Bus Information

The Public Bus Transport system in the Emirate of Dubai is run by the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA). 734 peak bus schedules are run on 79 bus routes covering over 264,260 kilometers on a specimen working day. Service volumes are adjusted on Fridays and public holidays in relation to passenger demand. Around 310,000 passengers travel per day. The bus routes span the whole length and breadth of 4,110 square kilometers area of the Emirate of Dubai.

The bus fleet is comprised of top quality custom-built buses equipped with individual seats, air-conditioning, an electronically operated destination display system and computerized fare equipment. Most of the buses have a carrying capacity of 51 seated and 10 standing passengers. Some smaller capacity buses are run to service inner CBD routes as well as a few low-density corridors.

The bus fleet is maintained at two high-tech bus depots at Al Qusais and Al Awir.

The bus transport infrastructure includes 9 well-attended bus stations, over 1,860 bus stops, 1,302 wayside passenger shelters and point timetables at 500 busy bus stops.

Route Map

Bus route maps are essential tools in helping passengers use the bus more easily.  It shows all bus routes that are available for use along with the main bus stations in the city of Dubai.  The route map is marked with all bus stops, bus route directions, and the important destinations in Dubai are marked on the map as well.  These destinations have been highlighted on the map to help the public choose the correct routes .

The folded map has maps on each side; one side shows the city centre area in more detail, while the other side of the map shows the map of the whole city of Dubai with route details, bus stops, and main bus stations.

The bus route map uses different colours to inform passengers which route different services take.  For example: red routes on the map show the express bus service which is a service with limited bus stops (it is meant to be faster than the normal service).  The blue routes show the airport service, while the black routes are the normal bus service.  The golden routes are services of Emirates Express, which is a bus service which connects the emirate of Dubai with other emirates such as Abu Dhabi.  The list includes the route number, the beginning and ending destinations with details of the most important stops during the journey.

The Bus Route Map includes lists of some important bus stops around the city along with the routes which passes by these stops such as:

• Hospitals bus stops

• Leisure and sports bus stops

• Souks and shopping malls bus stops

• Hotel bus stops

Added to this list, the bus route map shows other important bus stops in the city of Dubai such as government organizations, airport, historical buildings, and so on.

The route maps can be found in all bus stations around Dubai. It can also be collected, either from the information desks at the stations, or from the publication shelves in each station.  It also can be found on the website of Roads & Transport Authority. In the case of an emergency situation, detailed information about destinations and any other information can be requested from the call centre on 8009090.

Inter-Emirates Buses

The Public Transport Agency provides inter-emirates bus service on 11 routes in addition to 6 other routes served by other companies, linking Dubai Emirate with all other Emirates and cities across the UAE.

You can travel on fleet buses deployed for this service, comprising of 123 buses of different types and capacities, to each of the following destinations:

Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Al Jujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, Al Dhaid, Hatta and Massafi.

Inter-City buses transport about 1,009,919 passengers every month to other Emirates and cities from different start off points. The services are available at affordable fares to the residents, visitors and tourists of Dubai.

The main stations (Deira and Bur Dubai) operate on shifts from 06:00 am up to 12:00 am (midnight) and the bus schedules are provided at each station to detailing the time of the lastest service, which varies depending on the start off and arrival point.

Do’s and Don’ts

Important information and instructions for public bus users:

• While waiting at the bus stop, stay clear of the bus stopping area. Please signal the bus to stop.

• Stay away from the bus doors till the driver opens them to allow you to board the bus.

• Board the bus through the front door and alight from the rear. Ladies and children may alight from the front door.

• Tickets are available on request using the exact change. If you hold a bus pass, present it to the driver for checking. Smartcards should be passed over the ticket machine and tickets will be produced. Passengers without tickets are liable for prosecution.

• Present your Smart Card for inspection by the representatives of Public Transport.

• Three rows of seats in the front of the bus are reserved for lady passengers.

• Do not engage the bus driver in conversation or arguments.

• Do not eat, drink or smoke on the bus.

• Do not throw any litter or spit through the bus windows.

• Do not vandalise the interior of the bus.

• Bulky luggage, hazardous/obnoxious materials and animals are not allowed inside the bus.

• Do not play or operate any musical instrument or sound reproducing equipment to the annoyance of  other passengers or the bus driver.

• Do not place your luggage in the gangway.

• Do not make announcements or distribute any leaflets, brochures, books, products or gifts as part of a commercial, political or religious campaign.

• Do not beg or solicit any favours while on the bus.

• If you wish to alight at an authorized bus stop, press the stop bell.

• Do not attempt to leave the bus until the bus comes to a complete halt.

• Do not use the emergency door unless permitted or instructed by the bus driver.

Complaints & Lost Items

If you have a complaint or you have had a bad experience on your trip, please tell the authorities about it on the feedback & suggestions section, or if you feel your complaint would be better handled by telephone, please contact them at 8009090.

Lost Items Service

Passengers are encouraged to check that they have all of their belongings at the end of each journey. If any item is accidentally left in the vehicle, the driver will, if the item is not claimed, deliver the item to the Police.

Their customer service employees are available 24 hours a day for your service.

For more information visit www.rta.ae