E201 Bus Route in Dubai to Al Ain Timings, Stops, Fare & Travel Guide

The E201 bus is a vital intercity link in the UAE, offering a smooth, affordable ride from Dubai to Al Ain. Operated by Dubai RTA, this air-conditioned service runs daily with hourly departures, making it ideal for commuters, families, and tourists.

E201 Bus

Covering ~139 km in 2–2.5 hours, the E201 bus combines convenience, modern amenities, and budget fares—perfect for stress-free travel between the two emirates.

E201 Bus Timing and Schedule

Direction

First Bus

Last Bus

Frequency

Dubai → Al Ain (Al Ghubaiba)

03:20 AM

10:00 PM

Every 60 min

Al Ain → Dubai (Central Station)

06:00 AM

12:50 AM

Every 60 min

Operator and Coverage

Operator: Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) – Dubai

Route Coverage: Starts at Al Ghubaiba Bus Station (Dubai) and terminates at Al Ain Central Bus Station, with strategic stops across residential, commercial, and landmark zones for maximum accessibility.

Key Stops Along the Route

  1. Al Ghubaiba Bus Station 12 – Dubai
  2. Wasl Club
  3. Nad Al Shiba, Emirates NBD
  4. Al Qattara Oasis East – Al Ain
  5. Al Ain Gift Markets
  6. Al Slimi Park
  7. Eid Praying Ground
  8. Al Madina Petrol Station
  9. Al Ain Central Bus Station

Timings of the E201 Bus

  • Dubai to Al Ain: 03:20 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Al Ain to Dubai: 06:00 AM – 12:50 AM

Departure Times from Dubai

  • Starting Point: Al Ghubaiba Bus Station
  • First Departure: 03:20 AM
  • Last Departure: 10:00 PM
  • Interval: Hourly (e.g., 03:20, 04:20, 05:20 … 22:00)

Departure Times from Al Ain

  • Starting Point: Al Ain Central Bus Station
  • First Departure: 06:00 AM
  • Last Departure: 12:50 AM
  • Interval: Hourly (e.g., 06:00, 07:00 … 23:50, 00:50)

Frequency of the E201 Bus

  • Standard Frequency: Every 60 minutes
  • Buses may run slightly earlier or later during peak traffic, but RTA maintains near-hourly service.

Peak Hours

  • Morning Peak (Dubai → Al Ain): 06:00 AM – 09:00 AM (worker commute)
  • Evening Peak (Al Ain → Dubai): 05:00 PM – 08:00 PM (return commute) Tip: Arrive 20–30 min early during peak hours.

Off-Peak Hours

  • Mid-Morning: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Early Afternoon: 01:00 PM – 04:00 PM
  • Late Night (Al Ain → Dubai): After 10:00 PM Best for relaxed, less-crowded rides.

Weekly Timetable of the E201 Bus

DayDubai → Al Ain (First/Last)Al Ain → Dubai (First/Last)Frequency
Mon–Sun03:20 AM / 10:00 PM06:00 AM / 12:50 AMEvery 60 min

Same schedule applies 7 days a week, including public holidays.

Al Ain to Dubai Bus Route Stations

The return journey follows the reverse path:

Al Ain Central → Al Madina Petrol → Eid Praying Ground → Al Slimi Park → Gift Markets → Al Qattara → Nad Al Shiba → Wasl Club → Al Ghubaiba

E201 Bus Route Map Location

  • Official Map: Available on RTA S’hail App or RTA website (search “E201”)
  • Google Maps: Search “E201 Bus Dubai to Al Ain” for live tracking
  • Station Displays: Digital boards at Al Ghubaiba & Al Ain Central show route highlights.

E201 Bus Fare

  • One-Way Ticket: AED 25 (fixed fare, no zones)
  • Round Trip (same day): AED 50 (purchase separately)

Payment Options

Method

Accepted?

Notes

NOL Card

Yes

Tap-in/tap-out; reload at stations

RTA App / Website

Yes

Book e-tickets in advance

Station Counter

Yes

Cash or card

Cash on Bus

No

Not permitted

Features of the E201 Bus

  • Fully air-conditioned
  • Free high-speed Wi-Fi
  • Dedicated luggage racks
  • USB charging ports at seats
  • Wheelchair-accessible ramps & priority seating
  • CCTV & real-time GPS tracking

E201 Bus Timetable PDF

Download the latest E201 timetable PDF from:

https://www.rta.ae → Intercity Buses → E201 (Updated monthly)

Advantages of Using the E201 Bus

  1. Cost Savings: AED 25 vs. AED 250+ taxi
  2. Eco-Friendly: Reduces carbon footprint
  3. No Parking Hassle in Dubai or Al Ain
  4. Predictable Timing: Fixed hourly schedule
  5. Comfort: AC, Wi-Fi, reclining seats

Tips for Travelers

Before You Board

  • Arrive 15–20 min early
  • Carry NOL card with sufficient balance
  • Pack water, light snacks, charger
  • Wear comfortable clothing

During the Journey

  • Store luggage securely in racks
  • Keep phone on silent/vibrate
  • Use Wi-Fi for work or entertainment
  • Inform driver if you need wheelchair assistance

E201 Bus More Passengers Facilities 

Facility

Availability

Details

Luggage Space

Yes

Overhead + under-seat racks

Wi-Fi

Free

High-speed, no login

Charging Ports

Yes

USB-A at every row

Restroom

No

Available at terminals

Snacks

No

Bring your own

Priority Seats

Yes

For elderly, pregnant, disabled

Real-Time Tracking

Yes

Via RTA S’hail App

Journey Experience

Passengers rate the E201 4.7/5 for:

  • Punctuality (rare delays)
  • Cleanliness (daily sanitization)
  • Comfort (spacious legroom)
  • Value for money

“Best AED 25 I spend—beats driving in traffic!” – Frequent commuter

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How frequent is the E201 bus? 
  2. → Every 60 minutes, 03:20 AM–10:00 PM (Dubai) / 06:00 AM–12:50 AM (Al Ain).
  3. Are there any discounts available?
  4.  → Students/seniors get 50% off with valid ID at counters.
  5. What is the E201 bus ticket price?
  6.  → AED 25 one-way (fixed).
  7. Where does bus E201 go to? 
  8. → From Al Ghubaiba (Dubai) to Al Ain Central Bus Station.
  9. How much is the bus ticket from Ibn Battuta to Al Ain?
  10.  → No direct E201 from Ibn Battuta; take Metro to Al Ghubaiba then E201 (total ~AED 30).
  11. Can I pay cash for the bus ticket? 
  12. → No—only NOL card, RTA app, or station counter.
  13. Is Wi-Fi free on E201? 
  14. → Yes, unlimited high-speed.
  15. How long is the E201 journey?
  16.  → 2–2.5 hours depending on traffic.
  17. Are pets allowed on E201? 
  18. → Only service animals in carriers.
  19. Can I book E201 tickets online?
  20.  → Yes, via RTA S’hail App or website.
  21. What if I miss the last bus from Dubai?
  22.  → Taxis (~AED 280) or shared vans from Al Ghubaiba.
  23. Is E201 running during Ramadan? 
  24. → Yes, same schedule; iftar snacks allowed onboard.

Conclusion

The E201 bus remains the smartest, cheapest, and greenest way to travel between Dubai and Al Ain. With hourly departures, AED 25 fare, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating, it outshines taxis and private cars for daily or leisure trips.

Plan your next journey with the E201—download the timetable, top up your NOL card, and enjoy a hassle-free ride!

Have feedback or a new tip for E201 travelers? Drop it in the comments—we’ll update the guide!

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