Abu Dhabi launches free shuttle bus to top attractions

Service is available to tourists and residents

Abu Dhabi has launched a free shuttle bus for visitors to travel between the emirate's top hotels and attractions.

The new transport link, which has two routes and 18 stops, is designed for local and international tourists.

Eleven buses will be run by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and connect nine hotels, nine popular leisure spots and two Expo 2020 Dubai bus stops in Abu Dhabi.

Saeed Al Dhaheri, a Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi executive, with one of the free shuttle buses that cater to tourists and residents in the UAE capital. Pawan Singh / The National

The first phase of the shuttle bus service connects Yas Island, Jubail Island, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi city centre and the Grand Canal. Pawan Singh / The National

There are nine hotels, nine leisure spots and two Expo 2020 Dubai bus stops on the route of the new service. Pawan Singh / The National

Residents and tourists can claim free access to the shuttle bus once they have booked their hotel stay or bought admission tickets for any Abu Dhabi attractions using the Visit Abu Dhabi online booking platform. Pawan Singh / The National

The brightly coloured buses are equipped with comfortable seats and air conditioning, and offer wheelchair access. Pawan Singh / The National

The shuttle buses provide free wifi. Pawan Singh / The National

The route will take in hotels and attractions in Abu Dhabi, including Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi. Photo: Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort

The Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island is one of the stops on the route. Christopher Pike / The National.

Tourists will be able to jump on and off the bus at Qasr Al Watan and Qasar Al Hosn. Photo: Abu Dhabi Culture and Tourism

The shuttle bus will travel to one of Abu Dhabi's biggest tourist attractions, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Ryan Carter / The National

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld or Warner Bros can all be experienced on a visit to Yas Island, which is another one of the stops on the shuttle bus route. Photo: Yas Island

Abu Dhabi's natural attractions are also included on the bus route, including the Eastern Mangroves area and Jubail Island. Victor Besa / The National

Nine popular Abu Dhabi hotels are included in the shuttle bus route, including Etihad Towers (centre). Brian Kerrigan / The National

The first phase of the scheme connects Yas Island, Jubail Island, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi city centre and Grand Canal.

Ali Al Shaiba, executive director of tourism and marketing at DCT Abu Dhabi said they sought to make transport easier for tourists.

“We have world-leading attractions and entertainment here in Abu Dhabi, and while they are on the tourists’ lists of what to do in the city, we want to make sure they are as accessible as possible," Mr Al Shaiba said.

"The service will increase footfall to the attractions and support these entities in their operational activities.”

The brightly-coloured, branded buses are equipped with comfortable seating, air-conditioning, wheelchair accessibility and Wi-Fi access.

Residents and tourists can claim free access to the shuttle bus once they have booked their hotel stay or bought admission tickets for any Abu Dhabi attractions using the Visit Abu Dhabi online booking platform.

Once booked, they will receive a voucher with a QR code that allows them to access the shuttle bus online platform, register their details, find the closest shuttle bus station and track the buses.

Download the routes and timetable.