RTA Bus Timings, UAE – Complete 2025 Guide
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) runs one of the most advanced public bus networks in the Middle East, seamlessly connecting every district of Dubai with intercity links to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, and Al Ain. For residents, students, and millions of annual visitors, knowing the RTA bus timings is key to navigating Dubai affordably, comfortably, and efficiently.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about RTA bus timings in 2025 — from daily schedules and peak hour frequencies to fare structures, metro connections, and even seasonal routes like Global Village buses. Whether you’re commuting to work in Business Bay, shopping at Dubai Mall, or taking an intercity trip to Abu Dhabi, here’s how to master the Dubai bus timetable.
What Are RTA Bus Timings in Dubai?
The RTA bus timings generally span from 5:00 AM until midnight, with some routes running 24 hours a day. Service frequency depends on the route category:
- Urban Routes (Routes 5–99, 100+) – Cover residential and commercial districts inside Dubai.
- Feeder Routes (F01–F81) – Connect bus riders directly to Dubai Metro stations.
- Express Routes (E100–E700) – High-speed intercity buses to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, and Al Ain.
- Night Buses (N30, N55) – Provide reliable late-night travel.
- Seasonal Routes (102–108) – Special services to attractions like Global Village.
👉 During peak hours (6:30–9:30 AM and 4:30–8:30 PM), buses on busy routes arrive every 8–15 minutes. Off-peak frequencies range from 15–30 minutes, and late-night services are less frequent.
How to Check RTA Bus Timetable in Real Time
Dubai makes it easy to access accurate bus timing information:
- Official RTA Website (rta.ae)
- Full bus timetables, route maps, and service updates.
- Interactive Journey Planner Tool.
- S’hail App (Official RTA Mobile App)
- Real-time bus arrivals and live tracking.
- Multi-modal journey planning (bus + metro + marine transport).
- NOL card balance check and top-up.
- Bus Stop Displays
- Digital countdown screens.
- QR codes linking to route details.
💡 Pro Tip: Always rely on the S’hail app for the most accurate RTA bus timings, especially during public holidays, bad weather, or traffic diversions.
Why RTA Bus Timing Knowledge Matters
- Efficient Commuting – Avoid unnecessary waiting and missed metro connections.
- Cost Savings – Reduce taxi dependence with smart planning.
- Comfort & Safety – Minimize exposure to extreme summer heat.
- Time Management – Arrive at business meetings, schools, and tourist attractions on schedule.
Dubai’s integrated transport network makes bus + metro transfers smooth, ensuring passengers can cover long distances affordably without hassle.
Popular RTA Bus Routes in Dubai (2025)
To Tourist Attractions
- Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa: Routes 27, 29, F13
- Global Village: Routes 102, 103, 104, 106, 108
- Dubai Marina & JBR: Routes 88, 91, 93
To Business Districts
- Business Bay: Routes 9, 14, 26, 50, F14, F19
- DIFC: Route F11
- Dubai Internet City: Routes 88, F31, F34
To Residential Areas
- Al Nahda: Routes 22, 23, 24, F08, F23, F81
- Mirdif: Routes F03, F40, F60
- Jumeirah: Various metro-connected routes
Intercity Services
- Dubai to Abu Dhabi: E100 (Al Ghubaiba – Abu Dhabi), E101 (Ibn Battuta – Abu Dhabi)
- Dubai to Sharjah: E303, E306, E307 (Union, Al Ghubaiba, Deira City Centre to Al Jubail)
- Dubai to Ajman: E411
- Dubai to Fujairah: E700
How Much Does an RTA Bus Ride Cost?
Fares are based on zones and paid via the NOL card:
- Zone 1 (short trips): AED 3
- Zone 2: AED 5
- Zone 3: AED 7.5
- Intercity:
- Dubai–Abu Dhabi: AED 25
- Dubai–Sharjah: AED 15
- Dubai–Ajman: AED 12
NOL Card Types
- Blue NOL – Residents
- Silver NOL – General use, affordable option
- Gold NOL – Premium seating
- Red NOL – Tourists, short-term use
Special: Global Village Bus Timings
Dubai’s Global Village (Oct–Apr) is supported by dedicated RTA bus services with extended hours:
- Route 102: Al Rashidiya – Global Village
- Route 103: Union Metro – Global Village
- Route 104: Al Ghubaiba – Global Village
- Route 106: Mall of Emirates – Global Village
- Route 108: Al Satwa – Global Village
⏰ Timings: 3:30 PM – midnight, with peak-day frequency every 10–15 minutes.
New Addition: RTA On & Off Tourist Bus
Launched in September 2024, this hop-on, hop-off tourist bus helps visitors explore Dubai’s landmarks affordably.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, every 60 minutes.
- Fare: AED 35 (1-day ticket).
- Stops include: Dubai Frame, Heritage Village, Museum of the Future, Gold Souk, La Mer Beach, Dubai Mall, Jumeirah Mosque, City Walk.
FAQs on RTA Bus Timings in Dubai
Q. What time do RTA buses start in Dubai?
Most routes begin around 5:00 AM, with some feeder and intercity routes starting earlier.
Q. Are there 24-hour RTA buses in Dubai?
Yes. Select routes, such as N30 and N55 night buses, operate 24/7.
Q. Which bus runs 24 hours a day?
The N55 (Dubai to Al Ghubaiba – Satwa – Dubai Airport) and N30 serve night travelers.
Q. How do I read a Dubai bus timetable?
Instead of fixed departure times, buses follow frequency-based schedules. For example, “every 10–15 minutes during peak hours.”
Q. What’s the best way to plan my bus journey in Dubai?
Use the S’hail app or the Journey Planner on rta.ae for real-time timings, route maps, and transfers.
Final Word
Dubai’s RTA bus timings system is designed to keep the city moving — whether you’re a commuter, student, tourist, or intercity traveler. With reliable schedules, zone-based fares, real-time updates through S’hail, and seamless connections to Dubai Metro, traveling across Dubai is more efficient than ever.
For more smart travel guides, intercity route details, and local Dubai insights, keep exploring TheDubaiWeb.com — your trusted companion for life, work, and travel in the UAE.
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