F21 is a Dubai RTA feeder bus. It starts at Al Nahda Metro Station on the Green Line, loops through Al Nahda 1 and Al Nahda 2, and comes back to the same stop. The bus runs from early morning until just after midnight, with a bus every 10 to 20 minutes. A ride costs AED 3 with a Silver nol card, and it adds no extra fare after a metro ride in the same zone!
| Quick fact | F21 |
|---|---|
| Official name | F21 Al Nahda MS – Al Nahda 2 |
| Operator | Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai |
| Route type | Feeder bus, circular loop |
| Start and end | Al Nahda Metro Bus Stop 2 |
| Stops | 20 stops, 21 stop calls (the loop returns to stop 1) |
| Metro links | Al Nahda and Stadium stations, both Green Line, fare zone 5 |
| First bus | Around 04:30 |
| Last bus | Around 00:30 (just after midnight) |
| Gap between buses | About 10 to 20 minutes |
| Loop time | About 35 to 50 minutes |
| Fare | AED 3 with a Silver nol card |
| Live times | S’hail and RTA Dubai apps |
| RTA helpline | 800 9090 |
What is a feeder bus?
A feeder bus is a short local route that carries people to and from a metro station. F21 does this for Al Nahda. You do not need a car or a taxi to reach the Green Line, because the bus passes homes, schools, clinics and offices along the way.
F21 is a loop, so it does not have a “to” and “from” side. You can board at any stop and ride until you reach the stop you need.
F21 bus route and stops
F21 leaves Al Nahda Metro Bus Stop 2, runs through Al Nahda 1 and Al Nahda 2, and returns to the same stop. The first and last stop are the same, so the loop has 21 stop calls but only 20 different stops. Stop 3 is Stadium Metro Bus Stop 2, so you can join F21 from Stadium Metro Station too.
This table lists all the stops in order. The two time columns show the minutes you can expect from stop 1, in the morning and in the evening.
| # | Stop | Minutes from stop 1, morning | Minutes from stop 1, evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al Nahda Metro Bus Stop 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2 | Ministry of Information 2 | 3 | 2 |
| 3 | Stadium Metro Bus Stop 2 | 6 | 5 |
| 4 | Al Nahda 1, DEWA-1 | 12 | 8 |
| 5 | Al Maaref Private School | 13 | 8 |
| 6 | NMC Hospital 1 | 17 | 13 |
| 7 | Al Nahda, Canary Bldg 1 | 20 | 15 |
| 8 | Al Nahda, 12 St 2 | 21 | 16 |
| 9 | Al Nahda, Madina Super Market 2 | 23 | 18 |
| 10 | Al Nahda, Motawa Building 1 | 25 | 19 |
| 11 | Al Noor Building 2 | 26 | 20 |
| 12 | Al Hawai Twin Towers | 28 | 22 |
| 13 | Ahli House 1 | 29 | 23 |
| 14 | Al Shawi Tower | 32 | 25 |
| 15 | Desert Group Building 4 | 35 | 27 |
| 16 | Al Nahda, Park 1 | 37 | 29 |
| 17 | Al Nahda, Park 2 | 38 | 30 |
| 18 | Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation 2 | 43 | 33 |
| 19 | Emirates Driving Institute 2 | 47 | 35 |
| 20 | Sheikh Rashid Colony 1-2 | 48 | 36 |
| 21 | Al Nahda Metro Bus Stop 2 (end of loop) | 51 | 37 |
Times change with traffic. Stop names can differ a little between apps, so check S’hail for the stop nearest to you!
F21 bus timings
F21 runs every day. The first bus usually leaves Al Nahda Metro Bus Stop 2 around 04:30, and the last bus leaves around 00:30.
Times can shift a little, so open the S’hail app to see the exact time at your stop. Hours also change on public holidays and in Ramadan, so check the app before you travel.
Buses do not always keep to the minute. Reach the stop 5 minutes early so you do not miss yours!
How often F21 runs
A bus comes about every 10 to 20 minutes for most of the day. Just missed one? The next one is usually 10 to 20 minutes away.
How long the F21 loop takes
A full loop takes about 35 to 50 minutes. It is quickest when the roads are quiet and slowest in the morning rush.
| When you ride | Loop time |
|---|---|
| First buses of the day | About 35 minutes |
| Morning rush | Up to about 50 minutes |
| Evening | About 35 to 40 minutes |
| Last bus of the night | About 35 minutes |
Sample trips on F21
The stop table helps you plan a ride. These times come from the minutes in that table, so treat them as a guide and not a promise.
- Al Nahda Metro to NMC Hospital (stop 6): about 17 minutes in the morning and 13 minutes in the evening.
- Al Nahda Metro to Al Nahda Park (stop 16): about 37 minutes in the morning and 29 minutes in the evening.
- Stadium Metro to Al Nahda Park: about 31 minutes in the morning and 24 minutes in the evening.
- Al Nahda Metro to Emirates Driving Institute (stop 19): about 47 minutes in the morning and 35 minutes in the evening.
Remember that the bus goes one way only. Getting on at stop 2 and heading to Al Nahda Metro? You ride almost the whole loop, about 48 minutes in the morning. A short walk can be faster than waiting for the bus to come around!
F21 fare and nol card
F21 is a one-zone route, so a ride costs AED 3 with a Silver nol card. This table shows what you pay by the number of zones you travel.
| Zones travelled | Silver | Gold | Blue (personal) | Red ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Within 1 zone (F21) | AED 3 | AED 6 | AED 3 | AED 4 |
| 2 adjacent zones | AED 5 | AED 10 | AED 5 | AED 6 |
| More than 2 zones | AED 7.50 | AED 15 | AED 7.50 | AED 8.50 |
How payment works on F21:
- Tap your nol card on the reader when you board and again when you get off.
- Keep at least AED 7.50 on the card before you start.
- Metro and bus trips made within 30 minutes are billed as one journey, based on the total zones you pass. You can make up to 3 transfers in a journey of up to 180 minutes.
- Children aged 5 and under travel free. People of determination travel free with a personal (blue) nol card linked to their Sanad card. Students aged 5 to 23 and seniors aged 60 and over, both Emiratis and residents, get 50% off with a personal (blue) nol card.
Coming from the metro? RTA lets metro passengers ride feeder buses free when the whole trip stays in one zone. Al Nahda and Stadium stations are both in fare zone 5, so F21 adds no extra fare when your whole trip stays in zone 5. Coming from another zone? You pay the multi-zone fare once for the whole journey. Use the same nol card for both rides and check the fare in the S’hail app.
How to catch F21 from Al Nahda Metro Station
- Ride the Green Line to Al Nahda Station, which is in fare zone 5.
- Tap out of the metro gates with your nol card.
- Go to the stop named Al Nahda Metro Bus Stop 2. This is the start of F21 in the S’hail app.
- Tap in on the bus within 30 minutes of leaving the metro, so RTA bills both rides as one journey.
- Tap out when you get off.
Want to join the loop at Stadium Metro Station instead? Ride the Green Line to Stadium and board at Stadium Metro Bus Stop 2. That is stop 3 on the loop.
Other buses at Al Nahda and Stadium stations
These routes meet F21 at the two metro stations. Al Nahda is on the Green Line. Our Al Nahda Metro Station guide has full station details, and Wikipedia’s Al Nahda station page lists every bus link there. You can also browse all Dubai metro stations.
| Route | Runs between | Station |
|---|---|---|
| F21 | Al Nahda MS – Al Nahda 2 | Al Nahda, Stadium |
| F81 | Al Qusais Ind’l Area Terminus 1 – Al Nahda MS | Al Nahda |
| 13 | Gold Souq Bus Stn – Al Qusais DM Housing | Al Nahda |
| 17 | Al Sabkha Bus Stn – Muhaisnah 4, Wasl Oasis 2 | Al Nahda, Stadium |
| 31 | Airport Terminal 2 – Oud Al Mateena | Al Nahda |
| 43 | Gold Souq Bus Stn – Al Qusais Ind’l Area 2 | Al Nahda |
| 64 | Gold Souq Bus Stn – Ras Al Khor | Al Nahda, Stadium |
| X28 | Lulu Village – AGORA Mall | Al Nahda |
| C18 | Sheikh Rashid Colony – Oud Metha Bus Stn | Al Nahda, Stadium |
| F22 | Stadium Bus Stn – Qusais Ind’l Area 2 | Stadium |
| F24 | Stadium Bus Stn – Qusais Ind’l Area 3 | Stadium |
Buses 22 and E308 also stop at Stadium Metro Station, and the feeder route F08 (Dubai Festival City – Al Nahda 2) serves the same area. Check S’hail for their stops and times. Routes 13, 43 and 64 start at Gold Souq Bus Station, route 17 starts at Sabkha Bus Station and C18 runs to Oud Metha Bus Station.
Areas and places F21 serves
F21 covers Al Nahda 1 and Al Nahda 2 in Dubai. Sharjah has its own Al Nahda area, and F21 does not go there. Stadium Metro Station is close to Rashid Stadium.
These are the stops people ask about most:
- Stop 2: Ministry of Information
- Stop 6: NMC Hospital
- Stops 16 and 17: Al Nahda Park
- Stop 18: Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation
- Stop 19: Emirates Driving Institute
- Stop 20: Sheikh Rashid Colony
Who F21 is good for
F21 suits people who live or work in Al Nahda and want an easy link to the metro. It also helps if you are visiting a clinic, a driving lesson at Emirates Driving Institute, or a government office on the loop. Students and families use it too, because the fare is low and the stops are close to many buildings.
Only going a short way? Check the stop table first. Two stops can be close on the map but far apart on the loop.
Tips for riding F21
- Check S’hail before you leave. It shows the next bus at your stop.
- Reach the stop 5 minutes early in the morning rush.
- Sit near the doors if you plan to get off soon. The loop has many stops close together!
Alternate options
F21 is the easy way around Al Nahda, but it is not the only way. Bus late, or missed the last one? Try these:
- Metro. The Green Line stops at Al Nahda and Stadium stations. You can ride the metro and then walk to your building if it is close to the station. Heading further? Change to the Red Line at Union Metro Station or BurJuman Metro Station.
- Other feeder buses. F22 and F24 start at Stadium Bus Station.
- Main routes. Buses 17 and 64 stop at both metro stations, and C18 does too.
- Taxi or ride-hailing. A taxi is the simplest choice late at night or with heavy bags. Ask the driver for Al Nahda 1 or Al Nahda 2 and name a building or stop.
Accessibility and help
Many RTA buses are low-floor, with a ramp for wheelchairs and reserved wheelchair spaces. People of determination travel free on Dubai buses with a blue nol card.
Need help? Call RTA on 800 9090 or email AS*@*ta.ae. The S’hail, RTA Dubai and nol Pay apps show live bus information and let you top up your card!
F21 bus route FAQ
What is the F21 bus route in Dubai?
F21 is an RTA feeder bus that loops from Al Nahda Metro Bus Stop 2 through Al Nahda 1 and Al Nahda 2 and back to the same stop. RTA lists it as Al Nahda MS – Al Nahda 2.
What time is the first F21 bus?
The first F21 usually leaves Al Nahda Metro Bus Stop 2 around 04:30. Check the S’hail app for the exact time on your day.
What time is the last F21 bus?
The last F21 leaves Al Nahda Metro Bus Stop 2 around 00:30. Check the S’hail app for the exact time on your day.
How often does F21 run?
A bus comes about every 10 to 20 minutes for most of the day.
How much is the F21 bus fare?
F21 costs AED 3 with a Silver nol card, AED 6 with Gold, AED 3 with Blue and AED 4 with a Red ticket.
Is the F21 bus free after the metro?
Often, yes. RTA lets metro passengers ride feeder buses free when the whole trip stays in one zone. Al Nahda and Stadium stations are both in fare zone 5, so F21 adds no extra fare when your whole trip stays in zone 5. Coming from another zone? You pay the multi-zone fare once for the whole journey. Use the same nol card for both rides and check the fare in the S’hail app.
How long does the F21 loop take?
A full loop takes about 35 to 50 minutes. It is quickest early and late in the day and slowest in the morning rush.
Does F21 run on Fridays?
Yes. F21 runs every day, including Fridays. Check the S’hail app before you go. Hours also change on public holidays and in Ramadan.
Which metro stations does F21 connect to?
F21 connects to Al Nahda Metro Station at stop 1 and Stadium Metro Station at stop 3. Both are on the Green Line in fare zone 5.
Does F21 go to Sharjah?
No. Sharjah has its own Al Nahda area, but F21 stays in Dubai. It loops through Al Nahda 1 and Al Nahda 2.
Where do I catch F21 near Al Nahda Park?
Use stop 16, Al Nahda, Park 1, or stop 17, Al Nahda, Park 2. Both are on the F21 loop.
Is F21 a circular route?
Yes. F21 starts and ends at Al Nahda Metro Bus Stop 2 and loops through Al Nahda 1 and Al Nahda 2 in between.
Can I use a Red ticket on F21?
Yes. A Red ticket costs AED 4 for a trip within one zone, which covers F21.
What if I miss the last F21?
Take a taxi or a ride-hailing car from the nearest metro station or main road. You can also check S’hail for other buses that are still running.