The public transport system of Dubai represents the commitment of the city to efficient and accessible travel. The bus stations are the heart of this network and offer vital interchange opportunities between various regions of the city and beyond. So here begins the realm of particulars of bus stations in Dubai, complete with insights regarding bus features, bus routes, and their significance to the transit ecosystem of the city.
Characteristics of Dubai Bus Stations
Dubai bus stations are passenger-centric in design. The stations usually offer all-the-comforts-one-need-while-travelling amenities:
- Air Conditioning: Considering the city’s climate, all bus stations and buses are air-conditioned to relieve you from that scorching heat.
- Real-Time Information Display: Passengers can read their real-time schedule or any important information regarding routes since that information is flashed prominently inside the station.
- Accessibility: The stations are made accessible for anybody, including blind persons, with proper ramps, tactile guidance paths, and seats.
- Seating and Waiting Areas: Comfortable seat arrangements provide passengers with the amenities to wait placidly for their buses.
- Retail and Snack Outlets: Most major bus stations feature shops and food outlets where passengers can buy essentials or get snacks while on the go.
Essential Bus Terminals with their Famous Routes
The two major bus stations in Dubai, namely Al Ghubaiba and Gold Souq, connect parts of the city as well as other regions for public transport. Their most frequented bus routes have been itemised as follows.
1. Al Ghubaiba Bus Station
The station is located in Bur Dubai, which is essentially a major hub for city buses and buses travelling between cities.
- Bus 6: Dubai Healthcare City
- Bus 9: Business Bay Metro Station
- Bus 12: Al Quoz Bus Station
- Bus 15: Al Khail Gate
- Bus 29: Dubai Mall
- Bus 91: Jebel Ali bus station
- Bus X23: International City
- Bus X92: Dubai Investment Park 1
- Bus E100: Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
- Bus E201: Al Ain Bus Station
- Bus E306: Sharjah, Al Jubail Bus Station
2. Gold Souq Bus Station
Situated at Deira, Gold Souq Bus Station has various destinations across Dubai.
- Bus 10: Al Quoz Bus Station
- Bus 13: Al Qusais DM Housing
- Bus 27: Dubai Mall
- Bus 43: Al Qusais Industrial Area 2
- Bus 53: International City Bus Station
- Bus SM1: Souq Al Marfa Deira
- Bus C05: Al Ghubaiba Bus Station
- Bus 91A: Jebel Ali Bus Station
- Bus 13B: Al Qusais Bus Station
- Bus X94: Dubai Investment Park 1
How to Find the Nearest Dubai Bus Station?
Finding the nearest bus station in Dubai is not difficult. Various smart services provided by RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) offer some assistance in this respect. The best app for commuters is the S’hail application, which includes a feature to check for real-time information regarding bus routes, schedules, and fare changes.
With S’hail, you can easily:
- Find the nearest bus stop or station using GPS-based location tracking.
- Check Dubai bus routes and timings to plan your journey efficiently.
- View route maps and fare details to compare different travel options.
- Integrate various transport modes such as metro, tram, and taxis to complete your journey.
Apart from these features, another helpful resource available on the internet to provide information about all sorts of Dubai bus stands and routes is the RTA bus stop website or Google Maps. Otherwise, you could also visit some of the main Dubai bus terminals, such as Al Ghubaiba, Gold Souq, or Ibn Battuta, where you can get information from RTA customer service centres. All these tools make it much easier for the visitor to navigate Dubai’s extensive public transport system.
List of Dubai Bus Stations
Dubai public transport is excellent, with many available bus services, so it connects almost the entire city and beyond. With its current bus operations, the Roads and Transport Authority operates 1,518 buses from over 2,100 bus stop locations throughout Dubai. Most of these bus stands are accessible and well-maintained to facilitate daily commutes for residents and visitors. Further, these bus stations are well-distributed across the city and neighbouring emirates, thus covering almost all the areas of Dubai. Passengers are thus able to have easy transportation.
Main Bus Stations in Dubai
1. Al Ghubaiba Bus Station
Al Ghubaiba Bus Station operates in Bur Dubai as one of the Dubai main bus stations throughout the city. Dubai Central Bus Station operates under its official name as the Dubai Central Bus Station which offers connections to routes both inside and out of Dubai. You can board the E100 route for Abu Dhabi from this station if you are coming from Dubai. Several principal lines start and terminate at Al Ghubaiba.
- 29 – Dubai Mall
- 44 – Rashidiya
- C05 – Gold Souq
- N55 – Al Maktoum International Airport
- E100 – Abu Dhabi Central
2. Al Satwa Bus Station
Al Satwa Bus Station provides essential connectivity to areas such as Deira and International City. Popular routes from this station include:
- 32C – Al Qusais
- 55 – International City
- 7 – Al Quoz
- 88 – Deira City Centre
3. Hatta Bus Station
For those looking to explore the scenic Hatta Heritage Village, this station provides affordable transport options. Popular routes include:
- H02 – Dubai Mall
- E16 – Al Sabkha
4. Mall of the Emirates Bus Station
The Mall of the Emirates Bus Station is located in a strategic position for direct bus services from The Greens and Sports City into the district. The main routes from this station are:
- F37 – Sports City
- F35 – Greens
- F30 – Dubai Studio City
5. Gold Souq Bus Station
The primary transport hub at Gold Souq Bus Station connects visitors to Dubai Investment Park alongside Jebel Ali and other vital areas in Dubai. Key routes include:
- X94 – Investment Park 1
- 64 – Ras Al Khor
- 91A – Jebel Ali
- 53 – International City
Other Bus Stations in Dubai
Several vital local bus stations across the different city regions in Dubai function alongside the main terminals. These include:
1. Al Qusais Bus Station
Passengers who use Al Qusais Bus Station can reach both Gold Souq and Etisalat Metro Station. Important routes from this station include:
- 13A – Gold Souq
- 34 – Etisalat
- 33 – Al Ghubaiba
2. Al Rashidiya Bus Station
Travellers that use this bus station in Al Rashidiya can reach both the Downtown Mirdif and Al Warqa’a districts. Popular routes include:
- F10 – Al Warqa’a
- F60 – Downtown Mirdif
- N30 – Airport Terminal 3
3. Al Sabkha Bus Station
This station serves passengers travelling to Hatta and Muhaisnah. Key routes include:
- E16 – Hatta
- 17 – Muhaisnah 4, Wasl Oasis II
4. Ibn Battuta Bus Station
People who travel through this station can use it to reach both Discovery Gardens and Jebel Ali since it stands next to Ibn Battuta Mall. Notable routes include:
- F43 – Discovery Gardens
- E101 – Abu Dhabi Central
- 95 – Jebel Ali Waterfront
- 8 – Al Baraha
5. Abu Hail Bus Station
Many commuters depend on Abu Hail as their essential transit point that links to Al Karama and Sharjah. Key routes include:
- C03 – Al Karama
- E307A – Al Jubail, Sharjah
- 43 – Gold Souq
6. Deira City Centre Bus Station
The station, which stands adjacent to Deira City Centre Mall links passengers to Al Nahda and Internet City and Sharjah. Major routes include:
- 22 – Al Nahda 1
- E307 – Al Jubail, Sharjah
- 88 – Internet City
7. Al Karama Bus Station
A central station connecting to various locations, major routes from Al Karama Bus Station include:
- C03 – Abu Hail
- X25 – Dubai Outsourcing Zone
8. Jebel Ali Bus Station
Jebel Ali Bus Station connects to important locations like Gold Souq and UAE Exchange. Popular routes include:
- 99 – UAE Exchange
- 91A – Gold Souq
- 91 – Al Ghubaiba
9. Union Square Bus Station
Intercity transportation via Union Square at Deira handles the most passenger activities within the area while connecting to Ajman, Fujairah, and Sharjah. Key routes include:
- E400 – Ajman
- E700 – Fujairah
- E303 – Al Jubail, Sharjah
- F01 – Al Baraha
10. Al Jafiliya Bus Station
Located near the Al Jafiliya Metro Station, this bus station provides access to:
- F09 – Al Wasl Park
- C26 – Al Qusais Industrial Area
- X94 – Investment Park 1
11. Al Quoz Bus Station
People who arrive at Al Qusais Bus Station have transport to Gold Souq and Etisalat Metro Station.
- 96 – Dubai Investment Park
- 7 – Al Satwa
12. Business Bay 2 Bus Station
This station caters to areas within Business Bay and surrounding locations. Major routes include:
- 50 – International City
- 26 – Oud Metha
- F14 – Business Bay
13. Etisalat Bus Station
A crucial stop for those travelling to Sharjah and Silicon Oasis, this station features routes such as:
- E315 – Sharjah Al Muweilah
- 36B – Silicon Oasis
E411 – Ajman - 31 – Airport Terminal 2
14. International City Bus Station
Serving one of Dubai’s most populated areas, this station provides connections to:
- 50 – Al Quoz, Al Khail Gate
- N30 – Airport Terminal 2
- 53 – Gold Souq
15. Oud Metha Bus Station
Strategically positioned to serve BurJuman and Dubai Mall, this station operates the following routes:
- F70 – BurJuman
- 23 – Al Nahda 1, Sama Residence
- 28 – Dubai Mall
Bus Stations With Heavy Metro Stations
Some of the most important metro stations on the online red and green lines attach adjacent bus stops to guarantee commuter convenience. The major metro stations serving as bus stations are the following.
- Etisalat by e& Metro Station
- Abu Hail Metro Station
- Centrepoint Metro Station
- Mall of the Emirates Metro Station
Impact of Dubai’s Bus Network on Real Estate and Investments
Public transport in Dubai, including its wide-reaching bus station network, greatly assists in the movement of persons and accessibility in the urban environment. Properties that are near substantial bus terminals or metro stations gain exceptional value because they offer convenient transportation, thus compelling residents and investors to choose such locations. Access to public transportation strengthens both the convenience and market attractiveness of all locations, from Dubai Marina to Business Bay to Deira.
Real estate investors should consider purchasing new real estate projects which are being developed in convenient locations. The primary goal of Eastern Housing UAE involves uniting clients with vital information about both residential and commercial offers within prime locations so citizens and working people can navigate using public transportation routes effectively.
Final Thoughts
The dependable transportation system of Dubai functions through various bus routes which redistribute to residents alongside tourists within the city. The bus service effectively works together with direct lines for the metro system and other public transport to create citywide connectivity. The entire transportation system sustains Dubai’s general urban living quality and provides daily travel opportunities.
FAQs
How many bus stations are there in Dubai?
Dubai has a stronghold on its public transportation network. The public transit system in Dubai includes 2,100 stops as well as 17 main stations which provide bus transportation both to and from the city as well as other emirates for convenient travel between essential areas.
How much is the bus fare in Dubai?
The transportation fare in Dubai buses depends on how far passengers travel together with the number of zones they pass through. The starting fare goes up to AED 3 and increases depending on the zones crossed. A rough breakdown is as follows:
- Within 1 zone: AED 3
- Between 2 adjacent zones: AED 5
- More than 2 zones: AED 7.5
Can I pay cash on Dubai buses?
No cash payments are permitted on Dubai buses. The fare is payable via the passenger’s Nol Card. The cards can be bought and recharged in metro stations, bus stations, supermarkets, and online on the RTA website and mobile apps.
Is the bus free after the metro in Dubai?
Yes. A bus ride is free if transferring from the metro to a bus within half an hour using the same Nol Card in Dubai. This transfer is up to the RTA’s integrated transport system for any commuter to easily travel on the pocket.
Is the metro cheaper than the bus in Dubai?
Introducing new technology led to the Dubai Metro and buses implementing unified ticket pricing, although passengers benefitted the most from subway use because of its speed advantages. Buses may be the cheaper option for shorter distances, while both modes of transport are economical and offer easy travel around the city.
