Global Village Dubai — Updated 2025 Bus Timings & Travel Guide

What is Global Village

Global Village Dubai is a seasonal cultural & entertainment destination that brings together pavilions from countries around the world, live shows, rides, food stalls, and more. For the 2025‑2026 season (Season 30), the park runs from 15 October 2025 to 10 May 2026.

Getting to Global Village by public transport is easy thanks to dedicated bus routes by Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

RTA Bus Routes to Global Village (2025)

RTA operates several seasonal bus routes that connect major metro or bus stations across Dubai to Global Village.

Bus Route	Departure Station	Typical First Bus Time*	Frequency	Notes
102	Centrepoint (Rashidiya)	~ 15:00	Every 30‑60 min	Serves Dubai Airport / eastern areas
103	Union Metro Station	~ 14:15–14:45	Every 30‑40 min	Good for Deira / central Dubai dwellers
104	Al Ghubaiba Bus Station	~ 14:45–15:00	Every 30‑60 min	Old Dubai / Creek‑side areas access
106	Mall of the Emirates Metro Station	~ 14:40–15:00	Every 30‑60 min	Fast route; often least travel time
108 (seasonal)	Satwa / Al Satwa Bus Station	15:00 onward (weekends/holidays)	Varies	Adds extra capacity on busy nights

*Exact first-bus times may vary slightly with traffic or season; best to check live on RTA or transport apps.

Park Operating Hours & Bus Timing Alignment

• Global Village’s official visiting hours for season 2025‑2026 are: Sunday to Wednesday: 16:00–24:00; Thursday to Saturday: 16:00–01:00.
• RTA times are optimized for these hours — buses typically start mid‑afternoon and return trips run late at night.

This makes bus travel a practical option whether you plan to go early evening or stay late at the park.

Ticket Price & How to Pay

• RTA buses to Global Village use the standard fare system; fare depends on travel zone but usually remains in the lower single-zone range.
• Payment is via a valid NOL Card — cash is not accepted on RTA buses.

Always make sure your NOL card has enough balance before boarding.

Tips for a Smooth Ride

• Arrive early: Reach the metro/bus station 10–15 minutes early to catch the first available bus.
• Crowds: Buses can get crowded on weekends and holidays — especially after 6 PM. Try to travel earlier to avoid long waits.
• Last bus: Make sure to catch the last bus to avoid missing your ride back. Return trips run until midnight or 1 AM depending on the day.
• Live updates: Use transport apps for live updates on bus timings and traffic.

Alternative Travel Options

If you’re not near a departure station listed above, you can also take a taxi, drive your own car, or use rideshare services. These options offer more flexibility, especially if you’re traveling in a group or have heavy luggage. Many visitors prefer buses for affordability, but cars are often faster depending on traffic.

Why Using RTA Bus to Global Village Makes Sense

• Affordability: It’s more affordable compared to taxi or private transport.
• Direct routes: Buses run directly from key parts of Dubai — no need for multiple transfers.
• Convenience: Safe and convenient, with buses running regularly through the evening, aligned with park hours.
• Great for solo travellers, couples, or families without a car.

FAQs

Which bus routes go directly to Global Village?

RTA’s direct seasonal routes are 102, 103, 104, 106, and sometimes 108 on weekends or holidays.

What time does the first bus usually leave?

It depends on the route — around 2:45 PM to 3:15 PM is common for most direct buses.

What about return buses from Global Village?

Return buses run until the park closes (typically midnight to 1:00 AM).

Can I pay by cash?

No. RTA buses require a valid NOL Card.

Is Bus 106 from Mall of the Emirates fast?

Yes. Bus 106 often has the shortest travel time (around 35‑40 minutes) from metro to Global Village.