You are standing at Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah at 6 AM, bag in hand, staring at the departure board. You have a meeting in Abu Dhabi at 9 AM and you are not entirely sure which bay Bus 117 leaves from, whether the next vehicle has already left, or how long this journey is actually going to take. Searching for accurate Sharjah to Abu Dhabi Bus Timings at the last minute can be incredibly stressful, and that uncertainty is exactly what this guide fixes.
Bus 117 is the only direct inter-city bus connecting Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. It has been running since 2010 under the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA), and it remains one of the most affordable ways to travel between the two Emirates. At AED 33 one way, it costs a fraction of what a taxi charges. The trade-off is time, and knowing the schedule properly is what makes this route work for you instead of against you.
This guide covers everything: the full 2026 timetable in both directions, exact fares, what the bus actually looks like inside, how to pay, which stops it makes, and the traffic windows you genuinely need to avoid. Whether you are a daily commuter or making this trip for the first time, read through once and you will not need to search again.
Route 117 at a Glance
Before getting into the full timetable, here is essential information at a glance.
| Detail | Information |
| Route Name | Bus 117 (Route 117G) |
| Operator | Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) |
| Departure Point | Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah |
| Arrival Point | Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (via Shahama) |
| First Bus from Sharjah | 3:45 AM |
| Last Bus from Sharjah | 11:30 PM |
| Frequency | Every 30 to 45 mins (peak), every 60 mins (evenings) |
| Journey Time | Approx. 2 hrs 30 mins to 3 hrs 30 mins (traffic dependent) |
| One-Way Fare | AED 33 |
| Days of Operation | Daily, including weekends and public holidays |
Note: Bus 117 passes through Dubai on its route but does NOT stop there. If you need to get off anywhere in Dubai, this is not the right bus. You would need to take a separate Sharjah to Dubai service first.
Sharjah to Abu Dhabi Bus Timings (Full Timetable)
Bus 117 operates every day of the year from Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah. The frequency is higher in the morning and decreases in the evenings. Below is the full departure schedule split into two sections for easy reading.
Morning Departures (3:45 AM to 12:00 PM)
| Departure (Sharjah) | Approx. Arrival (Abu Dhabi) |
| 3:45 AM | 6:30 AM |
| 4:30 AM | 7:15 AM |
| 5:15 AM | 8:00 AM |
| 6:00 AM | 8:45 AM |
| 6:45 AM | 9:30 AM |
| 7:30 AM | 10:30 AM |
| 8:15 AM | 11:15 AM |
| 9:00 AM | 11:45 AM |
| 9:45 AM | 12:30 PM |
| 10:30 AM | 1:15 PM |
| 11:15 AM | 2:00 PM |
| 12:00 PM | 2:45 PM |
Afternoon and Evening Departures (12:45 PM to 11:30 PM)
| Departure (Sharjah) | Approx. Arrival (Abu Dhabi) |
| 12:45 PM | 3:30 PM |
| 1:30 PM | 4:15 PM |
| 2:30 PM | 5:30 PM |
| 3:30 PM | 6:30 PM |
| 4:30 PM | 7:30 PM |
| 5:30 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 6:30 PM | 9:15 PM |
| 7:30 PM | 10:15 PM |
| 8:30 PM | 11:15 PM |
| 9:30 PM | 12:15 AM |
| 10:30 PM | 1:15 AM |
| 11:30 PM | 2:15 AM |
Arrival times are estimates. Peak traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and the Abu Dhabi entry corridor can add 30 to 60 minutes to your journey, particularly during 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. If you have a fixed appointment in Abu Dhabi, always take the bus one departure earlier than you think you need. Schedules on major public holidays can also vary. Always verify on the SRTA official bus timings portal before you travel.
Abu Dhabi to Sharjah Return Bus Timings
The return journey runs on the same Bus 117 route in reverse, from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station back to Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah. The schedule below covers all departures from the Abu Dhabi side.
| Departure (Abu Dhabi) | Approx. Arrival (Sharjah) |
| 6:30 AM | 9:00 AM |
| 7:30 AM | 10:00 AM |
| 8:30 AM | 11:00 AM |
| 9:30 AM | 12:00 PM |
| 10:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| 11:30 AM | 2:00 PM |
| 12:30 PM | 3:00 PM |
| 1:30 PM | 4:00 PM |
| 2:30 PM | 5:00 PM |
| 3:30 PM | 6:00 PM |
| 4:30 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 5:30 PM | 8:00 PM |
| 6:30 PM | 9:00 PM |
| 7:30 PM | 10:00 PM |
| 8:30 PM | 11:00 PM |
| 9:30 PM | 12:00 AM |
| 10:30 PM | 1:00 AM |
| 11:15 PM | 2:05 AM |
Important fare note: The one-way fare from Abu Dhabi back to Sharjah is AED 30, which is slightly less than the AED 33 charged from the Sharjah side. This is because the Abu Dhabi departure operates under ITC Abu Dhabi pricing. Carry the right amount in cash if you are not using a card.
Bus Route and Stops Explained
The daily intercity service follows a fixed and straightforward path to connect both major Emirates efficiently. Knowing the general transit corridor helps passengers understand exactly what to expect during their cross-country journey.
The Exact Path Bus 117 Takes
Bus 117 starts at Al Jubail Bus Station in the Al Qasimia area of Sharjah, near the Sharjah Corniche and Central Souq. From there it moves along Ittihad Road, passing the Ansar Mall area, before joining the Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) corridor heading towards Abu Dhabi. It crosses Dubai entirely without stopping, then makes an intermediate stop at Shahama Village in Abu Dhabi before terminating at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.
The stretch through Dubai is where most of the delay happens during rush hours. The bus does not exit the highway in Dubai at any point, so your journey time from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi is entirely dependent on how congested that corridor is when you travel.
Station Details: What to Expect at Each End
Both departure and arrival terminals provide modern amenities to keep travelers completely comfortable before and after their journey. Passengers will find all the essential daily facilities and clear guidance boards readily available at these major transit hubs.
Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah
Al Jubail is the main intercity transit hub in Sharjah and one of the largest bus stations in the UAE. It sits in Al Qasimia, walking distance from Sharjah Central Souq. The station has full air conditioning, a waiting hall with proper seating, a prayer room, clean toilets, a small cafe, free WiFi, and an SRTA customer service desk at the entrance. The intercity bay for Bus 117 to Abu Dhabi is separate from the city bus bays inside. When you arrive, ask the staff at the entrance to direct you to the inter-city section. You will find it clearly labelled once you know where to look.
Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
The Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station is located in downtown Abu Dhabi and serves as the main interchange for city buses across the capital. Once you arrive here, you can connect with any Abu Dhabi local route. If you need to reach Abu Dhabi International Airport, take buses A1 or A2 from outside the central station. Allow at least 45 minutes for that connection including waiting time.
Bus 117 does NOT go directly to Abu Dhabi Airport. If that is your destination, you must stop at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station and then catch a connecting airport bus. Factor in the connection time. For international flights, allow a minimum of 4 to 5 hours total travel buffer from Sharjah.
Ticket Fare and How to Pay
Covering the cost of your intercity trip is highly convenient thanks to flexible transaction systems. Passengers have the freedom to settle their travel fees using several different accepted payment channels.
Fare Breakdown
| Journey | Fare |
| Sharjah (Al Jubail) to Abu Dhabi | AED 33 |
| Abu Dhabi to Sharjah (Al Jubail) | AED 30 |
| Children under 3 years | Free |
Payment Methods
There are three ways to pay for Bus 117:
- Cash at the station counter or onboard: This is the most common method. The counter at Al Jubail accepts cash directly. Try to carry exact change or small notes. The AED 33 fare is fixed.
- Sayer Card: SRTA’s smart transport card for Sharjah bus users. The Blue Sayer Card gives a 25% discount on fares. The Gray Sayer Card (AED 225 plus AED 5 card fee) gives unlimited rides for 30 days. You can buy and top up the Sayer Card at the Al Jubail Bus Station counter or from the bus driver on intra-city routes.
- Card or mobile payment: Accepted at some station counters. Confirm at the counter when you arrive as this can vary by terminal.
Important: If you regularly use Dubai public transport and carry a NOL card, it does NOT work on Bus 117. The NOL card is for RTA Dubai services only. Similarly, the Hafilat card from Abu Dhabi works only on Abu Dhabi city buses and is not accepted on this SRTA intercity route.
Sayer Card tip: The Gray Sayer Card at AED 225 per month pays for itself in under 10 trips on Bus 117 alone. If you commute between Sharjah and Abu Dhabi regularly, this card saves you money quickly. Note that standard Sayer Cards are anonymous, meaning if you lose your card, the remaining balance cannot be recovered. Do not load more than you need for the week.
What the Bus Is Actually Like Inside
Bus 117 is not a city minibus. SRTA runs long distance air-conditioned coaches on this intercity route, and the experience is noticeably different from hopping a regular Sharjah city bus. Here is what you can expect inside.
The coaches have comfortable reclining seats, functioning air conditioning, and TV screens. CCTV cameras run throughout the journey. There are designated seating areas for women and families, as well as priority seating for people of determination and elderly passengers. These sections are near the front of the bus.
There are no food or drink sales onboard, so bring your own water bottle and light snacks. Storage space inside the bus is limited. Large hard-shell suitcases can be awkward to manage as there is no designated luggage hold on most services. If you are traveling with heavy baggage, arrive early and confirm with station staff whether your bags can be accommodated.
Boarding rule: Always enter from the front door and exit from the rear. Eating, drinking, and smoking are strictly prohibited onboard. SRTA enforces these rules and fines can apply. Keep your ticket or card ready when boarding.
Practical Travel Tips Specific to This Route
These tips are based on what most people get wrong on this specific route, not generic travel advice.
Tip 1: Avoid the 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM window if you can. This is the heaviest traffic period on Sheikh Zayed Road. A journey that takes 2 hours 30 minutes at 6 AM can take over 3 hours 30 minutes at 8 AM. Commuters who leave at 6:00 AM or earlier consistently arrive in Abu Dhabi ahead of schedule.
Tip 2: Do not miss the last bus from Abu Dhabi. The last return departure from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station is at 11:15 PM. After that, your only options are a taxi or ride-hailing service, which will cost you significantly more. The next bus does not run until 6:30 AM the following morning.
Tip 3: Check schedules before traveling on public holidays. SRTA can run modified schedules during Eid, National Day, and Ramadan. The UAE public holidays calendar will help you identify upcoming holiday dates so you can plan ahead and verify with SRTA before traveling.
Tip 4: Shahama is a valid stop for northern Abu Dhabi areas. If your destination in Abu Dhabi is in the northern part of the emirate, Shahama may be closer to you than the Central Bus Station. The bus stops at Shahama Village approximately 2 hours into the journey before continuing to the main terminal.
Tip 5: Always carry AED. The bus does not accept foreign currencies. If you have just arrived in the UAE or are coming from elsewhere, make sure you have dirhams before reaching the station. There are ATMs at Al Jubail Station if you need to withdraw on the spot.
Tip 6: Arrive at least 15 minutes before your bus. Al Jubail is a busy station. The intercity bay can fill up fast during morning peak hours. Getting there early means you get a seat rather than standing and waiting for the next bus.
Alternatives to Bus 117
Bus 117 is the most affordable option on this route, but it is not the only one. Here is an honest comparison of your choices for getting between Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.
| Option | Approx. Cost | Journey Time | Best For |
| Bus 117 (SRTA) | AED 33 | 2.5 to 3.5 hrs | Budget travel, daily commuters |
| Intercity shared taxi | AED 80 to 120 | 1.5 to 2 hrs | Faster, no fixed schedule |
| Private taxi or ride hail | AED 250 to 400 | 1.5 to 2 hrs | Door-to-door comfort |
| Driving (own car) | Fuel + tolls + parking | 1.5 to 2 hrs | Flexibility and luggage |
| Etihad Rail (future) | TBA | TBA | Not yet on this corridor |
Shared intercity taxis depart from near Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah. The rates are negotiable but typically range from AED 80 to AED 120 per seat. They leave once the taxi fills up rather than on a fixed schedule, which can mean waiting. For those heading onwards to Dubai from Abu Dhabi, note that the Abu Dhabi to Dubai bus timings operate on a completely separate route and are not connected to Bus 117.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first bus from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi?
The first Bus 117 departs from Al Jubail Bus Station at 3:45 AM. This is the earliest service of the day. It is useful for people who need to be in Abu Dhabi before 7 AM, including those catching early morning flights from Abu Dhabi International Airport (after connecting from the Central Bus Station).
What is the last bus from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi?
The last departure from Al Jubail Station is at 11:30 PM, arriving in Abu Dhabi at approximately 2:15 AM. After this service, no bus runs until the following morning. If you think you might be cutting it close, plan to take the 10:30 PM departure as a safer option.
How much does the bus from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi cost?
The one-way fare is AED 33 when departing from Sharjah. The return journey from Abu Dhabi costs AED 30. Children under 3 years travel free. Payment can be made in cash or via the Sayer Card.
Does Bus 117 run on Fridays and public holidays?
Yes. Bus 117 operates 365 days a year, including Fridays, weekends, and public holidays. However, on major holidays such as Eid and National Day, SRTA may run a modified frequency. Always check the SRTA website or call +971 6 503 3333 to confirm before travelling on a public holiday.
Does the bus stop in Dubai?
No. Bus 117 passes through Dubai on the Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) corridor but does not stop at any point within the city. If you need to stop in Dubai, you would need to take a separate Sharjah to Dubai RTA route and then continue from there. You can check the available RTA bus routes for onward connections from Dubai.
How long does the journey from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi take?
Under normal traffic conditions, the journey takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. During peak hours, especially the morning rush (7:30 to 9:30 AM) and evening rush (5:00 to 8:00 PM), the journey can take 3 to 3.5 hours. The Shahama stop comes roughly 2 hours into the journey.
Can I use my NOL card or Hafilat card on this bus?
No. Bus 117 is operated by SRTA and only accepts cash or the Sayer Card. The NOL card is an RTA Dubai card and the Hafilat card is for Abu Dhabi city buses. Neither of these works on this intercity route. If you use Sharjah buses regularly, the Sayer Card is your equivalent.
Is there a direct bus from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi Airport?
No direct service goes from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi International Airport. Bus 117 takes you to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. From there, you connect to the airport buses A1 or A2. Allow at least 45 to 60 minutes for the connection plus waiting time. For international flights, factor in a total travel buffer of at least 4 to 5 hours from Sharjah.
Final Thoughts
Bus 117 is not glamorous, but it works. For AED 33, you get a comfortable, air-conditioned coach that runs reliably every day of the year, connects two major emirates without a single transfer, and drops you right in the center of Abu Dhabi. For anyone making this trip on a regular basis, it is genuinely challenging to justify spending four to five times more on a taxi for the same destination.
The key to making this route work for you is timing. The timetables above give you the full picture, but the real skill is choosing the right departure based on what traffic looks like that day. Early morning buses before 7 AM and late morning buses after 10 AM are consistently the smoothest. The 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM window is where most people lose patience.
Save the SRTA customer service number (+971 6 503 3333) in your phone. On days when schedules shift due to an event or a holiday announcement, a quick call confirms everything before you head to the station. With that number and this guide, you have everything you need to make this journey on your own terms.
Haris Khan is the lead content expert at TheEmiratesGuides.com, where he oversees the documentation of UAE visa processes, employment opportunities, and government services. With a commitment to factual integrity and real-time updates, he provides the technical expertise necessary to guide readers through the complexities of life and work in the UAE.