Abu Dhabi to Sharjah Bus Timing, Fares and Routes
The short answer: As of October 2026, the Abu Dhabi to Sharjah bus service operates daily, with Route 117 departures starting at 3:45 AM and ending at 11:30 PM. The published journey takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, and the listed fare is AED 33.
What are the Abu Dhabi to Sharjah bus timings?
The Abu Dhabi to Sharjah intercity bus is a practical option for passengers travelling between the two emirates without driving. Route 117 operates throughout the day, with departures generally every 45 minutes during the morning and early afternoon, followed by wider intervals later in the evening.
The October 2026 timetable lists the following departures and scheduled arrival times. All times are UAE local time.
| Departure from Abu Dhabi | Arrival in Sharjah |
|---|---|
| 3:45 AM | 6:25 AM |
| 4:30 AM | 7:10 AM |
| 5:15 AM | 7:55 AM |
| 6:00 AM | 8:40 AM |
| 6:45 AM | 9:25 AM |
| 7:30 AM | 10:10 AM |
| 8:15 AM | 10:55 AM |
| 9:00 AM | 11:40 AM |
| 9:45 AM | 12:25 PM |
| 10:30 AM | 1:10 PM |
| 11:15 AM | 1:55 PM |
| 12:00 PM | 2:40 PM |
| 12:45 PM | 3:25 PM |
| 1:30 PM | 4:10 PM |
| 2:15 PM | 4:55 PM |
| 3:00 PM | 5:40 PM |
| 3:45 PM | 6:25 PM |
| 4:30 PM | 7:10 PM |
| 5:30 PM | 8:10 PM |
| 6:30 PM | 9:10 PM |
| 7:30 PM | 10:10 PM |
| 8:30 PM | 11:10 PM |
| 9:30 PM | 12:10 AM next day |
| 10:30 PM | 1:10 AM next day |
| 11:30 PM | 2:10 AM next day |
Best departure for a daytime visit: The 6:45 AM or 7:30 AM bus provides a useful morning arrival while leaving much of the day available for appointments, shopping or sightseeing.
Where does the bus depart and arrive?
Abu Dhabi’s intercity services to Sharjah depart from Abu Dhabi Main Bus Station, also commonly called Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. This is the main departure point to use when planning a journey from the capital.
Route 117 connects Abu Dhabi with Sharjah’s intercity transport network. Passengers travelling onward to residential neighbourhoods, shopping centres or attractions should plan a separate local journey after reaching Sharjah.
- Travel to Abu Dhabi Main Bus Station before your intended departure.
- Find the intercity bus ticket counters and identify the Sharjah service.
- Purchase your ticket and locate the correct departure bay.
- Board Route 117 and keep your ticket accessible during the journey.
- After arriving in Sharjah, arrange your local bus, taxi or pickup connection.
One common mistake is assuming that an intercity bus stops directly outside a hotel or attraction. A destination in Sharjah city is not necessarily within walking distance of the bus terminal.
For travellers planning a cultural visit, our Sharjah Mosque guide offers useful information about the attraction and how to organise a visit.
How much does the bus cost?
As of October 2026, the published Route 117 fare from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah is AED 33. Abu Dhabi Mobility also lists Sharjah intercity services at AED 30, so the two published fare listings differ. Budgeting AED 33 covers the higher listed amount for Route 117.
| Travel expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Route 117 single journey | AED 33 |
| Two journeys at the listed Route 117 fare | AED 66 |
| Local transport after arrival | Additional expense |
| Food and refreshments | Personal budget |
Tickets for Abu Dhabi’s intercity services are available through customer service offices at the bus station. Allow time for purchasing your ticket rather than arriving immediately before departure.
Importantly, the return direction has its own timetable and fare listing. Do not assume that a ticket purchased for one direction automatically covers a return journey.
How long does the journey take?
The published Abu Dhabi to Sharjah Route 117 journey takes 2 hours and 40 minutes. That is the scheduled duration, not a guarantee of the exact time you will reach your final destination.
For a realistic door-to-door plan, account for the following:
- Getting to the station: Include your journey from home, work or accommodation.
- Boarding: Aim to arrive 20 to 30 minutes early as a practical planning buffer.
- Intercity journey: Allow the scheduled 2 hours and 40 minutes.
- Arrival transfer: Include time for a taxi, local bus or collection by someone in Sharjah.
- Traffic buffer: Leave additional time for appointments, especially during busy commuting periods.
For example, the 7:30 AM departure has a scheduled arrival of 10:10 AM. A meeting at 10:30 AM somewhere else in Sharjah would leave very little time for the final transfer.
Visitors combining their journey with Dubai transport can also use our Dubai Metro timings article when planning a separate Dubai connection.
What mistakes should passengers avoid?
First-time passengers often focus entirely on the departure time. The bigger planning problems usually involve choosing the wrong direction, underestimating onward travel or misunderstanding late-night arrivals.
- Confusing directions: The Sharjah to Abu Dhabi timetable is different from the Abu Dhabi to Sharjah timetable. Route 117 has direction-specific schedules.
- Misreading midnight arrivals: A bus departing Abu Dhabi at 9:30 PM arrives at 12:10 AM the following day.
- Ignoring the final transfer: Add the cost and time of reaching your actual destination in Sharjah.
- Planning around exact arrival: Leave extra time for important appointments instead of relying on the scheduled arrival minute.
- Assuming every bus goes to Sharjah city: Abu Dhabi also operates services to other destinations, so use the destination shown for your particular service.
- Forgetting return arrangements: Plan the journey back before committing to a late evening activity.
Weather disruption is another practical consideration. Route 117 was among the intercity services restored during March 2026 after transport interruptions. The October 2026 published timetable lists the service operating again.
If your Sharjah visit includes attractions outside the city centre, such as those in our Sharjah Desert Park guide, plan the additional ground transport separately. An intercity ticket is not a complete sightseeing transport plan.
Who should take the bus?
Route 117 is particularly useful for solo travellers, students, budget-conscious visitors and passengers who do not need a private vehicle immediately after arrival.
It is also a sensible choice for a flexible day trip. The frequent daytime departures provide several options without requiring travellers to drive between emirates.
| Traveller | Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Solo budget traveller | Take the bus | Low published ticket cost |
| Student | Take the bus | Regular daytime departures |
| Tourist with flexible plans | Take the bus | Convenient intercity connection |
| Family with substantial luggage | Consider private transport | Easier door-to-door travel |
| Passenger with a strict appointment | Allow a large buffer | Traffic and transfers take additional time |
| Group visiting several locations | Compare private transport | Multiple local transfers add inconvenience |
For a straightforward day trip, choose a morning departure, arrange your onward transport in Sharjah, complete your main activity before evening and select a return service with enough spare time.
The main advantage is affordability. The main trade-off is flexibility once you leave the intercity terminal. For passengers whose destination is easily reached by local transport, Route 117 offers a practical alternative to driving.
Frequently asked questions
What time is the first bus from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah?
As of October 2026, the first listed Route 117 departure from Abu Dhabi is at 3:45 AM, with scheduled arrival in Sharjah at 6:25 AM. The last listed departure is at 11:30 PM.
Does the Abu Dhabi to Sharjah bus operate daily?
Yes, Abu Dhabi’s intercity transport network lists daily services to Sharjah, including Routes 117 and 118. Route 117 has departures throughout the morning, afternoon and evening.
How much is the Abu Dhabi to Sharjah bus ticket?
The October 2026 Route 117 timetable lists a single journey at AED 33, while Abu Dhabi Mobility publishes a general Sharjah intercity fare of AED 30. For a return budget using the Route 117 fare in both directions, allow AED 66 before local transport expenses.
