Getting around: Your guide to Dubai bus stations

• Features
• List
• Bus Types
• Fare Calculation
• FAQs

Dubai’s dazzling metropolis thrives on its efficient public transport network, and the Dubai Bus service, managed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), sits at the heart of it all. With over 1,500 buses criss-crossing the city, the network offers a convenient and affordable way to travel and explore the emirate. Dubai’s bus stations serve as the backbone of this extensive network, acting as central hubs for residents and tourists alike. This blog serves as your guide to navigating Dubai’s bus stations, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.

KEY FEATURES OF DUBAI BUS STATIONS

Dubai’s bus stations are designed with efficiency and accessibility in mind, catering to a diverse range of passengers. Here are some of the key features:

• Variety of Buses: A diverse bus fleet, including double-deckers, standards and articulated vehicles and metro link options, caters to various routes.
• Air-Conditioned and Informative: All buses are air-conditioned and equipped with screens displaying bus stop details and notifications.

• People of Determination: Dedicated entrances and wheelchair-accessible spaces are standard, along with audible alerts and flashing lights for door operations.
• Distinct Signage and Colours: Buses and bus stops are easily identifiable with distinct signage. Regular buses are marked in red and white, while feeder buses are blue and white.
• Real-Time Information: Tools like the S’hail mobile app and Google Maps provide real-time details on fares, routes and bus locations, facilitating smoother travel planning.

These features collectively enhance the commuting experience, making Dubai’s bus service a reliable and convenient option for residents and visitors.

LIST OF DUBAI BUS STATIONS

Dubai’s bus network is anchored by several major stations, each serving as a vital node in the city’s public transport system. 

BUS STATIONS AT POPULAR METRO STATIONS

Many metro stations, both on the Red and Green lines, have dedicated bus stops to facilitate commuters. You can find Dubai bus stations at these metro stations:

• Etisalat by e& Metro Station
• Abu Hail Metro Station
• Centrepoint Metro Station
• Mall of the Emirates Metro Station

• Ibn Battuta Metro Station
• Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station
• Union Metro Station
• Baniyas Square Metro Station
• Expo 2020 Metro Station
• Stadium Metro Station

MAJOR BUS STATIONS AND THEIR POPULAR BUS ROUTES

Al Ghubaiba and Gold Souk are the two main bus stations in the city. Here’s an overview of the common bus routes.

Al Ghubaiba Station Dubai

• Bus 6: Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Dubai Healthcare City
• Bus 9: Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Business Bay Metro Station
• Bus 12: Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Al Quoz Bus Station
• Bus 15: Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Al Khail Gate
• Bus 29: Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Dubai Mall

• Bus 91: Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Jebel Ali Bus Station
• X23: Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to International City
• X92: Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Dubai Investment Park 1
• E100: Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Abu Dhabi CBS
• E201: Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Al Ain Bus Station
• E306: Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Sharjah, Al Jubail Bus Station

Gold Souq

• Bus 10: Gold Souq Bus Station to Al Quox Bus Station
• Bus 13: Gold Souq Bus Station to Al Qusais DM Housing
• Bus 27: Gold Souq Bus Station to Dubai Mall
• Bus 43: Gold Souq Bus Station to Al Qusais Industrial Area 2
• Bus 53: Gold Souq Bus Station to International City Bus Station
• SM1: Gold Souq Bus Station to Souq Al Marfa Deira
• C05: Gold Souq Bus Station to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station
• 91A: Gold Souq Bus Station to Jebel Ali Bus Station
• 13B: Gold Souq Bus Station to Al Qusais Bus Station
• X94: Gold Souq Bus Station to Dubai Investment Park 1

OTHER KEY DUBAI BUS STATIONS

Other bus stations helping travellers move around Dubai include the following:

• Al Satwa Bus Station
• Al Qusais Bus Station
• Hatta Bus Station
• Union Square Bus Station
• Sabkha Bus Station
• Deira City Centre Bus Station
• Al Karama Bus Station
• Al Jafiliya Bus Station
• Satwa Bus Station
• Al Quoz Bus Station
• Jebel Ali Bus Station
• Stadium Bus Station

Stadium Bus Station is the newest station inaugurated by the RTA. Bus 19, F22, F23A, F23, F23, F24 and W20 will start from this stop besides the Stadium Metro Station.

HOW TO FIND DUBAI BUS STATION NEAR ME?

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) provides innovative tools and services to streamline the process of navigating the Dubai bus station schedule. 

Essential for route planning, S’hail helps you locate the nearest bus stop or station and provides detailed information on all available routes, including journey times and costs.

BUS TYPES IN DUBAI

Dubai’s public transportation agency, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), boasts a well-developed bus network. This network incorporates a sizable fleet of 1,518 buses that service 119 routes.  Significantly, 35 of these routes connect directly with metro stations, offering commuters a convenient multimodal transportation option.

Furthermore, 12 intercity lines extend Dubai’s reach, enabling travel to other emirates. This comprehensive network efficiently covers 82% of Dubai’s urban areas, transporting an impressive daily ridership of approximately 369,248 passengers.

• 170 Double-Decker Buses: Ideal for scenic routes across major attractions.
• 935 Standard Buses and 339 Articulated Buses: These cater to regular and high-capacity routes, respectively.
• Special Metro Links: Designed to facilitate easy transfers between bus stations and metro lines.

FARE SYSTEM AND PAYMENT METHODS

Understanding the fare system and payment methods for Dubai bus network is essential for efficient travel.

Here’s a concise breakdown:

FARE CALCULATION

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) aims to provide its customers with flexibility when buying tickets for public transport in Dubai. To best suit your needs, you can utilise a Red, Silver, Gold or Personalised Nol card.

It’s important to note that your bus fare will be determined by both the type of Nol card you choose and the number of zones you traverse. Fares increase incrementally as you travel through additional zones.

Here’s the Dubai bus price breakdown, depending on your crossed zones. 

FAQs

WHAT DOES PRIORITY SEATING MEAN ON DUBAI BUSES?

Priority seating on Dubai buses is designated for women, children, senior citizens and People of Determination. These clearly marked seats are intended to offer convenience and respect to those who may need it most.

HOW CAN I KNOW THE BUS TIMINGS AT MY STOP? 

Download RTA’s Journey Planner app – S’hail. This approved RTA app displays real-time updates of bus timings at your chosen stop. Refer to the RTA official website for more info about Dubai bus station timings.

HOW DO I CONTACT RTA DUBAI?

For any information, suggestions or complaints about the RTA buses in Dubai, you can call the RTA call centre at 800-9090.

CAN I PAY CASH IN DUBAI BUS?

No, passengers cannot use cash to pay for their journeys on public buses in Dubai. Instead, they must use the NOL Card for RTA public bus services in Dubai.

And that’s a wrap! We’ve covered everything you need to know about Dubai bus stations. From the variety and accessibility of the buses to the advanced facilities at bus stations, Dubai’s transport system is tailored to meet the needs of a diverse passenger demographic.

If you are new to Dubai or frequently travel via public transport, our guide to Dubai Metro will come in handy. Or make yourself familiar with RTA public buses in Dubai.

RTA is always improving the systems and facilities offered to Dubai residents. You can book an RTA cab to get to your destination quickly. While the transportation system in each emirate is robust, the UAE government is making further developments to enhance the country’s transportation network. Follow our blog to learn about upcoming transportation developments in the UAE.