Traveling from Umm Al Quwain to Al Ain may seem overwhelming, but it’s manageable with the right guidance. This budget-friendly journey offers a unique chance to explore the UAE beyond driving. Expect about 6.5 hours of travel time through multiple emirates, including UAQ’s coastal charm and Ajman’s bustling streets. The bus system connects you to Al Ain, the beautiful garden city. Here’s a comprehensive guide to make your trip easier and more enjoyable!
Option 1: The Standard Route
Total Time: 6 hours 32 minutes
On Foot: 1 hour 10 minutes
Transfers: 3
Cost: 30-35 AED
Route Summary:
Start: Umm Al Quwain, Area
On Foot: Walk 3.5 km to Lulu Centre Bus Stop (41 minutes)
Bus UAQ: 46-minute ride with 3 stops, including Al Hamriya Bus Stop, Ajman Bank Main Branch, and Crown Palace Hotel
On Foot: Walk 560 meters to Ajman, Al Manama Mall (5 minutes)
Bus 112: 21-minute ride with 3 stops through Al Sharq Street and Al Rolla
On Foot: Walk 100 meters to Al Jubail Bus Terminal (2 minutes)
Bus 118: 3 hours and 47 minutes to Al Ain Central Bus Station
Bus 911/901: 23-minute ride with 6 stops including various Zayed Bin Sultan St locations
On Foot: Walk 1.3 km to Al Ain, City (15 minutes)
Option 2: The City Landmarks Route
Total Time: 6 hours 37 minutes
On Foot: 1 hour 12 minutes
Transfers: 3
Cost: 30-35 AED
Route Summary:
Start: Umm Al Quwain, Area
On Foot: Walk 3.5 km to Lulu Centre Bus Stop (41 minutes)
Bus UAQ: 46-minute ride with 3 stops through Ajman
On Foot: Walk 560 meters to Ajman, Al Manama Mall (5 minutes)
Bus 112: 21-minute ride with 3 stops
On Foot: Walk 100 meters to Al Jubail Bus Terminal (2 minutes)
Bus 118: 3 hours and 47 minutes to Al Ain Central Bus Station
Bus 919/909: 26-minute ride with 13 stops, including Zayed Bin Sultan St, Emirates Commercial Complex, Presidential Palace, Sheikh Khalifa Grand Mosque, UAE University Student Accommodation
On Foot: Walk 1.7 km to Al Ain, City (19 minutes)
Option 3: The Hospital Connection
Total Time: 6 hours 46 minutes
On Foot: 1 hour 3 minutes
Transfers: 4
Cost: 32-37 AED
Route Summary:
Start: Umm Al Quwain, Area
On Foot: Walk 3.5 km to Lulu Centre Bus Stop (41 minutes)
Bus UAQ: 46-minute ride with 3 stops through Ajman
On Foot: Walk 560 meters to Ajman, Al Manama Mall (5 minutes)
Bus 112: 21-minute ride to Al Rolla Terminal with 3 stops
On Foot: Walk 100 meters to Al Jubail Bus Terminal (2 minutes)
Bus 118: 3 hours and 47 minutes to Al Ain Central Bus Station
Bus X90: 27-minute direct ride to St 1 / Tawam Hospital
Bus 911/901: 17-minute ride with 4 stops including Tawam St, UAE University Maqam Hostels, and Science Park
On Foot: Walk 1.3 km to Al Ain, City (15 minutes)
Option 4: The University Path
Total Time: 6 hours 46 minutes
On Foot: 1 hour 8 minutes
Transfers: 4
Cost: 32-37 AED
Route Summary:
Start: Umm Al Quwain, Area
On Foot: Walk 3.5 km to Lulu Centre Bus Stop (41 minutes)
Bus UAQ: 46-minute ride with 3 stops through Ajman
On Foot: Walk 560 meters to Ajman, Al Manama Mall (5 minutes)
Bus 112: 21-minute ride to Al Rolla Terminal with 3 stops
On Foot: Walk 100 meters to Al Jubail Bus Terminal (2 minutes)
Bus 118: 3 hours and 47 minutes to Al Ain Central Bus Station
Bus X90: 27-minute direct ride to St 1 / Tawam Hospital
Bus 938/928/992/918/919/908/909: 12-minute ride with 3 stops including Khalifa Bin Zayed St / Twam St, Maqam Police Station, and UAE University
On Foot: Walk 1.7 km to Al Ain, City (19 minutes)
Points of Interest Along the Way
During your journey, you’ll pass by several notable locations:
Lulu Centre in Umm Al Quwain – great for last-minute supplies and your first major landmark
Ajman Bank Main Branch area – numerous restaurants and cafes perfect for a quick bite
Crown Palace Hotel area – good spot for a brief rest with proper facilities
UAE University Campus – offers beautiful views of modern architecture and landscaped grounds
Tawam Hospital area – amajor landmark in Al Ain with various facilities nearby
Important Tips for Your Journey
Money Talk: Keep around 40-50 AED handy, and make sure your Nol card isn’t running on empty. Having some extra cash for emergencies is always a smart move!
Timing is Everything: Early morning starts (6-7 AM) are usually less crowded – perfect if you like your personal space. Avoid peak afternoon hours, and remember weekend schedules might be different.
Comfort is Key: Pack a water bottle and some snacks (those 3-hour-47-minute stretches can feel long!). Don’t forget a light jacket – these buses can get seriously chilly with the AC. And wear comfortable walking shoes – you’ll be doing quite a bit of walking!
Weather Ready: Consider bringing an umbrella or hat for those walking portions – the UAE sun can be intense, especially during the longer walks like the 3.5 km stretch to Lulu Centre.
Prayer Time: Remember to factor in prayer breaks during your journey – they might affect the bus schedules and overall timing.
Why Choose Bus Travel?
While this isn’t the fastest way to travel between these Emirates, it offers several advantages:
Cost-effective compared to taxi services
Chance to see different Emirates up close
Flexible stops along the way
Environmentally friendly option
Great way to experience local life
Looking for more travel routes? Enjoy a scenic coastal drive from Umm Al Quwain to Ras Al Khaimah to discover the northern emirate’s mountainous charm, or take a quick trip from Umm Al Quwain to Ajman to explore its bustling neighbor – both routes showcase the unique character of the UAE’s northern coastal cities.
The journey from Umm Al Quwain to Al Ain is lengthy but offers an authentic UAE experience at a low cost. Each route has its perks, so pick one based on your priorities—minimizing walking, visiting landmarks, or reaching specific spots in Al Ain. Check current schedules before traveling, as timings may vary. While the trip takes time, it’s a unique way to experience the transition from Umm Al Quwain’s coastal charm to Al Ain’s oasis vibe. Enjoy the adventure!