How To Travel In Dubai By Bus: All Routes, Zones & Tips

Dubai has one of the best public transport systems in the Middle East. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) operates a huge network of buses, making travel around the city easy and affordable. The buses are clean, safe and cover nearly every part of Dubai, including connections to other Emirates.

Dubai Bus Network Overview

• Managed by: Public Transport Agency (RTA)
• Fleet: 1,518 buses
  • 170 double-decker
  • 935 standard
  • 339 articulated
  • Metro link buses
• Coverage: Over 82% of Dubai’s populated areas

Dubai Bus Fares

Dubai is divided into 7 zones. Fares depend on the number of zones travelled.

Zones Crossed	Silver Card	Gold Card	Blue Card	Red Ticket
1 Zone	AED 3	AED 6	AED 3	AED 4
2 Zones	AED 5	AED 10	AED 5	AED 6
3 or More Zones	AED 7.5	AED 15	AED 7.5	AED 8.5

Transfers: You can switch between bus, metro or tram within 30 minutes. Otherwise, it counts as a new trip.

Discounts & Fines

• 50% discount: For students, senior citizens, and social cardholders
• Free rides: For People of Determination and children under 5
• Fines:
  • AED 200: Using expired/invalid NOL card or someone else’s card
  • AED 500: Using a fake NOL card

Main Bus Stations

• Main: Al Ghubaiba, Gold Souq
• Sub: Al Satwa, Al Qusais, Al Sabkha, Deira City Centre, Al Karama, Al Quoz, Union Square
• Feeder: Mall of the Emirates, Al Rashidiya, Ibn Battuta, Abu Hail, Jebel Ali
• External: Hatta Bus Station

Dubai Bus Timings

Most buses run from 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM. However, route C01 operates 24 hours.

Use the RTA app (iOS | Android) or S’hail app (iOS | Android) for exact timings. They also send alerts during holidays and special events.

Dubai Bus Routes

A. Express Routes (X-Series)

• 13B, 91A
• X02, X13, X22, X23, X25, X28
• X64, X92, X94

B. Feeder Bus Routes (F-Series)

• F01 to F70+: 
• F01–F09: Union MS to Al Wasl Park
• F10–F19B: Dubai Safari Park to Bay Square
• F20–F29: Al Safa 1 to Al Wasl Road
• F30–F39: Dubai Studio City to Sports City
• F40–F49: Coral Tower to Jebel Ali Industrial Area
• F50–F59: DIP 2 to Bluewater Island
• F60–F70: Mirdiff Gate to Dubai Museum
• F81: Al Nahda to Al Qusais

C. Night Routes

• N30 – International City to Airport T2
• N55 – Al Ghubaiba to Al Maktoum Airport

D. Urban Routes

Here are selected urban route numbers:

• 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11A, 11B, 12, 13, 13A, 13D
• 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27
• 28, 29, 30, 31, 32C, 33, 34, 43, 44, 50, 53
• 55, 56, 61, 61D, 62, 63E, 64, 64A, 66, 67, 68, 77
• 81, 83, 84, 88, 91, 93, 95, 95A, 96, 97, 98E, 99
• 110, 310, 320, 367, D03, DPR1, DS1, J01, J02, J03
• J04, JLT1, JLT2, SM1

E. CBD Routes (C-Series)

• C01, C03, C04, C05, C09
• C10, C15, C18, C26, C28

F. Seasonal Routes

To Global Village and Miracle Garden:

• 102, 103, 104, 105, 106

G. Hatta Routes

• H02: Hatta to Dubai Mall
• H03: Hatta to Masfut
• H04: Hatta Hop-on-Hop-off (Wadi Hub, Hill Park, Dam, Heritage Village) — here are more details.

H. Intercity Routes (E-Series)

To Abu Dhabi:

• E100, E101, E102

To Hatta:

• E16

To Al Ain:

• E201

To Sharjah:

• E301, E303, E304, E306, E307, E303A, E307A

To Ajman:

• E400, E411

To Fujairah:

• E700

To Sharjah University:

• E315, E316

Dubai Bus On-Demand

This service allows shared rides within selected areas. Download the Dubai Bus On-Demand app, register, and book a trip.

Operating Zones:

• Al Barsha 1, 2, 3
• Academic City
• Silicon Oasis
• Al Nahda

Fare:

• AED 5 for first passenger
• AED 4 for each extra rider
• Pay by NOL card or credit card

You can only travel within the same zone.

Planning Your Journey

• S’hail App: An RTA official app for route info, timing, fare comparisons and trip planning. Download from iOS or Android.
• Google Maps: Search your current location. It shows nearby bus stops, travel times, and routes.
• RTA Website: Use the ‘Journey Planner’ to enter your location and destination. Choose your route and pay online using NOL.

Bus & Station Facilities

Dubai’s buses and stations are equipped with modern features:

• Fully air-conditioned buses and waiting areas
• 2,158 bus stops with 554 air-conditioned shelters
• Screens showing route info and stops
• Flash alerts and sound signals for door operations
• Reserved seats and ramps for People of Determination
• Separate sections for women and children
• Cafeterias and vending machines at main hubs
• NOL top-up and card-swapping machines
• Bicycle and taxi parking are available

Bus Travel Rules & Etiquette

Follow these general rules:

• First 3 rows behind the driver are for women and children
• No eating, drinking, or smoking on buses
• No loud music or noise
• No animals allowed
• Avoid carrying large luggage
• Spitting or littering leads to fines

RTA Contact & Support

Need help or want to give feedback? Use any of the following:

• Phone: 800 90 90
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.rta.ae
• Customer Centres: Al Twar, Al Barsha, Al Manarah, Al Kifaf, Deira, Umm Ramool, Al Aweer

RTA also lets you suggest new bus routes through its website.

Future of Bus Travel in Dubai

Dubai continues to improve its public transport. From 2023 to 2027, RTA plans to expand the dedicated bus and taxi lanes on 8 new streets. More luxury coaches, smart features, and on-demand zones will be added in future.

Dubai’s public bus system is reliable, safe, and cost-effective. With a smart NOL card, real-time apps, and helpful staff, your daily commute becomes stress-free. Whether you need to go to work, shop, visit friends, or explore the city, RTA buses are a smart choice.

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Also Read:

• Sharjah To Abu Dhabi Bus Guide
• Guide To Bus Services Between Dubai & Oman
• Guide To Bus Services Between Dubai & Ras Al Khaimah