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.

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 311_145bad-f0> |
First Bus 311_795ff7-83> |
Last Bus 311_1a2a29-93> |
Frequency 311_678b97-ea> |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dubai → Al Ain (Al Ghubaiba) 311_6cbf89-fd> |
03:20 AM 311_56169e-a8> |
10:00 PM 311_dbb552-66> |
Every 60 min 311_bd3c7d-bf> |
|
Al Ain → Dubai (Central Station) 311_a9983f-db> |
06:00 AM 311_134747-4c> |
12:50 AM 311_3a5c55-71> |
Every 60 min 311_f6aa3e-4f> |
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
- Al Ghubaiba Bus Station 12 – Dubai
- Wasl Club
- Nad Al Shiba, Emirates NBD
- Al Qattara Oasis East – Al Ain
- Al Ain Gift Markets
- Al Slimi Park
- Eid Praying Ground
- Al Madina Petrol Station
- 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
| Day | Dubai → Al Ain (First/Last) | Al Ain → Dubai (First/Last) | Frequency |
| Mon–Sun | 03:20 AM / 10:00 PM | 06:00 AM / 12:50 AM | Every 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 311_0a5769-cc> |
Accepted? 311_f5b5a4-c3> |
Notes 311_8706a8-45> |
|---|---|---|
|
NOL Card 311_473942-c1> |
Yes 311_fb8acf-aa> |
Tap-in/tap-out; reload at stations 311_506895-b7> |
|
RTA App / Website 311_dcce3d-6e> |
Yes 311_315564-b4> |
Book e-tickets in advance 311_17904c-01> |
|
Station Counter 311_d625b9-4e> |
Yes 311_62ac13-f5> |
Cash or card 311_705a24-a3> |
|
Cash on Bus 311_230241-9d> |
No 311_c67c00-80> |
Not permitted 311_292c51-52> |
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
- Cost Savings: AED 25 vs. AED 250+ taxi
- Eco-Friendly: Reduces carbon footprint
- No Parking Hassle in Dubai or Al Ain
- Predictable Timing: Fixed hourly schedule
- 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 311_e20b15-cd> |
Availability 311_0db5bf-3e> |
Details 311_f26a43-76> |
|---|---|---|
|
Luggage Space 311_8bf1a7-6d> |
Yes 311_e8ea6a-6b> |
Overhead + under-seat racks 311_d19206-2a> |
|
Wi-Fi 311_5a7b86-63> |
Free 311_cae36b-f6> |
High-speed, no login 311_0fd361-c4> |
|
Charging Ports 311_fa1a66-b7> |
Yes 311_4d9724-93> |
USB-A at every row 311_ce85e4-08> |
|
Restroom 311_3add8e-b8> |
No 311_1e8749-bd> |
Available at terminals 311_d29605-8e> |
|
Snacks 311_5f3a5a-f1> |
No 311_5e4ace-cb> |
Bring your own 311_f14a39-79> |
|
Priority Seats 311_787a72-83> |
Yes 311_73307e-6b> |
For elderly, pregnant, disabled 311_9f6b3f-eb> |
|
Real-Time Tracking 311_2be003-ae> |
Yes 311_06e647-21> |
Via RTA S’hail App 311_59734f-63> |
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
- How frequent is the E201 bus?
- → Every 60 minutes, 03:20 AM–10:00 PM (Dubai) / 06:00 AM–12:50 AM (Al Ain).
- Are there any discounts available?
- → Students/seniors get 50% off with valid ID at counters.
- What is the E201 bus ticket price?
- → AED 25 one-way (fixed).
- Where does bus E201 go to?
- → From Al Ghubaiba (Dubai) to Al Ain Central Bus Station.
- How much is the bus ticket from Ibn Battuta to Al Ain?
- → No direct E201 from Ibn Battuta; take Metro to Al Ghubaiba then E201 (total ~AED 30).
- Can I pay cash for the bus ticket?
- → No—only NOL card, RTA app, or station counter.
- Is Wi-Fi free on E201?
- → Yes, unlimited high-speed.
- How long is the E201 journey?
- → 2–2.5 hours depending on traffic.
- Are pets allowed on E201?
- → Only service animals in carriers.
- Can I book E201 tickets online?
- → Yes, via RTA S’hail App or website.
- What if I miss the last bus from Dubai?
- → Taxis (~AED 280) or shared vans from Al Ghubaiba.
- Is E201 running during Ramadan?
- → 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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