A guide to taking a free shuttle bus between Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports

Etihad and Emirates offer coach service to anyone who books flights with them

Airline passengers living in Abu Dhabi who book flights with Emirates can take a free bus to Dubai International Airport.

The same service is provided by Etihad Airways to its passengers coming from Dubai.

The National takes a look at how you can travel to and from the airports in the two cities, free of charge.

Travelling with Etihad

The Etihad shuttle bus that runs between Abu Dhabi Airport and Dubai. Photo: Etihad

People who want to get to Abu Dhabi International Airport from Dubai can travel for nothing on a coach service run by Etihad.

The buses leave from the parking area behind New Safestway Supermarket on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, near Al Wasl Centre, and take travellers directly to the airport in Abu Dhabi.

The buses take 75 minutes to complete the one-way trip.

Coaches depart from Dubai at 04.10, 06.05, 09.35, 11.40, 16.35, 18.05, 19.00, 20.40, 22.05 and 23.00, with the schedule displayed on Etihad’s website.

The Etihad coach from Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai leaves at 00.05, 01.05, 03.05, 07.20, 09.25, 14.30, 20.00, 20.25, 21.25 and 22.15.

Travellers hoping to take the Etihad coach need to have a valid flight ticket and are advised to book seats at least 24 hours in advance.

Travelling with Emirates

Passengers must hold a valid flight ticket with Emirates to board the shuttle bus. Photo: Emirates Airline

Anyone planning to travel by Emirates coach between Abu Dhabi and Dubai must book at least 48 hours in advance.

Passengers must also hold a valid flight ticket with Emirates to board the bus.

The coach picks up passengers at the front of the Emirates office on Corniche Road in Abu Dhabi at 03.00, 06.00, 09.30, 16.30 and 22.00, with times shown on the company's website.

The bus drops passengers at Terminal 3 arrivals at Dubai International Airport and the trips to Abu Dhabi leave from the same spot at 03.00, 06.30, 10.00, 15.00 and 23.00.

The Emirates’ website advises that the minimum connection time is two hours for inbound and outbound passengers.

Abu Dhabi International Airport – in pictures

Etihad Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner takes off from Abu Dhabi International Airport. Photo: Etihad

Abu Dhabi International Airport recently marked its 40th anniversary. Photo: Abu Dhabi Airports

The airport served more than 100 destinations as of December 2022. Delores Johnson / The National

Etihad Airways launched new routes, boosted flight frequencies and resumed destinations suspended during the pandemic. Jaime Puebla / The National

It has a network of 28 airlines as of December 2022. Delores Johnson / The National

The airport was first conceived in 1974. Delores Johnson / The National

The Mena region’s airline market is the fastest growing in the world. Photo: Abu Dhabi Airports

An airport employee at the E-border gate, part of the airport's smart travel system. Christopher Pike / The National

Terminal 3 at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Photo: Alamy

A VIP terminal is to open at the end of the year. Silvia Razgova / The National

The airport has gone from strength to strength since opening on January 2, 1982. Victor Besa / The National

The airport attracted new airline customers last year. Photo: Etihad