Heading from Sharjah to Dubai by bus? The E303 takes you from Al Jubail Bus Station straight to Union Bus Station in Deira!
This RTA intercity bus costs AED 12 one way, and you pay with a nol card. Your ride takes about 50 to 58 minutes, and Union connects you to both Dubai Metro lines.
This guide covers the Sharjah to Dubai direction: where you board, all 15 stops with travel minutes, fares, timings and other ways to reach Dubai. Riding the other way? See our E303 Union to Sharjah bus guide.
| Quick Highlights | |
| Route | E303, RTA intercity bus |
| From | Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah |
| To | Union Bus Station, Dubai |
| Fare | AED 12 one way |
| Payment | nol card, minimum balance AED 7.50 to check in |
| Travel time | 50 to 58 minutes |
| Stops | 15, including both ends |
| Midday frequency | About every 10 to 12 minutes |
| Dubai Bus hours | 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM (next day) |
| RTA help | 800 9090 |
E303 Bus Timings from Sharjah to Union
Operating hours
RTA’s bus timetable page says Dubai Bus is fully operational from 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM the next day. The E303 is listed there as one of RTA’s intercity routes.
RTA does not post a fixed first or last E303 time on that page. Your exact times depend on the date you travel.
Sample departures from Al Jubail
These departures come from a journey planner search for Wednesday 14 October 2026.
| Departs Al Jubail | Arrives Union | Trip time |
|---|---|---|
| 11:45 AM | 12:43 PM | 58 minutes |
| 11:57 AM | 12:53 PM | 56 minutes |
| 12:07 PM | 1:02 PM | 55 minutes |
| 12:19 PM | 1:14 PM | 55 minutes |
Around midday, buses left every 10 to 12 minutes. Late at night they run far less often. The Transit app shows trips every 60 minutes for late-night service.
Find the first and last bus for your date
- Open the RTA journey planner.
- Type Al Jubail Bus Station as your start and Union Bus Station as your destination.
- Pick your date. Choose an early time to find the first bus, then a late time to find the last one.
- Check that the result says E303, because the planner may suggest other routes too.
E303 Stops from Sharjah Al Jubail to Union
The bus makes 15 stops toward Dubai. Each time below shows the usual minutes from Al Jubail, so you can plan any trip!
Image alt text: E303 Sharjah to Union bus stops with minutes from Al Jubail Bus Station
| No. | Stop | Minutes from Al Jubail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sharjah, Al Jubail Bus Station | Start |
| 2 | Sharjah, King Faisal Road, Adnoc Petrol Station | About 5 |
| 3 | Sharjah, King Faisal Road, Jumbo-Sony | About 8 |
| 4 | Sharjah, Al Wahda Road, City Center | About 11 |
| 5 | Sharjah, Al Wahda Rd, Al Wahda Center 2 | About 12 |
| 6 | Sharjah, Al Wahda Rd, Subway 1 | About 14 |
| 7 | Sharjah, Ithihad Road, Al Safeer Mall | About 18 |
| 8 | Sharjah, Ithihad Road, Ansar Mall | About 21 |
| 9 | Mahlab School | About 32 |
| 10 | Abu Hail, Clinic | About 38 |
| 11 | Abu Baker Al Siddique Road | About 41 |
| 12 | Muraqqabat, Police Station | About 44 |
| 13 | Reef Mall | About 45 |
| 14 | Salah Al Din bus stop | About 46 |
| 15 | Union Bus Station | About 50 |
These minutes come from the stop times shown in the Transit app. Rush-hour traffic can add time.
Handy stops in Dubai
- Muraqqabat, Police Station: close to Muraqqabat Police Station in Deira.
- Salah Al Din bus stop: near Salah Al Din Metro Station on the Green Line.
- Union Bus Station: the last stop, a short walk from Union Metro.
Good to know
- The bus going to Sharjah uses a slightly different path. It stops at The Center and Old Gold Souq, and skips Abu Baker Al Siddique Road, Muraqqabat and Reef Mall.
- RTA rerouted the E303 through the Al Mamzar bus lane from 25 October 2020. That old RTA E303 route map shows Sharjah Mamzar and Al Qasba stops, which current stop lists do not include.
- RTA’s route list calls the Dubai end Union Square. Apps call it Union Bus Station. It is the same place.
Boarding the E303 at Al Jubail Bus Station
Al Jubail Bus Station is the main bus hub in Sharjah, close to the old Gold Souq and the Corniche.
- Look for the E303 sign on the departure boards. Stands can change, so check the board on the day.
- Arriving by Sharjah city bus? Those buses are run by the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) and use the Sayer card, not nol.
- Carry a nol card for the E303 itself, because Sayer does not work on RTA buses.
- Can’t reach Al Jubail? Board at any stop on King Faisal Road, Al Wahda Road or Ithihad Road instead.
E303 Fare and nol Card Payment
| Trip | Fare |
|---|---|
| One way, Al Jubail to Union | AED 12 |
| Two one-way trips | AED 24 |
| Minimum nol balance to check in | AED 7.50 |
You pay with a nol card. Cash is not taken on board.
- Place your card on the reader at the bus entrance when you board.
- Wait for the beep or green light that confirms check-in.
- Tap the reader again at the entrance when you get off.
Keep more than AED 12 on your card. The AED 7.50 minimum only lets you check in, and the full fare is taken once you check out.
How Long the E303 Takes from Sharjah to Union
Plan on 50 to 58 minutes.
- Midday sample (14 October): 55 to 58 minutes from Al Jubail to Union.
- Stop times on Transit: about 50 minutes end to end.
- Peak hours: the Sharjah to Dubai road gets very busy, so allow extra time.
Catching a flight or a train? Leave a buffer of at least 20 to 30 minutes.
Arriving at Union: Metro Connections
Union Metro Station is where the Dubai Metro Red and Green lines meet. That makes Union a great place to finish your bus trip!
- Red Line: ride toward the airport through Al Rigga Metro Station, or south toward Downtown and Dubai Marina.
- Green Line: ride toward Bur Dubai through BurJuman Metro Station and Oud Metha.
- Walking time: allow a few minutes between the bus stand and the metro gates.
Curious about the station itself? Wikipedia’s Union Metro page covers its history.
Your First E303 Trip from Sharjah: Step by Step
New to intercity buses? Follow these steps and your first ride will feel easy!
- Get a nol card. Buy one at any Dubai Metro station or an RTA ticket office, and top it up with more than AED 12.
- Check the time. Search Al Jubail Bus Station to Union Bus Station in the RTA journey planner on the morning you travel.
- Reach Al Jubail early. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your bus so you have time to find the right stand.
- Find the E303 board. Read the route number on the front of the bus before you get on.
- Tap in. Hold your card on the reader at the entrance until you see the green light.
- Watch for your stop. Use the minutes table above, or follow your trip on a map app.
- Tap out. Touch the reader again as you leave the bus, so the correct fare is taken.
Who the E303 Suits Best
- Daily commuters living near Al Wahda Road, King Faisal Road or Ithihad Road in Sharjah.
- Metro riders who want to change to the Red or Green Line at Union.
- Budget travellers, since AED 12 is far cheaper than a taxi across the border.
- Visitors to Deira, with stops near Abu Hail, Muraqqabat and Reef Mall.
Your trip ends far from Deira? An E306 to Bur Dubai or an E308 to Al Qusais may save you a metro change.
Alternate Options: Other Ways from Sharjah to Dubai
Your best bus depends on where in Dubai you are going. Five RTA intercity routes leave Al Jubail, and each one ends in a different area.
Image alt text: Sharjah Al Jubail to Dubai options: E303, E306, E307, E307A, E308 buses and taxi
| Option | Ends in Dubai at | Fare | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| E303 | Union Bus Station | AED 12 | Deira and both metro lines |
| E306 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | AED 12 | Bur Dubai |
| E307 | Deira City Centre Bus Station | AED 12 | Deira City Centre |
| E307A | Abu Hail Metro Station | AED 12 | Abu Hail, Green Line |
| E308 | Stadium Bus Station | AED 12 | Al Qusais and Al Nahda |
| Taxi | Your door | Meter + extra charge | Speed and heavy bags |
E306 to Al Ghubaiba
Staying in Bur Dubai? The E306 ends at Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, close to the creek and the abra stations.
E307 and E307A to Deira
The E307 runs to Deira City Centre Bus Station. The E307A ends at Abu Hail Metro Station on the Green Line.
E308 to Stadium
RTA started the E308 on 2 May 2025, as the Dubai Media Office announced. It runs between Al Jubail and Stadium Bus Station for AED 12 one way.
Taxi
A taxi takes you door to door with no changes. Trips between emirates carry an extra charge on top of the meter, so ask the driver before you set off.
Want more route ideas? Browse all our UAE bus station guides.
Ramadan, Eid and Public Holiday Timings
E303 times can change during Ramadan, Eid and public holidays. Search your exact date in the RTA journey planner before you travel.
Still unsure? Call RTA on 800 9090 or use the RTA contact page.
Quick Tips for Your E303 Ride
- Top up your nol card in Dubai or online before your trip.
- Check the E303 sign on the board at Al Jubail.
- Use the minutes table to know when your stop is close.
- Leave extra time in the morning and evening rush.
- Get off at Union for the easiest metro change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the timing of the E303 bus from Sharjah to Union?
Dubai Bus runs from 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM the next day. Around midday, an E303 leaves Al Jubail about every 10 to 12 minutes, and the ride takes 50 to 58 minutes. Check the RTA journey planner for the exact times on your date.
How much is the E303 bus fare from Sharjah to Union?
The E303 fare is AED 12 one way. You pay with a nol card.
How long does the E303 take from Sharjah to Union?
The E303 takes about 50 to 58 minutes. Traffic and the time of day can make it longer.
Where do I board the E303 in Sharjah?
You board at Al Jubail Bus Station. You can also get on at E303 stops on King Faisal Road, Al Wahda Road and Ithihad Road.
How do I find the last E303 bus from Sharjah?
Open the RTA journey planner, enter Al Jubail Bus Station and Union Bus Station, and search a late time on your travel date. The last result marked E303 is your last bus.
What is the minimum nol balance to board the E303?
RTA says you need at least AED 7.50 on your nol card to check in. The fare is AED 12, so top up before you travel.
Can I use a Sayer card on the E303?
No. The Sayer card is for Sharjah city buses. The E303 is an RTA bus, so you need a nol card.
Which Dubai metro lines can I reach from the E303?
Union Bus Station is next to Union Metro Station, where the Red and Green lines meet.
Final Words
The E303 is a simple, low-cost way to travel from Sharjah to Dubai.
- You pay AED 12 one way with a nol card.
- Your trip takes about 50 to 58 minutes over 15 stops.
- Union links you to both Dubai Metro lines.
- The E306, E307, E307A and E308 cover other parts of Dubai.
Check the live time in the RTA journey planner before you leave, and have a safe trip.