The Abu Dhabi Airport Bus A2 runs 24/7, connecting Terminal A to the city center at Khalifa Bin Zayed Street. Buses operate hourly, with the full journey taking about 45-55 minutes. The fare is a flat rate of AED 4, payable via a Hafilat card.
Your Next Steps for riding the A2 Bus:
- Check Your Time: The A2 bus departs hourly. Check the schedule below to match your flight’s arrival or your departure time.
- Get Your Hafilat Card: You cannot pay with cash. Purchase a Hafilat card from the vending machine at the Terminal A arrivals hall before boarding.
- Find the Stop: Follow the public transport signs at Terminal A (Ground Level/Arrivals) to the designated bus plaza.
A2 Bus Service: 2026 Overview
The A2 bus is a key public transport link connecting Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) with the city. It is operated by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) and is a reliable, budget-friendly option for travelers.
Route overview
The A2 bus line runs between Abu Dhabi International Airport (Terminal A) and Khalifa Bin Zayed St / Shk. Zayed Bin Sultan St. This city-side stop is located near the Madinat Zayed area.
Operating hours and frequency
This is a 24/7 service, operating seven days a week, including public holidays. A bus departs every 60 minutes (hourly) from both the airport and the city terminus.
Total journey time
The full one-way journey takes approximately 45 to 55 minutes. This duration can be affected by traffic conditions, especially during peak hours in the morning and evening.
Abu Dhabi Airport Bus A2 Timetable
The A2 bus maintains a consistent hourly schedule throughout the day and night. The timings are staggered to facilitate a regular service in both directions.
Route 1: Airport (Terminal A) to City (Khalifa Bin Zayed St)
Buses depart from Abu Dhabi International Airport (Terminal A) every hour, 45 minutes past the hour.
| Departure Times (24-Hour Format) |
| 00:45 |
| 01:45 |
| 02:45 |
| 03:45 |
| 04:45 |
| 05:45 |
| 06:45 |
| 07:45 |
| 08:45 |
| 09:45 |
| 10:45 |
| 11:45 |
| 12:45 |
| 13:45 |
| 14:45 |
| 15:45 |
| 16:45 |
| 17:45 |
| 18:45 |
| 19:45 |
| 20:45 |
| 21:45 |
| 22:45 |
| 23:45 |
Route 2: City (Khalifa Bin Zayed St) to Airport (Terminal A)
Buses depart from the Khalifa Bin Zayed St / Shk. Zayed Bin Sultan St stop every hour, at the top of the hour.
| Departure Times (24-Hour Format) |
| 00:00 |
| 01:00 |
| 02:00 |
| 03:00 |
| 04:00 |
| 05:00 |
| 06:00 |
| 07:00 |
| 08:00 |
| 09:00 |
| 10:00 |
| 11:00 |
| 12:00 |
| 13:00 |
| 14:00 |
| 15:00 |
| 16:00 |
| 17:00 |
| 18:00 |
| 19:00 |
| 20:00 |
| 21:00 |
| 22:00 |
| 23:00 |
Disclaimer: Timings are subject to change by the ITC. Always verify on the day of travel.
A2 Bus Fares and Hafilat Card Guide
Payment for the A2 bus is simple and affordable, but it requires a specific travel card.
How much does the A2 bus cost?
The fare for the A2 bus is a flat rate of AED 4 per journey. This is significantly cheaper than a taxi, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers.
What is a Hafilat card?
A Hafilat card is the official smart card used for all public transport buses within Abu Dhabi. You cannot pay the driver with cash or a credit card; you must have a Hafilat card with a sufficient balance.
Step 1: Buy your Hafilat card at the airport
Upon arriving at Terminal A, follow the signs to the public transport area in the arrivals hall. You will find Hafilat card vending machines. A new card typically costs AED 10, which includes the card fee and some pre-loaded travel credit.
Step 2: Load credit (top-up)
If you have a card, ensure it has at least AED 4 in credit. You can check your balance and add money (top-up) at the same vending machines.
Step 3: Tap on and tap off
When you board the bus, hold your Hafilat card over the reader near the door until you hear a beep. This is “tapping on.” When you exit the bus, you must do the same at the exit door reader to “tap off.”
Pro Tip: Always “tap out” with your Hafilat card when you exit the bus, even on flat-fare routes. This ensures your card works correctly for future trips and transfers, and it closes your journey in the system.
A2 Bus Route: Main Stops
The A2 bus makes several key stops between the airport and the city, allowing passengers to connect to various neighborhoods.
Here are the major stops on the route, starting from the airport:
| Stop Name (From Airport to City) |
| Abu Dhabi International Airport Terminal A (Start) |
| Khaleej Al Arabi St / Bus Interchange |
| Sultan Bin Zayed St / Al Jazeera Sports Club |
| Sultan Bin Zayed St / Mohammed Bin Khalifa St |
| Sultan Bin Zayed St / Abu Dhabi Bus Station |
| Sultan Bin Zayed St / Mariam Bint Said Mosque |
| Sultan Bin Zayed St / Gold Center |
| Sultan Bin Zayed St / Capital Park |
| Delma St / Khalifa Bin Zayed St |
| Khalifa Bin Zayed St / Shk. Zayed Bin Sultan St (End) |
The bus follows the same stops in reverse on its journey from the city back to Terminal A.
Finding the A2 Bus Stop
Navigating the new Terminal A to find your bus is straightforward.
Locating the bus at Terminal A
The public bus plaza is located on the Ground Level (Arrivals) of Terminal A. After you collect your baggage and clear customs, follow the overhead signs for “Public Transport” or “Buses.” The A2 bus will depart from a clearly marked bay.
Passenger amenities
The A2 buses are modern, air-conditioned, and designed for travelers. They are equipped with dedicated luggage racks inside, so you can securely store your suitcases during the journey.
What’s the Difference Between A1 and A2 Bus Routes?
Travelers often see both A1 and A2 buses at the airport. While both are 24/7 airport services with a flat AED 4 fare, they serve different parts of the city.
A2 Bus (This article’s focus)
This bus connects Terminal A to the Khalifa Bin Zayed St / Shk. Zayed Bin Sultan St stop, which is convenient for areas like Al Dhafrah, Al Manhal, and the Madinat Zayed area.
A1 Bus (Alternative route)
The A1 bus connects Terminal A to the Al Zahiyah area (formerly known as the Tourist Club Area). This route is better if your accommodation is in Al Markaziyah or near the Corniche.
Final Thoughts
The Abu Dhabi Airport bus A2 service is an efficient and highly economical way to travel between Terminal A and the city. By having a Hafilat card ready and checking the hourly timetable, you can ensure a smooth start or end to your journey in the capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay with cash or credit card on the A2 bus?
No, cash and credit cards are not accepted directly on the bus. You must purchase a Hafilat (Abu Dhabi public transport) card from the vending machines at the Terminal A arrivals hall and load it with credit before boarding.
Where can I buy a Hafilat card at Abu Dhabi Airport?
You can buy a Hafilat card from the dedicated vending machines located in the Ground Level (Arrivals) hall of Terminal A, near the public transport plaza.
Does the Abu Dhabi Airport A2 bus run all night?
Yes, the A2 bus operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including public holidays. It runs on a consistent hourly schedule, so there is one bus every 60 minutes, even during the night.
What is the A2 bus timing from Madinat Zayed to Abu Dhabi airport?
The A2 bus departs from the Khalifa Bin Zayed St / Shk. Zayed Bin Sultan St stop (near Madinat Zayed) every hour, exactly at the top of the hour (e.g., 06:00, 07:00, 08:00, and so on, 24/7).
Last updated: October 2026
Reviewed by: Dubaihowto GCC Transport Team
Author: The DubaiHowto Editorial Team
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Last reviewed: February 2026. Sources: Official UAE portals and service providers