If you’re searching for Abu Dhabi to Sharjah bus timings, you’re probably trying to answer a simple question: what’s the easiest and most affordable way to get from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah?
The answer, for most people, is Route 117.
Every day, thousands of commuters, students, tourists, airport passengers, and residents use this intercity bus service to travel between two of the UAE’s busiest emirates. Some take the bus because it’s significantly cheaper than a taxi. Others prefer avoiding the long drive through Dubai traffic. Many simply want a reliable transport option that doesn’t involve worrying about fuel costs, parking fees, or road tolls.
What surprises first-time travelers is how straightforward the journey actually is. Once you understand the departure station, schedule, fare, and expected travel time, the trip becomes remarkably simple.
Still, there is plenty of outdated information online. Some articles mention old routes, while others provide incomplete timing details. That’s why planning can feel confusing, especially if you’re traveling for the first time.
This guide brings together everything you need to know about the Abu Dhabi to Sharjah bus service, including Route 117 timings, ticket prices, major stops, travel duration, payment options, airport connections, commuter tips, and common mistakes that can easily be avoided.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to plan your trip and what to expect once you step onto the bus.
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- Quick Overview
- Abu Dhabi to Sharjah Bus Timings
- What Is Route 117?
- Where Does the Journey Start?
- Arriving in Sharjah: Al Jubail Bus Station
- Abu Dhabi to Sharjah Bus Fare
- How Long Does the Journey Take?
- What Is the Bus Like?
- Can You Bring Luggage?
- Payment Methods
- Traveling to Sharjah Airport
- A Real Commuter's Perspective
- Why Many Residents Prefer the Bus
- Alternative Route Through Dubai
- Expert Tips for a Better Journey
- Common Mistakes Travelers Make
- Things Most Guides Don't Tell You
- Is Route 117 Worth It?
- A Few Things I Noticed About This Journey
- Key Takeaways
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Route Number | 117 |
| Departure Station | Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station |
| Arrival Station | Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah |
| Distance | Approximately 160 km |
| Travel Time | 2.5 to 3 Hours |
| Fare | Around AED 30 |
| First Bus | Around 6:00–6:30 AM |
| Last Bus | Around 11:15 PM |
| Service Type | Direct Intercity Bus |
| Best For | Commuters, Students, Tourists |
Abu Dhabi to Sharjah Bus Timings
Route 117 operates daily and remains one of the most popular intercity bus services in the UAE.
Although schedules may occasionally change, buses generally run throughout the day from early morning until late evening.
Typical Operating Schedule
| Time Period | Frequency |
| 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Every 30–45 Minutes |
| 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Every 45–60 Minutes |
| 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Every 30–45 Minutes |
| 8:00 PM – 11:15 PM | Every 45–60 Minutes |
Sample Departure Schedule
| Departure | Estimated Arrival |
| 6:00 AM | 8:45–9:00 AM |
| 6:30 AM | 9:15–9:30 AM |
| 7:30 AM | 10:15–10:30 AM |
| 8:15 AM | 11:00–11:15 AM |
| 9:00 AM | 11:45 AM–12:00 PM |
| 10:30 AM | 1:15–1:30 PM |
Travel times depend heavily on traffic conditions, especially near Dubai and Sharjah.
What Is Route 117?
Route 117 is the primary direct bus service connecting Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Instead of changing buses in Dubai, passengers can travel directly between the two emirates on a single bus.
The route connects:
- Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
- Shahama Village
- Jazirat Umm An Nar
- Dubai Transit Corridor
- Ansar Mall Area
- Al Jubail Bus Station
For most travelers, this direct connection makes Route 117 the easiest public transport option available.
Google Map Route Overview
Where Does the Journey Start?
The trip begins at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.
This is the city’s main transportation hub for intercity travel.
Facilities available at the station include:
- Ticket counters
- Waiting areas
- Air-conditioned seating
- Food outlets
- Restrooms
- Taxi access
- Information services
The station is generally easy to navigate, even for first-time visitors.
Arriving 20–30 minutes before departure is usually enough.
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Arriving in Sharjah: Al Jubail Bus Station
The final stop for Route 117 is Al Jubail Bus Station.
This location serves as one of Sharjah’s major transportation hubs and provides access to many parts of the emirate.
Popular destinations accessible from Al Jubail include:
- Al Majaz
- Al Taawun
- Al Khan
- Al Nahda
- Rolla
- Al Qasimia
- University City
- Sharjah Industrial Areas
Taxis and local buses are readily available outside the station.
Abu Dhabi to Sharjah Bus Fare
One reason Route 117 remains so popular is affordability.
A one-way ticket generally costs around AED 30.
Cost Comparison
| Transportation Method | Estimated Cost |
| Route 117 Bus | AED 30 |
| Taxi | AED 250–400+ |
| Ride-Hailing Services | AED 220–450+ |
| Private Transfer | Usually Higher |
For regular commuters, the savings can amount to hundreds or even thousands of dirhams over time.
How Long Does the Journey Take?
Most journeys take between 2.5 and 3 hours.
However, travel time varies depending on traffic.
Average Travel Duration
| Conditions | Travel Time |
| Light Traffic | 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Moderate Traffic | 2 Hours 45 Minutes |
| Heavy Traffic | 3+ Hours |
The busiest sections are usually near Dubai and Sharjah during rush hour.
If you have an important appointment, allow extra time.
What Is the Bus Like?
People often expect a basic city bus experience.
Intercity buses are generally much more comfortable.
Passengers can usually expect:
- Comfortable seats
- Air conditioning
- Large luggage compartments
- Professional drivers
- Smooth highway travel
- Clean interiors
For a journey lasting several hours, these features make a noticeable difference.
Can You Bring Luggage?
Yes.
Most passengers travel with:
- Backpacks
- Cabin-sized suitcases
- Travel bags
- Personal items
Large luggage is generally stored in designated compartments.
If you’re traveling to or from the airport, carrying moderate luggage is rarely a problem.
Payment Methods
Payment methods occasionally change, but many travelers still find carrying cash useful for intercity travel.
To avoid delays:
- Carry some cash
- Keep small denominations available
- Confirm payment options before boarding
- Arrive early during busy periods
Being prepared prevents unnecessary stress at the station.
Ticket Prices
| Ticket Type | Price (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Adult Ticket | AED 30 | Standard Route 117 fare |
| Round Trip (Estimated) | AED 60 | Two one-way tickets |
| Child Ticket | Check at station | Policies may vary |
| Senior Citizen Fare | Check at station | Subject to operator rules |
| Taxi Alternative | AED 250–400+ | Depends on traffic and distance |
| Ride-Hailing Services | AED 220–450+ | Dynamic pricing may apply |
Traveling to Sharjah Airport
Many passengers use Route 117 as part of their journey to Sharjah International Airport.
A common approach is:
- Take Route 117 to Al Jubail Bus Station.
- Use a local bus or taxi.
- Continue to Sharjah Airport.
This option is often significantly cheaper than taking a taxi from Abu Dhabi all the way to the airport.
A Real Commuter’s Perspective
Talk to anyone who regularly travels between Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, and you’ll hear a similar story.
The bus itself is rarely the problem.
Traffic is.
A commuter leaving Abu Dhabi at 6:00 AM may arrive comfortably before 9:00 AM on one day and closer to 9:30 AM on another.
The difference isn’t the bus service.
It’s the traffic volume around Dubai and Sharjah.
This is why experienced travelers always build flexibility into their schedules.
Why Many Residents Prefer the Bus
Driving sounds convenient until you calculate the costs.
Regular travelers often choose the bus because it offers:
- Lower transportation expenses
- No parking fees
- No fuel costs
- No driving fatigue
- Predictable budgeting
- Less stress during heavy traffic
Many commuters use travel time to work, read, listen to podcasts, or simply relax.
That’s not something you can do while driving.
Alternative Route Through Dubai
If Route 117 isn’t available, travelers can use an alternative connection.
Option 1
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai via E100
- Dubai to Sharjah via E307
Option 2
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai via E101
- Dubai to Sharjah via E307A
These routes require transfers but provide useful backup options.
Expert Tips for a Better Journey
Travel Mid-Morning
Passenger numbers are often lower.
Sit Near the Front
Many regular travelers find front seats more comfortable on longer journeys.
Charge Your Devices
A fully charged phone can be useful for navigation and communication.
Carry Water
Especially during summer.
Avoid Last-Minute Arrivals
Getting to the station early reduces stress and improves seat availability.
Common Mistakes Travelers Make
Assuming Travel Time Is Fixed
Traffic conditions change daily.
Ignoring Peak Hours
Rush-hour traffic can significantly increase journey duration.
Carrying Too Much Luggage
Travel becomes easier when baggage is manageable.
Forgetting About Final Transport
Reaching Sharjah is only part of the trip.
Traveling During Holidays Without Planning
Public holidays often bring larger crowds and longer travel times.
Things Most Guides Don’t Tell You
One of the biggest misconceptions is that leaving earlier always means arriving earlier.
In reality, a slightly later departure can sometimes avoid the worst congestion and produce a similar arrival time.
Another overlooked factor is weekday variation.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday often provide more predictable travel conditions than Mondays and Fridays.
Frequent commuters quickly learn that understanding traffic patterns matters just as much as knowing the bus schedule.
Is Route 117 Worth It?
For most travelers, absolutely.
The combination of affordability, convenience, and direct service makes it one of the best public transport options between emirates.
Unless you specifically need a private vehicle, Route 117 usually offers the strongest balance of cost and practicality.
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A Few Things I Noticed About This Journey
After speaking with regular commuters and comparing different travel days, one thing becomes obvious: the timetable only tells part of the story.
On paper, the trip from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah looks straightforward. The distance is fixed, the route is established, and buses leave throughout the day. In reality, two passengers taking the same Route 117 service on different days can have completely different experiences.
A Tuesday morning often feels calm and predictable. A Friday afternoon can feel like a different route altogether. Traffic approaching Dubai and Sharjah has a much bigger impact than most first-time travelers expect.
The station atmosphere changes too.
Arrive at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station shortly after sunrise and you’ll see office workers moving quickly toward departure platforms, students carrying backpacks, and travelers balancing coffee cups while checking schedules on their phones. Later in the day, the pace becomes noticeably slower.
These small details don’t appear on transport timetables, but they often shape the overall experience more than the route itself.
What First-Time Travelers Usually Get Wrong
The most common mistake isn’t boarding the wrong bus.
It’s assuming the journey will take exactly as long as the timetable suggests.
Many people schedule appointments immediately after their expected arrival time in Sharjah. Experienced commuters rarely do that. They know traffic conditions can change quickly, especially during peak periods.
Another mistake is focusing entirely on reaching Sharjah without thinking about the final destination.
Getting off at Al Jubail Bus Station is easy.
Getting from Al Jubail to Al Taawun, Al Nahda, University City, or Sharjah Airport requires additional planning. A few minutes spent checking local transport options beforehand can save a surprising amount of time later.
Is Route 117 Actually Worth Taking?
For most people, yes.
The first thing many travelers compare is speed. They assume driving must be significantly faster.
Sometimes it is.
Sometimes it isn’t.
During busy periods, drivers face the same traffic that buses encounter. The difference is that bus passengers can spend the journey reading, listening to music, replying to emails, or simply relaxing.
A regular commuter once described the bus as “three hours that belong to me instead of three hours spent staring at brake lights.”
That observation captures why Route 117 remains popular despite the availability of private transportation.
The Best Time to Travel Isn’t Always the Earliest
This surprises many first-time passengers.
People often assume that leaving earlier automatically means arriving sooner.
That isn’t always how the journey works.
A bus leaving at 6:00 AM may encounter the beginning of rush-hour traffic around Dubai. A slightly later departure can sometimes experience smoother traffic flow and arrive surprisingly close to the same time.
There isn’t a perfect departure hour that works every day.
The better strategy is understanding traffic patterns rather than focusing solely on bus schedules.
That’s something frequent travelers learn very quickly.
My Practical Advice Before You Travel
If this is your first trip from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah, keep things simple.
Arrive a little earlier than necessary.
Carry water.
Charge your phone.
Keep your ticket and essentials easy to access.
Most importantly, avoid planning your day too tightly around the advertised arrival time.
The route itself is reliable.
Traffic is the unpredictable part.
A little flexibility makes the entire experience much more comfortable and far less stressful.
Key Takeaways
- Route 117 directly connects Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
- The service operates daily from early morning until late evening.
- The fare is approximately AED 30.
- Travel time typically ranges from 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station is the departure point.
- Al Jubail Bus Station is the arrival point.
- Traffic conditions are the biggest factor affecting travel duration.
- The route is popular with commuters, students, tourists, and residents.
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Final Thoughts
The Abu Dhabi to Sharjah bus service remains one of the most practical ways to travel between two major UAE emirates. Route 117 combines affordability with convenience, making it a preferred option for thousands of passengers every week.
The secret to a smooth trip isn’t complicated. Arrive early, allow extra time for traffic, keep your essentials ready, and plan your onward transportation from Al Jubail Bus Station.
Do that, and you’ll find the journey far easier than many first-time travelers expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct bus from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah?
Yes. Route 117 operates as a direct intercity bus service between Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station and Al Jubail Bus Station.
How much is the Abu Dhabi to Sharjah bus fare?
The fare is generally around AED 30 for a one-way trip.
How long does the journey take?
Most journeys take between 2.5 and 3 hours depending on traffic conditions.
What is the first bus from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah?
The first departure is usually around 6:00–6:30 AM.
What is the last bus from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah?
The final service is generally around 11:15 PM.
Can tourists use Route 117?
Yes. Tourists regularly use the route because it is affordable, simple, and connects two major UAE cities.
Is luggage allowed on the bus?
Yes. Passengers can usually carry personal luggage and travel bags.
Can I reach Sharjah Airport using Route 117?
Yes. Many travelers use Route 117 to Al Jubail Bus Station and then continue to the airport via local transport.
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