Two buses run from Abu Dhabi to Ruwais. Capital Express CX88 is a coach with six trips a day each way. The first one leaves Abu Dhabi Bus Station at 07:00 and the last at 22:00. X88 is the public Abu Dhabi Mobility bus, and it runs about every 30 minutes to 2 hours. This page gives you the full CX88 timetable and shows how X88 compares.
The CX88 trip takes about 3 hours 30 minutes, and the fare is AED 38 for one adult (check the latest fare when you book). Ready for the details? Start with the quick facts below!
| Quick fact | Abu Dhabi to Ruwais (CX88) |
|---|---|
| Operator and route | Capital Express, route CX88 |
| First bus | 07:00 |
| Last bus | 22:00 |
| Buses per day | 6, one every 3 hours |
| Journey time | About 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Adult fare | AED 38 one way |
| Leaves from | Abu Dhabi Bus Station, Al Wahda |
| Arrives at | Al Dhannah (Ruwais) Bus Station |
Abu Dhabi to Ruwais bus timetable
All times are 24-hour. The CX88 leaves Abu Dhabi Bus Station first, stops at MBZ City Bus Station in Mussafah, and then runs to Al Dhannah (Ruwais) Bus Station.
| Trip | Leaves Abu Dhabi Bus Station | Leaves MBZ City Bus Station (Mussafah) | Arrives Al Dhannah (Ruwais) Bus Station |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 07:00 | 07:55 | 10:30 |
| 2 | 10:00 | 10:55 | 13:30 |
| 3 | 13:00 | 13:55 | 16:30 |
| 4 | 16:00 | 16:55 | 19:30 |
| 5 | 19:00 | 19:55 | 22:30 |
| 6 | 22:00 | 22:55 | 01:30 (next day) |
The 22:00 bus is the last one of the day. It reaches Ruwais after midnight, so plan how you will get home from the station!
Ruwais to Abu Dhabi bus timetable
The return trip is also CX88. It leaves Al Dhannah (Ruwais) Bus Station, stops at MBZ City Bus Station in Mussafah and ends at Abu Dhabi Bus Station.
| Trip | Leaves Al Dhannah (Ruwais) Bus Station | Leaves MBZ City Bus Station (Mussafah) | Arrives Abu Dhabi Bus Station |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 06:00 | 08:45 | 09:30 |
| 2 | 09:00 | 11:45 | 12:30 |
| 3 | 12:00 | 14:45 | 15:30 |
| 4 | 15:00 | 17:45 | 18:30 |
| 5 | 18:00 | 20:45 | 21:30 |
| 6 | 21:00 | 23:45 | 00:30 (next day) |
The first bus from Ruwais leaves at 06:00 and the last at 21:00. These MBZ times are the ones Capital Express publishes. The whole trip still takes about 3 hours 30 minutes each way.
Two buses to Ruwais: CX88 and X88
CX88 and X88 are different buses with different timetables. CX88 is a Capital Express coach. X88 is the public Abu Dhabi Mobility bus. This table shows how they compare.
| CX88 | X88 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operator | Capital Express | Abu Dhabi Mobility (public bus) |
| Trips | 6 a day each way | About every 30 minutes to 2 hours |
| Stops | Abu Dhabi Bus Station, MBZ City Bus Station, Al Dhannah (Ruwais) Bus Station | Abu Dhabi Bus Station, Mussafah Bus Station, Tarif Bus Station, Ruwais ADNOC Compound Bus Station |
| Fare | AED 38 one way | Check the Darbi app |
| How to pay | Card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal or cash at the counter | Check the Darbi app. Abu Dhabi public buses use the Hafilat card |
The times on this page are for CX88. You can find X88 times and fares in the Darbi app or on the website of Abu Dhabi Mobility. Pick CX88 for a fixed seat and a set departure. Check X88 for more trips in a day.
Which bus should you pick?
Both buses get you to Ruwais, so the right one depends on your day. Use these quick rules:
- Pick CX88 if you want a set departure time, a ticket booked in advance and a fixed fare.
- Pick X88 if you want more trips in a day. Check Darbi for the next bus.
- Pick CX88 if you need to cancel or change your plans, because its refund rules are clear.
- Pick X88 if you already have a Hafilat card and want to pay the way you do on other Abu Dhabi buses.
Not sure? Check both and choose the one that leaves closest to your time.
Stops between Abu Dhabi and Ruwais
CX88 has three stops. The first and last stop are the two ends of the route, and MBZ City Bus Station in Mussafah is the only stop in between.
- Abu Dhabi Bus Station. This is the Abu Dhabi stop for CX88. Many people call it Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. It is in the Al Wahda area. See Abu Dhabi Bus Station on Google Maps.
- MBZ City Bus Station (Mussafah). This is the only stop between the two ends. See MBZ City Bus Station on Google Maps.
- Al Dhannah (Ruwais) Bus Station. This is the end of the route, in the Al Dhannah area. See Al Dhannah (Ruwais) Bus Station on Google Maps.
CX88 does not stop at Zayed International Airport.
Abu Dhabi to Ruwais bus fare and payment
The CX88 fare from Abu Dhabi Bus Station to Al Dhannah (Ruwais) Bus Station is AED 38 for one adult, one way. Prices can change, so check the fare when you book.
You can pay in these ways:
- Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards
- Online payment gateways such as PayPal
- Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Cash at the ticket counters in major bus stations
Do not rely on a Hafilat card for CX88. Bring one of the ways above.
Each passenger can carry a handbag up to 42 x 30 x 18 cm and 7 kg, plus one piece of luggage up to 80 x 50 x 30 cm and 20 kg. Pack light and keep your valuables with you!
Got a question? Call 800 CAPEX or email co*****@************ss.ae. You can also book on the Capital Express website.
How to book a CX88 ticket
- Open the Capital Express website or go to a ticket counter at a major bus station.
- Choose Abu Dhabi as your start and Al Dhannah (Ruwais) as your end.
- Pick your date and the time you want from the six trips.
- Pay by card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or PayPal. Ticket counters also take cash.
- Keep your booking confirmation with you when you board.
Book early if you plan to travel on a weekend or a holiday, so you get the time you want.
Cancel or change your CX88 ticket
Plans change. These are your options with a CX88 ticket:
- More than 24 hours before the bus: get a refund or move to another trip. A AED 5 fee applies.
- 6 to 24 hours before the bus: you get 50% of the fare back.
- Less than 6 hours before the bus: no refund.
- You can change your trip once for free if you ask at least 6 hours before the bus. You pay any fare difference.
- Refunds go back to the card you used and take 5 to 10 working days.
Journey time and distance
Plan on about 3 hours 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Ruwais, and the same on the way back. The road distance is about 240 km. It is a long ride, so bring water and a charger for your phone.
Where to board and where you arrive
Your CX88 leaves from Abu Dhabi Bus Station in the Al Wahda area. You can buy your ticket at a counter there or book online. Our Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station guide shows its routes and timings.
The bus ends at Al Dhannah (Ruwais) Bus Station. Open the map link in the stops section to check how to get to your building before you travel. Need another route? Our guide to Abu Dhabi bus stations lists the main ones.
About Ruwais
Ruwais is an industrial town about 240 km west of Abu Dhabi. It is also called Al Dhannah. The town grew around ADNOC’s refinery and housing complex, and many people who live there work in the oil and gas industry.
Friday, public holiday and Ramadan timings
The CX88 timetable shows one set of times and no separate Friday schedule. Public bus times in Al Dhafra can change in Ramadan and on public holidays. Search your date on the Capital Express website before you travel on those days.
Abu Dhabi airport to Ruwais
No direct bus runs from Zayed International Airport to Ruwais. Airport city buses stop just outside Arrivals, cost around AED 4 and need a Hafilat card. Cash is not accepted. Open the Darbi app to find the airport bus to Abu Dhabi Bus Station, then board the CX88 or X88 there.
Allow plenty of time between the two buses, because the next CX88 can be three hours away. Coming from Dubai? Read our Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi Airport bus guide first.
Alternate options
Does the CX88 not fit your day? You have other choices:
- X88. The public Abu Dhabi Mobility bus runs about every 30 minutes to 2 hours. Check Darbi for the next one.
- Another CX88 time. A CX88 leaves every three hours, so plan your day around the next one.
- Drive. Drivers take the E11 highway. The distance is about 240 km.
- Taxi. A taxi is the simplest choice if you miss the last bus, but the fare for this long trip is high. Ask the driver for a price before you start.
- Missed the 22:00 CX88? Check Darbi to see if an X88 is still running, or book the first CX88 the next morning.
Tips for the trip
- Get to the station 20 minutes early so you can find your bay.
- Keep your booking confirmation handy and charge your phone before you leave.
- Arriving after midnight? Arrange a pick-up at Al Dhannah (Ruwais) Bus Station.
- Bring water and a snack. It is a long ride!
Frequently asked questions
What time is the first bus from Abu Dhabi to Ruwais?
The first Capital Express CX88 leaves Abu Dhabi Bus Station at 07:00. It stops at MBZ City Bus Station in Mussafah at 07:55 and reaches Al Dhannah (Ruwais) Bus Station at 10:30.
What time is the last bus from Abu Dhabi to Ruwais?
The last CX88 leaves Abu Dhabi Bus Station at 22:00 and reaches Al Dhannah (Ruwais) Bus Station at about 01:30 the next day.
How long does the bus from Abu Dhabi to Ruwais take?
The trip takes about 3 hours 30 minutes on the CX88.
How much is the bus from Abu Dhabi to Ruwais?
The CX88 fare for one adult is AED 38 one way. Prices can change, so check the fare when you book.
Is bus X88 the same as CX88?
No. CX88 is a Capital Express coach with six trips a day each way. X88 is the public Abu Dhabi Mobility bus and runs about every 30 minutes to 2 hours. The times and fare on this page are for CX88.
Where does the Abu Dhabi to Ruwais bus leave from?
It leaves from Abu Dhabi Bus Station in the Al Wahda area. Many people call it Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.
Where does the bus stop in Ruwais?
It stops at Al Dhannah (Ruwais) Bus Station. Al Dhannah is the official name of the town many people call Ruwais.
Does the Abu Dhabi to Ruwais bus run on Fridays, public holidays and in Ramadan?
The CX88 timetable shows one set of times and no separate Friday schedule. Public bus times in Al Dhafra can change in Ramadan and on public holidays, so search your date on the Capital Express website before you travel.
Is there a direct bus from Abu Dhabi airport to Ruwais?
No. Take an airport city bus to Abu Dhabi Bus Station, then board the CX88 or X88 there.
Which bus goes from Ruwais to Abu Dhabi?
The CX88 runs the other way too. It leaves Al Dhannah (Ruwais) Bus Station at 06:00, 09:00, 12:00, 15:00, 18:00 and 21:00. The public X88 also runs from Ruwais to Abu Dhabi.
Can I pay with a Hafilat card on the Ruwais bus?
Do not count on it for the CX88. Pay with a bank card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal or cash at the ticket counter. The Darbi app shows how to pay for the X88.
Does the Abu Dhabi to Ruwais bus stop in Mussafah?
Yes. The CX88 stops at MBZ City Bus Station in Mussafah, 55 minutes after it leaves Abu Dhabi Bus Station. The X88 stops at Mussafah Bus Station.
Is there a night bus from Abu Dhabi to Ruwais?
The last CX88 leaves Abu Dhabi Bus Station at 22:00. Check the Darbi app for X88 times.
Can I cancel my CX88 ticket?
Yes. Cancel more than 24 hours before the bus for a refund minus a AED 5 fee. Cancelling 6 to 24 hours before gets you 50% back. Cancelling less than 6 hours before gets no refund.