How to use bus in Dubai, the complete guide!
How to use the public transportation bus in Dubai? What does a bus ride in Dubai cost? Are there buses to Abu Dhabi from Dubai? How to pay for a bus ride?
In this complete guide you will learn everything about using the public bus service in Dubai.
About RTA bus in Dubai
In addition to the frequent taxis and the self-driving metro, you can also use the bus to get around in Dubai. Just like the metro and taxis, this bus service is managed by the RTA Roads & Transport Authority.
In total there are more than 1,500 buses in Dubai. With 119 different routes, they provide 82% coverage for the city.
Besides the normal routes, there are also special bus connections, for example the 5 special connections that are used to bring passengers to Global Village and Miracle Garden. There are also 35 connections that take you from one metro station to another.
For people who want to travel to Abu Dhabi or another emirate in the country there are the Intercity connections.
Nol Card
Just like the metro and the Dubai Tram, you can only travel by bus if you have a Nol card. In total there are 4 different Nol cards:
- Red Nol Card – suitable for tourists who will only do 1 or 2 journeys
- Silver Nol Card – the most used card for tourists who want to use public transport frequently.
- Gold Nol Card – almost the same as the Silver Card but twice as expensive because you can take a seat in the more luxurious part.
- Blue Nol Card – this personalized Nol Card is best suited for residents and expats in Dubai.
View here the extensive guide about the Nol Card
Where to buy a Nol Card
You can buy a Nol Card at the counter in various bus stations and almost all metro stations.
With this Nol Card you can then easily use the bus, metro and tram by holding your Nol Card against the card reader.
Make sure that you do this when boarding but also when getting out. If you get out without checking out, the ride will continue to run, which means that the maximum rate will be deducted from your balance if you no longer check out the same day.
The 7 different zones that determine the rate of your ride
With 7 zones it is determined how much you have to pay for a bus ride. In total there are 3 rates:
- a) Tier 1: travel in 1 zone or 2 zones if the distance is less than 3 km
- b) Tier 2: departing in 1 zone and traveling to a neighboring zone
- c) Tier 3: traverse three or more zones
Fares and prices of the RTA buses in Dubai
As we said before, the rate is determined by the 7 zones. The table below shows the rates that apply to most tourists. For all rates and prices you can go to the comprehensive guide of the Nol Card.
Red Nol Ticket
The Red Nol Ticket is only suitable for the very occasional traveler. If you are going to do more than 3 journeys, you are cheaper with a Silver Nol Card.
| Type | Price | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Chip Card | No matter which Red Nol Ticket you buy, you must always first purchase the chip card yourself! You can then recharge this card for 10 single journeys or 5 day passes. You are then obliged to purchase a new card again. | |
| | 1 day pass | A full day of unlimited travel with one type of transportation, e.g. the bus! | |
| | 1 zone | Travel within 1 zone or a distance of less than 3 km in 2 zones. | |
| | 2 zones | Travel within 2 adjacent zones. | |
| | 3 zones | Travel in 3 or more zones. |
Silver Nol Card
Unlike the Red Nol Ticket, the silver Nol Card is not made of paper but of plastic, such as a credit card. The Nol Card can top up at a counter or a Nol Card machine.
You can also use this card for the metro, tram, bus, water bus, taxi and even public car parks! You pay a little more for this card, but the price per ride is a lot lower than with the Red Nol Ticket. The card is valid for 5 years!
| Type | Price | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Chip Card | The first time you have to purchase the card, this costs you AED 25, of which AED 19 is added directly to the balance of the card. | |
| | 1 zone | Travel within 1 zone or a distance of less than 3 km in 2 zones. | |
| | 2 zones | Travel within 2 adjacent zones. | |
| | 3 zones | Travel in 3 or more zones. |
Tip:
Make sure that the minimum balance on your Nol Card is always AED 7.5! If you have a lower balance upon departure, you risk a fine (AED 200) from an inspector. This rule is there because of the maximum rate that can be charged if you cross 3 or more zones.
This does not apply to the Red Nol Ticket, as this is a prepaid day pass or ticket.
Top up Nol Card
To add a balance to your Nol Card you can go to the numerous vending machines present, some bus stops have a vending machine while others do not.
On the RTA website you can find a handy interactive map where there are counters and vending machines in Dubai to charge your Nol Card.
The different types of buses
In total there are 4 different types of buses, 3 of which only differ in size or capacity, while the fourth only serves for transport between metro stations.
Every bus is wheelchair accessible. All buses are also equipped with a powerful air conditioning. This comes in handy during the warm summer months, when the temperature can sometimes rise to 50 °C!
Standard Bus
The most common bus
Articulated Bus
The long harmonica buses
Double Bus
The bus with 2 floors
Metro Feeder bus
These transport all passengers to the metro stations
Cooled bus stops
All bus stops in Dubai are completely closed and are cooled with air conditioning. We may find it hard to imagine, but during the summer months the heat can feel very burning in full sun, which means that air-conditioning in a closed bus stop is no superfluous luxury!
Some bus stops also have a vending machine to charge your Nol Card.
All major bus stations and opening hours
List of all bus stations that serve as the start or end point of a route. These are almost always equipped with an accompanying cafeteria where you can eat something.
The opening hours of the various bus stations are almost all different, which is why we also provide these for a while. The opening time is when the first bus leaves, the closing time is when the last bus arrives.
You can also view this table on the RTA website, so you can always be sure of the latest changes.