RTA Bus Routes in Dubai Overview
The effective RTA Bus Routes in Dubai have definitely made visiting the city easy for tourists or visitors, thanks to the Road and Transport Authority’s (RTA) tireless efforts.
Several RTA routes connect to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, making it one of Dubai’s major transit hubs for inter-emirate and local travel.
Dubai’s public bus network is well-designed and well-managed, with clear instructions, regulations, and processes in order to ensure convenience and ease.
It is worth noting that a large fleet of Dubai RTA buses is operated by the Public Transport Agency (PTA), a crucial component of the RTA in Dubai.
Moreover, the current RTA bus fleet in Dubai comprises approximately 1,518 buses, which are part of a comprehensive bus network.
Despite this, it also includes around 35 lines connecting to metro stations, 8 quick lines, 119 internal lines, 12 inter-city bus lines, and 62 internal routes.
In short, the RTA Bus covers almost 82% of the Emirate’s metropolitan areas, facilitating around 369,248 passengers per day through this bus network.
4 Types of RTA Buses in Dubai
Travelling to the world’s most exciting and thrilling city, Dubai, has never been as easy as it is today, thanks to the extensive metro and bus services across the city.
The RTA Bus Network has indeed played a crucial role in making Dubai one of the most desirable tourist destinations, as it seamlessly connects every corner of the city.
So, if you are in Dubai or want to visit this city, it is vital to know about the RTA Bus and its routes to ensure a seamless travel experience.
Below are the four types of RTA Dubai buses that operate in Dubai:
- Double-Decker (170)
- Standard Buses (935)
- Articulated (339)
- Metro Link Buses
Public Bus Stations and RTA Bus Routes in Dubai
In Dubai, numerous buses operate on various routes. However, despite having many bus stations, the Emirate has 2 key bus stations, 7 sub-bus stations, 5 feeder bus stations, and 1 outside bus station.
If you are thrilled to know about it, then have a look at the following names of bus stations and categories:
| Main Bus Stations | Al Ghubaiba and Gold Souq |
| Sub bus stations | Al Satwa, Al Quasis, Al Sabkha, Deira City Centre, Al Karama, Al Quouz and Union Square |
| Feeder bus stations | Mall of Emirates, Al Rashidiya, Ibn Battuta, Abu Hail and Jebel Ali |
In addition to knowing the RTA bus routes, it is also crucial to be aware of the RTA Bus timings, as this will help you schedule your travel accordingly and avoid missing your bus.
It is worth mentioning that the RTA Bus system operates from early morning (5:00 AM) until late night (midnight), along with some routes offering 24-hour service.
additionally, for those who are travelling by bus and require help, just remember that the Bur Dubai Police Station location is located opposite the Max bus station and close to Zabeel Par.
The RTA Bus timetable includes:
- Urban Bus Routes (Routes 5-99): The route serves Dubai’s residential and commercial areas
- Feeder Routes (F01-F81): This route connects people or residents to Dubai Metro stations
- Express Routes (E100-E700): This route provides passengers with intercity services to Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates
- Night Services (N30, N55): The RTA bus provides late-night transportation options to people
- Seasonal Routes (102-108): It offers special services to Dubai’s major attractions, such as Global Village, at specific times of the year.
RTA Dubai Bus Routes
It is pertinent to mention that the public buses in the Dubai Emirate serve 7 different types of RTA bus routes.
Explore all the following Dubai bus routes to help you find your closest station and decide which route you need to take in order to reach your destination within Dubai and in neighbouring cities.
Here are the bus types and their respective routes.
Dubai Express Bus Routes
Below is the list of Express Bus Routes in Dubai with their route IDs:
| Bus ID | From | To |
| 13B | Gold Souq Bus Station | Al Qusais Bus Station |
| 91A | Gold Souq Bus Station | Jebel Ali Bus Station |
| X02 | Union MS | Al Satwa Bus Station |
| X13 | LuLu Village | Business Bay MS |
| X22 | Al Qusais Industrial Area | Al Qusais Bus Station |
| X23 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | International City |
| X25 | Al Karama Bus Station | Silicon Oasis HQ |
| X28 | Lulu Village | Dubai Internet City MS |
| X64 | Al Baraha Bus Station | Ras Al Khor |
| X92 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Dubai Investment Park |
| X94 | Gold Souq Bus Station | Dubai Investment Park |
If you about to plan your journey, remember that many of these bus routes are connected to or pass by the Al Raffa Police Station, Bur Dubai
Feeder Bus Route
Passengers can access the Feeder bus route from bus stations situated at Jebel Ali, Ibn Battuta, Mall of the Emirates, Abu Hail, and Al Rashidiya.
This route is primarily designed to enable passengers and residents to travel from various residential and commercial neighbourhoods to the closest metro stations in the city.
Moreover, the feeder bus route has many stops within the neighbourhoods, which aim to provide people with easy and convenient connectivity to the metro.
Want to know more about the Dubai feeder bus routes? Check out the following list of Feeder Bus Routes in Dubai:
| Bus ID | From | To |
| F01 | Union MS | Mirdiff West |
| F02 | Etisalat MS | Al Muhaisnah 4 |
| F03 | Al Rashidiya Bus Station | Al Baraha |
| F04 | GGICO MS | Sabkha, Turnoff |
| F05 | Al Rashidiya Bus Station | Mizhar 1 |
| F06 | Al Rashidiya Bus Station | Al Rashidiya |
| F07 | Al Jafiliya Bus Station(Dubai Frame) | AL Qusais DM Housing |
| F08 | Dubai Festival City | Al Nahda 2 |
| F09 | Etisalat MS | Al Wasl Park |
| F10 | Al Rashidiya Bus Station | Al Wasl Park |
| F11 | Financial Centre MS | Al Satwa |
| F12 | MAX MS | Dubai Safari Park |
| F13 | Dubai Mall MS | Business Bay MS |
| F14 | Business Bay 2 Bus Station | The Dubai Mall |
| F18 | Oud Metha | Lamcy Plaza |
| F17 | Al Safa MS | Al Khail Gate |
| F16 | Al Safa MS | Al Qouz, New Housing |
| F15 | Al Safa MS | Al Qouz Industrial Area 2 |
| F19A | Bay Square | Business Bay 2 Bus Station |
| F19B | Business Bay 2 Bus Station | Bay Square |
| F20 | Business Bay MS | Al Safa 1 |
| F21 | Al Nahda MS | Qusais Industrial Area 2 |
| F22 | Stadium MS | Al Nahda 2 |
| F23 | Stadium MS | Al Nahda Terminus |
| F23A | Stadium MS | Al Satwa |
| F24 | Stadium MS | Umm Al Sheif MS |
| F25 | Umm Al Sheif MS | Al Quoz Industrial Area 3 & 4 |
| F26 | Al Safa MS | Qusais Industrial Area 3 |
| F27 | Al Jafiliya Bus Station | Al Nahda 1, Terminus 2 |
| F28 | Emirates Tower MS | Satwa |
| F29 | EQUITI MS | Al Wasl Road |
| F30 | Mall of Emirates Bus Station | Dubai Studio City |
| F31 | Dubai Internet City MS | The Meadows East |
| F32 | Mall of Emirates Bus Station | The Sustainable City |
| F33 | Mall of Emirates Bus Station | Al Barsha 3 |
| F34 | DIC MS | Dubai Production City |
| F35 | Mall of Emirates Bus Station | The Greens |
| F36 | Mall of Emirates Bus Station | Arjan |
| F37 | Mall of Emirates Bus Station | Sports City |
| F38 | Jumeirah Golf Estates MS | Dubai Sports City |
| F41 | Business Bay MS | Coral Tower |
| F43 | Ibn Battuta Bus Station | Jebel Ali Gardens |
| F44 | Energy MS | Discovery Gardens |
| F45 | Al Furjan | Discovery Gardens |
| F46 | Ibn Battuta Bus Station | DIP 2 |
| F47 | Danube MS | DIP 2 |
| F48 | Danube MS | DIP 2 |
| F49 | Danube MS | Jebel Ali Industrial Area |
| F50 | DIP MS | DIP 1 |
| F51 | DIP MS | DIP 2 |
| F53 | Danube MS | Dubai Ind’l City |
| F54 | Danube MS | JAFZA South |
| F55 | Expo 2020 MS | AMI Airport (PTB) |
| F56 | DIC MS | Al Khail MS |
| F57 | Jebel Ali MS | Bluewaters Island |
| F60 | Al Rashidiya Bus Station | Downtown Mirdiff Gate |
| F61 | Al Rashidiya Bus Station | Al Warqa’a |
| F62 | Nadd Al Hamar | Emirates Metro Station |
| F70 | Oud Metha Bus Station | Dubai Museum |
| F81 | Al Qusais Ind’l Area Terminus 1 | Al Nahda MS |
Night Dubai Bus Routes
Dubai features two major night buses that operate daily from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM to facilitate residents and visitors during late hours.
The primary aim of the RTA in offering night bus routes is to cater to people’s nighttime needs, whether for emergencies, entertainment, or vice versa.
The night bus routes in Dubai are as follows:
| Bus ID | From | To |
| N30 | International City | Dubai International Airport Terminal 2 |
| N55 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Al Maktoum Airport |
Urban Bus Routes
The urban bus routes in Dubai are primarily designed to meet the travel needs of the people. The route offers easy accessibility to Dubai’s various commercial districts, tourist attractions, and other major destinations.
Have a look at the following list of Urban Bus Routes in Dubai:
| Bus ID | From | To |
| 5 | Abu Hail MS | Union Square Bus Station |
| 6 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Dubai Healthcare City |
| 7 | Al Quoz, Bus Station | Al Satwa |
| 8 | Al Baraha Bus Station | Ibn Battuta Bus Station |
| 9 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Business Bay MS |
| 10 | Gold Souq Bus Station | Al Quoz Bus Station |
| 11A | Gold Souq Bus Station | Al Awir Immigration |
| 11B | Al Rashidiya Bus Station | Al Awir Immigration |
| 12 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Al Quoz Bus Station |
| 13 | Gold Souq Bus Station | Al Qusais DM Housing |
| 13A | Gold Souq Bus Station | Al Qusais Bus Station |
| 13D | Gold Souq Bus Station | Al Qusais Bus Station |
| 14 | Oud Metha Bus Station | Safa Terminus |
| 15 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Al Khail Gate |
| 17 | Al Sabkha Bus Station | Muhaisnah 4, Wasl Oasis 2 |
| 18 | Al Nahda 1 | Muhaisinah 4 |
| 19 | Al Nahda 1 | Al Qusais |
| 20 | Al Warsan 3 | Al Nahda 1, Terminus 2 |
| 21A | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Al Quoz Industrial Area 4 |
| 21B | Al Quoz Ind’l Area-4 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Stn |
| 22 | Deira City Center Bus Station | Al Nahda 1 |
| 23 | 3 from Oud Metha Bus Station | Al Nahda 1 |
| 24 | Al Nahda 2 | International City Bus Station |
| 26 | Oud Metha Bus Station | Business Bay 2 Bus Station |
| 27 | Gold Souq Bus Station | The Dubai Mall |
| 28 | The Dubai Mall | Oud Metha Bus Station |
| 29 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | The Dubai Mall |
| 30 | Dubai Mall MS | Dubai Sky Courts |
| 31 | Airport Terminal 2 | Oud Al Mateena |
| 32C | Al Qusais Bus Station | Al Satwa Bus Station |
| 33 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Al Qusais Bus Station |
| 34 | Etisalat MS | Al Khawaneej 2 |
| 36A | Etisalat MS | Dubai Silicon Oasis |
| 36B | Dubai Silicon Oasis | Etisalat MS |
| 43 | Gold Souq Bus Station | Al Qusais Industrial Area 2 |
| 44 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Al Rashidiya Bus Station |
| 50 | International City Bus Station | Al Khail Gate 1 |
| 53 | Gold Souq Bus Station | International City |
| 55 | Al Satwa Bus Station | International City |
| 56 | Danube Metro Station | DWC, Staff Village |
| 61 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Al Khor Samari Residence |
| 61D | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Nad Al Shiba Clinic |
| 62 | Al Qusais Industrial Area 5 | Ras Al Khor Vegetable Mar |
| 63E | Al Qusais Bus Station | Al Quoz Bus Station |
| 64 | Gold Souq Bus Station | Ras Al Khor |
| 64A | 64A from Gold Souq Bus Station to Ras Al Khor Samari Residence | 64A from Gold Souq Bus Station to Ras Al Khor Samari Residence |
| 66 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Al Faqa |
| 68 | Lehbab First Park | Seeh Al Salam |
| 67 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Dubai Endurance City |
| 77 | Baniyas MS | Al Garhoud, RTA HQ |
| 81 | The Dubai Mall | Mall of Emirates Bus Station |
| 83 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Al Khail MS |
| 84 | Al Khail Gate | Jumeirah Beach Residence Station |
| 88 | Deira City Centre Bus Station | Dubai Internet City MS |
| 91 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Jebel Ali Bus Station |
| 93 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Mall of Emirates Bus Station |
| 95 | Al Baraha Bus Station | Jebel Ali Waterfront Labour Camp |
| 95A | Ibn Battuta Bus Station | Jebel Ali Waterfront Labour Camp |
| 96 | Al Quoz Bus Station | DIP |
| 97 | Al Qusais Bus Station | Jebel Ali Industrial Area 7 |
| 98E | Al Quoz Bus Station | Al Satwa |
| 99 | Jebel Ali Bus Station | UAE Exchange MS |
| 110 | Al Safa Metro Station | Al Quoz Creative |
| 310 | Al Rashidiya Bus Station | International City |
| 320 | Al Rashidiya Bus Station | Academic City |
| D03 | D03 from Dubai Mall MS to Dubai Design District | D03 from Dubai Mall MS to Dubai Design District |
| DPR1 | Ibn Battuta Bus Station | Dubai Parks and Resorts |
| DS1 | Expo 2020 MS | Dubai South |
| J01 | Mall of Emirates Bus Station | Jumeirah Village Circle |
| J02 | IMPZ | J02 from IMPZ to Mira |
| J03 | Dubai Studio City | Damac Hills |
| J04 | Dubai Studio City | Remraam |
| JLT1 | Sobha Realty MS | Damas |
| JLT2 | DMCC MS | JLT, Silver Tower |
| SH1 | Dubai Mall Metro Station | Sobha Hartland |
| T10 | Dubai Mall | City Walk |
| W20 | Mamzar Beach Park | Stadium Bus Stn |
Urban Central Business District (CBD) Bus Routes
The Urban CBD in Dubai is designed to serve the central commercial districts of Dubai. It provides access to the city’s key business hubs, financial institutions, shopping malls, and numerous other destinations.
Furthermore, the Urban CBD in Dubai is currently the most in-demand route and has mostly peak hours, as it provides accessibility to the main commercial areas.
The bus in this urban CBD runs between the following stops:
| Bus ID | From | To |
| C01 | Airport Terminal 3 | Al Satwa Bus Station |
| C03 | Al Karama Bus Station | Abu Hail MS |
| C04 | Gold Souq Bus Station | Jaddaf |
| C05 | Gold Souq Bus Station | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station |
| C09 | Al Satwa Bus Station | Hor Al Anz East, Qiyadah MS |
| C10 | Hamriya Port, Control Tower | Mercato Shopping Mall |
| C15 | Hamriya Port, Control Tower | Deira City Centre Bus Station |
| C18 | Shaikh Rashid Colony | Lamcy Plaza |
| C26 | Al Wasl Park | Qusais Industrial Area |
| C28 | Gold Souq Bus Station | Mamzar Beach Park |
Seasonal Bus Routes
This seasonal bus route is specially designed by the RTA and mainly operates during specific times of the year for particular events.
Remember that this route is only open and operates when attractions like Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village are open. When these events are open to the public in Dubai, visitors can utilise this bus route to enjoy the events.
Below are the RTA seasonal bus routes:
| Bus ID | From | To |
| 102 | Al Rashidiya Bus Station | Global Village |
| 103 | Union MS | Global Village |
| 104 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Global Village |
| 105 | Mall of Emirates Bus Station | Miracle Garden |
| 106 | Mall of Emirates Bus Station | Global Village |
Hatta Bus Routes
Below is the list of RTA Hatta Bus Routes:
| Bus ID | From | To |
| H02 | Hatta Bus Station | Dubai Mall |
| H03 | Hatta Bus Station | Masfut, Sheikh Khalifa Hospital |
| H04 | Hatta Bus Station | Heritage Village |
In addition, route H02 in Dubai operates from 7 AM to 7 PM daily, with a 2-hour difference, using deluxe coaches. The fare is around AED 25 per rider per journey.
On the other hand, the Dubai Route H04, Hatta Hop on-Hop Off, begins and stops at Hatta Bus Station, and it smoothly passes through areas like:
- Hatta Wadi Hub
- Hatta Hill Park
- Hatta Dam
- Heritage Village.
The route operates daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with a 30-minute difference. The fare for the ride is almost AED 2 per rider per bus stop.
Intercity Bus Routes
The RTA intercity bus routes are designed to connect the Dubai Emirate to other key cities within the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Moreover, it is the most convenient and affordable travel option for passengers eager to travel to different emirates.
The route is a key component of Dubai’s public transportation system, as it enhances connectivity and provides easy access throughout the city.
Have a look at the list of Dubai intercity bus routes:
| Bus ID | From | To |
| E100 | Ghubaiba Bus Station | Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station |
| E101 | Ibn Battuta Bus Station | Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station |
| E102 | Ibn Battuta Bus Station | Mussafa Shabia Bus Station |
| E16 | Al Sabkha Bus Station | Hatta Bus Station |
| E201 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Al Ain Bus Station |
| E301 | Al Ahli Club | Sharjah, Al Taawun Terminus |
| E303 | Union Square MS | Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah |
| E304 | Al Satwa Bus Station | Al Jubail Bus Staton, Sharjah |
| E306, | Ghubaiba Bus Station | Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah |
| E307 | Deira City Center Bus Station | Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah |
| E315 | Etisalat Metro Station | Muwaileh, Sharjah |
| E316 | Al Rashidiyah Bus Station | Sharjah University |
| E400 | Union Square MS | Ajman Bus Station |
| E411 | Etisalat Metro Station | Ajman Bus Station |
| E700 | Etisalat Metro Station | Fujairah |
| E303A | Al Sabkha Bus Station | Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah |
| E307A | Abu Hail Metro Station | Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah |
Understanding the RTA Bus Schedule
Most RTA bus routes operate every 10-20 minutes during peak hours (7:00-9:00 AM and 5:00-8:00 PM) and every 20-30 minutes during off-peak hours.
It is pertinent to mention that when planning to travel to Dubai using the RTA bus, it is crucial to check the schedule so that you can avoid peak hours and have a smooth travel journey.
Have a look at the RTA bus routes’ peak hours schedule:
- Morning Peak Hours: 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM
- Evening Peak Hours: 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Frequency Hours: Every 8-15 minutes on major routes
Explore the Off-Peak hours schedule of the RTA Bus:
- Mid-day: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Evening: 8:30 PM – 11:00 PM
- Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes, depending on the route
Note: The bus timing for the weekend varies because some routes operate at a condensed frequency on Fridays and Saturdays.
Bus On-Demand Fare and Payment Method
All passengers and visitors are required to pay their bus or metro bus fares using an NOL card or a valid credit card.
It is pertinent to note that the fare per trip/passenger is approximately AED 5, and AED 4 for an additional passenger on the same journey.
How to Plan Your Journey on a Dubai Bus? (3 Effective Ways)
In order to have a seamless travel experience in Dubai, it is crucial to have a look at the following three ways, so that it helps you plan your trip wisely:
1: Plan your Journey via S’hail App
To have a smooth trip in Dubai, make sure to use the S’hail App, as it is an RTA-powered mobile application that helps you navigate all public modes of transportation, including buses in Dubai.
The best thing about this app is that it provides people with real-time details of toll-gate rates, stops’ location & bus stations, traffic updates, transit information, commute times, and distances.
2: Plan your Journey via Google Maps
The other best and effective way to plan your trip is to use Google Maps. The map will help you easily figure out the nearest bus stations in your area.
All you need to do is open Google Maps, add your location, and the app will display all the nearby stations. It will also highlight the major route from your location to the bus station, along with commute time and distance.
3: Plan your journey via RTA’s website
The last yet effective way to plan your trip in Dubai is to use the official website of RTA. Simply open the site, select ‘Public Transport’, and then choose ‘Journey Planner’.
After that, enter your location with other required details from the available options, select a date and time, and then verify the bus option from the preferred transportation section.
RTA Dubai Buses Facilities
A notable fact is that the RTA bus stations, along with buses in Dubai, feature all the necessary facilities to enhance the convenience of travellers.
If you are excited to know about the amenities, then have a look at the following facilities on RTA Dubai buses:
- The station features approximately 554 air-conditioned waiting areas for visitors and passengers.
- All buses, stations, and bus stops display screens that show the required information regarding stops and routes in Dubai.
- Flashlights have also been installed in buses, allowing visitors or passengers to hear the alert sound when the bus doors open or close.
- People with disabilities can also travel by bus, as they will be offered wheelchairs and designated seating, allowing them to travel smoothly and easily throughout the city.
- The station also features vending machines, along with cafeterias, so that if people get hungry, they can easily purchase something to eat and refresh themselves.
- The station also offers a dedicated section for families, children, and women.
- Passengers or visitors can also have access to E-card machines in case of card swapping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are the FAQs about the RTA Bus Routes in Dubai:
Q1: How to pay for an RTA bus in Dubai?
Ans: Passengers can pay the RTA bus fare either via cash or Nol card.
Q2: Can I use my Nol card on RTA buses?
Ans: Yes, you can use your Nol cards in order to pay for all RTA buses in Dubai.
Q3: Are there intercity buses from Dubai?
Ans: RTA buses operate to Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Al Ain, Ajman and Hatta.
Q4: At what time does the RTA bus start?
Ans: The timings of the RTA buses are not fixed as they depend. However, RTA buses generally start operating from 4:00 AM.
Q5: How many RTA buses are there in Dubai?
Ans: RTA runs around 1,616 buses across Dubai.
Q6: How much is the RTA bus fare in Dubai?
Ans: The fare for the RTA bus in Dubai depends on the route.
Q7: Is the Dubai RTA bus 24 hours?
Ans: Yes, RTA operates 24 hours, as it also offers night services along with day services.
Q8: Which RTA bus goes to Dubai Mall?
Ans: There are 2 major RTA buses that go to the Dubai Mall every 16 minutes. The routes include Route 27 from the Deira Gold Souk bus station, Route 28 from the Oud Metha bus station, Route 29 from Ghubaiba bus station, and Route F13 from the Dubai Mall metro station.
Conclusion
The RTA Bus Routes in Dubai impressively cover a major portion of the city’s urban area, ensuring accessibility to different parts and major landmarks in Dubai.
Additionally, the RTA Bus Routes are planned to provide easy accessibility and connectivity for residents to reach their workplaces, educational institutions, and other major facilities.
Also, it is undeniable that a robust bus system encourages the widespread use of public transportation, which in turn reduces the number of vehicles, improves traffic congestion, and promotes a healthier environment.