The United Arab Emirates (UAE) boasts a well-organized and efficient public transportation network, with various bus operators serving commuters across its seven emirates. Whether you are a daily traveler, a tourist, or someone moving between cities, understanding the available bus services, payment methods, and fares can help streamline your journey.
This guide provides a detailed overview of all bus companies in the UAE, including public transport operators, intercity bus services, private bus providers, and tourist buses, along with their respective payment options and pricing structures.
Public Bus Services by Emirate
1. Dubai – Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
Services Offered:
- Public buses covering all major areas of Dubai
- Metro feeder buses connecting to Dubai Metro stations
- Intercity buses (e.g., Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates)
Payment Methods:
- Nol Card (available in Red, Silver, Gold, and Blue variants) – Mandatory for public buses
- Cash (accepted only for intercity buses)
- RTA Dubai App (for topping up Nol Cards)
Fare Structure:
- Public buses: AED 3 to AED 8.5 (based on distance)
- Intercity buses: AED 10 to AED 25 (e.g., Dubai to Abu Dhabi costs AED 25)
2. Abu Dhabi – Department of Transport (DoT)
Services Offered:
- Extensive public bus network within Abu Dhabi city and suburbs
- Intercity buses (e.g., Abu Dhabi to Dubai, Al Ain, and other emirates)
Payment Methods:
- Hafilat Card (prepaid smart card)
- Cash (only for intercity buses)
- Darb Wallet App (for Hafilat Card top-ups)
Fare Structure:
- Public buses: Flat fare of AED 2
- Intercity buses: AED 10 to AED 25 (e.g., Abu Dhabi to Dubai costs AED 25)
3. Sharjah – Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA)
Services Offered:
- Public buses covering Sharjah city and surrounding areas
- Intercity buses (e.g., Sharjah to Dubai, Ajman, and other emirates)
Payment Methods:
- Sayer Card (prepaid smart card)
- Cash (accepted on select intercity routes)
Fare Structure:
- Public buses: AED 5 to AED 8
- Intercity buses: AED 10 to AED 15 (e.g., Sharjah to Dubai costs AED 10)
4. Ajman – Ajman Transport Authority
Services Offered:
- Limited public bus routes within Ajman
- Intercity buses (e.g., Ajman to Dubai, Sharjah)
Payment Methods:
- Cash (primary payment method)
- Sayer Card (occasionally accepted for intercity buses)
Fare Structure:
- Public buses: AED 5 to AED 8
- Intercity buses: AED 10 to AED 15
5. Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) – RAK Transport Authority
Services Offered:
- Public buses serving key areas in Ras Al Khaimah
- Intercity buses (e.g., RAK to Dubai, Sharjah)
Payment Methods:
- Cash (most commonly used)
- Prepaid cards (limited availability)
Fare Structure:
- Public buses: AED 5 to AED 10
- Intercity buses: AED 15 to AED 25
6. Fujairah – Fujairah Transport Authority
Services Offered:
- Basic public bus routes within Fujairah
- Intercity buses (e.g., Fujairah to Dubai, Sharjah)
Payment Methods:
- Cash (primary method)
- Prepaid cards (rarely used)
Fare Structure:
- Public buses: AED 5 to AED 10
- Intercity buses: AED 20 to AED 30
7. Umm Al Quwain (UAQ) – UAQ Transport Services
Services Offered:
- Limited public bus services within Umm Al Quwain
- Intercity buses (e.g., UAQ to Dubai, Sharjah)
Payment Methods:
- Cash (only accepted method)
Fare Structure:
- Public buses: AED 5 to AED 8
- Intercity buses: AED 15 to AED 20
Intercity Bus Services in the UAE
Several government-operated bus services facilitate travel between emirates.
Key Intercity Routes and Operators:
- Dubai to Abu Dhabi – Operated by RTA Dubai (AED 25)
- Abu Dhabi to Al Ain – Operated by DoT Abu Dhabi (AED 15)
- Sharjah to Dubai – Operated by SRTA Sharjah (AED 10)
- Ras Al Khaimah to Dubai – Operated by RAK Transport (AED 25)
Payment Methods:
- Nol Card (for RTA-operated buses)
- Hafilat Card (for Abu Dhabi buses)
- Cash (accepted on most intercity buses)
Private Bus Operators in the UAE
Private companies provide charter buses, school transportation, and corporate shuttles.
Notable Private Bus Providers:
- Al Ghazal Transport (Abu Dhabi) – Premium coaches for corporate and private travel
- Dubai Private Buses – Shuttle services for businesses and organizations
- School Transport Services – Operated by private contractors
Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Corporate contracts (for company shuttles)
- Online payments (some private charter services)
Tourist and Sightseeing Buses
For visitors, hop-on-hop-off buses offer a convenient way to explore major attractions.
1. Big Bus Dubai
- Coverage: Includes Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, and more
- Fares: AED 250 to AED 400 (1-2 day passes)
- Payment: Online booking, cash at ticket counters
2. City Sightseeing Abu Dhabi
- Coverage: Stops at Louvre Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace, and other landmarks
- Fares: AED 180 to AED 300 (1-2 day passes)
- Payment: Credit/debit cards, mobile apps
Summary of UAE Bus Services and Payment Methods
| Emirate | Bus Operator | Primary Payment | Alternative Payment | Fare Range (AED) |
| Dubai | RTA | Nol Card | Cash (intercity) | 3–25 |
| Abu Dhabi | DoT | Hafilat Card | Cash (intercity) | 2–25 |
| Sharjah | SRTA | Sayer Card | Cash (some routes) | 5–15 |
| Ajman | Ajman Transport | Cash | Sayer Card (rare) | 5–15 |
| RAK | RAK Transport | Cash | Prepaid cards | 5–25 |
| Fujairah | Fujairah Transport | Cash | – | 5–30 |
| UAQ | UAQ Transport | Cash | – | 5–20 |
| Intercity | RTA, DoT, SRTA | Smart Cards | Cash | 10–30 |
| Private/Tourist | Big Bus, Al Ghazal | Online/Credit Card | Cash | 180–400 |
Key Tips for Using UAE Bus Services
- Obtain a smart travel card (Nol, Hafilat, or Sayer) for seamless travel.
- Verify schedules in advance via official transport authority websites.
- Carry cash when traveling in smaller emirates or using intercity buses.
- Consider tourist buses for hassle-free sightseeing.
The UAE’s bus network is designed to be affordable, efficient, and accessible, making it a reliable choice for both residents and visitors. With comprehensive coverage across all seven emirates and multiple convenient payment options, the system caters to diverse commuting needs. For specific route recommendations or further assistance, consult the respective transport authority’s official resources, which provide real-time updates and detailed route maps to help plan your journey effectively.
