Musaffah Bus Station, often called Mussafah Shabiya Bus Station, is a key public transport hub in Abu Dhabi. Located in the industrial Mussafah area (Sector M-37) near Bu Hadeeth Street and Mazyad Mall, it serves thousands of factory workers, office staff, and families daily. You can catch local buses here into Abu Dhabi city as well as express coaches to Dubai, Al Ain, and beyond. The station is operated by Abu Dhabi Mobility (formerly the Integrated Transport Centre) and offers long daily hours and basic amenities.
Below is a quick overview of key facts:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Mussafah Industrial Area (M-37), Abu Dhabi – near Bu Hadeeth St and Mazyad Mall |
| Operator | Abu Dhabi Mobility (formerly Integrated Transport Centre) |
| Hours of Operation | Daily, ~5:00 AM–12:00 AM (local); intercity buses start ~5:30 AM |
| Key Destinations | Abu Dhabi city center, Khalifa City, Al Ain, Dubai (via Al Wathba/ICAD) |
| Major Bus Lines | Lines 101, 155 (Abu Dhabi); E102/Ibn Battuta (Dubai); X90 (Al Ain); others |
| Typical Fares | City travel: AED 2–5; Dubai: AED 26–40; Al Ain:: AED 35 |
| Contact Info | No direct station number. Call Abu Dhabi Mobility: 800 850 |
Overview: Location & Role
Mussafah Bus Station sits at the heart of Abu Dhabi’s industrial district, making it a vital bus station Mussafah for workers and residents. It connects the Mussafah/Shabiya area to the rest of the city via local routes and also serves as an interchange for long-distance coaches. Inside the station, you’ll find air-conditioned waiting halls, ticket kiosks, and real-time schedule screens. Nearby malls (Dalma Mall, Mazyad Mall) and worker housing mean shops, cafes, and amenities are close by.
Facilities & Accessibility
The station is designed for heavy commuter use. It has climate-controlled waiting areas to beat the heat and digital displays for live updates. There are clean restrooms and prayer rooms on-site for travelers, plus plenty of seating. For those with mobility needs, ramps and dedicated seating are provided. Outside, taxis and Uber/Careem ride-hails wait at all hours. A small parking zone and nearby bus pickup points (including a separate zone for community bus 73) make last-mile connections easy.
Bus Routes and Connections
Local Services: Multiple numbered lines link Mussafah with Abu Dhabi city and suburbs. For example, Route 101 shuttles between Mussafah Shabiya and Abu Dhabi Central Station every 15–20 minutes. Route 155 serves Baniyas, 110 goes to Khalifa City, and 441 to Al Shahama. These frequent services cost only a few dirhams (AED 2–3 for local hops, around AED 4–5 to the city center).
Long-Distance Services: In addition to city buses, Musaffah Bus Station offers direct intercity coaches. Notably:
- Dubai (via E102): An express bus (E102) runs to Ibn Battuta Metro Station in Dubai, making the journey from Musaffah in a few hours. Fares are about AED 26–40 one-way. Major departures are roughly every hour.
- Al Ain (via X90): The Al Ain X90 service departs hourly or so throughout the day. Tickets cost about AED 35.
- Other Emirates: There are also daily connections to Ras Al Khaimah and Ruwais. For example, a bus to Ras Al Khaimah costs ~AED 25 one-way. These routes require advance booking in Abu Dhabi (online or at central stations).
Timings & Schedule
Buses at Musaffah run from early to late. Typically, local city routes begin around 5:00 AM and run until about 11:30 PM. Intercity and E-routes start a bit later (~5:30–6:30 AM) and continue until about 12:30 AM. On Fridays and public holidays, expect slightly earlier last departures (often around 11:00 PM). During weekday peak hours (around 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM), buses come more frequently.
A commuter boards a Musaffah Shabiya station bus in the early morning. Local buses start rolling at 5:00 AM and intercity coaches run until late at night.
For exact times, check the AD Mobility Darbi app or Moovit. Key routes like 101 have roughly 15–20 minute headways during the day. Always arrive a few minutes early to ensure you catch your bus, especially during rush hour.
Ticketing & Fares
All Abu Dhabi buses require a reusable Hafilat smartcard (also called a Masar Card). You cannot pay cash on board. Top up your card at kiosks, machines at the station, or online before boarding.
- City Bus Fares: Short trips within Mussafah cost about AED 2. A ride from Musaffah to downtown Abu Dhabi (e.g. to Al Wahda) is around AED 4–5. These are flat rates per trip.
- Intercity Fares: Travel to Dubai costs roughly AED 26–40 (depending on route). Al Ain is about AED 35. Fares to Ruwais or RAK are in a similar range. You can pay for these with your Hafilat card or buy tickets at a counter. For express coaches (E-routes), we recommend pre-paying online or via kiosks on busy days.
Ticket Queries: Check in advance if you qualify for free rides – for example, children under 5 ride free on most buses. No food/drinks or smoking is allowed on board, and always remember to tap in and out with your card to avoid fines.
Getting There and Away
Musaffah Station is easy to reach by cab or self-drive. There’s nearby parking. Alternatively, take city bus 73 from Al Wahda (Abu Dhabi city center) to Shabiya 2 and walk a few blocks.
If you fly in or out of AUH Airport, note that taxis from Mussafah to the airport take about 15 minutes. Expect fare around AED 55–65. Uber/Careem runs at similar rates.
Free Shuttle: Etihad Airways offers a free bus (Etihad Shuttle) from Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai for its passengers. This luxury coach runs a few times daily to locations like the Al Wasl Centre in Dubai. It’s only for confirmed Etihad flyers and must be booked in advance on Etihad’s website. There is no general free public bus between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Travel Tips
- Peak vs Off-Peak: Try to avoid the 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM rush. Mid-morning or afternoon trips are less crowded.
- Apps and Updates: Use the Darbi app or Moovit to track buses in real time. Schedules can shift on holidays.
- Safety & Comfort: The station is generally safe,, and staff are around. Keep an eye on personal belongings, as you would anywhere. Ladies-only seats are marked. If in doubt, ask the information desk inside.
Conclusion
Musaffah Bus Station is the hub for Mussafah’s public transport. It links the industrial zone to Abu Dhabi city and all major neighboring emirates. With frequent local lines and direct coaches to places like Dubai and Al Ain, it makes commuting is affordable and relatively easy. Just remember to carry a topped-up Hafilat Card, plan your trip around the extended schedule, and you’ll find the station a straightforward gateway around the capital.
FAQs
How much is the bus ticket from Mussafah to Dubai?
One-way coach tickets from Musaffah to Dubai cost about AED 26–40, depending on the service and exact drop-off point (Ibn Battuta, etc.).
How much is the bus fare from Abu Dhabi to Mussafah?
A local city bus ride from Abu Dhabi city center to Mussafah costs roughly AED 4–5. Within the Mussafah area itself, short trips cost only AED 2–3.
How much is a taxi from Mussafah bus station to Abu Dhabi Airport?
Expect about AED 55–65 for a taxi (or rideshare) from Musaffah to AUH International Airport. The trip takes ~15 minutes by car.
Is there a free bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?
There is no regular free public bus between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. However, Etihad Airways provides a complimentary shuttle for its passengers traveling between Abu Dhabi Airport and Dubai (Al Wasl Centre). This service must be booked in advance.
What is the Mussafah Bus Station contact number?
The station itself doesn’t publish a direct phone line. For inquiries, call Abu Dhabi Mobility’s general transport helpline at 800 850. They can assist with routes, schedules, and lost items.
