Every day, thousands of residents, workers, students, and tourists move between Abu Dhabi and Sharjah for business, education, shopping, and leisure. The two cities are connected by a distance of approximately 164 kilometres, and while taxis and private vehicles are popular, Bus 117 remains the most budget-friendly and reliable way to make the trip. Whether you are a daily commuter planning your working week or a first-time visitor figuring out the UAE’s intercity transport network, this complete guide covers everything you need: exact schedules, fares, stops, onboard amenities, payment options, journey duration, and practical tips that make your experience smooth from the first departure to the final stop.
Overview of the Abu Dhabi to Sharjah Bus Service
Bus 117 is the official inter-emirate service connecting Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. It is managed jointly by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of Abu Dhabi and the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA). The route runs from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah, passing through key points along one of the UAE’s busiest intercity corridors.
Abu dhabi to sharjah bus timing for this service covers the full day, ensuring that both early-morning commuters and late-evening travelers can reach their destination without relying on expensive private transport. The service operates seven days a week, including weekends and most public holidays, though schedule adjustments can occur during national events or exceptional circumstances.
Key service highlights at a glance:
- Route Number: Bus 117
- Departure Point: Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (near Hamdan Street)
- Arrival Point: Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah
- Route Distance: Approximately 162–164 km
- Average Journey Time: 2.5 to 2 hours 50 minutes (traffic dependent)
- Operating Days: Daily
- First Departure: 6:00 AM – 6:30 AM
- Last Departure: 11:15 PM – 12:00 AM (midnight)
- Ticket Price: AED 30 (one-way)
Full Bus 117 Timetable: Abu Dhabi to Sharjah
Understanding the abu dhabi to sharjah bus timing in detail is essential for planning a reliable commute. The schedule is structured in phases across the day, with frequency shifting based on demand.
| Time Slot | Departure Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM | Every 60 minutes | Early morning, fewer passengers |
| 7:30 AM – 8:15 AM | Scheduled departures | Morning peak begins |
| 8:15 AM – 7:30 PM | Every 45 minutes | Core daytime service |
| 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM | Every 60 minutes | Evening service |
| 10:30 PM – 12:00 AM | Hourly / last service | Final departures of the day |
Key scheduled departures from Abu Dhabi:
- First bus: 6:00 AM or 6:30 AM (confirm at station)
- Second bus: 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM
- Third bus: 8:15 AM
- Buses continue approximately every 30–45 minutes through the afternoon
- Last bus: 11:15 PM or 12:00 AM (midnight)
- Final arrival in Sharjah: approximately 2:00 AM – 2:50 AM the following morning
The exact abu dhabi to sharjah bus timing can vary slightly depending on day of the week, traffic volume, and any operational updates by the authorities. It is always advisable to verify the current schedule through the SRTA website or the RTA mobile application before travel, particularly on weekends or public holidays when demand increases significantly. du number check code
Bus Route and Stops
One of the practical advantages of Bus 117 is its limited number of stops. Unlike city bus routes that halt frequently, this intercity service is designed for speed and efficiency. Fewer stops mean faster journey times — an important consideration for daily commuters.
The four main stops on the Abu Dhabi to Sharjah route:
- Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station — The main departure point, centrally located near Hamdan Street. This is where tickets are purchased and where the journey begins.
- Shahama Village / Jazirat Umm an Nar — An intercity stop located just outside Abu Dhabi, serving residents of these communities.
- Ansar Mall, Sharjah — A convenient urban stop for passengers heading to this shopping area or the surrounding neighbourhoods.
- Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah — The final destination and major transit hub, from which passengers can connect to local Sharjah bus services.
An important point to note: Bus 117 travels through Dubai along the E11 or E311 highways, but it does not make any stops within Dubai. Passengers can enjoy views of the Dubai skyline — including glimpses of Sheikh Zayed Road and major landmarks — but cannot board or alight within the emirate on this service.
Fare and Ticket Information
The standard one-way ticket fare for abu dhabi to sharjah bus timing Route 117 is AED 30 per person. This makes it one of the most affordable inter-emirate travel options in the UAE, particularly compared to taxis, which can cost AED 200 to AED 300 or more for the same journey.
How to pay for your ticket:
- Cash payment: Accepted at the ticket counter at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station before boarding.
- Hafilat Card: The Abu Dhabi integrated transport card can be used for cashless payment. Ensure the card has sufficient balance before boarding, as top-up facilities may not always be available at the last minute.
- NOL Card: Some sources indicate NOL card acceptance — however, confirm this directly at the station, as payment policies may differ.
- Credit/Debit Cards: Not always accepted. It is advisable to carry cash or a preloaded card as a backup.
Discount eligibility:
Students, senior citizens, and frequent travelers may qualify for fare concessions on inter-emirate services. Check at the Customer Happiness Centre at the terminal for current discount programs.
Return journey fare: The reverse trip from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi (operated under the 117R designation by SRTA) has a fare of approximately AED 33, slightly higher than the Abu Dhabi-originating service.
Journey Duration and What Affects It
The typical journey time for the abu dhabi to sharjah bus timing route is between 2 hours 30 minutes and 2 hours 50 minutes under normal traffic conditions. However, several factors can affect actual travel time:
Peak hours and congestion:
Traffic on the E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road) and E311 (Emirates Road) highways is heaviest during morning rush hours (7:00 AM – 9:30 AM) and evening rush hours (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM). Traveling during these windows can add 15 to 30 minutes or more to the journey. Commuters who have schedule flexibility are advised to travel before or after peak periods.
Weekend and public holiday demand:
Weekends (Friday and Saturday in the UAE) bring increased passenger volumes and heavier leisure traffic. Journey times during these periods can extend, and buses may fill quickly. Arriving at the station early on weekends is strongly recommended.
Weather conditions:
During sandstorms or heavy rain — the latter particularly rare but possible in winter months — highway speeds are reduced and journey times can increase. The bus service generally continues operating through mild weather events.
Road works and diversions:
Ongoing infrastructure projects across Abu Dhabi and Sharjah occasionally result in temporary route changes. The SRTA and ITC communicate these via their official channels.
Onboard Amenities and Comfort
The inter-emirate buses serving the abu dhabi to sharjah bus timing route are well-equipped for longer journeys. Passengers can expect a comfortable experience regardless of whether they are traveling for work or leisure.
Standard onboard amenities include:
- Full air conditioning: Essential during the UAE’s hot summer months, when outdoor temperatures regularly exceed 40°C. The cabins are kept at a comfortable temperature throughout the journey.
- Free onboard Wi-Fi: Passengers can stay connected during the trip, useful for remote workers and students who want to make productive use of the travel time.
- Comfortable seating: Padded, reclining seats are provided on the Mercedes MCV600 coaches used for this intercity service, designed for longer-distance comfort.
- Priority seats: Dedicated seats are reserved for women, elderly passengers, people of determination (those with disabilities), and passengers traveling with young children. These are clearly marked on the bus.
- Luggage space: Storage areas are available for bags and small cases, though passengers should travel light where possible for convenience.
- Real-time tracking: The RTA Dubai app and SRTA platforms offer live bus tracking, allowing you to monitor departures and arrivals in real time before leaving for the station.
Note that food and beverage sales are not available on the bus itself, though passengers may carry bottled water and light snacks for the journey.
The Return Journey: Sharjah to Abu Dhabi
For those planning a round trip or commuting from Sharjah, the return service operates under the 117R designation and follows the same corridor in reverse.
Return service key details:
- Departure point: Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah
- Arrival point: Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
- First departure: Approximately 12:45 PM (confirm current timings with SRTA)
- Fare: AED 33 (managed by the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority)
- Tickets: Available at the Al Jubail Terminal counter or SRTA kiosks
- Journey time: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes (slightly longer than the Abu Dhabi-originating service due to route and traffic patterns)
It is worth noting that the return schedule currently begins in the early afternoon, meaning passengers who need to return to Sharjah in the morning should plan using alternative transport or confirm whether early morning departures have been added with the SRTA.
Practical Tips for Traveling on Bus 117
Knowing the abu dhabi to sharjah bus timing is just the first step. Making the journey truly smooth requires a few additional preparations. These are the tips that experienced inter-emirate commuters consistently recommend:
Before you travel:
- Check the current schedule on the official SRTA or ITC website the night before your trip, particularly around public holidays or if you have not traveled the route recently.
- Plan to arrive at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station at least 15 to 20 minutes before your intended departure. The station can be busy, and last-minute arrivals sometimes miss their bus.
- Ensure your Hafilat Card is fully loaded if you intend to use it for payment. Insufficient balance is a common cause of delays at the gate.
- Download the RTA app for live tracking and real-time notifications about schedule changes.
During the journey:
- Confirm “Bus 117 to Al Jubail” is displayed on the front of the bus or ask the driver before boarding to avoid confusion with other intercity services.
- Keep your ticket or card ready for inspection.
- Respect priority seating designations — these seats are reserved for women, elderly passengers, and families.
- Carry a bottle of water and a light snack, especially for summer travel when the body dehydrates more quickly.
- Bring headphones and entertainment for the 2.5 to 3-hour journey; onboard Wi-Fi allows streaming.
Upon arrival in Sharjah:
- Al Jubail Bus Station connects to Sharjah’s local bus network, making onward travel within the emirate straightforward.
- Taxis are available outside the terminal for destinations not covered by local buses.
- If you are meeting someone, confirm the terminal name in advance — “Al Jubail Bus Station” — to avoid confusion.
Why Bus 117 Matters for UAE Residents
The abu dhabi to sharjah bus timing service is more than just a convenient transport option — it reflects the UAE’s broader commitment to building an integrated, sustainable public transport network. Bus 117 supports:
- Daily commuters who live in one emirate and work or study in another, reducing dependence on private vehicles.
- Students at universities and colleges across both emirates who need affordable daily transport.
- Blue-collar workers for whom AED 30 represents a genuinely accessible travel cost compared to taxi alternatives.
- Tourists and visitors exploring the UAE beyond Dubai, who benefit from the route’s reliability and low cost.
- Environmental goals — every passenger on a public bus represents one fewer private car on the E11 or E311, reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion on highways already under significant pressure.
The UAE government’s smart mobility vision continues to prioritize and expand intercity public transport, meaning services like Bus 117 are likely to improve further in frequency, connectivity, and passenger experience in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first bus timing from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah?
The first bus on this route departs from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station at approximately 6:00 AM to 6:30 AM. It is always advisable to confirm the exact current first departure by checking the SRTA or ITC official resources the day before, as minor schedule adjustments can occur.
What is the last bus timing from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah?
The last bus from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station typically departs between 11:15 PM and 12:00 AM midnight. The final arrival at Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah is approximately 2:00 AM to 2:50 AM the following morning. Passengers traveling on the last service should note that onward transport options in Sharjah at that hour are limited to taxis.
How much is the bus fare from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah?
The standard one-way fare is AED 30 per passenger. The return journey from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi costs approximately AED 33. Both fares are among the most affordable intercity transport options available in the UAE.
How long does the journey take?
The typical journey time is 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes under normal conditions. During peak traffic hours — especially evening rush from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM — the journey can extend to 3 hours or more. Traveling during off-peak hours is recommended for the most efficient experience.
Does the Bus 117 stop in Dubai?
No. While Bus 117 travels through Dubai along the E11 and E311 highway corridors, it does not make any passenger stops within Dubai. The bus is an inter-emirate service exclusively connecting Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, and passengers cannot board or alight at any Dubai location.
What payment methods are accepted on Bus 117?
Payment can be made by cash at the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station ticket counter, or by Hafilat Card. Cash remains the most widely accepted option. Credit and debit cards are generally not accepted for ticket purchases. Ensure your Hafilat Card has sufficient balance before arriving at the station.
Can I track the Bus 117 in real time?
Yes. The RTA Dubai app provides real-time bus tracking and schedule information. The SRTA website also offers schedule and route information for intercity services. Downloading the app before your journey allows you to monitor bus locations and receive updates on any changes.
Is the service available on public holidays?
Bus 117 generally operates daily, including Fridays and UAE public holidays. However, schedules may be adjusted during major national events or exceptional circumstances. It is always best to verify the abu dhabi to sharjah bus timing through official SRTA or ITC channels on or before any public holiday before heading to the station.
What facilities are available at Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah?
Al Jubail Bus Station is a major transit hub that connects to Sharjah’s local bus network, allowing passengers to continue to destinations within the emirate. Taxis are also available outside the terminal. The station has seating, basic retail, and ticketing facilities, making it a convenient transfer point for onward travel.
Are there special seats for women and elderly passengers?
Yes. All inter-emirate buses on this route include dedicated priority seats for women, elderly passengers, people of determination, and passengers traveling with young children. These seats are clearly marked and should not be occupied by other passengers.
