Dubai Airport Bus to Dubai City
Routes, ticket prices, schedules and step-by-step directions — the cheapest way from DXB to central Dubai.
Quick Facts
Ticket Price
AED 3 (NOL card)
Journey Time
45–75 minutes
Frequency
Every 20–30 min
Bus Routes from Dubai Airport
| Route | Key Stops | Terminal | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route 401 | Union Square, Deira City Centre | T1 & T3 | 24 hrs |
| Route 402 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, Bur Dubai | T1 & T3 | 24 hrs |
| Route 403 | Rashidiya Metro | T1 | 05:00–00:00 |
Routes 401 and 402 run 24 hours and are the most popular for reaching central Dubai and hotel areas.
How to Buy a Ticket
- NOL Card (recommended): Buy at any RTA ticket machine inside the arrivals hall or at the bus stop. Tap on/off. Fare: AED 3–5.
- Cash on Bus: Not accepted on Dubai public buses. You must have a NOL card loaded with credit.
- RTA App / Website: Top up your NOL card balance via the official RTA app before or after arrival.
Step-by-Step: Arrivals to Bus Stop
- 1Clear immigration and collect your baggage at the arrivals hall.
- 2Follow green 'Ground Transport' or 'Public Bus' signs toward the exit.
- 3Locate the RTA ticket machines (near exits) and purchase or top up your NOL card.
- 4Exit through the designated doors — bus stops are directly outside Terminals 1 and 3.
- 5Check the electronic display for your route number, board, and tap your NOL card on the reader.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct bus from Dubai Airport to Downtown Dubai?+
Route 401 passes close to Downtown via Union Square in Deira. From there you can transfer to the Metro Red Line for Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. There is no single-bus route that stops at the Burj Khalifa.
How long does the airport bus take to reach the city centre?+
Expect 45–75 minutes depending on traffic and your final stop. Evening rush hour (17:00–20:00) can push journey times closer to 90 minutes.
Can I take luggage on the Dubai airport bus?+
Yes, luggage is permitted. Stow bags in the overhead racks or in the space near the doors. There is no extra charge for luggage on RTA buses.
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