Residents as well as visitors to Abu Dhabi have many convenient and efficient travel options among the public transportation options available. The most popular way to see the Abu Dhabi landmarks is with the Big Bus Tours Abu Dhabi, with daily tours.
Passengers can comfortably and easily explore the heart of Abu Dhabi with two main routes; the City Tour (Red Route) and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Shuttle (Green Route). In this article, we will look at the routes, operational details, ticket pricing and the major stops along the Big Bus Abu Dhabi routes.
Operational Details
Big Bus Tours Abu Dhabi provides punctual and reliable service every day. The city can be easily done on the City Tour (Red Route), which has buses leaving at regular intervals of every 30-40 minutes. Below is the schedule for the City Tour:
- First Bus: 9:00am from Abu Dhabi Mall (Stop #1)
- Last Full-Circuit Tour: 5:00pm from Abu Dhabi Mall
- Full Circuit Time: Approximately 2 hours
- Bus Frequency: Every 30-40 minutes
For the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Shuttle (Green Route), the buses run at specific times during the day, with a circuit time of 2.5 hours:
- First Bus: 12:00pm from Abu Dhabi Mall
- Last Bus: 2:00pm from Abu Dhabi Mall
- Full Circuit Time: Approximately 2.5 hours
- Bus Frequency: Every 2.5 hours
Ticket Pricing: Big Bus Tours fares begin at AED 100 for a full day pass with unlimited hop-on, hop-off to the City Tour (Blue) route. You can buy your ticket online or on the bus.
Route Overview
1. City Tour - Red Route
Abu Dhabi’s Red Route shows off the key attractions in the city. Below is an overview of the major stops along the City Tour:
- Abu Dhabi Mall: The starting point for the tour, located at Al Maiyani Street / 10th Street near Tim Hortons, and a major shopping destination.
- Louvre Museum: A world-renowned museum housing art from various cultures, located at Jacques Chirac Street (Louvre Parking Area Bus Stop) on Saadiyat Island. Nearby attractions include Manarat Al Saadiyat and the UAE Pavilion.
- Abu Dhabi Promenade: A beautiful waterfront area located on Corniche Street, next to Al Kareem Mosque.
- Public Beach (Corniche): A popular spot for beach lovers and relaxation, situated on Corniche Street near Corniche Beach.
- Al Bahar Beach: Another scenic beach located on Corniche Street at the Al Bahar Beach entrance.
- Heritage Village: A fascinating museum showcasing traditional Emirati life, located on Al Alam Street near its main entrance.
- Marina Mall: A large mall offering shopping and dining options, located on Al Marsa Street near the Marina Eye.
- Bay View: A serene spot on Al Kasir Street, located next to Al Kareem Mosque.
- Founder's Memorial: A tribute to the UAE's founding father, located on Al Marsa Street at the Founder's Memorial drop-off area.
- Emirates Palace Hotel: A luxurious and opulent hotel located on West Corniche Road, also near Etihad Towers and Observation Deck 300.
- Presidential Palace: The official residence of the UAE’s leadership, located on West Corniche Road near the Visitors' Centre.
- Al Hosn Fort: A historical fort and symbol of the city, located on Hamdan Street. Nearby attractions include Al Manhal Palace & Gardens and The Landmark.
- WTC Souk: A traditional marketplace offering local goods, located on Khalifa bin Zayed The First Street near the World Trade Center's main entrance.
- Galleria & Rosewood: High-end shopping and dining experiences located on Al Falah Street in front of the Galleria Mall entrance.
2. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Shuttle - Green Route
The Green Route is committed to providing a comfortable ride to one of the UAE’s most important landmark, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The route includes:
- Abu Dhabi Mall: The pick-up point for passengers.
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: One of the largest mosques in the world, showcasing stunning Islamic architecture and culture.
Accessibility and Services
The Big Bus Tours Abu Dhabi prioritizes passenger comfort with several accessibility features:
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Passengers with mobility challenges able to use ramps on buses.
- Audio Guides: Offering informative commentary about the landmarks and the city’s history, in multiple languages.
- Hop-On, Hop-Off: The city can be explored by passengers, hopping off at any of the major stop and boarding the next bus.
Nearby Attractions and Landmarks
Some of the key attractions along the Big Bus Tours Abu Dhabi routes include:
- The Corniche: A scenic waterfront area perfect for walking and relaxing.
- Emirates Palace Hotel: An iconic luxury hotel located along the Red Route.
- Al Hosn Fort: A historical landmark that offers a glimpse into the city’s past.
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: A must-see architectural marvel located on the Green Route.
- Marina Mall & Sky Tower: A modern shopping mall with views of the city skyline.
- Heritage Village: A cultural museum that presents traditional life in the UAE.
- Louvre Museum: An art lover’s paradise located on Saadiyat Island.
- Public Beach (Corniche): A relaxing spot for a day by the sea.
Journey Experience
With incredible sights, the Big Bus Tours Abu Dhabi provides an excellent way to explore the city while making it convenient. While on the City Tour (Red Route), you will go by the lavish Emirates Palace Hotel, the ancient Al Hosn Fort and the lavish Presidential Palace.
Hop-on, hop-off lets you spend as much time exploring the city’s incredible array of attractions, such as the cultural Heritage Village and the world’s famous Louvre Museum. The Green Route to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an ideal way to see one of the UAE’s most beautiful religious sites, and an opportunity to take it in at your own pace, in your own way.
Travel Tips for Big Bus Tours Abu Dhabi
- Plan Your Day: Plan out what stops you want to explore before and make the most of your time.
- Avoid Peak Hours: If you travel early in the day the buses will be less crowded and you will enjoy a more relaxed ride.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: This place is outdoor sightseeing — dress comfortably and be prepared to burn.
- Bring Your Camera: There are many photo worthy places in Abu Dhabi, be sure to photograph the amazing architecture and the scenery.
- Book Tickets Online: Buy your tickets in advance on the Big Bus Tours website if you want to save a little time.
A Big Bus Tours Abu Dhabi ticket is the perfect means to explore the capital city’s most famous sights, in comfort and in style. Abu Dhabi’s beauty and history are waiting to be explored with the City Tour and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Shuttle, whether you are a connoisseur of cultural heritage, luxurious landmarks or modern attractions.
Perfect for both residents and visitors, frequent departures, easy access and an informative audio guide make this bus tour one not to miss for anyone wanting to make the most of their time in the UAE capital.