Top 5 Most Scenic Train or Bus Routes in the UAE – 2025 Travel Guide

Tuesday, 27 May 2025

The United Arab Emirates is known for its glittering skyscrapers, luxury cars, and futuristic cities. But beyond the urban skylines lies a quieter, more breathtaking side of the UAE—one that’s best experienced on the road or by rail. With new infrastructure projects transforming public transport across the country, 2025 is the perfect year to explore the UAE through its most scenic train and bus routes. Whether you’re a tourist or a resident looking for weekend adventures, these journeys promise stunning views of deserts, mountains, coasts, and culture.

Table of Contents

• Etihad Rail: Abu Dhabi to Fujairah (via Al Ain and Sharjah)
• Dubai RTA Bus E700: Dubai to Fujairah
• Sharjah to Khor Fakkan – Al Rafisah Dam Route
• Ajman to Ras Al Khaimah – Coastal and Desert Mix
• Dubai Metro Route 2020 to Expo City
• Frequently asked questions

1. Etihad Rail: Abu Dhabi to Fujairah (via Al Ain and Sharjah)

Mode: Train

Estimated Duration: 2.5–3 hours

Best For: Desert landscapes, mountain views, and cross-emirate travel

The long-awaited Etihad Rail passenger service is finally rolling out in 2025, and its Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route is quickly becoming the crown jewel of scenic rail travel in the UAE. Starting from Abu Dhabi, the train cuts through vast desert landscapes, past camel farms and heritage forts in Al Ain, and into the rugged Hajar Mountains of Fujairah.

You’ll pass through Sharjah’s protected desert zones and emerge in the lush valleys of the East Coast. The ride offers breathtaking window views, making it perfect for photographers, travel bloggers, or anyone craving a relaxing escape from city life.

Highlight: Crossing the Hajar Mountains into Fujairah is a jaw-dropping experience with tunnels, bridges, and natural rock formations.

2. Dubai RTA Bus E700: Dubai to Fujairah

Mode: Intercity Bus

Estimated Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Best For: Budget travel with stunning mountain backdrops

If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly way to explore the UAE’s East Coast, hop aboard the E700 RTA bus from Dubai to Fujairah. Departing from the Union Square Bus Station, this route takes you on a smooth highway ride with scenic pitstops through Sharjah and the inland town of Masafi, famous for its natural springs and market.

As the bus ascends into the foothills of the Hajar Mountains, you’ll be treated to dramatic cliffside views, rocky wadis, and winding mountain passes. It’s a calm, comfortable ride with plenty of Instagram-worthy moments.

Highlight: The descent into Fujairah with a panoramic view of the coastline is unforgettable.

3. Sharjah to Khor Fakkan – Al Rafisah Dam Route

Mode: Local Bus / Private Tour Bus

Estimated Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Best For: Mountain lovers and nature enthusiasts

Sharjah’s route to Khor Fakkan has rapidly become one of the UAE’s top scenic drives thanks to the newly upgraded highway that tunnels through the Hajar Mountains. Whether you join a local tour bus or take a Sharjah intercity bus, this route offers lush scenery, well-preserved nature reserves, and a stop at the stunning Al Rafisah Dam—a new family-friendly destination surrounded by blue waters and hiking trails.

The contrast between Sharjah’s arid plains and Khor Fakkan’s coastal charm is what makes this route exceptional.

Highlight: The tunnel through the mountain opening into a lush dam landscape is picture-perfect.

4. Ajman to Ras Al Khaimah – Coastal and Desert Mix

Mode: Intercity Bus

Estimated Duration: 2 hours

Best For: Coastal desert scenery and cultural landmarks

Departing from Ajman Bus Station, this lesser-known route heads north into the cultural heart of the Northern Emirates. The journey takes you along low-traffic desert highways, past old villages, ancient mosques, and camel farms, until you reach the beach-lined shores of Ras Al Khaimah.

What makes this route scenic is the slow transition from flat desert lands to RAK’s beach resorts and the dramatic backdrop of the Jebel Jais mountain range.

Highlight: As the bus nears Ras Al Khaimah, you’ll spot distant views of Jebel Jais, the UAE’s tallest mountain—especially magical during golden hour.

5. Dubai Metro Route 2020 to Expo City

Mode: Metro

Estimated Duration: 25–30 minutes

Best For: Urban architecture and futuristic vibes

While not a traditional countryside route, Dubai Metro Route 2020 is a marvel of modern design that offers a different kind of scenic journey. Stretching from Jebel Ali to Expo City Dubai, this metro line is elevated above ground for much of the trip, giving riders sweeping views of Dubai’s urban developments, desert fringes, and iconic architecture.

As you move westward, the city slowly fades into newer zones like Dubai South, where solar parks and green spaces dominate the landscape. Expo City itself is a futuristic marvel with sustainable pavilions and artistic installations.

Highlight: The skyline views from the metro as it travels parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road are stunning—especially at sunset.

Tip: Combine Scenic Travel with Stops

If you have the flexibility, plan your trip with stopovers. For example:

• Combine the Sharjah–Khor Fakkan route with a kayaking session at Al Rafisah Dam.
• Take the E700 to Fujairah, then spend the night at a beach resort or explore the Fujairah Fort and historic mosques.
• Ride the Etihad Rail, then book a connecting tour in Fujairah to visit waterfalls or the Snoopy Island reef.

In 2025, the UAE’s transport network is more scenic and traveler-friendly than ever. Whether you’re journeying by luxury train through mountains or hopping on an RTA bus for a budget-friendly adventure, there’s no shortage of natural beauty and cultural charm to enjoy along the way.

So next time you think of travel in the UAE, don’t just fly or drive—take the scenic route and rediscover the country from a new perspective.