The Bus 117 provides a direct route from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Al Jubail Station in Sharjah. Buses typically run daily from approximately 5:30 AM until 12:00 AM (Midnight). The one-way fare is AED 30, and the journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic.
Plan Your Trip: Quick Actions
- Check Your Hafilat Card: Ensure you have a Hafilat card with at least AED 30 balance. Cash is not accepted on board.
- Arrive Early: Get to the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station 15-20 minutes before your desired departure, especially during peak hours.
- Confirm Timings: Check the official ITC website or app for any real-time schedule changes, particularly on public holidays.
Bus 117 Abu Dhabi to Sharjah Timetable
The 117 bus route is a reliable intercity service connecting the two emirates. It is operated by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of Abu Dhabi.
Daily operating hours
The Abu Dhabi to Sharjah bus timing for Route 117 is designed to accommodate commuters and travellers alike. The first bus departs early in the morning, and services run continuously until midnight.
The service operates seven days a week, including public holidays, though frequencies may be adjusted.
Estimated departure frequency
While an exact minute-by-minute schedule is subject to change, the bus generally departs with high frequency. During peak hours (morning and evening rush), you can expect a bus every 30 to 45 minutes.
During off-peak hours, the frequency may be slightly reduced.
117 Bus Timetable Summary (2026)
Here is a general overview of the daily schedule. Always confirm the exact time for your specific travel date via official ITC channels.
| Service Period | Day of the Week | First Bus (Approx.) | Last Bus (Approx.) | Frequency |
| Weekdays | Monday – Friday | 5:30 AM | 12:00 AM (Midnight) | Every 30-45 mins |
| Weekends | Saturday & Sunday | 5:30 AM | 12:00 AM (Midnight) | Every 30-40 mins |
A note on journey duration
The advertised travel time is approximately 2 hours and 30-45 minutes. This can be affected by traffic conditions, especially when entering Sharjah during the evening peak.
Route Details and Main Stops
Understanding the 117 bus route is simple, as it’s a direct service with limited stops designed for intercity travel.
Departure and arrival terminals
Departure: The bus begins its journey at the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. This is the main hub for all intercity and regional buses departing from the capital.
Arrival: The route terminates at the Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah. This station is centrally located, providing easy access to Sharjah’s local bus network and taxis.
Key stops on the 117 bus route
This is not a local hop-on, hop-off service. It makes very few stops between the two emirates to ensure a fast journey. The primary stops are:
- Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (Departure)
- Shahama Village
- Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah (Arrival)
Abu Dhabi to Sharjah Bus Ticket Price
Travel is both affordable and straightforward, but you must have the correct payment card.
One-way ticket price
The one-way fare for the Abu Dhabi to Sharjah bus (Route 117) is AED 30, as published by SRTA. This fixed price makes it one of the most cost-effective ways to travel between the emirates.
How to pay for your Abu Dhabi to Sharjah Bus ticket?
This bus service does not accept cash, credit cards, or Dubai’s Nol card for payment on board. You must use Abu Dhabi’s dedicated transport card.
Step 1: Obtain a Hafilat Card
You must have a Hafilat card, which is Abu Dhabi’s public transport smart card.
Step 2: Purchase Your Card
If you don’t have one, you can purchase a new Hafilat card from the ticket vending machines or the ticket counter at the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.
Step 3: Top-Up Your Balance
Ensure your card is loaded with at least AED 30 for the one-way trip. You can top-up your card at the same machines or counters.
Step 4: Tap On and Tap Off
Tap your Hafilat card on the reader when you board the bus in Abu Dhabi. Crucially, you must also tap off on the reader when you disembark in Sharjah to ensure the correct fare is deducted.
The Return Journey: Sharjah to Abu Dhabi (Bus 117)
This article would be incomplete without detailing the return trip. The process is just as simple, running in reverse.
Finding the bus in Sharjah
For your return trip to the capital, the Bus 117 departs from the Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah, the same terminal where you arrived.
Return schedule and fare
The return service from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi runs from 3:45 AM until 11:30 PM, roughly every 45 minutes to an hour (SRTA route 117G).
In the opposite direction (SRTA route 117G from Al Jubail), the fare is AED 33. Simply tap on when you board in Sharjah and tap off when you arrive in Abu Dhabi.
On-Board Experience and Amenities
The intercity buses managed by ITC are modern, clean, and built for commuter comfort.
Comfort and features
You can expect high-comfort reclining seats with ample legroom, full air-conditioning, and dedicated spaces for luggage. The buses are also wheelchair accessible.
Wi-Fi and charging
Most buses on the intercity fleet are equipped with free public Wi-Fi and USB charging ports at the seats, allowing you to stay connected and charged during your journey.
Pro Tip: Plan for Traffic
The 2.5-hour journey time is an estimate. During peak hours (7:00 AM–9:30 AM and 4:30 PM–7:00 PM), especially when entering Sharjah, the trip can easily extend to 3.5 hours. Always buffer your travel time if you have a strict appointment.
Final Thoughts
Using the Abu Dhabi to Sharjah bus service is an efficient and highly economical way to travel. For a simple fare of AED 30, Route 117 offers a direct, comfortable, and air-conditioned journey.
The key is to have a Hafilat card with sufficient balance and to arrive at the station with a little time to spare, especially during peak travel periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much is the bus fare from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah?
The one-way bus fare for the 117 route is AED 30. You must pay using a Hafilat card, which can be purchased and topped up at the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. Cash is not accepted on board.
2. What is the last bus timing from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah?
The last Bus 117 typically departs from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station around 12:00 AM (Midnight). However, this can change, especially on public holidays. It’s best to confirm the exact last bus on the day of travel.
3. Can I use my Dubai Nol card for the Abu Dhabi to Sharjah bus?
No, the Dubai Nol card is not accepted on the Bus 117 intercity route. This service is operated by Abu Dhabi’s ITC and requires a Hafilat card for payment.
4. Where does the 117 bus stop in Sharjah?
The Bus 117 route terminates at the Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah. This is a central hub, making it easy to connect to local Sharjah buses or taxis to reach your final destination.
Last updated: October 2026
Reviewed by: Adnan Al-Shamsi, UAE Transport Contributor
Author: The DubaiHowto Editorial Team
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Last reviewed: February 2026. Sources: Official UAE portals and service providers