Contrary to popular opinion, Abu Dhabi has a lot to explore. While most people consider UAE synonymous to Dubai, keeping a day to explore the capital city of Abu Dhabi is an absolute must.If you want something slightly more refined with a vast Arabic wealth on display, then a trip to Abu Dhabi is ideal. While tourism in Abu Dhabi was a late-bloomer, it is soon catching up with its illustrious neighbour. From the Louvre to Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. to the Yas Marina Circuit and the soon upcoming Guggenheim Museum, Abu Dhabi have plenty to experience and you might needing more than a day! However, if you're time bound and have just a day to explore Abu Dhabi, there's no better way than to hop on the Big Bus Abu Dhabi. With 2 elaborate routes that covers almost all of the city, Big Bus Abu Dhabi is a great way to make the most of your time in Abu Dhabi.
Here's our detailed guide on Big Bus Abu Dhabi - routes, maps, timings, schedule and reviews covered.
Big Bus Tours Abu Dhabi
Big Bus Tours founded in London over 30 ago and has made its way being recognised as a top, reliable global brand today. Spread over 20 cities across 3 continents, Big Bus Tours reached the capital city of Abu Dhabi sometime in 2003. Priced competitively with a proven service record, a Big Bus Abu Dubai Tour is a popular choice amongst tourists looking to make the most of their time in Abu Dhabi at their own pace. With a carefully curated itinerary that takes you to all the important attractions - from the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the luxurious Emirates Palace hotel, to the heuristic Heritage Village and leisure destination of Saadiyat Island; expect to cover it all on Big Bus Abu Dhabi.
On this hop-on, hop-off sightseeing service you can enjoy expert commentary in 8 digitally recorded languages: Arabic, English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Mandarin that provides a fascinating insight into Abu Dhabi's history and culture through the day.
Big Bus Abu Dhabi Map
Before planning your Big Bus Tour in Abu Dhabi, take a look at this detailed Big Bus Abu Dhabi Map and pick and choose the places you'd like to visit. This map also gives you an idea of the Big Bus Abu Dhabi route you must pick in order to hit up all the attractions you'd like to visit. Download the Big Bus Abu Dhabi Map and keep it handy on your phone.
Big Bus Abu Dhabi Route
Big Bus Abu Dhabi Tours has 3 main routes - Red Route and Green Route with 28 stops in total. Each Big Bus Abu Dhabi Route has a specific circuit and a set time it takes to complete the circuit. Simply click on the route that you would like to check out and learn all about it. Your Big Bus Abu Dhabi Tickets are inclusive of access to all routes, so plan your day well and manage to hit up all the prime attractions in Abu Dhabi.
The City Tour Red Route takes you to 18 popular attractions in the city, some of them being : Emirates Palace Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Center, Etihad Museum, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Eastern Mangroves, Louvre Museum, Corniche, Heritage Village and the Dhow Corniche Cruise.
View the entire City Tour Red Route Timetable.
Circuit time: 2 hours, 35 minutes |
Frequency: Every 30 minutes
The Yas Island Drive Green Route takes you to 7 unmissable spots on the famous man-made Yas Island, some of them being : Yas Hotel, Yas Plaza Hotels , Yas Waterworld, Yas Mall, Ferrari World and the Yas Marina Circuit. If you're looking to explore Yas Island in and out, no better way of getting around
View the entire Yas Island Drive Green Route Timetable.
Circuit time: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes | Frequency: Every 90 minutes
Comparing The Big Bus Abu Dhabi Tours
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Big Bus Abu Dhabi Classic Ticket
Book Now
|
Big Bus Abu Dhabi Premium Ticket
Book Now
|
Big Bus Abu Dhabi Deluxe Ticket
Book Now
|
|
| About |
This Big Bus Abu Dhabi tour is ideal for those looking for a quick experience of the Abu Dhabi's magic. This one day pass gives you an overview of the major attractions in the city along with the coveted Dhow Cruise on Corniche. |
This Big Bus Abu Dhabi tour is ideal for those looking to explore the city on a budget, but want all the frills attached. Valid for 48 hours, you can experience the cruise, get a 50% discount on the Observation Deck 300 and sedately experience the best of Abu Dhabi from the comfort of your bus. |
This Big Bus tour allows you to explore Abu Dhabi over 3 days along with freebies like 50% off on Observation Deck 300 tickets and an Abu Dhabi City Pass that is loaded with offers. The city pass has exciting options like the Al Ain Oasis City Day Tour, Masdar Technology Drive and Flamingo Lagoon Discovery. |
| Highlights |
|
|
|
| Timings |
City Tour : between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Yas Island Drive : between 10:00 AM and 5:30 PM Dhow Cruise Timings : 10:30, 11:30, 3:30, 4:30 |
City Tour : between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Yas Island Drive : between 10:00 AM and 5:30 PM Dhow Cruise Timings : 10:30, 11:30, 3:30, 4:30 |
City Tour : between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Yas Island Drive : between 10:00 AM and 5:30 PM Dhow Cruise Timings : 10:30, 11:30, 3:30, 4:30 |
| Circuit Duration |
City Tour : between 2 hours, 35 minutes Yas Island Drive : 1 hour, 45 minutes |
City Tour : between 2 hours, 35 minutes Yas Island Drive : 1 hour, 45 minutes |
City Tour : between 2 hours, 35 minutes Yas Island Drive : 1 hour, 45 minutes |
| Route | These tickets allow you access to 2 routes and has 28 stops | These tickets allow you access to 2 routes and has 28 stops | These tickets allow you access to 2 routes and has 28 stops |
| Validity | The tickets are valid for 6 months from purchase and stay activated for 24 hours on first usage | The tickets are valid for 6 months from purchase and stay activated for 48 hours on first usage | The tickets are valid for 6 months from purchase and stay activated for 72 hours on first usage |
| Cancellation Policy | These tickets cannot be cancelled, amended or rescheduled. | These tickets cannot be cancelled, amended or rescheduled. | These tickets cannot be cancelled, amended or rescheduled. |
Big Bus Abu Dhabi Tripadvisor Reviews
Recently purchased 1 day pass which allowed us to explore the majority of the city. Very informative tour and stops at all major tourist spots along the routes. Supplied bottled water free of charge which is well needed due to the heat. Highly recommend especially as it allows you to explore the Grand Mosque which is a must see. Pass also included a Dhow boat trip which gives wonderful views of the Abu Dhabi skyline across the corniche. 2 day pass would be beneficial as the green route will take you to Yas island were Ferrari world is located but our hotel provided a free shuttle so this was our reason for the 1 day pass.
- JHigg89, October 2018 Tripadvisor
I have visited BigBus in many cities all over the world, and believe me it has not always been a pleasure, but in Abu Dhabi, I must say - here it works! It’s a brilliant way to get around everywhere, buses run frequently and the commentary in the different languages really help you appreciate the culture and history of the cities. All buses I have entered for two days were on time and on the spot expected. Extremely friendly and helpful guides - in any ways. They are born to the job of taking care of tourists - also in this very hot weather. The staff at every stop are really really helpful. Always use big bus !
- Saberejser, October 2018 Tripadvisor
Read more about Big Bus Abu Dhabi on Tripadvisor and learn what past visitors have to say about their experience.
Visitor Tips for Using Big Bus Tours Abu Dhabi
- Decide the places you want to hit up before buying your Big Bus Abu Dhabi tickets. This will help you make an informed choice about the kind of ticket you want to pick.
- It's best to purchase your Big Bus Abu Dhabi tickets online in order to save a few dirhams. If it's a last minute plan, you can pick up tickets from the Big Bus sales desk at Marina Mall.
- With your Big Bus Abu Dhabi tickets you get free entry to the Sky Tower at Marina Mall as well. Since the tours start in Marina Mall, it is best to visit the Sky Tower before you hop on.
- Though it may seem like the most expensive option, the Deluxe tickets is the best of the 3. With it comes an Abu Dhabi City Pass that is loaded with free entry to 20 offbeat experiences. Check the full list here.
- The Big Bus Tours Abu Dhabi Deluxe Tickets, gives you access to experiences in Dubai and Sharjah as well, hence it works out well for those staying in Dubai or planning a visit to Dubai from Abu Dhabi.
- If you’re connecting to Dubai then purchasing the Deluxe ticket allows you to take a connecting coach between cities at no extra charge.
- Keep in mind the 30 minute frequency of their buses and plan your visit such that you're back in time to catch the next bus.
- Planning better can help save time wasted in waiting for the buses. Each time you hop off decide your next hop on time. Spend only planned time at each attraction.
- All passengers are provided with unlimited complimentary bottles of cold water and earphones to listen to the guided commentary.
- While Big Bus Abu Dhabi Tours provides paramount convinience in getting around the city, you still have to be prepared for a fair amount of walking. Wearing a comfortable pair of walking shoes is highly recommended.
- Open decks can get hot or chilly as per the weather, so make sure you're dressed for the season while touring with Big Bus Abu Dhabi Tours.
More Abu Dhabi Guides
Looking out for more things to do in Abu Dhabi? Here are a few of our detailed Abu Dubai guides that will help you plan your vacation better!
