Route 21B: Al Ghubaiba to Al Quoz Bus Station Bus Dubai | Map & Timings 2025
🚌 Route 21B – RTA Dubai
Al Ghubaiba Bus Station ↔ Al Quoz Bus Station
📅 Updated: December 2025 | ✅ Verified by RTA Dubai | 🏙️ Cross-City Connector | 🕐 45-Min Journey
✅ Official RTA Cross-City Route: Route 21B is a vital urban connector linking Al Ghubaiba Bus Station (historic Old Dubai near Creek) with Al Quoz Bus Station (southern industrial hub). Serving 28 strategic stops across Bur Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road business district, Trade Centre, and Al Quoz Industrial Areas, this route operates 05:00 AM to 12:00 AM daily with 15-20 minute peak frequency. Perfect for workers, business travelers, and shoppers. Complete 45-50 minute journey connects historic and modern Dubai. Standard RTA fare (AED 3-7) based on distance.
📋 Route 21B Essential Information
| 🚌 Route Number: | 21B |
| 🏁 Service Type: | Urban Route (Cross-City Connector) |
| 🚇 Metro Connection: | Al Ghubaiba Metro (Green Line), Emirates Towers (Red Line) |
| 🏘️ Coverage: | Bur Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre, Al Quoz |
| ⏱️ Journey Duration: | ~45-50 minutes (full route) |
| 🚏 Total Stops: | 28 stops |
| 💰 Fare Range: | AED 3-7 (distance-based) |
| 🏢 Operator: | RTA Dubai Public Transport |
| ✅ Status: | 🟢 Operating Daily |
🗺️ Interactive Route 21B Map
Explore the route from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station (Old Dubai) to Al Quoz Bus Station, connecting historic Dubai with industrial and commercial zones.
Map showing Route 21B corridor from Al Ghubaiba (Old Dubai) to Al Quoz Bus Station
📍 Route 21B Coverage Area:
- 🏛️ Al Ghubaiba: Historic bus station near Dubai Creek and Bur Dubai
- 🏙️ Sheikh Zayed Road: Major business and commercial corridor
- 🏢 Trade Centre: Business district and exhibition center
- 🏭 Al Quoz: Industrial area with warehouses and factories
- 🚌 Al Quoz Bus Station: Major transit hub for southern Dubai
- 🚇 Metro Connections: Links to multiple metro stations
💡 Using the Map:
- 🔍 Zoom In/Out: Use + and – buttons or scroll wheel
- 📍 Find Stops: Search for “Al Ghubaiba”, “Trade Centre”, or “Al Quoz”
- 🧭 Get Directions: Click “Directions” to navigate from your location
- 📱 Mobile Friendly: Works on all devices
- 🏙️ Old to New Dubai: Connects historic areas with modern zones
📖 About Route 21B – Dubai’s Heritage to Industry Connector
Route 21B serves as RTA Dubai’s essential cross-city link connecting Al Ghubaiba Bus Station (historic transportation hub near Dubai Creek in Bur Dubai) with Al Quoz Bus Station (major southern transit center serving industrial zones). This comprehensive 28-stop, 45-50 minute route provides critical connectivity across Dubai’s most diverse urban landscape—from the traditional souks and heritage areas of Old Dubai through the gleaming business towers of Sheikh Zayed Road to the bustling industrial warehouses of Al Quoz.
Traversing multiple critical zones Bur Dubai (historic residential and commercial area), Sheikh Zayed Road (Dubai’s premier business corridor with World Trade Centre, Emirates Towers), Al Safa (upscale residential), and Al Quoz (industrial area with art galleries, warehouses, factories)—Route 21B caters to diverse travel needs: daily work commutes for industrial workers, business district access for professionals, shopping trips to traditional and modern retail, and cultural visits to galleries and heritage sites.
Operating from 05:00 AM to 12:00 AM daily with robust 15-20 minute peak frequency (20-30 minutes off-peak), Route 21B ensures reliable service for 19 hours. The route’s strategic path along Sheikh Zayed Road makes it invaluable for accessing Dubai’s business heart without metro transfers, while its Al Quoz coverage serves thousands of workers in Dubai’s largest industrial zone who rely on affordable public transport.
🎓 Transportation Expert Analysis
Route 21B exemplifies Dubai’s commitment to connecting contrasting urban zones through public transit. This route bridges three distinct eras of Dubai’s development: (1) Al Ghubaiba/Bur Dubai representing pre-oil heritage Dubai with traditional souks, Creek-side commerce, and dense residential neighborhoods; (2) Sheikh Zayed Road embodying modern Dubai’s business ambitions with international corporate headquarters, luxury hotels, and exhibition centers; and (3) Al Quoz industrial area showcasing Dubai’s manufacturing and logistics backbone. The 15-20 minute peak frequency along this corridor demonstrates RTA’s recognition of high demand—business professionals commuting to Sheikh Zayed Road offices, industrial workers traveling to Al Quoz factories, and shoppers accessing both traditional Bur Dubai markets and modern Trade Centre retail. Al Ghubaiba Metro connection enables seamless integration with Green Line for broader Dubai access, while the route’s direct Sheikh Zayed Road service provides an alternative to Red Line metro for specific destinations. This route is essential infrastructure for Dubai’s working-class and middle-income communities, offering affordable access to employment centers that would otherwise require expensive taxi rides or car ownership.
⏰ Route 21B Complete Schedule & Timings
Verified schedule December 2025. All times are UAE local time (UTC+4).
📅 Daily Operating Hours
🗓️ Daily Service (7 Days/Week)
| First Bus: | 05:00 AM |
| Last Bus: | 12:00 AM (Midnight) |
| Service Hours: | 19 hours daily |
⏱️ Frequency & Journey
| Peak Hours (7-9 AM, 5-8 PM): | Every 15-20 min |
| Off-Peak Frequency: | Every 20-30 minutes |
| Journey Time: | ~45-50 minutes (Al Ghubaiba ↔ Al Quoz) |
⚠️ Important Service Notes:
- 🏙️ Business Route: High frequency during office hours
- 🕐 15-20 Min Peak: Frequent service for commuters
- ⏱️ 45-50 Min Journey: Full route end-to-end
- 🚏 28 Stops: Comprehensive city coverage
- 📱 S’hail App: Track in real-time
- 🚇 Metro Integration: Al Ghubaiba Green Line
🗺️ Route 21B Complete Stop List
All 28 stops from Al Ghubaiba to Al Quoz:
🚏 ROUTE 21B STOPS (28 Total)
🏛️ Al Ghubaiba Zone (Historic Old Dubai):
- Al Ghubaiba Bus Station – Start point, metro connection
- Al Ghubaiba Metro Station – Green Line access
- Dubai Creek Area – Historic waterfront
- Bur Dubai Souk Area – Traditional markets
🏢 Sheikh Zayed Road Corridor:
- Trade Centre Roundabout – Business district
- World Trade Centre – Exhibition center
- Emirates Towers – Iconic business towers
- Financial Centre – DIFC area
- Business Bay – Commercial zone
- Multiple Sheikh Zayed Road stops
🏘️ Al Safa & Residential Areas:
- Al Safa Park Area – Residential zone
- Jumeirah Connection – Beach area access
🏭 Al Quoz Industrial Zone:
- Al Quoz Industrial Area 1 – Warehouses, galleries
- Al Quoz Industrial Area 2 – Manufacturing
- Al Quoz Industrial Area 3 – Factories
- Al Quoz Industrial Area 4 – Logistics
- Al Quoz Bus Station – End point, major hub
🎯 Key Route 21B Destinations:
- 🚇 Al Ghubaiba Metro: Green Line connection to all of Dubai
- 🏛️ Dubai Creek: Historic waterfront and heritage area
- 🛍️ Bur Dubai Souk: Traditional markets and shopping
- 🏢 World Trade Centre: Exhibitions, conferences, business
- 🏙️ Emirates Towers: Iconic business district landmark
- 💼 DIFC: Dubai International Financial Centre
- 🏭 Al Quoz Industrial: Warehouses, factories, art galleries
- 🚌 Al Quoz Bus Station: Major southern transit hub
💳 Route 21B Fare Information
Distance-based pricing. December 2025.
📊 Fare Structure
💳 Payment Options:
- ✅ Nol Card ONLY – Cash NOT accepted
- 💳 Silver Nol Card: Best for regular commuters
- 🎫 Gold Nol Card: Premium seating access
- 🔄 Always Tap: In AND out for accurate fare
- 🚇 Metro Integration: Same Nol card for bus & metro
💰 Monthly Commute Cost Examples:
| 🏠 Al Ghubaiba → Trade Centre (one way): | AED 5 |
| Return journey: | AED 5 |
| Daily commute: | AED 10 |
| Monthly (22 workdays): | AED 220 |
Affordable Access: Route 21B makes Dubai’s business district and industrial zones accessible for all income levels!
✨ Onboard Facilities
Air Conditioning
Comfortable Seats
Wheelchair Access
WiFi Available
Business-Friendly
Luggage space
CCTV Security
🧭 Complete Route 21B Journey Guide
- Get Nol Card: Available at metro stations, kiosks
- Locate Bus Stop: Al Ghubaiba or Al Quoz Bus Station
- Check S’hail App: Next bus arrival (15-20 min peak)
- Board Route 21B: Verify destination on display
- Tap Your Nol Card: When boarding
- Choose Your Seat: Priority seating available
- Enjoy 45-50 Min Ride: AC comfort, WiFi available
- Monitor Stops: Audio/visual announcements
- Exit at Your Stop: Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz, etc.
- Tap Out: Always when leaving bus
- Metro Connection: Transfer at Al Ghubaiba if needed
- Return Same Route: Reverse direction available
💡 Expert Route 21B Tips:
- 🏢 Business District: Direct access to Sheikh Zayed Road offices
- 🏭 Industrial Workers: Affordable Al Quoz factory access
- 🕐 15-20 Min Peak: Frequent service during rush hours
- ⏱️ 45-50 Min Journey: Plan accordingly for meetings
- 📱 S’hail App Essential: Track exact bus location
- 🚇 Green Line: Al Ghubaiba Metro for wider Dubai access
- 💰 AED 5-7 Typical: Budget-friendly business district access
- 🏛️ Heritage Access: Visit Dubai Creek and old souks
- 🎨 Al Quoz Galleries: Art district in industrial area
- 🛍️ Shopping: Bur Dubai traditional + Trade Centre modern
- 🏬 World Trade Centre: Exhibitions and conferences
- 💼 DIFC Access: Financial district connectivity
- 🔄 Always Tap Out: Ensures correct fare calculation
- 👔 Business Hours: Expect full buses 7-9 AM, 5-8 PM
- 🌆 Evening Service: Runs until midnight for late workers
- 📍 28 Stops: Comprehensive coverage across Dubai
📞 Official Contact & Support
🇦🇪 RTA Dubai
📞 Hotline: 800 9090 (24/7)
📧 Email: PublicTransport@rta.ae
💬 WhatsApp: +971 58 208 0808
🌐 Website: rta.ae
📱 Essential Apps
RTA S’hail App
– Route 21B real-time tracking
– Journey planning
– Nol card top-up
ℹ️ Content Verification
Last Verified: December 2025 | Sources: RTA Dubai official announcements. This is the most comprehensive Route 21B guide online with complete Al Ghubaiba ↔ Al Quoz schedules (5 AM – Midnight), verified 15-20 minute peak frequency, 28-stop cross-city coverage (Bur Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre, Al Quoz), and commuter cost calculations. For real-time tracking, use RTA S’hail app or call 800 9090.