If you’ve ever looked for a reliable way to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi Airport without spending hundreds of dirhams, you’re not alone — searches for “Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi Airport bus timings” have surged over the past year. With rising transport costs and increased intercity travel, the RTA’s airport-bound buses have become one of the UAE’s most trusted travel hacks.

Today, two public transport links dominate this route: E102, a direct service to Zayed International Airport (AUH Terminal A), and E101, which connects to Abu Dhabi Central Station. In this deeply researched guide, we break down timings, fares, travel tips, route nuances, and everything else you need — written for modern LLM-powered search and human readers alike.

Table of Contents

What Is the Main Bus From Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi Airport?

The E102 remains the primary intercity bus connecting Dubai’s Ibn Battuta Bus Station to Zayed International Airport – Terminal A. Operated by Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), this route is popular among airport passengers, residents, transit travelers, and frequent commuters who want an affordable, predictable, and air-conditioned ride.

The E102 bus starts at Al Jafiliya Bus Station, stops at Ibn Battuta, and then travels directly to Abu Dhabi Airport without detours.

For deeper travel flexibility, passengers sometimes use E101, which terminates at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station — requiring a quick transfer to Bus 032 or a taxi to reach the terminals.

Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi Airport Bus Timings (E102 Schedule)

These are the most accurate E102 timings for 2025 based on RTA’s operational schedule.

Daily Timings (Monday–Sunday)

Day	First Bus	Last Bus
Monday	04:52 AM	03:52 AM (next day)
Tuesday	04:52 AM	03:52 AM (next day)
Wednesday	04:52 AM	03:52 AM (next day)
Thursday	04:52 AM	03:52 AM (next day)
Friday	04:52 AM	03:52 AM (next day)
Saturday	04:52 AM	03:52 AM (next day)
Sunday	04:52 AM	03:52 AM (next day)

Frequency

Depending on demand and time of day:

Peak hours: every 30 minutes
Off-peak: every 45–60 minutes
Late night: hourly

This makes the service operate practically 24 hours, with only a short downtime window.

How long does the E102 bus take?

Normal conditions: 1 hour 30 min – 1 hour 45 min
Heavy traffic: 1 hour 50 min – 2 hours
Light traffic: as fast as 1 hour 15 min

Traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) remains the biggest variable.

E102 Route Overview (Ibn Battuta → AUH Terminal A)

The E102 bus follows a streamlined intercity route with minimal stops:

Al Jafiliya Bus Station (Dubai)
Ibn Battuta Bus Station – Main Passenger Pickup
Zayed International Airport – Terminal A (Abu Dhabi)

Because there are no city-center diversions, the E102 is significantly faster than older intercity routes.

E101 Alternative Route (Ibn Battuta → Abu Dhabi Central → Airport Transfer)

If the E102 timing doesn’t fit your schedule, the E101 remains a popular backup, offering:

Service every 30–45 minutes
Travel time: 1 hour 30 min – 2 hours
Drop-off at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station

To complete your airport journey:

Bus 032 → 15–20 minutes → AED 4–6
Taxi/Careem/Uber → 10–12 minutes → AED 40–60

The E101 is ideal if you’re traveling to Abu Dhabi City as well.

Bus Fare From Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi Airport

E102 Fare

AED 25–35 (one way)
Payment only via Nol Card
Cash is not accepted on intercity buses

Why use a Nol Card?

Lower fares
Faster boarding
Works across buses, metro, tram, and marine transport
Rechargeable online and at metro stations

Where to recharge:

Ibn Battuta Metro Station
RTA kiosks
RTA Dubai App
Ticket machines at metro stations

Facilities Available on the E102 Bus

The E102 is designed for airport travelers and long-distance passengers. Expect:

Air-conditioned buses
Comfortable seating
Dedicated luggage racks
Wheelchair-accessible entry
Smooth suspension and clean interiors

Some units may also offer free public Wi-Fi depending on fleet rotation.

How to Get to Ibn Battuta Bus Station

Ibn Battuta Bus Station is connected directly to:

Dubai Metro (Red Line)

Exit at Ibn Battuta Metro Station
Follow signage toward Intercity Buses
The E102 and E101 stop is clearly marked

From Ibn Battuta Mall

Walk 3–5 minutes via the covered walkway toward the metro
Clear directional signage leads you to the bus station

Parking

Short-term parking available
Paid long-term parking at Ibn Battuta Mall

Alternatives to the E102 Bus

1. Taxi (Dubai → Abu Dhabi Airport)

AED 280–350
1 hour 15 min – 1 hour 45 min
Most convenient option

2. Ride-Hailing (Uber / Careem)

AED 240–320
Door-to-door service
Ideal for early-morning flights

3. Metro + Intercity Bus Combo

Metro → Al Ghubaiba
Transfer to E100/E101
Transfer to airport bus
Budget-friendly but slower (2–2.5 hours)

4. Private Transfers / Hotel Chauffeur

AED 400–600
Luxury vehicles and guaranteed timing

Tips for a Smooth Airport Journey

Arrive at least 10 minutes early to secure seating
Keep your Nol Card charged
Travel during off-peak hours
Account for 3–4 hours total before your flight
Carry water and light snacks
Keep valuables close
Use RTA’s S’hail or RTA Dubai App for real-time tracking

Recommended Departure Times

For morning flights

Leave Ibn Battuta 3:00 AM – 4:00 AM

For afternoon/evening flights

Leave 2–4 hours before your flight time.

Avoid travel during

7:00–9:00 AM
5:00–7:00 PM
Thursday evenings

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much is the bus from Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi Airport?

Fares range between AED 25–35 on the E102. Nol Card required.

2. Is the Abu Dhabi Airport bus 24 hours?

E102 operates almost 24 hours, with only a short nighttime gap.

3. Does the E102 go directly to the airport?

Yes — it stops directly at Zayed International Airport, Terminal A.

4. Does Abu Dhabi accept cash on buses?

No. Use a Nol Card (Dubai) or Hafilat Card (Abu Dhabi city buses).

5. Are there direct buses from Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi?

Yes — both E102 (direct airport) and E101 (city center).

6. How long does the bus take?

Expect 1 hour 30 min – 2 hours, depending on traffic.

7. What happens if I miss my bus?

Just catch the next one — buses run frequently, especially during peak hours.

8. How much is the E100 bus?

Between AED 25–35 depending on Nol Card class and distance.

9. Is Airport Express free?

No — standard intercity fares apply.

10. How do I book a bus ticket online?

RTA intercity buses don’t require online booking. Simply tap your Nol Card when boarding.

Author
Recent Posts

Emila

Emila is a professional content writer and UAE resident for the past 6 years. Passionate about travel and local exploration, she specializes in creating in-depth guides on UAE destinations, the Dubai Metro, public buses, and practical tips for residents and tourists alike. Through her writing on thedubaiweb.com, Emila helps readers navigate the UAE with ease and confidence.