Mussafah and Abu Dhabi: Understanding Their Importance
An Industrial District That is Growing
Mussafah, Abu Dhabi’s industrial spine, is filled with workshops, factories, warehouses, and accommodations for workers. This is a “city within a town” that houses a large workforce that relies on public transportation every day. Mussafah Bus Station, which connects industrial zones with residential and commercial areas, was constructed to meet this demand.
Mussafah Bus Station is Important
The station is strategically managed by the Integrated Transport Centre. It serves as a major transportation interchange that links city-wide routes to long-distance intercity services. Mussafah Station will take you to the centre of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or Al Ain.
Strategic Location and Accessibility
- Address: Mussafah Industrial Area, M-37, Abu Dhabi
- Nearby Roads: E22 (Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road), E30 (Sweihan Road)
- Nearby Landmarks: Dalma Mall (Mazyad Mall), Shabiya 10, and Sanaiya
It is easily accessible via taxi, car, or feeder bus that serves nearby communities.
Designing for Daily Commuters – Architecture and Layout
Station Structure
The Mussafah Bus Station is designed to be efficient and functional, allowing it to accommodate heavy commuter traffic. This layout features multiple bus lanes, large platforms, and shaded waiting rooms to ensure a smooth flow of passengers even at rush hour.
Bus Station at Mussafah Station and its Destinations
Local bus routes (within Abu Dhabi)
The Mussafah Bus Station is a convenient and inexpensive way to commute between the industrial areas and residential neighborhoods and the center of town.
Key Local Routes
| Route | Destination | Main Stops | Travel Time | Fare in AED |
| 102 | Sultan Bin Zayed St. | Shabiya, Al Wahda Mall | 45 minutes | 2 |
| 111 | Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station | Mazyad Mall, ADNEC | 40 minutes | 2 |
| 120 | Khalifa City | MBZ City, Shabiya 9 | The 50-minute time limit | 2 |
| 210 | Mohammed Bin Zayed City | Mussafah 37 Al Ain Rd | 55 minutes | 2 |
The routes between Mussafah and Shabiya are popular with office workers, daily commuters, and those who work in central Abu Dhabi.
Bus routes between cities
Mussafah is a hub of intercity transportation, with direct bus services to Dubai, Al Ain, and the Western Region.
Popular Intercity Routes
| Route | Destination | Travel Time | Fare in AED | Paying Method |
| E102 | Dubai (Ibn Battuta Metro) | 75-90 minutes | 25-30 | Hafilat/Nol |
| E100 | Abu Dhabi – Dubai | Two hours | 25 | Nol |
| 202 | Al Ain | Two hours and fifteen minutes | 25 | Hafilat |
| 300 | Ruwais | Three hours | 35 | Hafilat |
All day, passengers traveling from Dubai and Al Ain can enjoy comfortable, affordable services.
Bus Timetable and Timing
Everyday Operating Hours
- Monday to Friday: 5:00 AM – 11:15 PM
- Weekends: until 12:30 am (especially on intercity routes).
- Worker Routes: Start around 4:45 AM
Service Frequency
- Local bus: every 15-30 minutes
- Buses between cities: every 45-60 minutes
- Service night: every 60-90 min (limited frequency).
Holidays Schedules
Schedules for Eid, National Day and Ramadan are adjusted in order to accommodate the increased passenger demand. Additional buses may be deployed for convenience.
Tickets, fares & Smart Payment Systems
Hafilat Card
Hafilat is Abu Dhabi’s primary smart-payment system. The Hafilat card eliminates cash payments and makes commuting easier.
How to use:
- Buy your card from the vending machines or the ticket counter.
- Charge credit for loading (minimum 10 AED).
- When boarding or alighting, tap on the reader.
- Check your balance online at hafilat.darb.ae.
Fare Breakdown
| Trip Type | Fare in AED | Type of Payment |
| Local Routes | 2 | Hafilat Card |
| Suburban routes | 4 | Hafilat Card |
| Intercity routes between Dubai and Al Ain | 25-30 | Hafilat/Nol |
Choose between Recharge options and top-ups
You can top up your Hafilat Card via:
- Ticket vending machines
- Darbi App is an online portal..
- Supermarkets, exchange centers, and other financial institutions
Enjoy comfort and cleanliness
All areas are cleaned to strict standards. The station attendants clean the waiting areas, bathrooms, and bus bays.
Safety and Security
Mussafah Bus Station is safe even for women and men at night, thanks to the presence of security staff, cameras, and well-lit areas.
Amenities & Attractions
Shop and Dine Options
Mussafah has many commercial centers and shopping malls around it:
- Mazyad Mall is a large shopping and dining mall.
- Dalma Mall is 10 minutes by car.
- Shabiya Market: affordable groceries and cafes
Hotel Near Mussafah Bus Station
| Hotel Name | Distance | Rated by | Average Rate |
| Gravity Hotel | 3 km | 200-300 | |
| Millennium Central Mafraq | 6 km | 250-350 | |
| Al Diar Sawa Apartments | Ten km | 180-250 |
The accommodations are ideal for workers and short-term guests who need to be close to the bus stop.
Smartest Travel Tools
Darbi App from ITC
Darbi App provides live updates:
- Arrival times and locations of buses
- Fare estimation
- Directions for the best routes
- Stations nearby are shown on the map.
It’s available for Android and iOS.
Transit Apps
- Route updates in real-time with Moovit
- Google Maps: Integrated Abu Dhabi route data
- Hafilat Portal: balance and top-up Management
Travel Advice and Local Advice
Plan Your Journey Early
- Darbi App: Always keep an eye on the Darbi App to see live times.
- Charge your Hafilat Card in advance.
- Plan accordingly.
Amenities and Facilities for Passengers
The station offers a variety of comfort services.
- Waiting rooms with air conditioning
- Cleaning restrooms, prayer rooms, and other public areas
- Digital kiosks and ticket counters
- Bus timings are displayed on the display screens.
- Special seating for passengers with special needs and the elderly
Sustainability in Future Transport Vision
Green Upgrades
Mussafah Bus Station is a reflection of Abu Dhabi’s vision to build a smart and sustainable mobility ecosystem.
- Lighting systems powered by solar energy
- Reduce paper usage with smart tickets.
- LED energy-efficient infrastructure
Green Transportation Initiatives
By 2030, the ITC plans to implement electric and hybrid buses on major routes, including Mussafah, to reduce emissions.
Future Plans and Expansions
Expanding Routes
Mussafah is developing new links with nearby suburbs such as Baniyas and Shahama.
Station Upgrade Projects
The following improvements are planned:
- Digital ticketing kiosks
- Charge ports for electric buses
- Parking and Drop-Off Zones Enhanced
- Shaded extended walkways
Future Metro Lines Integration
Mussafah Bus Station will be a major interchange once Abu Dhabi’s Metro network is operational. It will connect the bus and metro networks seamlessly.
Summary of Abu Dhabi Public Transport – The Heartbeat
Mussafah Bus Station, more than a simple stop, is a bridge that connects people to places and to their purpose. This hub is a reliable and affordable way to commute for everyone, from students and workers in factories to travelers and tourists.
Mussafah is a modern bus station that offers comfort and quality infrastructure. It reflects Abu Dhabi’s vision of smart mobility.
Mussafah Bus Station – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the address of Mussafah Bus Station?
The Mussafah Industrial Area in Abu Dhabi is situated at M-37.
When are operating hours?
The station is open from 5:00 am to 11:15 pm on weekdays and 12:30 am on weekends.
What is the best route to Dubai?
The E102 route runs from Mussafah Bus Station to Ibn Battuta Metro Station, Dubai.
Which payment methods do you accept?
Hafilat cards (for Abu Dhabi connections) and Nol cards (for Dubai connections) are accepted by passengers.
Do you have prayer rooms?
The station has separate and clean prayer rooms for men and women.
Can I travel safely at night?
The station has a 24-hour surveillance system and security personnel on site to ensure passenger safety, even at late hours.
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