An Ultimate Guide to RTA Buses in Dubai

• Types of RTA Buses
• Dubai Bus Fares
• Dubai Bus Stations and Routes
• Plan Your Journey on the Dubai Bus
• RTA Dubai Contact
• FAQs

Getting around in Dubai is quite convenient and economical, thanks to the efforts of the Road and Transport Authority (RTA). The public bus network in Dubai is extensive and well-managed, with proper regulations and processes to ensure convenience and ease. RTA buses in Dubai operate through a well-structured system and understanding how it works can help you easily access and use the transport facility.

About Dubai Buses

The large fleet of Dubai RTA buses is operated by the Public Transport Agency (PTA), which is part of RTA Dubai. The current fleet comprises 1,518 buses, which are part of an extensive bus network. It includes 35 lines connecting to metro stations, 8 fast lines, 119 internal lines, as well as 12 inter-city bus lines and 62 internal routes. Covering approximately 82% of the emirate’s metropolitan areas, this bus network facilitates around 369,248 passengers per day.

Types of RTA Buses in Dubai 

Four types of RTA Dubai buses are serviced in the emirate: double-decker (170), standard buses (935), articulated (339) and Metro link buses.

Dubai Bus Fares

Dubai is divided into seven zones and public bus services operate in each of them. Bus fares depend on the distance or number of zones you have travelled. You can transfer from the Bus to the Metro, Tram and Water bus, based in different zones, to complete your journey. The transfers will also constitute your total fare.

Please take note that you can make the transfer within 30 minutes from a Metro to a bus. This way, you will be charged for just one trip. Whereas if there’s a delay in taking a bus after checking out from the Metro station, you have to pay for two trips.

Dubai Bus Fare Payment Methods

The RTA Dubai bus fares are paid using nol cards. The minimum fare within one zone using an nol card is AED 3. Detailed below are the fares charged by nol cards:

Fare According To Zone	Silver Card	Gold Card	Blue Personal Card	Red Card (Ticket)
Within 1 Zone	AED 3	AED 6	AED 3	AED 4
2 Adjacent Zone	AED 5	AED 10	AED 5	AED 6
More than 2 Zones	AED 7.5	AED 15	AED 7.5	AED 8.5
Student, Social Affairs & Senior Emiratis and Citizens	N/A	N/A	50%	N/A
People of determination	N/A	N/A	Free	N/A
Children (5 years old and below)	Free	Free	Free	Free

Note: Passengers using the Gold Class on the Dubai Metro and Tram must pay a Gold Class surcharge in addition to the standard fare. This surcharge applies only to Metro and Tram journeys. 

For instance, if a passenger travels within Zone 2 on the Tram and the Gold surcharge is deducted, then transfers to the Metro and remains in Zone 2, no additional surcharge is applied. However, if the Metro journey continues into other zones, a new Gold surcharge will be charged based on the additional zones travelled.

Public Bus Stations and RTA Bus Routes in Dubai

The bus stations in Dubai offer a variety of buses running on different routes. The emirate has several bus stations, including two main bus stations, seven sub-bus stations, five feeder bus stations and one outside bus station. The names of bus stations and categories are listed as follows: 

• Main bus stations: Al Ghubaiba and Gold Souq
• Sub bus stations: Al Satwa, Al Quasis, Al Sabkha, Deira City Centre, Al Karama, Al Quouz and Union Square 
• Feeder bus stations: Mall of Emirates, Al Rashidiya, Ibn Battuta, Abu Hail and Jebel Ali 

External bus station: Hatta

Dubai Bus Timings

The departure timings of Dubai buses vary depending on the respective station. As given on the RTA’s official website, Dubai bus timings are between 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM (the next day). The C01 bus on the CBD route services in the city for 24 hours. 

Currently operating Intercity bus services are: E100, E101, E102, E201, E303, E306, E307, E307A, E315, E400, E411, E16 and E700. They operate between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Hatta, Fujairah and Al Ain. Moreover, you can view the timetable of buses in Dubai on the RTA Dubai App and the S’hail App.

RTA Dubai Bus Routes

Public buses in Dubai serve seven different types of RTA bus routes. Here’s all the Dubai bus routes to help you identify your closest station and determine which route to take to reach your destination within the emirate and in neighbouring cities.

Bus Types and Their Respective Routes

The bus routes are comparatively faster and have limited stops connecting to prime areas of Dubai. RTA has pinned these stops at central locations for the convenience of daily commuters. Here is the list of bus routes of different buses in Dubai.

Express Bus Routes

Here is the list of Express Bus Routes with their route IDs.

• 13B Gold Souq Bus Station to Al Qusais Bus Station
• 91A Gold Souq Bus Station to Jebel Ali Bus Station
• X02 Union MS to Al Satwa
• X13 LuLu Village to Al Satwa Bus Station
• X22 Al Qusais Industrial Area 2 to Business Bay MS
• X23 Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to International City
• X25 Al Karama Bus Station to Silicon Oasis HQ
• X28 Lulu Village to Dubai Internet City MS
• X64 Al Baraha Bus Station to Ras Al Khor
• X92 Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Dubai Investment Park
• X94 Gold Souq Bus Station to Dubai Investment Park

Feeder Bus Route 

The Feeder route buses service from bus stations located at Mall of the Emirates, Jebel Ali, Ibn Battuta, Abu Hail and Al Rashidiya. These bus stations are pinned at or near the Dubai Metro stations facilitating passengers to other areas of the Emirate. The Feeder buses operate during Dubai Metro operating hours and are frequent.

Here is the list of Feeder Bus Routes in Dubai:

• F01 Union MS to Al Baraha
• F02 Etisalat MS to Al Muhaisnah 4
• F03 Al Rashidiya Bus Station to Mirdiff West
• F04 GGICO MS to Sabkha, Turnoff
• F05 Al Rashidiya Bus Station to Mizhar 1
• F06 Al Rashidiya Bus Station to Al Rashidiya
• F07 Etisalat MS to AL Qusais DM Housing
• F08 Dubai Festival City to Al Nahda 2
• F09 Al Jafiliya Bus Station(Dubai Frame)to Al Wasl Park
• F10 Al Rashidiya Bus Station to Dubai Safari Park
• F11 Financial Centre MS to Al Satwa
• F12 MAX MS to Al Wasl Park
• F13 Dubai Mall MS to The Dubai Mall
• F14 Business Bay 2 Bus Station to Business Bay MS
• F15 Al Safa MS to Al Qouz Industrial Area 2
• F16 Al Safa MS to Al Qouz, New Housing
• F17 Al Safa MS to Al Khail Gate
• F18 Oud Metha MS to Lamcy Plaza
• F19A Bay Square to Business Bay 2 Bus Station
• F19B Business Bay 2 Bus Station to Bay Square
• F20 Business Bay MS to Al Safa 1
• F21 Al Nahda MS to Al Nahda 2
• F22 Stadium MS to Qusais Industrial Area 2
• F23 Stadium MS to Al Nahda Terminus
• F23A Stadium MS to Al Nahda 1, Terminus 2
• F24 Stadium MS to Qusais Industrial Area 3
• F25 Umm Al Sheif MS to Al Quoz Industrial Area 3 & 4
• F26 Al Safa MS to Umm Al Sheif MS
• F27 Al Jafiliya Bus Station to Al Satwa
• F28 Emirates Tower MS to Satwa
• F29 EQUITI MS to Al Wasl Road
• F30 Mall of Emirates Bus Station to Dubai Studio City
• F31 Dubai Internet City MS to The Meadows East
• F32 Mall of Emirates Bus Station to The Sustainable City
• F33 Mall of Emirates Bus Station to Al Barsha 3
• F34 DIC MS to Dubai Production City
• F35 Mall of Emirates Bus Station to The Greens
• F36 Mall of Emirates Bus Station to Arjan
• F37 Mall of Emirates Bus Station to Sports City
• F38 Jumeirah Golf Estates MS to Dubai Sports City
• F41 Business Bay MS to Coral Tower
• F43 Ibn Battuta Bus Station to Discovery Gardens
• F44 Energy MS to Jebel Ali Gardens
• F45 Al Furjan to Discovery Gardens
• F46 Ibn Battuta Bus Station to DIP 2
• F47 Danube MS to DIP 2
• F48 Danube MS to DIP 2
• F49 Danube MS to Jebel Ali Industrial Area
• F50 DIP MS to DIP 2
• F51 DIP MS to DIP 1
• F53 Danube MS to Dubai Ind’l City
• F54 Danube MS to JAFZA South
• F55 Expo 2020 MS to AMI Airport (PTB)
• F56 DIC MS to Al Khail MS
• F57 Jebel Ali MS to Bluewaters Island
• F60 Al Rashidiya Bus Station to Downtown Mirdiff Gate
• F61 Al Rashidiya Bus Station to Al Warqa’a
• F62 Nadd Al Hamar to Emirates Metro Station
• F70 Oud Metha Bus Station to Dubai Museum
• F81 Al Qusais Ind’l Area Terminus 1 to Al Nahda MS

Night Dubai Bus Routes

There are two buses that service in the city from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM every day to facilitate residents during late hours. The night bus routes in Dubai are:

• N30 International City to Dubai International Airport Terminal 2
• N55 Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Al Maktoum Airport

Urban Bus Routes

Here is the list of Urban Bus Routes in Dubai:

• 5 from Abu Hail MS to Union Square Bus Station
• 6 Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Dubai Healthcare City
• 7 from Al Quoz, Bus Station to Al Satwa
• 8 from Al Baraha Bus Station to Ibn Battuta Bus Station
• 9 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Business Bay MS
• 10 from Gold Souq Bus Station to Al Quoz Bus Station
• 11A from Gold Souq Bus Station to Al Awir Immigration
• 11B from Al Rashidiya Bus Station to Al Awir Immigration
• 12 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Al Quoz Bus Station
• 13 from Gold Souq Bus Station to Al Qusais DM Housing
• 13A from Gold Souq Bus Station to Al Qusais Bus Station
• 13D from Gold Souq Bus Station to Al Qusais Bus Station
• 14 from Oud Metha Bus Station to Safa Terminus
• 15 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Al Khail Gate
• 17 from Al Sabkha Bus Station to Muhaisnah 4, Wasl Oasis 2
• 18 from Al Nahda 1 to Muhaisinah 4
• 19 from  Al Nahda 1 to Al Qusais
• 20 from Al Warsan 3 to Al Nahda 1, Terminus 2
• 21A from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Al Quoz Industrial Area 4
• 21B   Al Quoz Ind’l Area-4 – Al Ghubaiba Bus Stn  
• 22 from Deira City Center Bus Station to Al Nahda 1
• 23 from Oud Metha Bus Station to Al Nahda 1
• 24 from Al Nahda 2 to International City Bus Station
• 26 from Oud Metha Bus Station to Business Bay 2 Bus Station
• 27 from Gold Souq Bus Station to The Dubai Mall
• 28 from The Dubai Mall to Oud Metha Bus Station
• 29 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to The Dubai Mall
• 30 from Dubai Mall MS to Dubai Sky Courts
• 31 from Airport Terminal 2 to Oud Al Mateena
• 32C from Al Qusais Bus Station to Al Satwa Bus Station
• 33 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Al Qusais Bus Station
• 34 from Etisalat MS to Al Khawaneej 2
• 36A   Etisalat MS to Dubai Silicon Oasis  
• 36B  Dubai Silicon Oasis to Etisalat MS  
• 43 from Gold Souq Bus Station to Al Qusais Industrial Area 2
• 44 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Al Rashidiya Bus Station
• 50 from International City Bus Station to Al Khail Gate 1
• 53 from Gold Souq Bus Station to International City
• 55 from Al Satwa Bus Station to International City
• 56 from Danube Metro Station to DWC, Staff Village
• 61 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Ras Al Khor Samari Residence
• 61D from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Nad Al Shiba Clinic
• 62 from Al Qusais Industrial Area 5 to Ras Al Khor Vegetable Mar
• 63E from Al Qusais Bus Station to Al Quoz Bus Station
• 64 from Gold Souq Bus Station to Ras Al Khor
• 64A from Gold Souq Bus Station to Ras Al Khor Samari Residence
• 66 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Al Faqa
• 68 from Lehbab First Park to Seeh Al Salam
• 67 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Dubai Endurance City
• 77 from Baniyas MS to Al Garhoud, RTA HQ
• 81 from The Dubai Mall to Mall of Emirates Bus Station
• 83 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Al Khail MS
• 84 from Al Khail Gate to Jumeirah Beach Residence Station
• 88 from Deira City Centre Bus Station to Dubai Internet City MS
• 91 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Jebel Ali Bus Station
• 93 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Mall of Emirates Bus Station
• 95 from Al Baraha Bus Station to Jebel Ali Waterfront Labour Camp
• 95A from Ibn Battuta Bus Station to Jebel Ali Waterfront Labour Camp
• 96 from Al Quoz Bus Station to DIP
• 97 from Al Qusais Bus Station to Jebel Ali Industrial Area 7
• 98E from Al Quoz Bus Station to Al Satwa
• 99 from Jebel Ali Bus Station to UAE Exchange MS
• 110 from Al Safa Metro Station to Al Quoz Creative
• 310 from Al Rashidiya Bus Station to International City
• 320 from Al Rashidiya Bus Station to Academic City
• D03 from Dubai Mall MS to Dubai Design District
• DPR1 from Ibn Battuta Bus Station to Dubai Parks and Resorts
• DS1 from Expo 2020 MS to Dubai South
• J01 from Mall Of Emirates Bus Station to Jumeirah Village Circle
• J02 from IMPZ to Mira
• J03 from Dubai Studio City to Damac Hills
• J04 from Dubai Studio City to Remraam
• JLT1 from Sobha Realty MS to JLT, Damas
• JLT2 from DMCC MS to JLT, Silver Tower
• SH1  Dubai Mall Metro Station to Sobha Hartland  
• T10  Dubai Mall to City Walk  
• W20 Mamzar Beach Park to Stadium Bus Stn 

Urban Central Business District (CBD) Bus Routes 

Central Business District (CBD) bus routes operate in the prime central business district of the Emirate. You can locate CBD bus stops in Deira and Bur Dubai, primarily. The buses on this route run between the following starting and ending stops:

• C01 from Airport Terminal 3 to Al Satwa Bus Station
• C03 from Al Karama Bus Station to Abu Hail MS
• C04 from Gold Souq Bus Station to Jaddaf
• C05 from Gold Souq Bus Station to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station
• C09 from Al Satwa Bus Station to Hor Al Anz East, Qiyadah MS
• C10 from Hamriya Port, Control Tower to Mercato Shopping Mall
• C15 from Hamriya Port, Control Tower to Deira City Centre Bus Station
• C18 from Shaikh Rashid Colony to Lamcy Plaza
• C26 from Al Wasl Park to Qusais Industrial Area
• C28 from Gold Souq Bus Station to Mamzar Beach Park

Seasonal Bus Routes 

RTA runs buses on routes that head to some major attractions in Dubai. These are called seasonal bus routes since they service for a specific time period. Global Village and Dubai Miracle Garden are two renowned tourist attractions in the Emirate that are open for a specific duration. You can easily reach these places via RTA Express buses running on seasonal routes, listed below:

• 102 from Al Rashidiya Bus Station to Global Village
• 103 from Union MS to Global Village
• 104 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Global Village
• 105 from Mall of Emirates Bus Station to Miracle Garden
• 106 from Mall of Emirates Bus Station to Global Village

Hatta Bus Routes

RTA is operating the following Hatta Bus Routes:

• H02 from Hatta Bus Station to Dubai Mall
• H03 from Hatta Bus Station to Masfut, Sheikh Khalifa Hospital
• H04 from Hatta Bus Station to Heritage Village

Route H02 operates from 7 AM to 7 PM daily, with a 2-hour difference, using deluxe coaches. They charge AED 25 per rider per journey. Whereas, Route H04, Hatta Hop on-Hop Off, starts and ends at Hatta Bus Station. It passes through Hatta Wadi Hub, Hatta Hill Park, Hatta Dam and Heritage Village. It operates from 7 AM to 9 PM daily with a 30-minute difference. The ride is charged AED 2 per rider per bus stop.

Intercity Bus Routes 

The Intercity bus routes by RTA facilitate commuting to other neighbouring cities of Dubai. Usually, RTA buses run from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Al Ain and Hatta. The buses on this route are prefixed with E.

Here is the list of intercity bus routes currently operational from Dubai:

• E100 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
• E101 from Ibn Battuta Bus Station to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
• E102 from Ibn Battuta Bus Station to Mussafa Shabia Bus Station
• E16 from Al Sabkha Bus Station to Hatta Bus Station
• E201 Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Al Ain Bus Station
• E301 Al Ahli Club to Sharjah, Al Taawun Terminus
• E303 from Union Square MS to Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah
• E304 Al Satwa Bus Station to Al Jubail Bus Staton, Sharjah
• E306 from Ghubaiba Bus Station to Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah
• E307 from Deira City Center Bus Station to Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah
• E315 from Etisalat Metro Station to Muwaileh, Sharjah
• E316 from Al Rashidiyah Bus Station to Sharjah University
• E400 from Union Square MS to Ajman Bus Station
• E411 from Etisalat Metro Station to Ajman Bus Station
• E700 from Etisalat Metro Station to Fujairah
• E303A from Al Sabkha Bus Station to Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah
• E307A from Abu Hail Metro Station to Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah

Luxury Coaches in Dubai for Intercity Commute

Dubai RTA operates intercity bus services, denoted with an ‘E’ prefix, that connect Dubai to other emirates in the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman and Hatta. These services include premium and deluxe coaches on routes such as E102, which links Ibn Battuta Bus Station (Dubai) with Musaffah Community Bus Station (Abu Dhabi). 

Relaunched in August 2022, E102 offers comfortable, air-conditioned journeys on modern coaches, departing hourly. The service is part of RTA’s efforts to enhance inter-emirate connectivity within its integrated public transport network.

Dubai Bus On-Demand

Dubai Bus On-Demand app is an initiative by the Road and Transport Authority (RTA). It’s a ride-sharing service for residents and tourists, both. They can avail this service simply by downloading the Dubai Bus On-Demand app. Register yourself on the app to use the ride-sharing service. 

This is an affordable commute option operational in specific zones in Dubai. The Dubai Bus On-Demand service accommodates many travellers at a time heading towards the same destination. Users can book a ride on the shared bus using the app.

Dubai Bus On-Demand Routes

Dubai Bus On-Demand app is an innovative initiative by the RTA. It’s a ride-sharing service for both residents and tourists. They can avail this service simply by downloading the Dubai Bus On-Demand app. Register yourself on the app to use the ride-sharing service.

Bus On-Demand Fare and Payment Method

You can pay for the fare using a valid credit card or NOL card. The fare per trip/passenger is AED 5 and AED 4 for an additional passenger on the same trip. 

How to Plan Your Journey on a Dubai Bus

When it comes to locating public bus stations and routes in Dubai, S’hail mobile app and Google Maps are the two best options for the said purpose. You can conveniently find routes and stations through these applications and plan your journey accordingly. 

Plan your Journey via S’hail App

S’hail is an RTA-powered mobile application that assists everyone in navigating all the public modes of transportation, including buses in Dubai. The app provides real-time details of toll-gate fares, transit, locations of bus stations and stops, commute time and distance and traffic information. 

Plan your Journey via Google Maps

You can locate bus stations near you using Google Maps. Simply add your location in the map, and the app will show all the stations, pinned nearby. The map will also highlight the route from your location to the bus station, along with approximate commute time and distance. 

Plan your journey via RTA’s website

You can plan your journey in Dubai on the RTA website as well. Simply visit the website, select public transport and choose ‘Journey Planner’. Enter your location and destination details from the available options, select date and timings and check the bus from the preferred transportation section.

Facilities in RTA Dubai Buses

The RTA bus stations and buses in Dubai are equipped with different facilities for the convenience of commuters. Along with other facilities they also announce new service timings for Eid Ul Adha and other holidays to ensure the availability of public transport. For instance: 

• There are 2158 bus stands across the Emirate, including 554 waiting areas for passengers that are fully air-conditioned.
• All the bus stops, stations and buses have screens displaying information related to stops and routes. 
• Alert sounds are played on door opening and closing. Flashlight signals are installed to facilitate passengers with hearing impairment. 
• Bus stations and buses in Dubai have dedicated space for People of Determination (PoD). Wheelchair users can board the bus with ease and settle into their allotted space. Additionally, there are more facilities for people of determination using public transport in Dubai.
• RTA buses also have separate sections for females and children.
• All the main public bus stops in Dubai feature vending machines and cafeterias. 
• NOL top-up machines are installed at the main bus stops in the Emirate.
• There is also a dedicated section for women, children, and families.
• The main area stations offer proper parking spaces for bicycles and taxis. 
• E-card machines for card swapping are installed in the bus for the ease of passengers. 

General Guidelines on Using Public Buses in Dubai

• The three rows behind the driver’s seat are reserved for ladies and children.
• Eating, drinking and smoking is prohibited in the bus and doing so may result in hefty fines.
• Spitting and littering is strictly prohibited and will result in hefty fines. 
• Animals are not allowed on the bus. 
• Don’t carry heavy luggage with you on the bus. 
• Playing musical instruments or creating noise on the bus is also prohibited. 

RTA Dubai Contact Information

You can get in touch with the RTA, by filling up the form on the RTA website. 

Other forms of contacts are via email, call or a personal visit.

• Email address: ASK@rta.ae
• Address: Roads & Transport Authority, P. O. Box: 118899, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Phone number: 800-90-90 or chat with a customer service agent anytime via the RTA Dubai official website. 

Moreover, you can visit RTA Customer Happiness Centres in Dubai, located in Deira, Al Aweer, Al Kifaf, Umm Ramool, Al Twar, Al Barsha, and Al Manarah.

FAQs

How to Pay for a Bus in Dubai?

You can pay the bus fare in cash or via nol card.

Can I use my nol card on RTA buses?

Yes, nol cards are used to pay for all RTA buses in Dubai.

Are there intercity buses from Dubai?

Yes, RTA operates buses to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, Fujairah, Ajman and Hatta.

At What Time Does the RTA Bus Start?

The timings vary depending on the bus type and other factors. However, generally, the RTA buses start servicing from 4:00 AM.

The guide on buses in Dubai concludes here. RTA buses in Dubai provide a smart, affordable and reliable means of travel across the city and its nearby emirates. With modern buses, wide coverage and easy nol card payments, public transport is simple and accessible for everyone. Plan your trip and enjoy a smooth ride every day.

That said, if commuting via bus is much of a hassle for you, then you may opt to buy a used car in Dubai that fits your budget.

Stay tuned to the UAE’s popular auto blog for more information about different modes of public transport across the UAE.