Mussafah Bus Station is an important public transport point for people travelling between Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Mussafah, central Abu Dhabi and other parts of the emirate. It is used by people who commute to work every day, residents of the area, and workers and visitors in the industrial areas who do not have access to taxis or private vehicles.
But it can be confusing to plan a trip, as the station is listed under multiple similar names. Routes, payment options and intercity services may also vary. This guide will tell you where the station is, how to plan your trip, what fares to expect and what common travel pitfalls to avoid.
What Is Mussafah Bus Station?
Mussafah Bus Station is the name commonly used for the public bus terminal officially identified by Abu Dhabi Mobility as Mohammed Bin Zayed City Bus Station (Mussafah). It is also referred to as MBZ City Bus Station, Musaffah Bus Station or Mussafah Shabiya Bus Station on some maps and transport websites.
The station is a hub for local, suburban and some longer-distance services. The passengers can head towards Abu Dhabi city, Yas Island, Zayed International Airport, Al Ain, Al Dhafra and other destinations depending on the route.
Note that this station is not to be confused with Abu Dhabi Bus Station, Al Wahda, ICAD bus stops or smaller roadside stops within the Mussafah industrial area.
What Is the Location of Mussafah Bus Station?
The station is located in Mohammed Bin Zayed City and Mussafah-Shabiya on the mainland of Abu Dhabi. If you type in “Mussafah” into a map application, you might get multiple stops instead of the main terminal, as Mussafah is a large industrial and residential area.
To get the most accurate result, search for:
- Mohammed Bin Zayed City Bus Station
- MBZ City Bus Station
- Mussafah Bus Station
- Musaffah Bus Station
Check the map result before you begin your journey, using the route displayed in the Darbi app or on Google Maps. Abu Dhabi Mobility suggests using Darbi and Google Maps for timetable and journey information.
How to Not Get Off at the Wrong Station
Look at the complete station name, bus number and direction of travel. A route may traverse multiple Mussafah districts to arrive at the main terminal.
For instance, “Mussafah Industrial Area”, “ICAD”, “Shabiya” and “MBZ City” are related locations but not interchangeable. Check if your bus leaves from the station or just stops in the district.
The Importance of Mussafah Bus Station
The station facilitates the use of public transport for residents and workers outside the central area of Abu Dhabi. Passengers can catch several buses from the mainland suburbs instead of going to Abu Dhabi Bus Station before starting each trip.
This is particularly useful for:
- The residents of Mohammed Bin Zayed City and Shabiya are the ones who are the most affected
- Employees working in Mussafah and nearby industrial areas
- People who are going to the airport
- Visitors who are not staying on Abu Dhabi Island
- Regional or intercity commuters
The station also offers access to Abu Dhabi’s distance-based standard bus network, which can be much cheaper than using a taxi for regular trips.
Mussafah Bus Routes and Destinations
No single timetable for all journeys from the station. The stops, frequency and operating period for each route vary, so passengers should check by destination and not assume that all buses run the same schedule.
| Route | Main Destination | Important Information |
|---|---|---|
| 102 | Abu Dhabi and Yas Island | Local route via Rabdan and central Abu Dhabi. Hafilat card required. |
| A10 | Zayed International Airport | Direct airport service from MBZ City Bus Station. Check live timings before travel. |
| R1 | Razeen Workers City | Limited-frequency regional service. Confirm the schedule in advance. |
| CX60 | Zayed City and Mezaira’a | Intercity Capital Express service. Separate ticket may be required. |
| CX70 | Tarif and Marfa | Regional service to the Al Dhafra area. Check the final destination before booking. |
| CX88 | Ruwais | Intercity connection between Mussafah and Ruwais. Advance booking is recommended. |
| CX92 | Al Ain | Regional service to Al Ain Bus Station and Al Ain Airport. |
Note: Routes and timings may change. Check Darbi, Google Maps, Abu Dhabi Mobility or the relevant bus operator before travelling.
Abu Dhabi City and Suburban Links
Local and suburban routes link MBZ City to various destinations in Abu Dhabi. One such route is route 102, which starts from MBZ City Bus Station and passes through various locations such as Rabdan and Abu Dhabi, and then heads towards Yas Island.
Routes may be direct or with a transfer. When searching, compare:
- Total journey time
- Number of transfers
- Walking distance at each end
- The last bus leaves for the return journey at this time
Not all the time, a direct bus is the fastest option. A route that has one convenient transfer can get to the destination faster during busy times.
Zayed International Airport
The A10 road connects MBZ City Bus Station to Zayed International Airport. A-series services run around the clock at the airport, but passengers are advised to check the live timetable before travelling.
This link may be helpful for residents and visitors who have manageable luggage. Please give extra time for traffic, waiting and walking from the airport bus stop to the right terminal area.
For an international flight, do not plan to arrive at the airport based only on the scheduled bus arrival time. Include a sensible margin for error in case of traffic jams or a missed connection.
Intercity Travel to Dubai and Elsewhere
The E102 bus is a popular route in older travel guides from Mussafah Shabiya to Dubai. This information is now obsolete: Dubai RTA’s journey planner says that E102 was withdrawn from 29 June 2026 and recommends passengers to take alternative route options.
Another popular option is to get a bus from Mussafah or MBZ City to Abu Dhabi Bus Station and then take an intercity bus to Dubai. Currently, RTA has E101 running between Abu Dhabi Bus Station and Ibn Battuta and E100 running between Abu Dhabi Bus Station and Al Ghubaiba.
MBZ Bus Station is also a stop on some of the other regional operators’ routes to Al Ain, Ruwais, Zayed City and other areas of Al Dhafra. These services may have different booking and payment systems, so check the operator, fare and departure point before travelling.
The Timings of Mussafah Bus Station Are as Follows:
There is no single opening and closing time for Mussafah Bus Station for all buses. Some routes start early in the morning, and airport or regional services may run at different times.
The Customer Happiness Office at Mohammed Bin Zayed City Bus Station is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., according to Abu Dhabi Mobility. These are customer-service hours, not necessarily the hours that all buses are running.
| Service | Timing | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Happiness Office | Daily, 7:00 AM–10:00 PM | These are office hours, not bus operating hours. |
| Local Public Buses | Varies by route | Check Darbi or Google Maps for the latest departure time. |
| A10 Airport Bus | Operates 24/7 | Connects MBZ City Bus Station with Zayed International Airport. |
| Holiday Services | Timings may change | Check official service alerts before travelling. |
Note: Mussafah Bus Station does not have one fixed opening and closing time for all buses. Each route follows a separate timetable.
To determine the present departure time:
- Open Darbi or Google Maps
- Type in your precise destination
- Select public transport
- Look at the route number and direction
- Check any service alerts
- Recheck the timetable shortly before leaving
Departure times may be impacted by holiday schedules, road closures and special events. Abu Dhabi Mobility recommends passengers to check the website, Darbi, Google Maps or the support number 800850 for the latest information.
Ticket Prices for Local and Intercity Routes
| Service | Ticket Price | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Local Abu Dhabi buses | AED 2 + 5 fils per km; maximum AED 5 | Hafilat card |
| A10 Airport Bus | Standard fare; maximum AED 5 | Hafilat card |
| Children aged 10 or below | Free on standard services | Eligibility rules apply |
| E100/E101 to Dubai | Around AED 30 one way | Nol card or RTA e-ticket |
| Capital Express Routes | Varies by destination | Separate ticket or online booking |
Note: The AED 5 maximum applies to Abu Dhabi’s standard local and suburban services, not intercity buses. Capital Express fares should be confirmed during booking because prices vary by route.
Operating Hours and Bus Departures
Mussafah Bus Station operates seven days a week, with bus services available from early morning until late at night. Departure times vary by route, so passengers should check the latest schedule before travelling.
| Route | Operating Hours | Typical Departure Information |
|---|---|---|
| Mussafah Bus Station | 5:00 AM–12:00 AM daily | Local buses operate at regular intervals throughout the day. |
| Dubai Route | Available daily | Main departures are typically at 5:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 5:30 PM. |
| Al Ain Route | Available daily | Several departures are available throughout the day. |
| Ras Al Khaimah Route | Available daily | Evening departures generally begin from 7:30 PM. |
Travel tip: Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure, especially for intercity buses. Timings may change on weekends, public holidays or during service updates, so confirm the latest schedule through the official transport operator before starting your journey.
Fares and Hafilat Cards
The standard public bus fare in Abu Dhabi is based on a boarding charge and distance travelled. The standard fare is:
- AED 2 boarding charge
- 5 fils per kilometre
- AED 5 per standard journey (maximum)
Children under 10 years old are free on regular public transport. If the transfer conditions are met, eligible transfers can be made without paying another AED 2 boarding fee.
Using a Hafilat Card
The smart card, called Hafilat, is used by local Abu Dhabi buses. The passengers tap the card when they get on the bus and when they get off the bus to calculate the correct fare.
An anonymous Hafilat card costs AED 10 and can be purchased from sales and recharge machines, customer service offices and selected retail partners. The credit on the card may not be sufficient for your trip, so please check the credit balance after buying the card.
Recharge machines are located at bus stations and at certain bus stops. Online recharges can take up to 2 hours to show up, and machine recharges are usually applied instantly.
For regular commuters, a 7-day pass is available for AED 35 and a 30-day pass is available for AED 95. These passes are valid for unlimited eligible city and suburban travel and are not valid for intercity travel.
How to Use Mussafah Bus Station
1. Plan the Entire Trip
Search from the starting point to the end point. Avoid searching from station to station unless both stations are truly convenient.
2. Ensure the Payment Method Is Confirmed
For regular public buses in Abu Dhabi, use Hafilat. A Nol card or separate ticket/operator-specific booking may be required for intercity routes and private or contracted operators.
3. Check the Bus Direction
A route number may be used in both directions. Check the bus destination on the bus sign before getting on.
4. Arrive Early
Be at the station 10-15 minutes before a local train. For a reserved or less frequent intercity service, allow more time.
5. Tap in and Tap Out
Tap your Hafilat card when entering and leaving an Abu Dhabi public bus. If you forget to tap out, you may end up with the wrong fare or card issued.
6. Check the Return Journey
Some passengers make a plan for the way out, but forget to make a plan for the way back. Before making a late appointment or activity, check evening frequency.
Passenger Services at the Station
Abu Dhabi Mobility has a Customer Happiness Office at the station. Customer service offices are available to help with transport enquiries, card services, fines and general passenger support during their advertised hours.
Sales and recharge machines are also associated with Abu Dhabi bus stations. These can be used to buy or add money to Hafilat cards.
Local and intercity services may have different facilities and vehicle features. If passengers require step-free access, wheelchair space or extra assistance, they should check with the appropriate operator before travelling, as not all vehicles are the same.
Practical Travel Tips
Have sufficient Hafilat for the outward and return trips. This is particularly important if you will finish your trip in an area without a convenient recharge machine.
Save a screenshot of the route, platform or stop name. Mobile data may not be accurate at the time you need to verify a transfer.
In hot weather, avoid unnecessary walking between stops and bring drinking water. Mussafah is a vast area and the term “nearby” can mean a long walk.
If traveling to the airport, give yourself extra time for luggage and terminal access. When scheduling work appointments, do not select a connection that does not allow for any traffic.
Lastly, question station personnel when information on the internet is conflicting. An up-to-date response from the operating authority is better than an old blog post or social media comment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
The most frequent error is the mix-up of MBZ City Bus Station with Abu Dhabi Bus Station. They are separate terminals located in various parts of the city.
The other error is using an old E102 schedule for direct flights to Dubai. This service was suspended in June 2026 and passengers are advised to make alternative arrangements based on the latest information provided by the RTA.
Please note that Customer Happiness Office hours are not necessarily the same as bus operating hours. Also, please note that the service does not accept Hafilat, Nol or a separate ticket.
Conclusion
Mussafah Bus Station is a convenient transport hub for Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Shabiya and the entire Mussafah region. The easiest way to use it successfully is to search for its official name, check the live route, bring the proper payment card and leave some time for transfers.
Route numbers and departure times are subject to change, so use them as a check on information, not as facts. Checking Darbi, Google Maps, Abu Dhabi Mobility or the intercity operator can save a few minutes from missing a bus or going to the wrong station.
FAQ’s
1. What Is the Official Name of Mussafah Bus Station?
It is officially known as Mohammed Bin Zayed City Bus Station (Mussafah). It can also be called MBZ City Bus Station or Musaffah Bus Station.
2. Where Is Mussafah Bus Station?
The station is located in Mohammed Bin Zayed City and Mussafah-Shabiya in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
3. What Card Do You Use on the Buses in Abu Dhabi?
Standard Abu Dhabi public buses are used by passengers with a Hafilat card. Tap it when boarding and when leaving.
4. What Is the Normal Fare for an Abu Dhabi Bus?
The standard fare is AED 2 for boarding and AED 5 per journey, with a maximum fare of AED 5.
5. Can I Buy a Hafilat Card at Mussafah Bus Station?
Hafilat cards and recharges can be purchased from sales machines and Customer Happiness Offices at Abu Dhabi bus stations.
6. Does There Exist a Bus From Mussafah to Zayed International Airport?
Yes. The A10 is a road that links MBZ City Bus Station to Zayed International Airport.
7. Does the E102 Bus Still Run From Mussafah to Dubai?
No, Dubai RTA has announced that E102 will be discontinued from 29 June 2026. Please consult RTA for current alternatives.
8. How Can I Travel From Mussafah to Dubai?
You can go to Abu Dhabi Bus Station and change to an available Dubai intercity bus like E100 or E101.
9. What Time Does the Station Open?
The Customer Happiness Office is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Hours may vary by individual bus).
10. What Is the Best Way to Find Out the Real-Time Schedule of the Mussafah Buses?
Check the Darbi app, Google Maps, Abu Dhabi Mobility website or call 800850 for up-to-date schedule details.
