Best Traveling Methods from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah and How to Use the Nol Card

Traveling between the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Sharjah is a common route for residents and tourists alike. Both cities are important cultural and business hubs, and there are various modes of transportation available to make the journey convenient and affordable.

In this article, we’ll explore the best traveling methods and how to use the Nol card for your trips within the UAE.

1. Traveling from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah

By Bus

One of the most economical ways to travel from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah is by bus. The UAE's bus system is well-developed, with regular services connecting major cities. You Can Also Check Live Bus Times for RTA and SRTA for UAE Bueses!

• Intercity Bus Service: The E101 or E100 bus from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station goes to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Dubai, from where you can take another bus or taxi to Sharjah. This is a longer journey but a cost-effective option.
• Comfort: The buses are air-conditioned and equipped with comfortable seating, making the journey pleasant despite the travel time of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
• Cost: Around AED 25-30 from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, and a short taxi ride to Sharjah could cost another AED 20-30.

By Taxi

Taxis provide the quickest and most direct route between the two cities.

• Estimated Time: A taxi ride will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.
• Cost: A one-way taxi ride can cost around AED 250-300.

By Private Car

If you prefer more flexibility, renting a car or using your own vehicle allows for a direct route and more control over travel time.

• Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
• Cost: Renting a car can cost anywhere from AED 100 to AED 200 per day, plus fuel and tolls.

By Carpooling Services

You can also opt for carpooling services like Careem or Uber. These ridesharing services are widely used across the UAE and can be a more affordable alternative to taking a private taxi.

2. How to Use the Nol Card for Travel

The Nol card is a contactless smart card that can be used to pay for public transportation within Dubai, including buses, metro, trams, and marine transport.

While it doesn’t cover Abu Dhabi to Sharjah travel directly, it is indispensable for your trips within Dubai and can be used for parts of your journey, such as the bus ride from Dubai to Sharjah.

Types of Nol Cards

• Silver Card: Ideal for frequent travelers, it offers pay-as-you-go travel at a lower fare.
• Gold Card: Provides access to Gold Class seats on the metro for a higher fare.
• Red Ticket: A paper ticket suitable for tourists and infrequent travelers.
• Personalized Blue Card: Comes with added benefits like balance protection in case of loss and auto top-up features.

Where to Buy a Nol Card

You can purchase a Nol card from metro stations, bus stations, online, or at authorized sales agents like RTA customer service centers and some supermarkets.

How to Top Up the Nol Card

You can top up your Nol card at metro stations, bus stations, ticket vending machines, RTA service centers, or through the RTA mobile app. The minimum top-up amount is AED 10.

Using the Nol Card for Public Transport

• Metro: Simply tap the card on the Nol card reader at the gates when you enter and exit the station. The fare is automatically deducted based on the distance traveled.
• Bus: Tap the card on the reader when boarding and exiting the bus. Again, the fare is deducted based on distance.
• Tram & Water Bus: The Nol card can also be used for trams and water buses in Dubai, with the same tapping system for entry and exit.

Conclusion

Traveling from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah offers a variety of transportation methods, each with its own advantages. For affordable travel, buses are the best option, while taxis and car rentals offer quicker but more expensive alternatives.

While the Nol card is not directly used for this intercity trip, it’s highly useful for getting around Dubai and Sharjah. Make sure to top up your Nol card for seamless travel within the emirates.

Enjoy your journey across the UAE, and don’t forget to plan ahead to choose the best method for your travel needs!