RTA Bus Routes in Dubai (2026 Guide): Timings, Fares, Maps

Key Takeaways

  • You will learn the fastest way to plan any Dubai bus trip using the S’hail app, Wojhati planner, and Google Maps with live arrival times.
  • You will understand Nol card options, typical zone-based fares, and when to use Red Tickets versus reusable Nol Silver or Gold cards.
  • You will find first/last service windows, frequency patterns, and practical rush-hour tips to keep family journeys smooth.
  • You will see every RTA route category in one place—express, feeder, urban, night, intercity, and seasonal—plus essential airport and Global Village links.
  • You will get family-focused guidance on accessibility, prams, priority seating, etiquette, and what to do if you forget to tap out or lose an item.

Dubai makes getting around simple for residents and visitors alike. With air‑conditioned shelters, frequent services, and seamless links to the Metro and Tram, RTA buses are often the most affordable way to reach schools, offices, beaches, and attractions. Whether you are commuting from Academic City, visiting Global Village with the kids, or day‑tripping to Abu Dhabi, this guide brings together everything you need—planning tools, fares, tips, and the full route list—so you can travel confidently.

How Dubai’s RTA Bus Network Works

Dubai’s public transport is operated by the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) and includes the Metro, Tram, Buses, Water Buses, and Abras. Together they cover almost all urban areas and major attractions. RTA’s Public Transport Agency operates a large fleet of buses across a citywide network designed to connect neighborhoods to key hubs and Metro stations, and to other emirates.

  • Network coverage: Approximately 82% of Dubai’s urban areas are served, transporting hundreds of thousands of passengers daily.
  • Route categories: Urban (numbered), Express (X), Feeder (F) linking to Metro/Tram, Central Business District (C), Night (N), Intercity (E), and Seasonal services.
  • Integrated journeys: Most hubs (e.g., Union, Al Ghubaiba, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta) offer quick bus–Metro–Tram transfers.
  • Smart payment: All RTA buses are cashless; use a Nol card or ticket and tap in/out on the reader by the doors.

Plan, Pay, Ride: Simple Steps

1. Plan your trip in seconds

  • Use the S’hail app (RTA’s official journey planner) or the Wojhati trip planner to view routes, live arrivals, and disruptions in real time.
  • Google Maps also shows live bus arrival times across most of Dubai.
  • Check peak times (typically 7:00–9:30 and 17:00–20:00 on weekdays) and allow a few extra minutes for transfers.

2. Choose the right Nol option

  • Nol Silver: Best for most residents and repeat visitors; pay-as-you-go with the lowest standard fares.
  • Nol Gold: Same routes as Silver but access to Gold Class on Metro/Tram; standard buses do not have Gold seating.
  • Nol Red Ticket: Paper ticket for occasional or one-off trips; slightly higher fares per ride.
  • Nol Blue (personalized): For concessions (eligible students, seniors UAE nationals, People of Determination) and auto top-up.

3. Board and sit right

  • Queue at the stop, allow passengers to alight first, then tap your Nol on the card reader by the door until you hear a beep.
  • Priority seating exists for People of Determination and a section is reserved for women and children; please respect signage.
  • Fold prams before boarding; keep luggage clear of aisles and doors.

4. Tap out to avoid maximum fare

  • Always tap out when you leave, even on short rides, to be charged the correct zone fare.

Fares and Nol Card Basics (2026)

Dubai bus fares are zone-based and automatically calculated when you tap in/out. While prices can change, typical single-trip fares with Nol Silver range approximately from AED 3 (one zone) to AED 7.5 (more than two zones). Nol Red Ticket journeys usually cost slightly more per trip. Children under five generally travel free; concessions may apply for eligible students, seniors (UAE nationals), and People of Determination who hold a personalized Nol Blue. Always confirm current fares in S’hail or on the RTA website’s fare calculator before you travel.

  • Buying/Top-ups: Purchase and top up Nol at Metro/bus stations, vending machines, supermarkets, and through the RTA and Nol Pay apps.
  • Fare capping and transfers: S’hail shows the lowest-cost route and applicable transfer window rules across bus/Metro/Tram.
  • Receipts and history: View recent trips and balances in the Nol Pay app or on vending machines.

Timings, Frequency, and Night Travel

  • Typical hours: Most urban routes run from early morning to late evening; high-demand corridors may offer extended hours.
  • Frequency: Feeder and trunk routes often run every 5–12 minutes in peaks; community routes may be every 15–30 minutes.
  • Night routes: Select N‑routes cover key corridors overnight for airport and shift workers; see the night routes listed below.
  • Friday/Sunday notes: UAE weekend (Sat–Sun) may slightly adjust first/last trips—check S’hail’s live times, especially early mornings.

Accessibility, Comfort, and Etiquette

  • Accessibility: Low-floor buses, ramps on many vehicles, priority seats, and accessible bus shelters improve step-free travel.
  • Climate comfort: Most buses and shelters are air‑conditioned; in summer, arrive a few minutes before departure to minimize waiting.
  • Etiquette and rules: Eating/drinking, smoking, and blocking doors/aisles are not permitted and can lead to fines. Offer seats to those who need them.
  • Safety: Use marked crossings near bus stops; do not walk on/near the tramway or bus lanes.

Major Hubs and Useful Connections

  • Deira and Old Dubai: Gold Souq, Union, Baniyas Square connect to historic souqs, abra stations, and the Creek.
  • Bur Dubai and Business Bay: Al Ghubaiba, Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa, and Business Bay link to offices, museums, and Downtown.
  • New Dubai corridor: Mall of the Emirates (MOE), Dubai Internet City, Ibn Battuta serve Marina/JBR, JLT, TECOM, and DIP.
  • Airports: DXB is linked by C01 and several routes to nearby districts, plus seamless transfers to Red Line Metro.
  • Tourist favorites: Direct or frequent links to The Dubai Mall, JBR/Marina, Jumeirah Beach Road, Miracle Garden (seasonal), and Global Village (seasonal).

See the Official Map and Live Planner

For a detailed Dubai map and live route planning, visit the RTA website and the S’hail/Wojhati planners. Always confirm last trips and any diversions before you go.

SEE ALSO: Free Things to do in Dubai with Kids

Complete Dubai Bus Routes (2026)

The lists below reflect the route families use most often across Dubai. Service patterns can change—check live timings in S’hail before you travel.

Dubai Express Bus Routes

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

Dubai Feeder Bus Routes

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

Night Bus Routes

  • Bus N30: Dragon Mart 2 Terminus → Airport Terminal 2
  • Bus N55: Al Ghubaiba Bus Stn → AMI Airport (PTB)

Intercity Routes

  • Bus E100: Al Ghubaiba Bus Stn → Abu Dhabi CBS
  • Bus E101: Ibn Battuta MS → Abu Dhabi CBS
  • Bus E102: Ibn Battuta MS → Mussafa Shabia Bus Stn
  • Bus E16: Al Sabkha Bus Stn → Hatta Bus Stn
  • Bus E201: Al Ghubaiba Bus Stn → Al Ain Bus Stn
  • Bus E301: Al Ahli Club → Sharjah, Al Taawun Terminus
  • Bus E303: Union Square MS → Al Jubail Bus Stn
  • Bus E304: Al Satwa Bus Stn → Al Jubail Bus Stn
  • Bus E306: Ghubaiba Bus Stn → Al Jubail Bus Stn
  • Bus E307: Deira City Center Bus Stn → Al Jubail Bus Stn
  • Bus E315: Etisalat MS → Muwailah Bus Stn
  • Bus E316: Al Rashidiya Bus Stn → Sharjah University
  • Bus E400: Union Square Bus Stn → Ajman Bus Stn
  • Bus E411: Etisalat MS → Ajman Bus Stn
  • Bus E700: Union Square Bus Stn → Fujairah Bus Stn
  • Bus E303A: Al Sabkha Bus Stn → Al Jubail Bus Stn
  • Bus E307A: Abu Hail MS → Al Jubail Bus Stn

Urban Bus Routes

  • Bus 5: Abu Hail MS → Union Square Bus Stn
  • Bus 6: Al Ghubaiba Bus Stn → Dubai Healthcare City
  • Bus 7: Al Quoz, Bus Stn → Al Satwa
  • Bus 8: Al Baraha Bus Stn → Ibn Battuta MS
  • Bus 9: Al Ghubaiba Bus Stn → Business Bay MS
  • Bus 10: Gold Souq Bus Stn → Al Quoz Bus Stn
  • Bus 11A: Gold Souq Bus Stn → Al Awir Immigration
  • Bus 11B: Al Rashidiya Bus Stn → Al Awir Immigration
  • Bus 12: Al Ghubaiba Bus Stn → Al Quoz Bus Stn
  • Bus 13: Gold Souq Bus Stn → Al Qusais DM Housing
  • Bus 13A: Gold Souq Bus Stn → Al Qusais Bus Stn
  • Bus 13D: Gold Souq Bus Stn → Al Qusais Bus Stn
  • Bus 14: Oud Metha Bus Stn → Safa Terminus
  • Bus 15: Al Ghubaiba Bus Stn → Al Khail Gate
  • Bus 17: Al Sabkha Bus Stn → Muhaisnah 4, Wasl Oasis 2
  • Bus 20: Al Warsan 3 → Al Nahda 1, Terminus 2
  • Bus 21: Al Ghubaiba Bus Stn → Al Quoz Ind’l Area-4
  • Bus 22: Deira City Center Bus Stn → Al Nahda 1
  • Bus 23: Oud Metha Bus Stn → Al Nahda 1
  • Bus 24: Al Nahda 2 → International City
  • Bus 26: Oud Metha Bus Stn → Business Bay 2 Bus Stn
  • Bus 27: Gold Souq Bus Stn → The Dubai Mall
  • Bus 28: The Dubai Mall → Oud Metha Bus Stn
  • Bus 29: Al Ghubaiba Bus Stn → The Dubai Mall
  • Bus 30: Dubai Mall MS → Dubai Sky Courts
  • Bus 31: Airport Terminal 2 → Oud Al Mateena
  • Bus 32C: Al Qusais Bus Stn → Al Satwa Bus Stn
  • Bus 33: Al Ghubaiba Bus Stn → Al Qusais Bus Stn
  • Bus 34: Etisalat MS → Al Khawaneej 2
  • Bus 43: Gold Souq Bus Stn → Al Qusais Ind’l Area 2
  • Bus 44: Al Ghubaiba Bus Stn → Al Rashidiya Bus Stn
  • Bus 50: Int’l City Dragon Mart 2 → Al Khail Gate 1
  • Bus 53: Gold Souq Bus Stn → International City
  • Bus 55: Al Satwa Bus Stn → International City
  • Bus 56: Danube Metro Stn → DWC, Staff Village
  • Bus 61: Al Ghubaiba Bus Stn → Ras Al Khor Samari Residence
  • Bus 61D: Al Ghubaiba Bus Stn → Nad Al Shiba Clinic
  • Bus 62: Al Qusais Ind’l Area 5 → Ras Al Khor Vegetable Mar
  • Bus 63E: Al Qusais Bus Stn → Al Quoz Bus Stn
  • Bus 64: Gold Souq Bus Stn → Ras Al Khor
  • Bus 64A: Gold Souq Bus Stn → Ras Al Khor Samari Residence
  • Bus 66: Al Ghubaiba Bus Stn → Al Faqa
  • Bus 67: Al Ghubaiba Bus Stn → Dubai Endurance City
  • Bus 77: Baniyas MS → Al Garhoud, RTA HQ
  • Bus 81: The Dubai Mall → MOEMS
  • Bus 83: Al Ghubaiba Bus Stn → Al Khail MS
  • Bus 84: Al Khail Gate → Jumeirah Beach Residence Stn
  • Bus 88: Deira City Center Bus Stn → Dubai Internet City MS
  • Bus 91: Al Ghubaiba Bus Stn → Jebel Ali Bus Stn
  • Bus 93: Al Ghubaiba Bus Stn → MOE MS
  • Bus 95: Al Baraha Bus Stn → Jebel Ali Waterfront Labour Ca
  • Bus 95A: Ibn Battuta MS → Jebel Ali Waterfront Labour Camp
  • Bus 96: Al Quoz Bus Stn → DIP
  • Bus 97: Al Qusais Bus Stn → Jebel Ali Ind’l Area 7
  • Bus 98E: Al Quoz Bus Stn → Al Satwa
  • Bus 99: Jebel Ali Bus Stn → UAE Exchange MS
  • Bus 310: Al Rashidiya Bus Stn → International City
  • Bus 320: Al Rashidiya Bus Stn → Academic City
  • Bus 367: Etisalat MS → Silicon Oasis
  • Bus D03: Dubai Mall MS → Dubai Design District
  • Bus D03A: Dubai Mall MS → Dubai Design District
  • Bus DPR1: Ibn Battuta MS → Dubai Parks and Resorts
  • Bus H03: Hatta Bus Stn → Masfut, Sheikh Khalifa Hospital
  • Bus J01: MOE MS → Jumeirah Village Circle
  • Bus J02: IMPZ → Mira
  • Bus J03: Dubai Studio City → Damac Hills
  • Bus J04: Dubai Studio City → Remraam
  • Bus JLT1: Sobha Realty MS → JLT, Damas
  • Bus JLT2: DMCC MS → JLT, Silver Tower
  • Bus SM1: Gold Souq Bus Stn → Souq Al Marfa Deira

Urban CBD Bus Routes

  • Bus C01: Airport Terminal 3 → Al Satwa Bus Stn
  • Bus C03: Al Karama Bus Stn → Abu Hail MS
  • Bus C04: Gold Souq Bus Stn → Jaddaf
  • Bus C05: Gold Souq Bus Stn → Al Ghubaiba Bus Stn
  • Bus C09: Al Satwa Bus Stn → Hor Al Anz East, Qiyadah MS
  • Bus C10: Hamriya Port, Control Tower → Mercato Shopping Mall
  • Bus C15: Hamriya Port, Control Tower → Deira City Center Bu
  • Bus C18: Shaikh Rashid Colony → Oud Metha Bus Stn
  • Bus C26: Al Wasl Park → Qusais Ind’l Area
  • Bus C28: Al Baraha Bus Stn → Mamzar Beach Park

Seasonal Bus Routes

  • Bus 102: Al Rashidiya Bus Stn → Global Village
  • Bus 103: Union MS → Global Village
  • Bus 104: Al Ghubaiba Bus Stn → Global Village
  • Bus 105: MOE MS → Miracle Garden
  • Bus 106: MOE MS → Global Village

RELATED: Abu Dhabi Bus Routes (Guide)

Intercity Travel Tips (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Al Ain, Fujairah)

  • Buy or top up your Nol before boarding; intercity buses accept Nol and may have dedicated terminals and queues.
  • Plan extra time for peak-border traffic between Dubai and Sharjah; S’hail shows the fastest departure.
  • For Abu Dhabi trips, compare E100 (Al Ghubaiba) vs E101/E102 (Ibn Battuta) based on your origin point.
  • Carry ID for longer trips; some terminals conduct random security checks.

Family and Student Tips

  • School runs: Aim for earlier buses to guarantee seats; consider a backup feeder route if your first option is crowded.
  • With young children: Use the women-and-children seating area when available; fold strollers before the bus arrives.
  • Heat planning: Minimize midday transfers in summer by checking S’hail’s live countdown and arriving just-in-time.
  • Lost and found: Note your bus number, stop, and time; contact RTA’s 8009090 or report via the RTA Dubai app.

Essential Apps, Links, and Support

  • S’hail (iOS/Android): Door-to-door planning, live arrivals, fare estimates.
  • Wojhati: Web-based route planner and network maps.
  • RTA Dubai app: Nol balance/top-ups, customer care, service updates.
  • Nol Pay app: Balance, transaction history, top-ups, and auto top-up for personalized cards.
  • RTA customer support: 8009090.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Do Dubai buses take cash?

No. RTA buses are fully cashless. You must use a Nol card or a Nol Red Ticket and tap in and out on the card reader. You can buy or top up Nol at stations, vending machines, supermarkets, and via RTA/Nol Pay apps.

What time do buses start and finish?

Timings vary by route, day, and season, but most urban routes start early morning and run until late evening, with high-demand corridors operating longer. Always check S’hail for first/last trip times on your specific route.

How much is a bus ride in Dubai?

Fares are zone-based and typically range from about AED 3 to AED 7.5 per trip with Nol Silver, with Nol Red Ticket rides costing slightly more. Use the RTA fare calculator or S’hail to confirm the latest prices for your journey.

Can I bring a stroller or luggage on the bus?

Yes. Strollers must be folded before boarding and all luggage should be kept clear of aisles and doors. Please respect priority seating and the women-and-children section as signed on the bus.

How do I travel to Global Village or Miracle Garden by bus?

RTA operates seasonal routes: 102/103/104/106 to Global Village and 105 to Miracle Garden (from Mall of the Emirates). These run during attraction seasons only; check S’hail for dates and live timings before you go.

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Comments (196)

JLT marina tower to parko jabel ali bus number please reply me
By Surendra Nayak (Nov, 2025) |

What bus number from international city to Al Quoz 4.. thank you for answering
By Fhagz Friar Angelo Bundac (Aug, 2025) |

Which bus goes from NMC Hospital 2 Al Nahda 1 Dubai to Dubai Airport free zone metro bus station ?
By farhan khurram (Jun, 2025) |

Where is closest metro bus from 147 Al Mina Street, A1 Owais building Al Jadaff to see tourist places
By Diane Thompson (Mar, 2025) |

Dear RTA Team, I want to know buss route from international to DAMAC HILLS-2 Akoya. need your kind help . Thanks
By Syed Imran (Feb, 2025) |

What bus route or metro from Burjuman can take me to Aster hospital in Sonapur?
By Jaya bhatia (Nov, 2024) |

I need to know that Warsan 4 pase 2 the buses are available when and whats timing
By John Jastin K J (Oct, 2024) |

Warsan 4 No bus goes there. Please add atleast one bus (mini bus) service like in other communities.
By Hassan Shehzad (Oct, 2024) |

Are there any bus rout from/to MAG City (Meydan)?
By Aleksandr (Jul, 2024) |

Tomorrow is there any bus rout available dubai caramel school to rashid hospital?
By Geena (Apr, 2024) |