RTA Dubai Bus Routes & Timings: Complete Guide 2025 (119 Routes + Nol Card)
RTA Dubai Bus Routes & Timings: Complete Guide 2025
119 Routes, Nol Card, S’hail App & Everything You Need
Updated: December 2025 | ? Official RTA Guide | Nol Card Required | S’hail App
? Your Complete RTA Bus Resource: Dubai’s RTA bus network operates 119 internal routes, 35 metro feeder lines, 12 intercity routes, and 8 express services, covering 82% of Dubai’s urban areas and transporting 369,248 passengers daily. This comprehensive guide covers all bus routes and timings, Nol Card types (Silver/Gold/Red/Blue), S’hail app for real-time tracking, fare zones, official RTA resources, and expert travel tips. For visitors comparing regular RTA buses with tourist sightseeing loops, see our Dubai hop-on hop-off bus tour guide. Access official RTA bus route PDF and RTA journey planner!
RTA Dubai Bus Quick Reference
| Total Routes: | 119 internal + 35 metro feeders |
| ? Operating Hours: | 5:00 AM – Midnight (24/7 on select routes) |
| Fare Range: | AED 3 – AED 8.50 (zone-based) |
| Payment: | Nol Card only (cash NOT accepted) |
| Tracking App: | S’hail (real-time bus tracking) |
| Coverage: | 82% of Dubai urban areas |
| Daily Passengers: | 369,248 riders |
| Official Route List: | RTA Bus Route PDF |
| ? Journey Planner: | Wojhati Planner |
| Support: | 800 9090 (24/7) |
RTA Bus Route Types
Understanding Dubai’s bus network. December 2025.
? Urban Buses (119 Internal Routes)
Coverage: All major areas within Dubai city limits
| Route Numbers: | 1-199 series |
| Operating Hours: | 5:00 AM – Midnight |
| Frequency: | Every 10-30 minutes |
| Fare: | AED 3 – AED 8.50 |
| Popular Routes: | 8, 11, 50, 61, 77, 91 |
Key Urban Routes:
- Route 8: Al Ghubaiba ? Deira ? Dubai Mall
- Route 11: Al Satwa ? Bur Dubai ? Karama
- Route 50: Al Ghubaiba ? Jumeirah ? Mall of Emirates
- Route 61: Union Square ? Deira ? Al Qusais
- Route 77: Ibn Battuta ? Jebel Ali ? Discovery Gardens
Official Resource: Download complete route list from RTA Bus Route PDF
Metro Feeder Buses (35 Routes)
Purpose: Connect residential areas to Dubai Metro stations
| Route Numbers: | F-series (F01-F99) |
| Operating Hours: | Aligned with Metro timings |
| Frequency: | Every 15-30 minutes |
| Fare: | AED 3 – AED 5 |
| Transfer: | Free transfer to Metro within 30 minutes |
Popular Feeder Routes:
- F01: Al Barsha ? Mall of Emirates Metro
- F11: Jumeirah ? Business Bay Metro
- F26: Al Quoz ? Al Quoz Metro
- F33: Dubai Marina ? Nakheel Metro
- F55: Ibn Battuta Metro ? Discovery Gardens
Pro Tip: Use feeder buses for last-mile connectivity. Tap Nol Card on bus, then Metro within 30 min for free transfer!
? Express Buses (8 Routes)
Purpose: Fast connections with limited stops
| Route Numbers: | X-series (X01-X99) |
| Operating Hours: | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Frequency: | Every 20-40 minutes |
| Stops: | Limited (faster journey) |
| Fare: | AED 5 – AED 8.50 |
Express Routes:
- X25: Al Ghubaiba ? Dubai Marina (express)
- X91: Al Ghubaiba ? Jebel Ali (bypasses Business Bay)
Night Buses (N-Series)
Purpose: Late-night service when Metro is closed
| Route Numbers: | N-series (N11, N55, etc.) |
| Operating Hours: | Midnight – 5:00 AM |
| Frequency: | Every 60 minutes |
| Fare: | AED 5 – AED 8.50 |
Night Owl: Perfect for late-shift workers, airport travelers, and nightlife enthusiasts.
Intercity Buses (12 Routes)
Purpose: Connect Dubai to other emirates
| Route Numbers: | E-series (E100, E101, E201, E303, etc.) |
| Operating Hours: | 24/7 (E100), 4:30 AM – 2:00 AM (E101) |
| Frequency: | Every 30 minutes |
| Fare: | AED 25 (one way) |
| Booking: | bustickets.rta.ae |
Main Intercity Routes:
- E100: Al Ghubaiba ? Abu Dhabi Central
- E101: Ibn Battuta ? Abu Dhabi Central
- E201: Al Ghubaiba ? Al Ain
- E303: Dubai ? Sharjah ? Ajman
Learn More: Complete guide to Abu Dhabi to Dubai Bus
Nol Card: Your Dubai Bus Pass
Essential payment card for all RTA buses. December 2025.
What is Nol Card?
The Nol Card is Dubai’s official contactless smart card for all public transportation. It’s mandatory for RTA buses-cash is NOT accepted.
| Usage: | Metro, Buses, Tram, Water Bus, RTA Taxis, Parking |
| Payment: | Tap on when boarding, tap off when exiting |
| Where to Buy: | Metro stations, bus stations, authorized retailers |
| Recharge: | Online (RTA app), Metro/bus stations, retailers |
Complete Guide: Learn everything about Nol Card Balance Check
Nol Card Types
| Card Type | Cost | Credit | Max Balance | Validity |
| Silver (Most Popular) | AED 25 | AED 19 | AED 5,000 | 5 years |
| Gold (Premium) | AED 25 | AED 19 | AED 10,000 | 5 years |
| Red (Ticket) | AED 2 | Pay per trip | 10 trips | 90 days |
| Blue (Personal) | AED 70 | AED 20 | AED 5,000 | 5 years |
Recommendation: Silver Card is best for most users. Gold Card for Metro/Tram Gold Class. Blue Card for students/seniors with discounts.
S’hail App: Real-Time Bus Tracking
Essential app for Dubai bus travel. December 2025.
S’hail App Features
Download: iOS App Store, Google Play Store (FREE)
- Real-Time Bus Tracking: See exact bus location and arrival time
- ? Trip Planner: Enter origin/destination, get best route
- Nearby Stops: Find closest bus stops
- ? Live Schedules: Updated timetables
- Nol Card Management: Check balance, recharge
- Service Alerts: Real-time delay notifications
- Intercity Booking: Book E-series buses
? Must-Have: S’hail app is essential for all Dubai commuters!
Official RTA Resources
Official RTA Links
- Complete Bus Route List: Download PDF
- ? Journey Planner: Wojhati Planner
- ? Timetables: RTA Timetable Portal
- Intercity Booking: bustickets.rta.ae
- Mobile App: S’hail (iOS/Android)
- Customer Service: 800 9090 (24/7)
? RTA Dubai Bus FAQs
Q1: How much does RTA bus cost in Dubai?
A: Local buses: AED 3-8.50 (zone-based). Intercity: AED 25. Must use Nol Card (cash NOT accepted).
Q2: Can I pay cash on Dubai buses?
A: No, cash is NOT accepted. You must use a Nol Card. Buy at Metro/bus stations or authorized retailers.
Q3: How do I find RTA bus routes and timings?
A: Use S’hail app for real-time tracking, or visit RTA Bus Route PDF and Wojhati Journey Planner.
Q4: Do Dubai buses run 24/7?
A: Most buses run 5 AM – Midnight. Night buses (N-series) operate Midnight – 5 AM. E100 intercity runs 24/7.
Q5: Can I use Hafilat Card on Dubai buses?
A: No, Hafilat Card (Abu Dhabi) does NOT work on Dubai buses. You must use Nol Card.
Official RTA Contact
Official Apps
S’hail: Real-time tracking
RTA Dubai: Services portal
Download: iOS/Android (FREE)
Content Verification
Last Verified: December 2025 | Sources: RTA Dubai official documentation, S’hail app, RTA Bus Route PDF, Wojhati Journey Planner. This is the most comprehensive RTA Dubai bus guide online with 119 internal routes, 35 metro feeders, 12 intercity, 8 express, complete Nol Card guide, S’hail app features, official RTA resources, and FAQs. For real-time updates, download S’hail app or call 800 9090.
