Whether you desire to visit a theme park or catch a flight at the airport, your plans should not be thwarted due to the lack of a driver’s license. Are you aware that in the UAE, numerous airlines, airports, and even entertainment destinations provide free shuttle bus services to facilitate travel to these destinations?
Here is a comprehensive list of all the available complimentary shuttle bus options that you can readily utilize.
1. Explore Abu Dhabi’s top tourist attractions for free
In Abu Dhabi, you have the opportunity to board a complimentary shuttle bus that conveniently transports you to the city’s most renowned attractions, including Ferrari World, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This exceptional service is provided by the ‘Experience Abu Dhabi’ shuttle bus.
The shuttle bus fleet operates along eight vital routes, seamlessly connecting Yas Island, Jubail Island, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi city center, and the picturesque Grand Canal area.
How to travel on the shuttle bus?
You do not need to pre-register or purchase tickets to travel on the shuttle bus.
To board the bus, simply head to any of the designated bus stops and use your smartphone to scan the Quick Response (QR) code displayed upon entry. Once scanned, you will be prompted to provide your full name, email address, and mobile number.
It is important to keep in mind that bus timings may occasionally change. To stay informed and up-to-date, you can visit the following link on the Experience Abu Dhabi website: https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/plan-your-trip/around-the-emirate/shuttle-bus. Once there, click on the arrow labeled ‘download the routes and timetables’ for the most current information.
Where does the shuttle bus go?
There are eight routes in total, and these are the stops:
Route A1
• Jumeirah at Saadiyat
• Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
• Rixos Saadiyat
• Saadiyat Rotana
• Manarat Al Saadiyat / Berklee Abu Dhabi
• Mamsha Al Saadiyat
• Louvre Abu Dhabi
Route A2
• Mamsha Al Saadiyat
• Southern Sun Hotel
• Ramada by Wyndham Abu Dhabi Downtown
• City Seasons Al Hamra Hotel
• Novel Hotel City Center
• Oasr Al Hosn
• Qasr Al Watan
ROUTE B1
• Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel
• Etihad Towers
• Heritage Village
• The Founder’s Memorial / Emirates Palace
• Qasr Al Watan
• Al Hudayrivat Island
ROUTE B2
• Qasr Al Watan
• Grand Millennium Al Wahda
• Umm Al Emarat Park
• Millennium Al Rawdah Hotel
• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
2. Taking a flight from another emirate? Just take a shuttle bus
If you have found a flight that fits your budget but departs from a different emirate, there is a convenient solution available. Some UAE-based airlines, such as Emirates and Etihad, offer complimentary shuttle bus services.
In the United Arab Emirates, passengers can take advantage of free inter-emirate bus rides provided by these airlines. However, it is important to note that if you intend to use this service, you must book your seat 24 to 48 hours in advance. These shuttle bus services are accessible to individuals residing in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain.
By utilizing these complimentary shuttle bus services, travelers can easily reach their departure airport without the hassle of arranging separate transportation. This convenient option allows passengers to save both time and money, ensuring a smooth and cost-effective travel experience.
3. Get around Yas Island on the ‘Yas Express Bus’
If you take advantage of the ‘Experience Abu Dhabi’ shuttle bus and arrive at Yas Island, you can also enjoy the convenience of another complimentary shuttle bus service specifically designed for the area. This service is available to those who possess a ticket for one of the theme parks or have made a reservation at a hotel on the island.
Yas Island is a captivating leisure destination and family-friendly entertainment hub, boasting an array of theme parks, and hotels, and hosting international events.
Given the island’s numerous popular attractions, it provides a complimentary shuttle bus service for both local and international visitors.
In addition to the shuttle bus service within the island, there is also a complimentary service that transports visitors to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport, as well as various locations in Dubai.
All the bus routes on the ‘Yas Express Bus’
Within Yas Island:
1. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
2. Yas Plaza Hotels
3. The Warner Bros World – Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton
4. Hilton Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
5. Yas Links
6. Yas Central
7. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi / Yas Mall / CLYMB
8. Yas Bay
9. Yas Beach
10. Yas Marina
11. Water’s Edge
12. Ansam
13. Mayan
14. SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
From Abu Dhabi International Airport to Yas Island:
If you are a tourist arriving from Abu Dhabi International Airport and have a reservation at one of the hotels on Yas Island, the bus will conveniently drop you off at the following hotels:
- W Hotel
• Hilton Hotel
• Yas Plaza Hotels
• The WB Hotel
• Double Tree Hotel
From Dubai to Yas Island:
If you are traveling from Dubai, you have the option to board the bus from the following stops:
- Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel, Dubai
• Deira City Center – Entrance Beside Majid Al Futtaim Tower 1
The shuttle bus operates on a first-come-first-served basis, meaning no prior reservation is necessary. Additionally, complimentary WiFi is provided on the buses for your convenience.
4. Free shuttle bus services from hotels and malls in Dubai
If you have made a reservation at a hotel in Dubai, you may have the opportunity to take advantage of their complimentary shuttle bus service. This convenient service allows guests to easily visit popular attractions in the Emirates, such as Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Kite Beach.
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience during your visit, it is advisable to inquire about the availability of this complimentary shuttle bus service while making your reservation. Simply contact the hotel and ask if they offer such a service, which can greatly facilitate your transportation around the city.
Not only hotels, but shopping centers in Dubai also provide free shuttle bus services for both residents and tourists. For instance, City Walk offers a shuttle bus that conveniently picks up passengers from the Dubai Mall Metro Station, specifically the exit near the Tesla showroom. Similarly, The Beach by Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR) also provides shuttle bus services, picking up passengers from nearby hotels.
By taking advantage of these complimentary shuttle bus services, you can effortlessly explore the city and visit various attractions without the need to worry about transportation logistics.
Also Read: Here’s everything you need to know about free shuttle bus rides in Abu Dhabi