus stations;
- Abu Dhabi bus stations;
- Sharjah bus stations;
- Ajman bus stations;
- Ras Al Khaimah bus stations;
- Fujairah and East Coast stops;
- Umm Al Quwain Bus Station;
- Al Ain bus stations;
- Dubai Metro-linked bus interchanges;
- major intercity hubs;
- fares and payment systems;
- station facilities;
- public transport apps.
UAE Bus Stations at a Glance
| Emirate | Major Hub | Main Operator / Authority | Key Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | Al Ghubaiba / Union | RTA | Local + intercity |
| Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station | Abu Dhabi Mobility / ITC | Main city and intercity hub |
| Sharjah | Al Jubail Bus Station | SRTA / Mowasalat | Main intercity hub |
| Ajman | Al Musalla Bus Station | Ajman transport network | Main city/intercity terminal |
| Ras Al Khaimah | RAK / Al Hamra terminals | RAKTA | RAK local + intercity |
| Fujairah | Fujairah Bus Station | Regional bus network | East Coast services |
| Umm Al Quwain | Umm Al Quwain Bus Station | Regional services | Inter-emirate connection |
How the UAE Bus Station Network Works
Not every location called a “bus station” performs the same function.
Across the UAE, passengers will encounter several types of public transport hubs.
Main Intercity Bus Stations
These handle longer journeys between emirates.
Examples include:
- Al Ghubaiba Bus Station;
- Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station;
- Al Jubail Bus Station;
- Al Musalla Bus Station.
Local City Bus Stations
These focus mainly on travel within one emirate and connect residential, commercial and industrial districts.
Metro-Linked Bus Stations
Dubai has a large number of bus stations and stops beside Metro stations, making transfers between buses and the Red or Green Line easier.
Airport Bus Terminals
These serve major airports such as Zayed International Airport and other airport-connected transport points.
Bus Stops and Feeder Stops
Smaller points such as Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and University City may function as bus stops rather than full terminals.
Dubai Bus Stations
Dubai has the UAE’s largest bus and integrated public transport network.
The supplied 2025–2026 reference lists around:
- 1,518 RTA buses;
- 119+ internal routes;
- 12 intercity routes;
- 35 Metro-linked routes;
- more than 2,000 bus stops;
- at least 17 major named bus stations.
Major Dubai Bus Stations
| Bus Station | Area | Main Use / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Bur Dubai | Major intercity hub |
| Gold Souq Bus Station | Deira | Major Deira hub |
| Union Bus Station | Deira | Red + Green Line interchange |
| Ibn Battuta Bus Station | Jebel Ali | Abu Dhabi connections |
| Mall of the Emirates Bus Station | Al Barsha | Mall and Metro access |
| Al Satwa Bus Station | Satwa | Central Dubai routes |
| Al Qusais Bus Station | Al Qusais | Northeast Dubai |
| Al Karama Bus Station | Karama | Central residential district |
| Al Quoz Bus Station | Al Quoz | Industrial/arts district |
| Al Sabkha Bus Station | Deira | Creek and old Dubai |
| Deira City Centre Bus Station | Deira | Mall and Metro connections |
| Al Rashidiya Bus Station | Al Rashidiya | Metro-linked transfer hub |
| e& / Etisalat Bus Station | Al Qusais | Green Line terminal area |
| Abu Hail Bus Station | Abu Hail | E307A Sharjah connection |
| Jebel Ali Bus Station | Jebel Ali | Western Dubai |
| International City Bus Station | International City | Residential routes |
| Stadium Bus Station | Al Nahda | Major newer RTA station |
| Al Jafiliya Bus Station | Al Jafiliya | Central Dubai connections |
| Oud Metha Bus Station | Oud Metha | Healthcare City area |
| Al Baraha Bus Station | Al Baraha | North Deira |
| Business Bay Bus Station | Business Bay | Downtown business district |
| Dubai Mall Bus Station | Downtown | Mall and Hatta services |
| Hatta Bus Station | Hatta | Mountain-region transport |
| Silicon Oasis Bus Station | Dubai Silicon Oasis | Residential/technology hub |
| Al Twar Bus Station | Al Twar | Eastern Dubai |
| Muhaisnah Bus Station | Muhaisnah | Feeder-bus hub |
Al Ghubaiba Bus Station
Al Ghubaiba Bus Station is one of the most important bus terminals in Dubai.
It functions as a major intercity and local hub in Bur Dubai and is close to:
- Dubai Creek;
- abra stations;
- Al Ghubaiba Metro Station;
- traditional old-Dubai districts.
Important intercity routes listed from the wider Al Ghubaiba network include services toward Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Gold Souq Bus Station
Gold Souq Bus Station is one of Deira’s main public transport hubs.
It serves:
- old Dubai;
- Gold Souq;
- Deira neighbourhoods;
- Metro connections;
- numerous city-bus routes.
Union Bus Station
Union Bus Station is especially useful because of its direct relationship with Union Metro Station, where the Red and Green Metro lines meet.
It is a major departure point for inter-emirate travel, including services toward destinations such as Ajman and Sharjah-linked corridors.
Ibn Battuta Bus Station
Ibn Battuta Bus Station is one of Dubai’s most important western intercity hubs.
It is particularly significant for travel toward Abu Dhabi.
The station is beside:
- Ibn Battuta Metro Station;
- Ibn Battuta Mall.
Abu Hail Bus Station
Abu Hail Bus Station serves eastern Deira and is integrated with Abu Hail Metro Station on the Green Line.
One of its most important services is:
E307A → Sharjah Al Jubail Bus Station
This makes Abu Hail particularly useful for Dubai–Sharjah commuters.
Al Qusais Bus Station
Al Qusais Bus Station serves northeast Dubai and connects residential and industrial areas close to the Sharjah border.
It is linked with the wider Green Line and feeder-bus network.
Al Karama Bus Station
Al Karama Bus Station serves the busy Karama residential and commercial district.
The area also has convenient access to the Red Line Metro through nearby stations.
Al Quoz Bus Station
Al Quoz Bus Station is useful for:
- Al Quoz Industrial Area;
- Alserkal Avenue;
- nearby commercial and residential districts.
Jebel Ali Bus Station
Jebel Ali Bus Station serves Dubai’s western industrial and logistics region.
It is useful for workers and passengers travelling around:
- Jebel Ali;
- industrial areas;
- port-related districts;
- western Dubai.
International City Bus Station
International City Bus Station provides local transport links for one of Dubai’s major residential districts.
Hatta Bus Station
Hatta Bus Station is the main bus hub for Dubai’s mountain exclave.
It supports travel between central Dubai and Hatta.
Dubai Metro-Linked Bus Stations and Interchanges
Dubai’s bus and Metro networks are highly integrated.
Important Metro station and bus station combinations include:
| Metro Station | Line | Bus / Transfer Role |
|---|---|---|
| Union | Red + Green | Major central interchange |
| Al Rashidiya | Red | Eastern Dubai transfer |
| Al Qusais | Green | Northeast feeder hub |
| Al Nahda | Green | Sharjah-border area |
| Gold Souq | Green | Old Dubai transfer |
| Baniyas Square | Green | Deira |
| ADCB / Karama area | Red | Central Dubai |
| e& | Green | Eastern Green Line terminal |
| Al Rigga | Red | Busy Deira station |
| Sharaf DG | Green | Major Green Line station |
| Stadium | Green | Al Nahda area |
Busiest Dubai Transport Stations by Ridership
The ridership figures in this section refer to Dubai’s public transport network, not the whole UAE.
Busiest Stations in H1 2026
| Station | Riders, Jan–Jun 2026 |
|---|---|
| BurJuman | 8.4 million |
| Union | 6.5 million |
| Al Rigga | 6.4 million |
| Mall of the Emirates | 5.2 million |
| Business Bay | 5.0 million |
Busiest Stations in 2025
| Station | Riders |
|---|---|
| Union | 13.6 million |
| Mall of the Emirates | 11.2 million |
| Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall | 10.9 million |
| Sharaf DG | 10.5 million |
| Baniyas Square | 8.4 million |
| Stadium | 7.5 million |
These figures represent major integrated transport stations and should not be interpreted as bus-only boardings.
Dubai Public Transport Ridership Statistics
Dubai’s public transport, shared mobility and taxi network recorded approximately:
802.1 million riders in 2025
compared with:
747.1 million in 2024.
Average daily ridership was approximately:
2.2 million passengers per day.
Public buses alone recorded approximately:
197.2 million riders in 2025.
In the first half of 2026, total public/shared transport ridership reached approximately:
348.1 million passengers.
Abu Dhabi Bus Stations
Public bus transport in Abu Dhabi is managed through Abu Dhabi Mobility / ITC.
Major Abu Dhabi Bus Stations and Stops
| Station / Stop | Area | Main Use |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station | Al Wahda | Main intercity/city hub |
| Musaffah Bus Station | Musaffah | Industrial and suburban hub |
| Al Ain Central Bus Station | Al Ain | Main Al Ain intercity hub |
| Zayed International Airport Bus Terminal | Airport | Airport public transport |
| Al Wahda Mall Bus Stop | Al Wahda | Mall interchange |
| Abu Dhabi Mall Bus Stop | Tourist Club Area | Central city |
| Khalifa City Bus Terminal | Khalifa City | Suburban hub |
| Baniyas Bus Station | Baniyas | Eastern suburban routes |
| Yas Island Bus Stop | Yas Island | Attractions and mall |
| Saadiyat Island Bus Stop | Saadiyat | Cultural district |
| Shahama Bus Depot area | Shahama | Regional suburban hub |
| Zayed City Bus Depot area | Western Region | Regional depot |
Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station in the Al Wahda area is the capital’s main bus terminal.
It functions as a major hub for:
- Abu Dhabi city buses;
- intercity travel;
- Dubai connections;
- Al Ain services;
- suburban transfers.
It is also commonly associated with the Al Wahda area.
Musaffah Bus Station
Musaffah Bus Station serves the large industrial and residential area southwest of central Abu Dhabi.
It is an important hub for workers and commuters.
Zayed International Airport Bus Terminal
The airport bus terminal provides public transport access to Zayed International Airport.
Airport journeys should always be checked by route because not every city or intercity service operates directly to the terminal.
Khalifa City, Baniyas, Yas Island and Saadiyat Bus Stops
Abu Dhabi’s wider network also includes important suburban and destination-specific points around:
- Khalifa City;
- Baniyas;
- Yas Island;
- Saadiyat Island.
These may operate as terminals, interchanges or bus stops depending on the location.
Al Ain Bus Stations
Al Ain is part of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi but has its own substantial public bus network.
Al Ain Central Bus Station
Al Ain Central Bus Station is the main intercity gateway for Al Ain.
It supports connections toward:
- Abu Dhabi;
- other parts of the emirate;
- regional routes.
Al Ain Local Bus Stops
The supplied directory also identifies local feeder stops around:
- Al Ain Zoo;
- Al Jimi;
- Jebel Hafeet.
Sharjah Bus Stations
Sharjah’s public bus network is associated with SRTA / Mowasalat.
Major Sharjah Bus Stations and Stops
| Station | Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Al Jubail Bus Station | Al Qasimia | Main intercity hub |
| Al Rolla Bus Terminal | Rolla | Historic city-centre hub |
| Muwailah Bus Terminal | Muwailah | University City access |
| Al Sharq Terminal | Al Sharq | Regional/coastal connections |
| Sahara Centre Bus Station | Al Nahda | Dubai-border connection |
| Al Nahda Bus Station | Al Nahda | Dubai-Sharjah corridor |
| Sharjah International Airport Bus Stop | Airport | Airport access |
| Sajaa Bus Terminal | Sajaa | Industrial area |
| Al Dhaid Bus Stop | Al Dhaid | East Coast corridor |
| Al Taawun Bus Stop | Al Taawun | Expo Centre area |
| Al Khan Bus Stop | Al Khan | Beachfront district |
| University City Bus Stop | University City | Student area |
Al Jubail Bus Station
Al Jubail Bus Station is Sharjah’s primary intercity bus station.
It is one of the most important public transport hubs in the northern UAE and provides connections toward several emirates.
Dubai–Sharjah services commonly connect Al Jubail with hubs such as:
- Abu Hail;
- Deira;
- Sabkha;
- other Dubai bus stations.
Al Rolla Bus Terminal
Al Rolla Bus Terminal serves central Sharjah around Rolla Square.
It remains an important hub for local city transport.
Muwailah Bus Terminal
Muwailah Bus Terminal is particularly useful for:
- University City;
- student travel;
- residential districts in southern Sharjah.
Sahara Centre and Al Nahda Bus Stations
These stops are especially useful for passengers travelling close to the Dubai–Sharjah border.
Ajman Bus Stations
Al Musalla Bus Station
Al Musalla Bus Station is one of Ajman’s main public transport terminals.
It supports:
- local Ajman services;
- Dubai connections;
- intercity routes.
Dubai-linked services include routes such as E400 and E411 in the supplied reference.
Ajman City Centre Bus Stop
Ajman City Centre Bus Stop serves the central mall area and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Ajman Corniche Bus Stop
Ajman Corniche Bus Stop provides access to the city’s beachfront and tourist district.
Ras Al Khaimah Bus Stations
Ras Al Khaimah’s public transport network is managed by RAKTA.
Major Ras Al Khaimah Bus Stations and Stops
| Station | Area | Role |
|---|---|---|
| RAK Bus Station | Al Nakheel | Main city terminal |
| Al Hamra Bus Station | Al Hamra | Regional/intercity point |
| RAK Corniche Bus Stop | Corniche Al Qawasim | Waterfront |
| Digdaga Bus Stop | Digdaga | Rural connection |
| Masafi Bus Stop | Masafi | Mountain-region connection |
Passengers should check the exact station shown for their route because station naming and pickup points can vary by service.
RAK Bus Station
RAK Bus Station serves as a major public transport point for travel within Ras Al Khaimah and to other emirates.
Al Hamra Bus Station
Al Hamra Bus Station is another important Ras Al Khaimah transport point associated with regional and intercity travel.
Fujairah and East Coast Bus Stations
Fujairah Bus Station
Fujairah Bus Station is the main bus terminal in Fujairah City.
It serves the East Coast and intercity connections.
Khorfakkan Bus Stop
Khorfakkan Bus Stop serves the coastal city of Khor Fakkan and surrounding East Coast destinations.
Kalba Bus Stop
Kalba Bus Stop provides connections in the southern East Coast area.
Dibba Al Fujairah Bus Stop
Dibba Al Fujairah Bus Stop serves the northern East Coast close to the Musandam region.
Umm Al Quwain Bus Station
Umm Al Quwain Bus Station serves UAQ City and provides regional transport connections.
Umm Al Quwain is also served by inter-emirate routes passing between the northern emirates and Dubai.
Major Intercity Bus Stations in the UAE
For long-distance travel, the most useful hubs include:
| Station | Emirate | Main Intercity Role |
|---|---|---|
| Al Ghubaiba | Dubai | Abu Dhabi/Sharjah and wider network |
| Union | Dubai | Northern emirates |
| Ibn Battuta | Dubai | Abu Dhabi |
| Abu Hail | Dubai | Sharjah |
| Abu Dhabi Central | Abu Dhabi | Dubai, Al Ain, regional |
| Al Ain Central | Abu Dhabi emirate | Abu Dhabi/regional |
| Al Jubail | Sharjah | Dubai and other emirates |
| Al Musalla | Ajman | Dubai and regional |
| RAK Bus Station | Ras Al Khaimah | Intercity RAK services |
| Fujairah Bus Station | Fujairah | East Coast/intercity |
UAE Airport Bus Stations and Connections
Several bus stations and stops provide access to major UAE airports.
Zayed International Airport Bus Terminal
Serves Abu Dhabi’s main international airport.
Sharjah International Airport Bus Stop
Provides bus access around Sharjah International Airport.
Dubai International Airport Bus Connections
Dubai International Airport is connected through a combination of:
- RTA buses;
- Metro;
- feeder routes;
- nearby bus stations.
Always check the terminal number before selecting a route because Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 have different public transport access.
UAE Bus Fares
Fares vary significantly by emirate, route and distance.
Approximate ranges in the supplied reference include:
| Route Type | Approximate Fare |
|---|---|
| Local city bus | AED 3–8 |
| Dubai → Sharjah | ~AED 12 |
| Dubai → Ajman | ~AED 15 |
| Dubai → Abu Dhabi | ~AED 25 |
| Dubai → Al Ain | ~AED 25–30 |
| Abu Dhabi → Al Ain | AED 22–40 |
| Sharjah → Abu Dhabi | ~AED 35 |
| Sharjah → Al Ain | ~AED 35 |
| Sharjah → RAK | ~AED 27 |
| Dubai → Hatta | ~AED 25 |
These are approximate fares and should be checked before travel.
UAE Bus Payment Cards
Public transport payment systems vary by emirate.
Dubai Nol Card
Use the Nol Card for RTA buses and Metro services in Dubai.
Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Hafilat Card
Use the Hafilat Card for Abu Dhabi public bus services, including services in the wider Abu Dhabi emirate.
Sharjah Sayer Card
Use the Sayer Card for supported Sharjah bus services.
Other emirates operate their own payment and ticketing systems, so passengers should not assume one UAE-wide card works on every public bus.
UAE Bus Station Operating Hours
There is no single timetable covering all UAE bus stations.
In Dubai, typical bus operating periods can extend from approximately:
4:00 AM to 1:00 AM
depending on the route.
Some routes operate later or overnight.
Individual intercity and local routes can have significantly different schedules.
Facilities at Major UAE Bus Stations
Major bus stations can include:
- air-conditioned waiting halls;
- seating;
- real-time digital displays;
- ticket counters;
- automated card/ticket machines;
- restrooms;
- accessibility facilities;
- cafeterias or vending machines at larger hubs.
Facilities vary substantially between major terminals and simple roadside bus stops.
Accessibility on UAE Public Buses
Dubai RTA buses are described as:
- air-conditioned;
- wheelchair accessible;
- equipped with dedicated entrances and seating for People of Determination;
- fitted with audible and visual alerts.
Accessibility provisions in other emirates vary by operator and station.
Best Public Transport Apps for UAE Bus Travel
S’hail for Dubai
S’hail is useful for Dubai RTA travel, including:
- live timings;
- bus routes;
- Metro;
- journey planning.
Abu Dhabi Mobility and Darb
These services are useful for Abu Dhabi transport information and Hafilat-related services.
Sharjah Public Transport Services
SRTA services provide Sharjah route information and Sayer Card details.
Best UAE Bus Stations for Tourists
Al Ghubaiba Bus Station
Best for old Dubai and intercity connections.
Union Bus Station
Excellent for combined Metro and bus travel.
Ibn Battuta Bus Station
Useful for Abu Dhabi-bound journeys.
Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
The capital’s main intercity and city transport hub.
Al Jubail Bus Station
The main Sharjah intercity terminal.
Al Musalla Bus Station
Useful for Ajman travel.
Zayed International Airport Bus Terminal
Useful for airport transfers in Abu Dhabi.
Tips for Using Bus Stations in the UAE
Check the Exact Station Name
Several cities have multiple terminals and stops with similar names.
Do Not Assume One Payment Card Works Everywhere
Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah use different payment systems.
Use Metro-Linked Bus Stations in Dubai
Stations such as Union, Abu Hail, Gold Souq and Mall of the Emirates simplify transfers.
Check Intercity Bus Timings Before Leaving
Long-distance buses may operate much less frequently than city buses.
Allow Extra Time During Peak Hours
Dubai’s busiest periods are generally around:
7:00–9:00 AM
and:
5:00–8:00 PM.
Confirm Airport Terminal Numbers
This is especially important when travelling to Dubai International Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions About UAE Bus Stations
What Is the Main Bus Station in Dubai?
Al Ghubaiba Bus Station is one of Dubai’s main intercity hubs, while Union and Ibn Battuta are also extremely important depending on your destination.
What Is the Main Abu Dhabi Bus Station?
Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station in Al Wahda.
What Is the Main Bus Station in Sharjah?
Al Jubail Bus Station.
What Is the Main Bus Station in Ajman?
Al Musalla Bus Station is one of the main terminals listed for Ajman.
What Is the Main Bus Station in Ras Al Khaimah?
The supplied national directory lists RAK Bus Station in Al Nakheel as the main city terminal, with Al Hamra Bus Station listed separately.
What Is the Main Bus Station in Fujairah?
Fujairah Bus Station in Fujairah City.
Is There a Bus Station in Umm Al Quwain?
Yes. Umm Al Quwain Bus Station serves UAQ City and regional routes.
Which Dubai Bus Stations Are Connected to the Metro?
Major Metro-linked locations include:
- Union;
- Gold Souq;
- Al Qusais;
- Al Nahda;
- Abu Hail;
- Al Rashidiya;
- Mall of the Emirates;
- Ibn Battuta;
- e&;
- Stadium.
Which UAE Bus Station Is Best for Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Common departure hubs include:
- Al Ghubaiba;
- Ibn Battuta.
The best choice depends on the current route and your Abu Dhabi destination.
Which Bus Station Is Best for Dubai to Sharjah?
Important Dubai departure points include:
- Abu Hail;
- other Deira intercity hubs.
Al Jubail is Sharjah’s major arrival and departure terminal.
Can I Use a Nol Card Everywhere in the UAE?
No.
Nol is primarily Dubai’s public transport card.
Abu Dhabi uses Hafilat, while Sharjah uses Sayer for supported services.
Are UAE Buses Cashless?
Many services require a transport card or ticket before boarding, but payment rules vary by emirate and operator.
What Is the Busiest Dubai Transport Station?
The supplied 2025 data lists Union among the busiest stations with approximately 13.6 million riders that year.
How Many People Use Dubai Public Transport?
Dubai recorded approximately 802.1 million public transport, shared mobility and taxi journeys in 2025, averaging about 2.2 million riders per day.
Public buses alone carried approximately 197.2 million riders in 2025.
UAE Bus Stations Summary
For Dubai intercity travel:
Al Ghubaiba, Union and Ibn Battuta
For Dubai to Sharjah:
Abu Hail and other Deira intercity hubs
For Abu Dhabi:
Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
For Al Ain:
Al Ain Central Bus Station
For Sharjah:
Al Jubail Bus Station
For Ajman:
Al Musalla Bus Station
For Ras Al Khaimah:
RAK Bus Station / relevant RAKTA terminal
For Fujairah:
Fujairah Bus Station
For Umm Al Quwain:
Umm Al Quwain Bus Station
For Dubai public transport payment:
Nol Card
For Abu Dhabi and Al Ain:
Hafilat Card
For Sharjah:
Sayer Card
The UAE does not operate as one single bus system. Each emirate has its own transport authority, station network and payment rules, so the most reliable approach is to identify your departure emirate, destination, exact bus station and current route before travelling.