Abu Dhabi cruise terminal - bus ticket available?

[adam7392]

Hi

Anyone know if the prepaid Hafalat smart card for use on local buses is available in the Abu Dhabi cruise port terminal? 

[40yearcruiser]

Also, is there a bus stop near the cruise port terminal for a bus that can take us to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque? 

[adam7392]

On 2/13/2023 at 4:09 AM, 40yearcruiser said:

Also, is there a bus stop near the cruise port terminal for a bus that can take us to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque? 

We did this last year you really have 3 options, don't think the local bus would be doable.

1 - take an MSC / local tour

2 - take  a taxi - its about 20km.  We are literally just back from another cruise to Abu Dhabi and took a taxi to the Qasr Al Watan Presidential palace which was 15km and cost about $20 so expect about $30.  Just get into a taxi at the port and ensure the meter is running rather than negotiate a price as it'll be cheaper on the meter rahter than negotiated.

3 - Hop on Off bus - did this last year.  The HoHo bus from the terminal takes you to a central location.  From there there is a circular route round the central area and a seperate route just to the mosque.

 

My advice would be to get a taxi to the mosque first thing, spend an hour or so doing that, then get another taxi to the Presidential Palace which is spectacular.  From there we did a 20 min walk to the beach for a couple of hours (entry to the beach plus sun beds and parasol is cheap).  Then flag taxi back to the port.  All in you'd be looking at around $70-$80 taxi fares and $20 for the beach.

[40yearcruiser]

Thanks for the information. We prefer to travel local when possible rather than take a tour so are looking for alternatives. Is it logical to assume that it will not be difficult to get a taxi from place to place? We were hoping to be able to take a local bus as we are not fond of the HOHOs.

[adam7392]

Loads of taxis outside Abu Dhabi and Dubai cruise terminals.  We also had no issue flagging down a taxi in Abu Dhabi after leaving the beach.  

[edinburgher]

We were hoping to be able to take a local bus to  the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque? 

 

We spent some time pre-trip trying to find out if a bus card was available at the terminal but had no success.(You need this Hafilat to board a bus)

 

In the end, we exited the ship and went to the taxi area where a small number of passengers were standing, and in a loud voice simply asked if anyone was looking for a taxi share to the mosque.

 

Immediately one couple stepped forward so we agreed the shared ride.  Others waiting there then began sorting themselves into taxi shares!  En route we discovered that "our couple", like ourselves were keen to get there quickly as they had booked the 1000 free tour, the same one we had booked.  We arrived before opening but were able to enter the grounds and take exterior photos before the crowds arrived.  We four did our tour (highly recommended by the way, read reviews online), then we all shared another taxi to the Emirates Palace Hotel where we split up on arrival and we all did our own thing from then on.  I can also recommend visiting the Emirates Palace, not only the outside, but also the indoor public areas. It is quite the place with huge grounds including fountains, a cricket ground and a private beach close to which we saw superyachts. Images and info online. 

 

It worked well.  More costly than a bus, less costly when the taxi fares were split between two couples, and we were lucky when leaving the mosque that "our couple" also wanted to visit the hotel. Remember  that mosque entry and the mosque tour are free, as is the hotel unless you buy one of their gold cappuccinos! We walked after that, along the Corniche until we reached the shopping area where our ship shuttles were dropping off and picking up.

 

There were a few taxis at the port but many many at the mosque so finding one wasn't an issue. And we didn't see a public bus at either location.

Edited April 23, 2023 by edinburgher