Dubai’s public bus network is one of the most comprehensive and affordable ways to explore the emirate. Whether you’re a resident commuting to work or a tourist discovering Dubai’s attractions, this complete guide covers everything you need to know about Dubai bus routes, timings, and connections.
Overview of Dubai Bus Network
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) operates over 100 bus routes connecting every corner of the emirate. The network is divided into several categories:
- F-Routes: Feeder services connecting to Dubai Metro stations
- Main Routes: Direct connections between major areas
- Express Routes: Limited-stop services for longer distances
- Night Routes: 24-hour services on select routes
Most Popular Bus Routes
F-Series (Metro Feeder Routes)
These routes are designed to connect residential areas with Dubai Metro stations, making them essential for daily commuters.
F30 – Jumeirah Beach to Business Bay Metro
- Route: Jumeirah Beach ↔ Business Bay Metro Station
- Operating Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:30 AM
- Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes
- Key Stops: Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai Marina, DIFC
- View Detailed Timetable →
F31 – Al Barsha to Mall of Emirates Metro
- Route: Al Barsha ↔ Mall of Emirates Metro Station
- Operating Hours: 5:30 AM – 12:00 AM
- Frequency: Every 8-12 minutes
- Key Stops: Al Barsha Mall, American University of Dubai
- View Detailed Timetable →
F32 – Discovery Gardens to Ibn Battuta Metro
- Route: Discovery Gardens ↔ Ibn Battuta Metro Station
- Operating Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:30 AM
- Key Stops: Discovery Gardens, Jebel Ali Village
- View Detailed Timetables → | Route Details →
F33 – Marina Walk to Damac Properties Metro
- Route: Marina Walk ↔ Damac Properties Metro Station
- Operating Hours: 5:30 AM – 1:00 AM
- Key Stops: Marina Mall, JBR Beach
- View Detailed Timetable →
F34 – Al Sufouh to Dubai Internet City Metro
- Operating Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Key Stops: Knowledge Village, Dubai Internet City
- View Detailed Timetable →
F35 – Media City to Dubai Internet City Metro
- Operating Hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Key Stops: Dubai Media City, American University
- View Detailed Timetable →
High-Frequency Routes (F36-F47)
F36 – Jumeirah Lakes Towers
- Peak Frequency: Every 6-8 minutes
- Key Areas: JLT, Dubai Marina
- View Schedule →
F37 – Palm Jumeirah Connector
- Route: Palm Jumeirah ↔ Nakheel Metro
- Special: Only route serving Palm Jumeirah
- View Detailed Timetable →
F38 – Jumeirah Beach Road
- Operating Hours: 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Tourist Friendly: Connects major beach hotels
- View Detailed Timetable →
F39 – Al Khaleej Road
- Key Stops: Port Saeed, Deira City Centre
- View Detailed Timetable →
F40 – Bur Dubai Historic Area
- Tourist Route: Connects heritage sites
- Key Stops: Dubai Museum, Gold Souk, Spice Souk
- View Detailed Timetable →
F41 – Karama to World Trade Centre Metro
- Shopping Route: Perfect for textile and electronics shopping
- View Detailed Timetable →
F42 – Oud Metha to Dubai Healthcare City
- Medical Route: Serves major hospitals
- View Detailed Timetable →
F43 – Zabeel to Business Bay Metro
- Operating Hours: 5:30 AM – 12:30 AM
- View Detailed Timetable →
F44 – Al Mizhar to Stadium Metro
- Residential Route: Serves eastern Dubai communities
- View Detailed Timetable →
F45 – Dubai Investment Park
- Business Route: Connects major office complexes
- View Route & Stops →
F46 – Al Qusais to Airport Terminal 3 Metro
- Airport Connection: Essential for airport workers
- View Detailed Timetable →
F47 – Mirdif to Rashidiya Metro
- Suburban Route: Connects residential Mirdif
- View Detailed Timetable →
Express and Main Routes
X25 – Express Marina to Downtown
- Express Service: Limited stops, faster travel
- Peak Hours: Every 15 minutes
- View Route & Stops →
X28 – Express Sharjah to Dubai
- Inter-Emirate: Direct connection to Sharjah
- Operating Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- View Schedule →
Numbered Routes
Route 67 – International City to Al Ghubaiba
- Long Distance: Connects southern and central Dubai
- View Timetable →
Route 84 – Hatta Mountain Route
- Tourist Route: Only bus to Hatta Dam and attractions
- Weekend Service: Enhanced frequency on weekends
- View Timetable →
Route 111 – City Center Connector
- Shopping Route: Connects major malls
- View Timetable →
Route 117 – Airport Connection
- 24-Hour Service: Continuous airport access
- View Schedule →
Special Routes
A2 – Dubai International Airport
- Airport Express: Direct hotel connections
- View Timing →
C28 – Circular City Route
- City Tour: Perfect for tourists
- View Timetable →
E102 – Economic Route
- Budget Friendly: Lower fare structure
- View Timetable →
F08 – Heritage Route
- Cultural: Connects historical sites
- View Timetable →
F11 – Knowledge Village Route
- Educational: Serves universities and training centers
- View Schedule & Route →
Inter-Emirate Connections
J01 – Dubai to Sharjah Express
- Express Service: Limited stops between emirates
- View Timetable →
J02 – Dubai to Ajman
- Northern Route: Connects to Ajman city center
- View Schedule & Route →
Dubai Metro Integration
Dubai buses seamlessly integrate with the Dubai Metro system, allowing for efficient multi-modal transportation. Key integration points include:
Major Metro Stations with Bus Connections
Union Metro Station
- Lines: Red and Green Line intersection
- Bus Routes: F39, F40, multiple city routes
- Facilities: Major interchange hub
Burjuman Metro Station
- Line: Green Line
- Bus Connections: Heritage and shopping routes
- Area: Historic Bur Dubai
Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa Metro Station
- Line: Red Line
- Tourist Hub: Direct access to Dubai’s top attractions
- Bus Routes: Multiple feeder services
Mall of Emirates Metro Station
- Line: Red Line
- Shopping: Direct mall access
- Bus Routes: F31, F35, multiple suburban routes
Financial Centre Metro Station
- Line: Red Line
- Business: DIFC access
- Peak Hour: High-frequency services
World Trade Centre Metro Station
- Line: Red Line
- Business: Convention center access
- Exhibition: Enhanced services during events
Creek Metro Station
- Line: Green Line
- Heritage: Old Dubai access
- Tourist: Cultural site connections
Al Jadaf Metro Station
- Line: Green Line
- Residential: Eastern Dubai access
ONPASSIVE Metro Station
- Line: Green Line
- Business: Technology hub access
Fare Information and Payment
Nol Card System
All Dubai buses use the integrated Nol Card system. Card types include:
- Silver Card: Most common, rechargeable
- Gold Card: Premium services access
- Blue Card: Personalized with photo
- Red Ticket: Single/limited use
Fare Structure (2025)
- Standard Route: AED 3-8 depending on zones
- Express Routes: AED 6-15
- Inter-Emirate: AED 10-25
- Peak Hour Surcharge: 25% additional (7-9 AM, 5-8 PM)
Tips for First-Time Bus Users
Planning Your Journey
- Use Official Apps: RTA Dubai app provides real-time updates
- Check Route Maps: Available at all metro stations and online
- Plan Connections: Allow extra time for metro transfers
- Peak Hour Awareness: Services run more frequently but are crowded
Practical Tips
- Air Conditioning: All buses are fully air-conditioned
- Priority Seating: Reserved for elderly, disabled, and pregnant passengers
- Language: Announcements in Arabic and English
- Wi-Fi: Available on select routes
Tourist-Friendly Routes
For visitors, these routes offer the best sightseeing opportunities:
- F38: Jumeirah Beach Road – beach hotels and coastline
- F40: Historic Bur Dubai – museums and heritage sites
- Route 84: Hatta route – mountain scenery and outdoor activities
- C28: City center circular – major attractions
Inter-Emirate Travel
Dubai to Abu Dhabi
- Route: Direct bus service with multiple stops
- Duration: 2-2.5 hours
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes during peak hours
Abu Dhabi Connections
For comprehensive Abu Dhabi public transport, including:
- Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station – main hub
- Mussafah Bus Station – industrial area access
- A15 Bus Timings – city routes
- Route 65 Abu Dhabi – residential connections
Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi Airport
- Special Route: Direct airport connection
- Tourist Friendly: Luggage space available
- Advance Booking: Recommended during peak seasons
Sharjah Connections
- Muwaileh Terminal: Major interchange hub
- Route 611: Kalba to Sharjah service
- 13B Route: Local Sharjah connections
Night Services and 24-Hour Routes
Several routes operate extended hours or 24/7 service:
- Route 117: 24-hour airport service
- F38: Extended service until 1:00 AM on weekends
- F33: Marina service until 1:00 AM
- Main Routes: Most operate until midnight on weekdays
Accessibility Features
Dubai buses are equipped with:
- Wheelchair Access: Hydraulic ramps on all buses
- Priority Seating: Clearly marked areas
- Audio Announcements: In Arabic and English
- Visual Displays: Next stop information
- Emergency Communication: Direct contact with control center
Future Developments
Planned Expansions (2025-2026)
- Route 2020: Enhanced frequency post-Expo legacy
- Smart Bus Stops: Real-time arrival information
- Electric Fleet: Gradual transition to electric buses
- Route Optimization: Data-driven service improvements
Integration Projects
- Dubai Water Canal: New routes serving waterfront developments
- Al Maktoum Airport: Direct connections when operational
- Dubai South: Enhanced connectivity to new urban developments
Official Resources and Support
RTA Official Information
- Website: www.rta.ae
- Customer Service: 8009090 (24/7 hotline)
- Mobile App: RTA Dubai (iOS/Android)
- Social Media: @rta_dubai for real-time updates
Emergency Contact
- RTA Emergency: 8009090
- Police: 999
- Tourist Police: 901
Additional Resources
For banking and other practical needs:
This guide is regularly updated with the latest route information and timings. For real-time updates and service changes, always check the official RTA Dubai app or visit www.rta.ae.
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