When visiting the capital of the UAE, it is always wise to get familiar with its public transport. Even when you are visiting for work or spending vacations, commuting is an important part of daily life in Abu Dhabi. If you are looking for a cheaper mode of transportation, Abu Dhabi Public transport is your best option.
The entity responsible for operating public transport in Abu Dhabi is ITC – Integrated Transport Centre. The trip status, as updated on ITC, indicates that over 53.3 million public bus passenger trips and 35 million taxi trips were taken in 2021. These numbers are a depiction of how reliable and safe the Abu Dhabi public transport system is.
Here we will answer all the Abu Dhabi public transport FAQs to help you travel efficiently.
FAQs about Abu Dhabi Public Transport
Moving around Abu Dhabi can be challenging if you are new to the Emirate. There are many ways to get around the city, even if you don’t own a private car. Let’s answer all your FAQs about public transport in Abu Dhabi to make you familiar with them.
How many modes of public transport in Abu Dhabi are there?
There are various modes of public transport in Abu Dhabi including buses, taxis, and ferries. These all are controlled by the Department of Transport (DoT) in Abu Dhabi. For queries related to any services offered by DoT in Abu Dhabi, you may contact them at:
- Contact: +971 800 88888
- Location: Al Maqta area, adjacent to Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Hotel, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday from 07:30 am to 03:30 pm
Abu Dhabi Bus Service
Abu Dhabi has been running a 24/7 public bus transport service since its introduction in the capital in 2008 by DoT. These are air-conditioned with extra facilities for people of determination.
What is a Hafilat card?
In Abu Dhabi, the Hafilat card can be used to pay for bus fares through the automatic payment machines installed on public buses. It is a smart, rechargeable card that can be bought from any bus terminal in Abu Dhabi.
What are the types of Hafilat cards?
The following types of Hafilat cards can be used to pay for public transportation.
- Temporary Card
- Permanent Card or Anonymous Card
- Permanent Card for students, people of determination or senior citizens
- Personalised Card
How to apply for a Hafilat card?
The Hafilat cards can be purchased from ticket office machines and ticket vending machines at bus stations.
You may register on the Hafilat Darb website or the Darbi mobile app (Android | iOS). The following documents must be submitted by users of public transportation to obtain a Hafilat card:
- Copy of a valid ID card or passport.
- Residence Visa.
- AED 5 as a registration fee for students, seniors, and people of determination. Registration costs AED 10 for a standard Hafilat smart card. Also, students must submit a valid student ID and letter from their educational institution for obtaining a Hafilat card.
How to use a Hafilat card?
When boarding the bus, passengers must swipe the card on the card validator installed at the entrances and exits of the buses. The Hafilat card automatically deducts the ride’s fare. Your travel fee is calculated and subtracted from the amount on the card by the system.
What is the fare of the Abu Dhabi bus service?
Most local bus trips (inside the city) cost AED 2. While regional trips (suburbs) cost AED 2 plus AED 0.05 per kilometre.
Is eating or drinking allowed on public buses in Abu Dhabi?
Eating, smoking, or drinking is prohibited in Abu Dhabi public transportation. Violators of this rule will be incurred with a fine of AED 200.
Can I travel with my pets on public buses in Abu Dhabi?
A fine of AED 200 is incurred for transporting animals on Abu Dhabi public transport. The only exception is for blind passengers; allowed to travel with a help dog.
What is a Darbi App?
Darbi in Abu Dhabi is a smart app that offers a one-stop solution for public transport users.
Depending on your preferences, you may plan your travel with the Darbi app and learn more about public transportation, parking, and airport terminals. If you decide to go by bus, the Darbi app will display the arrival and departure times for nearby bus stations.
Abu Dhabi Link Bus On-Demand
What is Abu Dhabi Link?
Abu Dhabi Link is an on-demand transit service that was launched in late 2020 in Al Shahama. The first mile, last mile principle of transportation is applied to this bus service.
Abu Dhabi Link Bus On-Demand promotes the use of public transportation in daily life to lessen the amount of traffic produced by private vehicles on the roads.
In which areas does Abu Dhabi Link operate?
The Abu Dhabi Link Bus On-Demand service currently operates in the following areas.
- Al Zeina
- Al Bandar
- Al Muneera
- Hidd Al Saadiyat
- Saadiyat Beach Villas and Residences
- Saadiyat Beach Club
- Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
- Saadiyat Cultural District
- Saadiyat Hotel areas
- Ferrari World
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum
- Yas Marina Circuit
- Yas Mall
- Mamsha Al Saadiyat
- Yas Waterworld
What is the fare of the Abu Dhabi Link service?
AED 2 is the fare for the Abu Dhabi Link Bus On-Demand service
How to request Abu Dhabi Link service?
The Abu Dhabi Link On-Demand service can be requested through the Abu Dhabi Link app (Android | iOS). Once installed, register on it by entering your name, email, password and contact number. After registering you can request the service by entering the pickup and drop-off destinations. The service will prompt you with all the details regarding the ride once it is booked.
What are the operating hours of the Abu Dhabi Link service?
The service is operational from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, all around the week. Also, it is free of cost for those based in Saadiyat Island and Yas Island.
Abu Dhabi Express
What is the Abu Dhabi Express Bus?
To provide direct, continuous, convenient, and secure transportation from neighbouring cities to the capital city, Abu Dhabi, the Express Bus was launched by ITC in March 2022.
What are the routes of AD Express?
The Abu Dhabi Express runs on 4 major routes which are as follows.
- E-01: From Industrial City Abu Dhabi (ICAD) to Abu Dhabi main bus station
- E-02: From Emirates Driving Company to Abu Dhabi main bus station
- E-03: From Mohamed Bin Zayed City Bus Station to Abu Dhabi main bus station
- E-04: From Safeer Mall in Khalifa City to Abu Dhabi main bus station
What is the fare of the Abu Dhabi Express Bus?
AED 12 is the fare for one side trip via Abu Dhabi Express Bus.
What are the operating hours of the Abu Dhabi Link service?
The service is operational from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, all around the week.
Abu Dhabi Taxi Service
What are the different types of Abu Dhabi Taxi services?
The different types of Abu Dhabi Taxi services are as follows.
- Pink Taxi: They are driven by women to cater to female passengers and children below 10 years of age.
- Silver Taxi: They are operated by authorised service providers and charge fares with respect to the metre readings.
- Airport Taxi: They can be hailed from Abu Dhabi International Airport to travel to any part of the city.
What is the standard fare of a taxi ride in Abu Dhabi?
The taxi fare in Abu Dhabi depends on a variety of factors, including mileage, the base fare, the location being travelled to and from, and the distance covered.
The standard taxi fare in Abu Dhabi is AED 12 plus AED 1.82 per kilometre. The waiting and standing time fee is AED 30 per hour.
Moreover, if you frequently use the Abu Dhabi taxi service, you can download Abu Dhabi Taxi app (Android | iOS) to book rides easily.
Abu Dhabi Ferry Service
What are the routes of the Abu Dhabi Ferry?
Currently, two ferry routes between Dalma and Jebel Al Dhanna and between Al Saadiyat and Al Aliah Islands are managed by Abu Dhabi Maritime.
What is the fare for the Abu Dhabi Ferry?
The fare for passengers below 12 years of age for Abu Dhabi Ferry is free of cost. While passengers aged 12 years and above are charged AED 20. The fare for ferrying a vehicle is AED 100.
What are the documents required for the Abu Dhabi Ferry?
The following documents are required to ride the Abu Dhabi Ferry.
- Valid ID
- Vehicle registration card, in case you want to ferry your vehicle
That is all about the Abu Dhabi transport FAQs. The above-answered questions will be enough to get you familiar with the public transport services in Abu Dhabi. Besides, if you wish to travel more privately you can buy yourself an affordable car from any of these used cars for sale in Abu Dhabi.
Stay tuned to your favourite auto blog for more interesting FAQs about public transport all around the UAE.
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