If you’ve ever booked a flight on Etihad Airways and noticed your departure or arrival point listed as XNB, you might be wondering—what is XNB in Dubai? Is it an airport? A secret terminal? Or just a bus stop?
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what XNB means, why it appears on flight itineraries, and what travelers need to know about the XNB Dubai bus station when planning their journey.
What Is XNB?
XNB is not an airport. It’s actually the IATA code for a bus station in Dubai, specifically used by Etihad Airways for their intercity coach service that connects Dubai to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH).
When you book an Etihad flight departing from Dubai, your booking might include a complimentary luxury coach transfer from Dubai to Abu Dhabi Airport. In such cases, your itinerary will list XNB as the departure “airport”—even though you’ll actually be boarding a bus.
So in short:
🚌 XNB = Etihad’s Dubai coach terminal (not an airport)
✈️ It connects passengers to Etihad flights departing from Abu Dhabi International (AUH)
Where Is XNB in Dubai?
The XNB Dubai bus station is located at the Al Wasl Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road, near Noor Bank Metro Station.
Here’s the full address:
Etihad Travel Mall, Al Wasl Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Located opposite Mazaya Centre
Near Noor Bank or Business Bay Metro (depending on your direction)
You should arrive at least 30 to 60 minutes before departure, as the bus leaves on a strict schedule and passengers must check in with their Etihad booking reference or e-ticket.
Is XNB a Real Airport?
This is one of the most common questions:
What is XNB airport?
Is there such a thing?
The confusion is understandable. XNB is not an airport. It is simply coded that way in travel systems so that it can be treated as part of your full air itinerary. This allows seamless check-in, baggage handling, and ticketing, even though part of your journey is by road.
So if you see:
From: XNB
To: JFK (New York)
…it means:
You’ll board an Etihad bus in Dubai (XNB)
Then get dropped off at Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH)
Then fly to New York (JFK)
Why Does Etihad Use XNB?
Etihad’s hub is in Abu Dhabi (AUH), not Dubai. But since many travelers live in or visit Dubai, Etihad offers a free coach transfer service from Dubai to AUH for added convenience.
To simplify bookings, the IATA code “XNB” is used to represent the bus terminal in Dubai, so that your coach + flight can be combined into one ticket.
This is especially helpful for:
Seamless baggage check-in
Clear transfer timelines
Visa and immigration planning
It’s similar to how rail-and-fly services work in Europe, where a train leg might be included in a flight itinerary.
What Does a Ticket From XNB to a Destination Look Like?
When you book with Etihad and your trip starts in Dubai, your ticket may show something like:
XNB - JFK (New York)
Flight number: EY 1001 (XNB to AUH), EY 101 (AUH to JFK)
Here:
EY 1001 is the bus ride, coded like a flight
EY 101 is your actual plane flight from Abu Dhabi
It may seem odd, but it’s fully normal and recognized by immigration, airlines, and travel platforms.
What Is the Etihad Bus Station XNB Like?
The Etihad Travel Mall, home of the XNB bus terminal, is a dedicated center for passengers traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi on Etihad.
Features include:
Comfortable seating lounges
Check-in counters (sometimes available)
Baggage handling to AUH in advance for some guests
Clean restrooms, AC waiting area
The buses are luxury coaches with:
Reclining seats
Air conditioning
USB ports
Luggage compartments
Complimentary water
The trip from XNB to AUH takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
Who Can Use the XNB Coach Service?
Only passengers holding a confirmed Etihad ticket with XNB as the origin or destination can use the coach.
You must:
Book it during your flight reservation (or later via Manage Booking)
Present your ticket or e-boarding pass
Arrive early
Note: This service is free for Economy, Business, and First Class passengers. However, no-show or late arrivals may result in denial of boarding, so plan ahead.
FAQs
What is XNB Dubai?
XNB is the bus station in Dubai used by Etihad Airways to transfer passengers to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). It’s not an airport.
Where is XNB Dubai bus station?
It’s located at Etihad Travel Mall, Al Wasl Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road.
Can I go to the airport directly instead of XNB?
Yes, if you're in Abu Dhabi, you can go directly to AUH. But if your ticket starts from XNB, you are expected to start your journey there.
Is XNB used by airlines other than Etihad?
No. Currently, Etihad is the only airline using XNB as a terminal code for ground transport.
Final Thoughts: XNB Is Dubai’s Gateway to Etihad Flights
XNB might sound like an airport, but it's actually a smart way for Etihad Airways to link passengers in Dubai to its Abu Dhabi hub. With clear signage, comfortable coaches, and seamless integration into your itinerary, the Etihad bus station XNB offers a unique and convenient travel experience.
So the next time you see XNB on your boarding pass, don’t panic—it just means your journey begins by road before taking to the skies.
