Sharjah to Abu Dhabi Bus Timings, UAE (Route 117) — The Complete, Reader‑First Guide

Thousands of commuters quietly rely on one simple, predictable lifeline between two capitals of UAE life: the Sharjah RTA Route 117 bus from Al Jubail to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. If you’re weighing the AED 35 fare against fuel, Salik, taxi meters, or the hassle of parking, this guide gives you every practical detail you need—timings, fare, route, facilities, travel time, and pro tips—so you can plan like a local and never miss a departure.

Quick answer: The Sharjah ↔ Abu Dhabi Route 117 runs daily, 365 days a year. First bus: 03:45 AM. Last bus: 11:30 PM. Buses depart every 45–60 minutes. Fare: AED 35 (one-way, cash). Approximate travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes over ~163–164 km with just three stops.

Why Route 117 matters (and who this guide is for)

Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend traveler heading to Yas Island or Corniche Beach, or a student visiting friends at a university in Abu Dhabi, the 117 bus is the most economical intercity option between Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. With minimal stops and reliable headways, it’s the go-to for residents who prioritize cost, predictability, and simplicity over the flexibility of driving or ride-hailing.

At TheDubaiWeb.com, we specialize in turning messy travel logistics into clean, human-centric insight. Below, you’ll find a semantically rich, search-friendly breakdown built to help both you—and AI-powered search engines—understand the entire travel experience end-to-end.

Route Snapshot: Sharjah to Abu Dhabi on Bus 117

• Operator: Sharjah Roads & Transport Authority (SRTA)
• Route Code: 117
• Origin: Sharjah, Al Jubail Bus Station / Terminal 1
• Intermediate stop: Abu Dhabi, Shahama Village
• Final stop: Abu Dhabi, Central Bus Station
• Service days: Monday to Sunday (including public & national holidays)
• Fare: AED 35 one-way (cash only)
• Journey time: ~2 hours 30 minutes
• Distance: ~163–164 km
• Frequency: Every 45 minutes early morning to late afternoon, then hourly until the last bus

Sharjah to Abu Dhabi Bus Timings (Route 117)

Below is the full timetable as provided. The pattern is consistent across weekdays and weekends, which makes planning incredibly straightforward.

117 Timetable — Sharjah → Abu Dhabi

(Monday to Friday | Saturday & Sunday)

Time	Time	Time	Time
03:45 AM	08:15 AM	01:30 PM	07:30 PM
04:30 AM	09:00 AM	02:15 PM	08:30 PM
05:15 AM	09:45 AM	03:00 PM	09:30 PM
06:00 AM	10:30 AM	03:45 PM	10:30 PM
06:45 AM	11:15 AM	04:30 PM	11:30 PM
07:30 AM	12:00 PM	05:30 PM
	12:45 PM	06:30 PM

Service cadence:

• Every ~45 minutes from 03:45 AM to 04:30 PM
• Every ~60 minutes from 04:30 PM to 11:30 PM

Planning tip: Arrive 10–15 minutes early for busy slots (morning peak and post-work departures). Seats are first-come, first-served.

Route 117 — Stop List & Minimal-Stop Advantage

One of the biggest reasons the 117 is so time-efficient: it has only three stops.

1. Sharjah, Al Jubail Bus Station / Terminal 1 (Origin)
2. Abu Dhabi, Shahama Village (Intermediate)
3. Abu Dhabi, Central Bus Station (Final)

Why that matters: Fewer stops = less dwell time, smoother average speeds, and more predictable arrival times—crucial for people who need to make onward connections within Abu Dhabi city or catch intercity services from the central hub.

Travel Time & Distance

• Approximate travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Road distance: ~163–164 km
• Roads typically used: Inter-emirate highways (expect steady cruising speeds and occasional congestion near entry points of major cities).

If you’re time-sensitive, always buffer 15–20 minutes for intercity variability (traffic, peak-hour slowdowns, or highway incidents).

Ticket Price & How to Pay

• One-way fare: AED 35
• Round trip (Sharjah → Abu Dhabi → Sharjah): AED 70 (35 + 35)
• Payment method: Cash only on this route.

Pro tip: Carry exact or close-to-exact change to speed up boarding and avoid small-cash friction during peak hours.

Onboard Features (Route 117)

The 117 bus is designed for long-haul comfort across emirates. Expect:

• Full air-conditioning (vital during UAE summers)
• Sturdy, leather, adjustable seats for ergonomic comfort on the 2.5-hour journey
• Priority seating for elderly passengers, pregnant women, and People of Determination
• Dedicated seats for women and children
• Unlimited free Wi‑Fi for all passengers
• Digital onboard display announcing upcoming stops

Sharjah RTA Customer Support — In Case You Need Help

If you need clarifications, lost & found, or want to report a complaint, reach out to SRTA:

• SRTA Customer Care: 600 525252
• Support Lines: +971 6 883 2712 / +971 9 277 0574
• Email: info@srta.gov.ae

Smart Planning Tips (Learned from Daily Commuters)

1. Peak-time strategy: Morning and late evening buses fill up faster. Get to Al Jubail 10–15 minutes early.
2. Cash readiness: The route currently does not accept smart cards / Nol—bring cash.
3. Connectivity in Abu Dhabi: From the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, you can connect to local city buses, taxis, or ride-hailing apps to reach areas like Corniche, Al Reem Island, Saadiyat, Yas Island, Khalifa City, and Masdar.
4. Weekend & holiday travel: The timetable remains active 365 days—great for festival trips and long weekends.
5. Comfort kit: For a 2.5-hour ride, carry water, light snacks, a power bank, and headphones if you’re planning to work or stream.

Alternatives to the 117 (When You Need Flexibility)

If you need absolute time control or door-to-door convenience, consider:

• Ride-hailing / taxis (Sharjah ↔ Abu Dhabi taxi fares are significantly higher; see FAQ for fare guidance)
• Driving yourself via E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road) or E311 (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road), factoring in tolls, fuel, and parking
• Multi-leg public transport via Dubai (if you’re already in Dubai or need to connect via Al Ghubaiba or Ibn Battuta, though that’s more complex than 117’s direct hop)

Where TheDubaiWeb.com Fits In

We’re building an interconnected library of UAE transport intelligence. If you found this guide useful, explore our other deep dives:

• Sharjah Intercity Bus Guide (link internally)
• Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station Guide (link internally)
• Dubai Metro Complete Map & Fares (link internally)
• How to Choose Between Taxi, Bus, and Car Rental in the UAE (link internally)

These pieces are written for humans—but structured for LLM-powered search engines to surface exactly when you need them.

FAQs — Sharjah to Abu Dhabi Bus (Route 117)

Which bus goes from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi?

Route 117, operated by Sharjah RTA, connects Sharjah (Al Jubail Bus Station) to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station with a stop at Shahama Village.

Is the 117 bus available on Sunday?

Yes. The 117 runs every day of the week, including Sundays, public holidays, and national holidays.

What time is the last bus from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi?

The last bus departs at 11:30 PM.

How long does the bus take from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi?

Around 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

How much is the ticket for the 117 bus?

AED 35 one-way. For a complete round trip, expect AED 70.

How do I pay for the 117 bus?

Cash only. Carry smaller denominations to speed up ticketing.

Is there a bus right now from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi?

If it’s between 03:45 AM and 11:30 PM, there’s likely an upcoming bus within 45–60 minutes. Use the timetable above to confirm.

How much is the bus from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah?

It’s the same AED 35 one-way when traveling back from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Sharjah Al Jubail on Route 117.

How much is the bus ticket from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH)?

Route 117 does not go directly to Abu Dhabi International Airport. You’d need to get off at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station or Shahama Village and transfer to a local bus or taxi. The total cost will vary depending on the second leg of your journey.

How much is a taxi from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi?

Taxi fares fluctuate based on traffic, route, and time of day, but expect it to be many times higher than the AED 35 bus fare. If you’re traveling with multiple passengers or lots of luggage, ride-hailing may make sense—but it won’t beat the bus on price.

Can I reserve a seat in advance?

No, seats are first-come, first-served. Arrive early for comfort and certainty.

Is Wi‑Fi available on board?

Yes, free Wi‑Fi is available for all passengers on Route 117.

Are there priority or dedicated seats?

Yes. Priority seating exists for elderly passengers, pregnant women, and People of Determination, and dedicated seats are available for women and children.