Satwa Bus Station is a vital transportation hub located in the heart of Dubai, offering seamless connectivity to key destinations across the city and beyond. As one of the busiest bus terminals operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), it serves thousands of daily commuters.
From local routes to intercity connections, Satwa Bus Station ensures smooth, affordable, and efficient public transportation. This guide will provide comprehensive information about Satwa Bus Station timings, routes, directions, and travel tips, making it easier for you to plan your journey.
What Are Key Bus Routes from Satwa Bus Station?
Satwa Bus Station is a major terminal for buses that connect different parts of Dubai and the neighboring emirates. Below is a detailed look at the key bus routes from Satwa Bus Station.
1. X13 – LuLu Village to Al Satwa Bus Station
Route Overview:
The X13 route provides a direct connection between LuLu Village, a well-known residential and shopping area, and Satwa Bus Station. The route passes through essential stops like Abu Hail, Union Metro Station, and Karama, offering convenience to residents in densely populated areas.
Key Stops:
- LuLu Village — Starting point of the route.
- Abu Hail Metro Station — Connection to the Green Metro Line.
- Union Metro Station — A major metro hub connecting the Red and Green Metro Lines.
- Al Karama — A popular residential and shopping area.
- Satwa Bus Station — Final destination of the route.
Frequency: Buses on this route operate at regular intervals, with shorter wait times during peak hours.
Why Take This Route?:
This route is popular among commuters who live in the LuLu Village and Abu Hail areas. Since it connects to major metro stations like Union and Karama, it allows for convenient transfers. Tourists staying near LuLu Village can also use this route to explore other parts of Dubai.
2. 32C – Al Qusais Bus Station to Al Satwa Bus Station
Route Overview:
The 32C route connects Al Qusais, a prominent residential and industrial area, to Satwa Bus Station. The route serves as a critical link for residents and employees in Al Qusais and travelers using the Dubai Airport Free Zone. This route passes through Deira, a major commercial and retail district, and the bustling Karama area.
Key Stops:
- Al Qusais Bus Station — Starting point for the route.
- Dubai Airport Free Zone — Home to numerous business establishments.
- Deira City Centre — A prime retail and shopping hub.
- Al Karama — One of Dubai’s liveliest areas for residents and shoppers.
- Satwa Bus Station — The final stop for the route.
Frequency: Buses operate frequently, especially during peak hours, to cater to office workers and daily commuters.
Why Take This Route?:
The 32C route is a lifeline for those traveling from Al Qusais to central Dubai. It’s particularly useful for office workers in the Dubai Airport Free Zone, shoppers visiting Deira City Centre, and residents commuting to and from Karama. The route also allows easy transfers to other metro and bus services.
3. 55 – Al Satwa Bus Station to International City
Route Overview:
The 55 bus route is a direct link between Satwa Bus Station and International City, one of Dubai’s most extensive residential developments. It serves several key locations along the way, such as Rashidiya, Al Jafiliya, and Oud Metha. This route is crucial for daily commuters traveling between central Dubai and International City.
Key Stops:
- Satwa Bus Station — Starting point for the route.
- Al Jafiliya Metro Station — Easy transfer point to the Red Metro Line.
- Oud Metha — A vibrant area with residential complexes and schools.
- Rashidiya — Connection to the Red Metro Line at Rashidiya Metro Station.
- International City — Final destination and home to thousands of residents.
Frequency: Buses operate throughout the day, with increased frequency during peak hours.
Why Take This Route?:
If you live in International City and work in Satwa, Oud Metha, or Jafiliya, the 55 route is an essential daily connection. This route allows smooth transfers at key metro stations like Jafiliya and Rashidiya, making it easy for travelers to access Dubai’s metro network.
4. C01 – Airport Terminal 3 to Al Satwa Bus Station
Route Overview:
The C01 is one of the most important bus routes connecting Dubai Airport Terminal 3 with Satwa Bus Station. It serves tourists, business travelers, and Dubai residents who arrive at the airport and want to head directly to central Dubai or Satwa. The route runs through several key locations, offering transfers to other metro and bus routes.
Key Stops:
- Airport Terminal 3 — Starting point of the route.
- Deira City Centre — Retail and shopping destination.
- Karama — A vibrant area popular for dining, shopping, and residence.
- Satwa Bus Station — Final destination for this route.
Frequency: Buses operate frequently to ensure smooth connectivity for travelers arriving at Dubai Airport.
Why Take This Route?:
This route is highly convenient for tourists, airport employees, and visitors arriving at Terminal 3 of Dubai Airport. Instead of using taxis or ride-hailing services, travelers can take the C01 bus directly to Satwa, with the option to stop at key destinations like Deira City Centre and Karama.
5. C09 – Al Satwa Bus Station to Hor Al Anz East, Qiyadah Metro Station
Route Overview:
The C09 route provides a direct link from Satwa Bus Station to Hor Al Anz East and Qiyadah Metro Station. It connects passengers with the densely populated Deira area and allows for seamless transfers to the Dubai Metro system.
Key Stops:
- Satwa Bus Station — Starting point for the route.
- Karama — Home to numerous residential buildings, restaurants, and retail outlets.
- Deira — One of the most densely populated and commercially active areas in Dubai.
- Hor Al Anz — A residential and shopping neighborhood.
- Qiyadah Metro Station — Final stop where passengers can transfer to the Metro.
Frequency: The C09 operates throughout the day, with more buses during peak commute times.
Why Take This Route?:
The C09 is ideal for people commuting from Satwa to Deira, Hor Al Anz, or Qiyadah Metro Station. The route makes it easy for commuters to transfer to the Green Metro Line at Qiyadah, allowing access to other parts of Dubai.
6. X02 – Union Metro Station to Al Satwa Bus Station
Route Overview:
The X02 route offers direct connectivity between Union Metro Station and Satwa Bus Station. This route benefits daily commuters, office workers, and shoppers traveling between Deira and Satwa.
Key Stops:
- Union Metro Station — Starting point with connections to the Red and Green Metro Lines.
- Deira — A key retail and commercial hub.
- Karama — A densely populated residential and shopping district.
- Satwa Bus Station — Final destination.
Frequency: This route runs frequently throughout the day, with more buses during rush hours.
Why Take This Route?:
The X02 route is ideal for commuters traveling from Deira and Union Metro Station to Satwa. It’s particularly useful for residents and office workers who rely on public transport for their daily commute.
7. 98E – Al Quoz Bus Station to Al Satwa Bus Station
Route Overview:
The 98E is a crucial express route linking Al Quoz Bus Station to Satwa. Al Quoz is one of Dubai’s busiest industrial and residential areas, and this route provides a fast and efficient connection for workers, laborers, and daily commuters. The express nature of the route ensures fewer stops, allowing for a quicker journey between Al Quoz and Satwa.
Key Stops:
- Al Quoz Bus Station — Starting point for the route, connecting workers from the industrial zone.
- Al Wasl — Residential and commercial area, with popular shopping and dining outlets.
- Satwa Bus Station — Final stop, serving the busy Satwa district, which is home to restaurants, retail stores, and residential apartments.
Frequency: The 98E operates frequently, especially during peak hours when commuter demand is high. Buses typically arrive every 15-20 minutes.
Why Take This Route?:
The 98E route is a preferred choice for workers and employees who live or work in Al Quoz. Instead of taking slower local buses, this express route offers a faster connection with fewer stops. Residents of Al Quoz can also use this route to access Satwa’s bustling commercial area for shopping, dining, or connecting to other bus routes.
8. F27 – Al Jafiliya Bus Station to Al Satwa Bus Station
Route Overview:
The F27 is a feeder route designed to connect Al Jafiliya Bus Station with Satwa Bus Station. Feeder routes like the F27 typically operate in conjunction with metro services, allowing commuters to easily transfer from a metro line to a nearby bus route. This route benefits residents, tourists, and workers traveling from the Al Jafiliya Metro Station to Satwa’s key residential and business districts.
Key Stops:
Al Jafiliya Bus Station — This is one of Dubai’s most important transportation hubs, located next to the Al Jafiliya Metro Station (Red Line).
Al Wasl — A popular residential and shopping area.
Satwa Bus Station — The final destination, serving as a connection point for multiple other routes.
Frequency: Feeder buses like the F27 run at regular intervals, with increased frequency during peak times. Passengers can expect a bus every 10 to 15 minutes.
Why Take This Route?:
If you’re arriving at Al Jafiliya Metro Station and want to reach Satwa, the F27 route is the most efficient option. It avoids the hassle of taking multiple transfers, and since it’s a feeder bus, it aligns with the arrival of metro trains. Commuters can move seamlessly from the Red Line at Jafiliya Metro Station to Satwa Bus Station, providing access to other essential routes.
9. F28 – Emirates Tower Metro Station to Satwa Bus Station
Route Overview:
The F28 route is another feeder bus route that connects Emirates Tower Metro Station with Satwa Bus Station. This route facilitates smooth transfers between Dubai’s Red Line Metro and Satwa. Since Emirates Tower is located on Sheikh Zayed Road, the route primarily serves business executives, office workers, and travelers commuting from corporate hubs to Satwa.
Key Stops:
- Emirates Tower Metro Station — This metro station is located on Sheikh Zayed Road, surrounded by prominent business centers and hotels.
- Sheikh Zayed Road — A key transit route in Dubai, providing quick access to major financial and commercial areas.
- Satwa Bus Station — The end point of this route, located in the heart of the Satwa district.
Frequency: Similar to other feeder buses, the F28 runs every 10-15 minutes, especially during peak office hours. The timing is synchronized with metro arrivals to ensure minimal waiting times for commuters.
Why Take This Route?:
The F28 route is a lifeline for office workers and commuters from Sheikh Zayed Road. It provides direct access to Satwa from Emirates Tower Metro Station, making it a preferred option for professionals and business travelers. The short travel time and frequent buses ensure quick and efficient commutes, reducing overall wait time.
| Bus Route | Starting Point | Destination | Type | Main Stops | Why Use This Route? |
| X13 | LuLu Village | Satwa Bus Station | Local Route | Union, Karama, Abu Hail | Ideal for commuters from LuLu Village to central Dubai |
| 32C | Al Qusais Bus Station | Satwa Bus Station | Local Route | Airport Free Zone, Karama | Connects Al Qusais to Satwa via Deira and Karama |
| 55 | Satwa Bus Station | International City | Intercity Route | Al Jafiliya, Oud Metha | Key route for Satwa to International City commuters |
| C01 | Airport Terminal 3 | Satwa Bus Station | Airport Route | Deira, Karama | Direct connection from Airport Terminal 3 to Satwa |
| C09 | Satwa Bus Station | Qiyadah Metro Station | Local Route | Deira, Hor Al Anz | Quick route for Satwa to Deira, Hor Al Anz, and Qiyadah |
| X02 | Union Metro Station | Satwa Bus Station | Express Route | Deira, Karama | Direct route from Union Metro to Satwa |
| 98E | Al Quoz Bus Station | Satwa Bus Station | Express Route | Al Wasl | Fast route from Al Quoz to Satwa |
| F27 | Al Jafiliya Bus Station | Satwa Bus Station | Feeder Route | Al Wasl | Direct connection from Jafiliya Metro to Satwa |
| F28 | Emirates Tower Metro Station | Satwa Bus Station | Feeder Route | Sheikh Zayed Road | Direct link from Emirates Tower to Satwa |
Satwa Bus Station Timings
Satwa Bus Station operates with commuter-friendly schedules, providing 21 hours of service daily. It is open from 4:30 AM to 1:30 AM (the next day), making it a vital transport hub for early-morning travelers, daily commuters, and late-night passengers. This extensive timing ensures that no matter what time of day you need to travel, there is likely a bus available.
The station’s operating hours are structured to meet the needs of Dubai’s busy workforce, tourists, and students. Below is a detailed table of Satwa Bus Station timings, including peak hours, off-peak hours, and weekend schedules.
Satwa Bus Station Timings Table
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time | Peak Hours | Off-Peak Hours | Frequency of Buses |
| Monday – Thursday | 4:30 AM | 1:30 AM (Next Day) | 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM, 7:30 PM – 1:30 AM | Every 10-20 mins (peak) / 15-30 mins (off-peak) |
| Friday – Saturday | 4:30 AM | 1:30 AM (Next Day) | 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM, 7:30 PM – 1:30 AM | Every 10-20 mins (peak) / 15-30 mins (off-peak) |
| Sunday | 4:30 AM | 1:30 AM (Next Day) | 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM, 7:30 PM – 1:30 AM | Every 10-20 mins (peak) / 15-30 mins (off-peak) |
| Public Holidays | 4:30 AM | 1:30 AM (Next Day) | 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM, 7:30 PM – 1:30 AM | Frequency may vary but usually follows regular schedule |
Peak Hours
The busiest times at Satwa Bus Station are during the morning and evening peak periods:
- Morning Peak: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- Evening Peak: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
During these periods, buses arrive more frequently (every 10 to 20 minutes), ensuring that the increased commuter demand is met. Commuters heading to work, school, or daily appointments are encouraged to plan their trips accordingly, as buses may be more crowded during these hours.
Off-Peak Hours
Off-peak hours typically run from:
- 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Late morning to mid-afternoon)
- 7:30 PM – 1:30 AM (Evening and late-night)
During these times, buses may arrive less frequently, with intervals of 15 to 30 minutes. The advantage of traveling during off-peak hours is less congestion, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed commuting experience. Tourists and casual travelers are encouraged to travel during these hours for a more comfortable journey.
Weekend and Public Holiday Timings
On weekends (Friday and Saturday) and public holidays, Satwa Bus Station follows its regular schedule, but RTA may make slight adjustments to the frequency of buses based on passenger demand. Routes leading to popular malls, beaches, and tourist areas often see more buses scheduled to meet tourist demand.
Facilities at Satwa Bus Station
- Seating: Comfortable seating for passengers.
- Ticketing Counters: Nol card recharge and ticket purchase.
- Restrooms: Clean restrooms for public use.
- Information Booths: RTA staff to assist with queries.
Travel Tips for Satwa Bus Station
- Avoid Peak Hours: Travel outside of rush hours to avoid crowds.
- Nol Card Ready: Top up your Nol card before arriving.
- Track Your Bus: Use RTA’s app to track bus timings.
Conclusion
Satwa Bus Station is a central hub in Dubai’s public transport network. With routes to key locations like Airport Terminal 3, Al Quoz, and International City, it provides excellent connectivity for commuters. Use this guide to navigate the station efficiently and make your daily commute smoother.
FAQs About Satwa Bus Station
What are the operating hours of Satwa Bus Station?
Satwa Bus Station operates from 4:30 AM to 1:30 AM the next day.
How do I get from Dubai Airport Terminal 3 to Satwa?
You can take the C01 bus route from Terminal 3 directly to Satwa Bus Station.
Which bus connects Al Qusais to Satwa?
The 32C bus route connects Al Qusais Bus Station to Satwa Bus Station.
Can I use a Nol card at Satwa Bus Station?
Yes, Nol cards can be used for all bus routes and can be recharged at the ticket counters.
What is the difference between Satwa Bus Stop and Satwa Bus Station?
Satwa Bus Station is a large terminal, while Satwa Bus Stop refers to smaller stops along a route.
Are there express routes from Al Quoz to Satwa?
Yes, the 98E route provides an express service from Al Quoz to Satwa.
Can I find buses to International City from Satwa?
Yes, the 55 route runs from Satwa Bus Station to International City.
