Dubai & Abu Dhabi: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Twin-City Ticket

One Ticket, Two Cities: Dubai's Skyline & Abu Dhabi's Grand Mosque in a Single Day

You board a hop-on hop-off bus and choose your own stops across Dubai's four routes — hitting the Burj Khalifa, Gold Souk, Dubai Marina, and Atlantis The Palm — then take the included shuttle to Abu Dhabi to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre. A guided walking tour of the old quarter and a dhow cruise on Dubai Creek are built in. The app tracks buses in real time so you're never guessing when the next one arrives, and you return to your starting point whenever your day is done.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Hop on Dubai bus tour
• See Dubai skyline and beaches
• Visit historical souks and forts
• Enjoy dining and nightlife in Dubai
• Hop on Abu Dhabi City Tour bus
• Visit Abu Dhabi Mall and Louvre Museum
• Explore Abu Dhabi Promenade and beaches
• Visit Heritage Village and Marina Mall
• See Founder's Memorial and Emirates Palace
• View Presidential Palace and Al Hosn Fort
• Explore WTC Souk and Galleria & Rosewood

The Experience

"Which route do you want to start with — the creek or the marina?" That's the question you'll face the moment you board, because with the Big Bus Twin-City ticket, you're not locked into a fixed itinerary. You get a full day of hop-on hop-off access across four separate routes in Dubai (the Red Route hits Burj Khalifa and the Gold Souk; the Blue Route swings through Dubai Marina and Atlantis The Palm), plus the option to take the shuttle service to Abu Dhabi and explore the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre on the Green and Red routes there. The bus comes every 15 to 20 minutes at major stops, so you're not waiting around if you miss one.

The real advantage here is that you control the pace. You can spend an hour wandering the Dubai Spice Souk or the Gold Souk, then hop back on the next bus without anyone rushing you. The app lets you track where each bus is in real time, so you know exactly when to head to the stop. The Downtown Discovery walking tour is included, which gives you a guided sense of the old Bastakiya quarter and Al Fahidi Fort if you want that context — otherwise you skip it and keep moving. The dhow cruise on Dubai Creek is also part of the package, which most people do in the late afternoon when the light softens.

Abu Dhabi is where the ticket really earns its keep. The shuttle runs between the two cities, so you're not renting a car or negotiating a taxi fare. Once you're there, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a 10-minute ride from Abu Dhabi Mall on the Green Route — the white marble and the scale of it hit differently in person. The Heritage Village and the Louvre are on the main Red Route, along with stops at Marina Mall and the Founder's Memorial. Most people do Abu Dhabi as a half-day add-on, but the ticket doesn't force you into a time slot; you board the shuttle when you're ready and head back to Dubai whenever you've seen what you came for.

Download the Big Bus Tours app before you go — that's where you activate the ticket and store it on your phone. The buses are wheelchair accessible, and collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated if someone's traveling with you to help with boarding. The shuttle service between Dubai and Abu Dhabi launches on November 15, 2025, so if you're booking before that date, confirm the current connection options with the operator.

What’s included

• One day hop-on hop-off Big Bus tour in Dubai across four routes (Red, Blue, Green).
• one day hop-on hop-off tour in Abu Dhabi.
• Dubai–Abu Dhabi shuttle service.
• Dubai Dhow Cruise on Dubai Creek.
• Downtown Discovery guided walking tour in Dubai's old quarter.
• Dubai Museum entry.
• Big Bus Tours app for ticket storage, live bus tracking, and mobile ticket activation.
• wheelchair accessibility on all buses.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Big Bus Dubai

Is this one for you?Right for travelers who want to see both cities without a fixed schedule or separate bookings — the shuttle and multiple routes mean you set the pace and skip what doesn't interest you, while the app removes the guesswork about when buses arrive.

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Top questions

Can I use the ticket on different days or does it have to be consecutive?

The ticket is valid for one day in Dubai and one day in Abu Dhabi. Check with the operator about whether those days need to be back-to-back or if you can split them across your stay.

How long does the shuttle between Dubai and Abu Dhabi take?

The shuttle service operates between the two cities, but travel time varies depending on traffic. Plan for at least 1.5 to 2 hours for the journey.

Is entry to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque included?

The ticket includes hop-on hop-off bus access to the mosque stop. Entry fees to the mosque itself are separate; check current admission prices before you go.

What if I want to skip Abu Dhabi and just stay in Dubai?

You can use the full ticket in Dubai alone. The Abu Dhabi portion is optional — you only take the shuttle if you want to visit the capital.

Do I need to book the dhow cruise in advance?

The dhow cruise is included with your ticket. Confirm the departure times and any booking requirements with Big Bus when you activate your ticket in the app.

Are there stops near major hotels?

Yes, the routes cover central Dubai and Abu Dhabi with stops near major malls and hotels. Use the app to find the closest stop to your accommodation.

Can children ride for free?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. Pricing for older children varies; check the operator's age policy when booking.