Dubai to Al Ain by Bus - All You Need to Know

8 min read

We believe there is nothing that can beat bus rides and the beautiful views along the way, and now gaining popularity is Al Ain bus from Dubai, also known as the best and most economical way to reach this beautiful Garden City of the UAE.

Al Ain, located 140 km from Dubai, stretches over an area of greenery with historical sites and a peaceful atmosphere. One can drive their own car, or can have a car rental with Beno or use the wonderful UAE public transport, the E201 bus operated by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) offers a cheap and convenient way of traveling between the two cities.

This blog covers everything you need to know when taking the bus from Dubai to Al Ain, and Al Ain to Dubai bus including routes, schedules, fares, and travel tips.

Why Take The Bus?

Taking the Al Ain bus from Dubai is economical and hassle-free. It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on the traffic condition, and provides roomy seats, air-conditioned rides, and is useful in allocating sections for passengers with special needs.

For a traveler or resident looking for affordable transportation, one can take the bus service E201. The ticket costs AED 25-a small fraction of taxi fares, usually at AED 250 or more as a one-time fare.

But not only is the ticket price fair, the transportation is also relatively punctual as well as decently maintained on a daily basis.

al ain to dubai bus timing

Dubai to Al Ain Bus Route and Stations

The E201 bus is traveling from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Dubai to Al Ain Central Bus Station. In the course of the trip, it stops several times for people to get on and off at important stations.

Main Halt Places of E201 Bus

Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, Dubai
Wasl, Wasl Club
Nad Al Shiba, Emirates NBD
Al Qattara Souq
Mohammed Bin Khalifa Street / Al Ain Gift Markets
Mohammed Bin Khalifa Street / Al Slimi Park
Ali Ibn Abi Taleb Street / Eid Prayer Ground
Al Madina Petrol Station
Al Ain Central Bus Station

You can get around Al Ain using the local buses and taxis. Public transport in Al Ain is not expensive, as the intercity bus fare costs between AED 2 to go anywhere. Bus E201 runs throughout the day, and has different schedules for weekdays and weekends.

Al Ain to Dubai Bus Timing

Weekdays (Monday to Friday)

First bus from Al Ain Central Bus Station 7:00 AM
Last bus from Al Ain: 12:30 AM
Frequency: every 40 – 60 minutes

However, on the website and mobile application of the RTA passengers can obtain more up to the minute time for the preparation of the journey and can check the latest Ain to Al Ghubaiba bus timings as well.

Dubai to Al Ain bus timing

Weekends (Saturday and Sunday)

Bus from Dubai to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station starts at 6:20 AM
Last bus from Dubai 9:20 PM
Bus from Al Ain Central Bus Station 6:00 AM
Last bus from Al Ain 9:00 PM
Interval: 40 – 60 minutes
First bus from Dubai (Al Ghubaiba Bus Station) 7:20 AM
Last bus from Dubai 11:20 PM

Dubai to Al Ain bus ticket price costs one way AED 25.

Available Payment Tool in RTA Nol Card

The Nol Card is a card used for smart travel across Dubai, including buses, metros, and water taxis. You can buy it from any metro station, bus station, or authorized retail store if you do not already have one.

Passengers simply need to tap in at the start of their journey and tap out at the end for the fare to be automatically deducted.

dubai to al ain bus

Where to Catch the Bus in Dubai?

The E201 bus originates from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, one of the prominent public transport stations in Dubai. Al Shindagha, which is close to the Dubai Creek, houses the station with the following facilities:

Toilets
Cafes and convenience stores
Information office
Car parking

The nearest Dubai Metro is Al Ghubaiba Metro Station, which is on the Green Line. The bus station is within a five-minute walk (350m) of the metro station.

Alternative Option – Minibus from Dubai to Al Ain

For those passengers who would prefer to travel in a mini bus rather than Al Ain bus from Dubai, Al Ghazal minivans can be taken on the same route from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station going to Al Ain. And from there, every 40 minutes, it has another trip, too.

Minivan Information of Al Ghazal:

First departure time: 5:40 am
Last departure time: 11:40 pm
Price: AED 25
Travel duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

Minibuses are ideal for those who would like a faster boarding time or more frequent service.

How to get to Al Ain and What to Do?

Upon arrival at Al Ain Central Bus Station, you can board local buses or hail taxis to visit the city. There are numerous attractions in Al Ain for tourists to enjoy, such as:

Al Ain Oasis – A UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an enormous date palm plantation.
Jebel Hafeet - The second highest mountain in the UAE offering panoramic views of the desert.
Al Ain Zoo, over 4,000 animals of the Arabian oryx and African lions.
Al Jahili Fort, a historic fortress that holds the cultural heritage of the UAE.
Bawadi Mall & Al Ain Mall- Iconic malls for shopping and dining.
The public buses of Al Ain are highly efficient. Most of the bus stops clearly exhibit route maps while alternative options are available in the form of taxis.

The bus travels from Dubai to Al Ain and Al Ain bus from Dubai respectively, and makes you visit one of the UAE's most scenic cities which is easy, cost-effective, and comfortable. With frequent departures, modern facilities, and fares that are budget-friendly, the E201 bus service provides an excellent solution for commuters as well as for tourists.

Latest updates on the schedules, fares, routes and Al Ghubaiba to Al Ain bus timing today and etc are available on the RTA website, or the RTA mobile app.

Al Ain’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and cultural charm is worth a visit. There's no need to break the bank to get there-just take the bus and if you don’t want to take Al Ain bus from Dubai, then we have some quality rental offers for you at Beno starting from luxurious to budget friendly so check out our website and have a safe trip!