Shuttles and Buses from and to Dubai Airport

Dubai’s public bus network is operated by the RTA (Roads & Transport Authority) and is known for its modern, air-conditioned, and comfortable vehicles. All buses include reserved seating for women and children. The system is extensive and divided into several categories, each serving a different transit purpose across the city.

Types of Dubai Buses

  • Express buses: Limited stops, faster routes.
  • Local buses: Multiple intermediate stops, covering most city districts.
  • Feeder buses (F): Blue and white buses connecting metro stations with areas not served by the subway.
  • Central Business District buses (C): Routes linking Deira and Bur Dubai with other transport zones.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is connected to the city via local, central, and express bus routes. Although services are frequent and operate almost around the clock, the network can be confusing for first-time visitors. In addition, large luggage items are not permitted on RTA buses.

Important: There is no direct bus line from Dubai Airport to Downtown Dubai.

Dubai Airport Local Bus Lines

Bus stops are located directly outside the Arrivals level of terminals 1, 2, and 3. Each terminal is served by different bus routes:

Dubai Airport Terminal 1

  • Bus 11A: Gold Souq Bus Station – Al Awir
  • Bus 24: Al Nahda 2 – International City
  • Bus 32C: Al Qusais Bus Station – Al Satwa Bus Station
  • Bus 33: Al Ghubaiba Bus Station – Al Qusais Bus Station
  • Bus 64A: Gold Souq Bus Station – Ras Al Khor Samari Residence
  • Bus 77: Baniyas Square MS – Al Garhoud (RTA HQ)

Dubai Airport Terminal 2

  • Bus 20: Al Nahda Terminus – Al Warsan 3
  • Bus 31: DXB Terminal 2 – Oud Al Mateena
  • Bus 43: Gold Souq Bus Station – Al Qusais Industrial Area 2

Dubai Airport Terminal 3

  • Bus 77: Baniyas Square MS – DXB Terminal 3

Useful Bus Tips

  • Night Bus N30: Operates from 09:00 pm to 05:00 am, stopping at all three terminals and connecting DXB with Dragon Mart 2 and International City Bus Station.
  • Express Bus 13B: Passes by Terminal 2, running between Al Qusais Bus Station and Gold Souq Bus Station with limited stops.

CBD (Central Business District) Buses

  • C01: Runs via terminals 1 and 3, starting from Terminal 3 and ending at Al Satwa Bus Station (24/7 service).
  • C26: Serves Terminal 2, connecting Al Qusais Industrial Area with Al Wasl Park.

All standard Dubai bus routes operate from 04:00 am to 01:00 am, except for C01, which runs around the clock.

Intercity Buses from DXB Airport

  • E700: Intercity bus connecting Dubai Airport with Fujairah Bus Station.

Dubai Airport Bus Tickets & Nol Cards

Tickets cannot be purchased on board. A rechargeable Nol Card is required and must be topped up with a minimum balance of 7.5 AED.

  • Nol Cards are available at airport metro stations and ticket machines in Arrivals
  • Top-ups can be made using cash or bank cards

Nol Card Types

  • Red Ticket: Paper card (2 AED). Valid for buses, metro, and trains.
    • 1 zone: 4 AED
    • 2 zones: 6 AED
    • More than 2 zones: 8.5 AED
    • Single transport mode per trip
  • Silver Card: 25 AED (includes 19 AED credit). Valid on all transport modes.
    • 1 zone: 3 AED
    • 2 zones: 5 AED
    • 3+ zones: 7.5 AED
    • Transfers must occur within 30 minutes
  • Gold Card: Same price as Silver Card, required for Gold Class on trains.
  • Personal Card: Designed for Dubai residents and frequent visitors.

Additional Notes

  • One fare covers up to 3 transfers within 180 minutes
  • Children under 5 travel free