Dubai’s RTA has introduced a new intercity bus service, Route E308. This service is launched with the aim to improve connectivity and enhance public transport options between two important emirates of the UAE, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. RTA has partnered with Capital Express to offer Dubai Abu Dhabi express bus services. Capital Express is a highly reputable transport provider in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
The main purpose behind launching this new route is to offer residents direct and non-stop travel access between Al Quoz Bus Station in Dubai and MBZ Bus Station in the Emirates’ capital city. This new route is designed to cover areas in the city of skyscrapers that were not previously covered by current routes to the capital city. Besides offering faster and convenient travel options, this new service is also more affordable for daily commuters and visitors moving between these prominent cities in the country.
Dubai–Abu Dhabi Express Bus Service: Al Quoz to MBZ City Route Details
The newly launched express bus services by RTA offers non-stop connection between Dubai’s Al Quoz Bus Station and Abu Dhabi’s MBZ City Bus Station. With its efficient operations and commuter-focused design, this project is often cited as a best startup story in Dubai’s public transport sector. Operating directly along Sheikh Zayed Road, the main highway linking the two major cities, offers faster travel options for daily commuters.
As there are no stops in this route, travellers can complete this journey within 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic. This is quicker compared to regular intercity buses, as they often take much longer, especially those having several stop points during their journey.
The direct bus fare is AED 25 per passenger. Travelers can make payments in cash, contactless bank cards, or using nol cards. This service operates daily with buses leaving every three hours on this route.
The new bus service can accommodate up to 50 passengers per trip and has a vibrant green color, so passengers can easily identify them. The RTA has not yet confirmed details regarding specific route numbers and shared a full timetable for this Dubai-Abu Dhabi public transport route. However, its non-stop journey makes it a significant addition to the existing intercity network.
RTA Expands Dubai-Abu Dhabi Bus Network to Boost Citywide Connectivity
The previous intercity buses between these two major cities of the Emirates mainly operated from Al Ghulbaiba Bus Station in Bur Dubai and Ibn Battuta Bus Station, serving passengers from Jebel Ali, Dubai Marina, JLT, and other nearby areas. However, the newly launched RTA non-stop Al Quoz route offers residents in Al Barsha, Umm Suqeim, and nearby areas a closer and more convenient departure point.
This additional express bus service makes traveling between the two emirates faster and more accessible for many commuters. Moreover, it is part of RTA’s transport strategy that focuses on improving citywide connectivity and encouraging the use of public transport. By linking bus routes with the Metro, tram, and marine transport, RTA aims to make public transport a preferred choice of residents for daily travel.
Dubai Abu Dhabi Express Bus: Part of Bigger Plan for Seamless Mobility
Previous to the launch of the new Dubai-Abu Dhabi express bus, several intercity transport expansions were introduced by RTA. One such is Dubai-Sharjah bus service, Route 308, launched in May this year. It connects Dubai’s Stadium Bus Station to Sharjah’s Al Jubail’s Bus Station. Passengers need to pay AED 12 for each trip. Besides this the transport authority has introduced five new bus routes within Dubai and upgraded many current routes to meet the increasing demand and offering residents seamless travel experience.
Planning & Business Development’s Director at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, Adel Shakeri, shared his views on the introduction of a new non-stop Dubai-Abu Dhabi public transport route. He said that improving intercity transport options is a significant way to encourage residents to use public transport. He added that the authority’s main goal is to offer seamless and faster journeys by linking several transport modes and routes within Dubai and beyond.
Presently, the RTA operates a fleet of more than 250 Intercity buses. All of them feature free Wi-Fi facility, which helps travelers to remain connected throughout their journey, for both work and leisure use. Additionally, several developments enhancing public transport options are anticipated.
Etihad Rail passenger service is confirmed to be officially launched in the next year. This high-speed train will help passengers to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi in less than one hour. Moreover, Etihad Rail is planning to link its current metro routes with feeder bus services to ensure smoother transfers for travelers. By introducing new and advanced transport services, the RTA and Etihad Rail aim to provide residents and visitors greater and flexible choices for intercity journeys.
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