The X90 bus line between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain is operated daily by the ITC/Darbi Integrated Transport Center. Usually ranging from two hours thirty minutes to two hours forty four minutes is travel time. Because of its pleasant seats, immaculate facilities, and on-time service, the X90 bus is now a cost-effective and time-saving intercity bus service running between these cities.
X90 Bus Timings 2026
You can see the best bus service on the X90 route. You can use the service throughout the year without any hassle or delay. The timing of such bus service is 6:45 am to 11:45 pm. Buses come to your stop every 60 minutes, so you don’t need to wait for a long time. Sometimes you see extra buses on the same route; it’s all due to rush hours.
| Direction | Start Station | End Station | First Dep | Last Dep | Frequency |
| Abu Dhabi to Al Ain | Al Nahya Bus Station | Al Ain Central Bus Station | 6:45 AM | 11:45 PM | Every 60 Min |
| Al Ain To Abu Dhabi | Al Ain Central Bus Station | Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station | 6:00 Am | 11:45 PM | Every 60 min |
X90 Bus Route and Stops
The X90 is an express service. It does not stop at every street. The primary points designed along the schedule are given below. It is essential to verify the exact station stops before boarding due to the ITC’s timetable updates.
- Al Nahyan Bus Station (starting point of Abu Dhabi)
- Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (main bus terminal in Abu Dhabi; most passengers join here.)
- Baniyas / Shahama Area (Intermediate stop along the route)
- Al Ain University Road Area (near Al Ain entry zone)
- Al Ain Central Bus Station (Al Ain terminus and final stop)
X90 Bus Fare 2026
The X90 bus fare for a one-way trip is AED 25-30 per person. The fare includes any applicable service charges. Cash is not accepted on board. Payment is made with the Hafilat smart card, Abu Dhabi’s rechargeable bus card system.
What is the Hafilat Card? It is a rechargeable smart card used on all public buses in Abu Dhabi, including the X90. You tap it when you board and when you exit. Available at any bus station in Abu Dhabi for AED 5. Load credit at kiosks, the Darbi app, or the ITC website.
If you do not have a Hafilat card, purchase one at the station before your first X90 trip. It saves time and is required for boarding.
Practical Travel Tips for the X90
Arrive Early
At least 15 minutes before departure. Buses leave on time. No waiting for late passengers.
Carry Water
UAE desert heat is serious. Even with AC on board, have water ready for the journey.
Travel Light
Luggage storage is limited on the bus. One bag per person is the most comfortable approach.
Use Darbi App
Download the ITC Darbi app for live updates, schedule changes, and Hafilat card balance checks.
Weekends & Holidays
The X90 runs every day, including Fridays and public holidays. Timings remain the same year-round.
One Way? Rent a Car
Renting a car in Dubai is one of the best and most affordable solutions when you travel for long distances, such as from Dubai to Al Ain.
Final Thoughts
Bus X90 is a dependable, inexpensive, and convenient way of traveling. Obtaining good value for your bucks should not be neglected. The price for a ride that lasts twenty-five to thirty minutes while going through a distance of a hundred and forty-four kilometers is not that high. If you frequently travel to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, or if you just intend to spend one day there, then Bus X90 is ideal for you. All you need is to have your Hafilat card ready before boarding, either from Al Nahyan or Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.
However, if you wish to travel beyond bus route destinations or if you are a traveler who would like to be free from journey schedules, renting a car will be the best option. The good thing about renting is that you do not need to be in any specific place in Abu Dhabi or Al Ain to do so.
Conveniently located near the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain highways, Al Karama provides some of the finest car rental services in Dubai, as Sheikh Zayed Road is readily accessible within an hour from here and Abu Dhabi is less than an hour away. To Al Ain in around two hours. All without depending on a fixed bus schedule.
And for the actual rental, RS Car Rental is the better solution for car rental in Al Karama. Transparent pricing. Clean vehicles. Daily, weekly, and monthly options. No surprise charges. Whether you are exploring the UAE cities or making regular trips between Dubai and the capital, RS Car Rental gets you there on your own terms.
FAQs
Question: Can I use my Dubai Nol card to pay for the X90?
Answer: No, you must have a Hafilat Card if you travel on the X90 route. This whole route is managed by Integrated Transport Centre.
Question: What will be the one-way fare for traveling on the X90 route?
Answer: To go this way, you must present a Hafilat smart card for payment; cash payments won’t be accepted. A one-way ride costs between 25 AED and 30 AED.
Question: How long would it take a bus to go from Dubai to Al Ain?
Answer: The trip should typically take two hours and ten minutes, though it might take longer if there are a lot of passengers during off-peak hours or on the weekend.
Question: Can you reserve your seat on the X90 bus ahead of time?
Answer: Sadly, no. As the system runs on a first-come, first-served basis, simply go to your selected station, tap your Hafilat card, and choose your seat.
Question: Using the X90 route, are there any special discounts for students and seniors?
Answer: Yes, you can be eligible for such a discount if you come in this category. For this purpose, you just apply for it, and you receive a specific individual card that gives you maximum free travel. You can apply for this at the official ticket office in advance.
