Al Satwa Bus Station is a significant RTA bus station and serves all the various parts of Dubai with a variety of public transport buses. It provides vital routes that connect Satwa to the surrounding villages, transport hubs, and Dubai International Airport Terminal 3. A Nol card will be used for paying bus fares and linking passengers’ travel to other RTA transport modes. It also provides a waiting area for passengers, taxi facilities, parking space, toilets, prayer spaces, and other facilities. The station is also connected to several feeder and peak-period lines, making it a hub for public transportation in Dubai.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
| Area | Al Satwa, Dubai |
| Road | Al Satwa Street (D 09) |
| Operator | Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) |
| Station area | 11,912 square metres |
| Designed daily capacity | 7,800 riders |
| Future expandable capacity | 15,000 riders |
| Operational bus bays | 15 |
| Private vehicle spaces | 228 |
| Key payment method | nol card |
| Airport service | C01 to Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 |
| Main published routes | 7, 11, 55, F11, F27, C01, C09, 88 and X02 |
| Additional 2026 peak services | 88A, 88B, 93A and 93B |
In 2021, RTA finished the current Al Satwa facility. The station has been built to accommodate 11,912 square metres and 7,800 passengers a day, although it can be increased to 15,000. The same information lists 15 operational bus spaces, 14 spaces for buses out of service, and 228 private-vehicle parking spaces.
Al Satwa Bus Station Location and Layout
It is located at the terminal of Al Satwa Street (D 09) in Al Satwa. RTA’s station map does not consider the entire station as a single bus stop but rather a series of numbered bus stops. Bays 01-15 are indicated on the published map, and the routes assigned around the station are identified.
Getting to the station is only the first step; check the route number, direction, and bay displayed on the current information screen before getting on the train.
RTA highlights the pick-up and drop-off area, taxi parking, passenger waiting areas, bike racks, public toilets, prayer rooms for men/women, self-service kiosks, Nol card machines, information displays, ATMs, and refreshment vending machines. It is also designed to accommodate persons with a determination.
Al Satwa Bus Station Routes and Connections
The RTA station map published in April 2025 lists 7, 11, 55, F11, F27, C01, C09, 88 and X02 at the terminal. Since then, RTA has added 4 more peak-time services operating specifically from Satwa terminal – 88A, 88B, 93A and 93B.
Not all route numbers are for the same kind of trip. These include passenger services from the city, feeder routes, and C01 is a direct bus route to the airport. Availability of routes may be subject to change depending on direction and time of day, and the static station map should not be used in place of the live timetable.
Key routes to know
C01 is a link between the terminal and Dubai International Airport Terminal 3. According to RTA’s current timetable, C01 will run 24/7, and is therefore significant for passengers travelling at unusual times to and from the airport.
C09 links Satwa with Hor Al Anz East via the Qiyadah Metro area. This will provide Dubai bus passengers with a link towards the north of Dubai and the Dubai Metro network.
F11 and F27 are feeder services serving the wider Satwa and central Dubai transport network. The two routes are confirmed on the RTA station map at the terminus and on individual schedules, as feeder alignments may vary and schedules are subject to change before travel.
Route 55 provides a connection between Satwa and International City. The following passengers are advised to verify their destination display before boarding, because RTA has placed Route 55 on the list of services affected by the changes to its network in January 2026.
Route 88 serves the Satwa-Jumeirah corridor. In order to support Route 88, RTA launched two more peak-period services: 88A and 88B, from 9 January 2026. 88A services run from Satwa to Jumeirah 3 in the morning peak, and 88B services run from Satwa to Jumeirah 3 in the evening peak.
At the same time, 93A and 93B were also introduced by the RTA. Route 93A is from Satwa to Al Wasl during morning peak hours, and route 93B is from Al Wasl to Satwa during evening peak hours. These are complementary services (not alternatives to the regular network) designed to support peak use.
New 2026 Peak-Period Services
The four new routes, as part of a wider adjustment that sees over 70 other bus routes changing, were announced by RTA effective from 9 January 2026.
| Route | Direction from or to Satwa | Operating purpose |
| 88A | Satwa → Jumeirah 3 | Morning peak support |
| 88B | Jumeirah 3 → Satwa | Evening peak support |
| 93A | Satwa → Al Wasl | Morning peak support |
| 93B | Al Wasl → Satwa | Evening peak support |
These services are created to fit the peak period, so don’t presume they run at the same times and frequency as the main services. The announcement of RTA sets their direction and their role during the peak period, whereas their live departures are to be checked using the existing RTA journey planning tools.
Al Satwa Bus Station Timings
Each terminal service has its own schedule. The operating times and frequency vary from one route to another.
The new timetable page on the RTA website says that Dubai Bus services run from 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM the next day, and C01 runs 24 hours. Special schedules may be in effect on holidays and for special events.
The RTA timetable or ‘S’hail‘ are the only ways to know when the buses are going to leave, not a general statement like “buses run every 10/15 minutes.” RTA strongly urges passengers to check the bus timetable, S’hail or SMS for the latest departure times as this time is particularly critical.
Times of departure may vary by day, time of day and direction of travel, and may be subject to change following route changes without notice to third parties.
Airport Connection
From the terminal, the most important flight path is to/from the C01 airport. C01 is listed on RTA’s published station map, and the current timetable lists C01 as a 24-hour route.
The direct bus service can save an extra metro fare for passengers who are travelling to Dubai International Airport Terminal 3. The travel will be by road, but it is advisable for the traveler with a flight to have some extra buffer time due to traffic and boarding time.
This is a location-dependent question. Note that C01 is a specific bus line that runs to Terminal 3 as stated in the RTA information; there is no guarantee that a bus running to Terminal 3 will run to all terminals. Confirm airport connections from your terminal if your flight is going to a different terminal before departing from Satwa.
Metro Connections
The bus block does not have a Dubai Metro station. Instead, passengers can transfer to the Metro network with connecting bus transportation or under an integrated fare system – where passengers can travel by bus and then by Metro.
RTA’s fare rules enable transfers to be made between buses and the Metro, if the transfer conditions are met. Passengers who transit from Metro to bus have 30 minutes from the moment he/she checks out at the Metro station to check in at the bus station, and the whole trip will be considered as one journey subject to the zones crossed.
Even if you don’t get on the bus to your destination, this is a handy feature for the terminal. Don’t select an interchange based on map distance; use the RTA journey planner to compare the full journey from origin to destination.
Al Satwa Bus Station Fares and Nol Card
Dubai has a zone-based public transport fare system. RTA categorises the network into seven zones, and charges are based on the number of zones a journey crosses. As long as the transfer rules apply, bus and Metro transfers are allowed.
Currently, for a regular Nol Silver Card, RTA charges AED 3 fare for travel within a single zone, AED 5 for two adjacent zones, and AED 7.50 for travelling more than two zones. The amounts of Gold Card fares are 2 times the above.
So the fare will depend on the destination and zones crossed and not on the station itself.
The RTA also says that passengers must have an amount of at least AED 7.50 before checking in when traveling with a Nol card. The card is touched once when boarding and once when departing so as to determine the appropriate fare.
Al Satwa Bus Station Facilities
RTA built the facility for more than just boarding and alighting purposes. The station also has spaces for the passengers and functional services that can make a difference during longer waits or transfers.
Key facilities include:
- Bus bays and bus shelters
- Nol card machines and kiosks with self-service machines
- Prayer rooms, public toilets and information displays are available in the building. The building has prayer rooms, toilets, and information stands.
- Taxi parking, private parking, pick-up/drop-off space and bike racks
There are also ATMs and vending machines at the station. The RTA’s project description explicitly mentions “retail and service areas”, indicating that the site was intended to be more than just a roadside stop and was designed as an integrated passenger hub.
Parking and Access
There is private car parking on the terminal. According to RTA’s project information for 2021, there are 228 parking spaces for vehicles and dedicated taxi/bus parking spaces.
The map of the station shows the location of the station on Al Satwa Street and provides information on adjacent roads and nearby landmarks. When picking up or dropping off, it is better to use the bus pick-up/drop-off point than to stop at the bus loading point.
Published capacity does not mean that there will be a free space at a given time. If it is important to park, please allow some extra time.
How to Reach the Station
Al Satwa Bus Station is an important transport hub at RTA with several bus lines connecting to it throughout Dubai. It is also accessible by a metro line and by taxi/private car, making it very convenient for passengers commuting from and to Satwa.
By Bus: Several RTA routes serve the station, including 7, 11, 55, F11, F27, C01, C09, 88, and X02. Be aware of the direction of the route before boarding, as the same number can go to different destinations on different runs.
By Metro: There is no Metro station that is right inside the terminal. An RTA bus can be used to connect to the Metro network; for example, C09 connects between Satwa and the Qiyadah Metro network.
By Taxi or Car: Taxis and private vehicles are welcome to use the designated access areas of the station. Pick-up and drop-off are available, and private parking is available at the RTA station.
For the exact route: RTA’s Journey Planner lets you enter your starting point and the station as your destination, and then compare available bus, Metro, and other public transport options.
In case of live departures, RTA advises you to visit its website or the S’hail app before travelling, as routes and schedules may change.
Nearby Landmarks
Around Al Satwa Bus Station are some recognizable places that would help to identify the station and surroundings for the passengers. The official map of the RTA also displays nearby hotels, public facilities, and mosques, and Visit Dubai lists some popular spots in Al Satwa.
Al Satwa Mosque
Al Satwa Mosque is one of the landmarks on the official RTA map that are situated directly around the bus station area.
Abu Bakar Mosque
Another reference point that is close to the station is the Abu Bakar Mosque, based on the RTA station. It can help when walking around the surrounding streets of the terminal.
Al Khoory Executive Hotel
Another identifiable landmark around the station is the Al Khoory Executive Hotel, which is marked on the RTA map as one of the hotels.
2nd December Street
Among the streets of Al Satwa is one of its best-known streets, 2nd December Street, with restaurants, shops and large public murals. Visit Dubai says it is a street to explore the character and attractions of the neighbourhood.
Al Satwa Park
Al Satwa Park is a green space within the neighbourhood and also features on Visit Dubai’s list of the area’s highlights. It offers another comfortable benchmark to use when exploring Satwa.
Al Khazzan Park
Al Khazzan Park is located on the outskirts of Al Satwa, and is identifiable by the large blue and white water tank. It is also listed in Visit Dubai’s section on landmarks of the area.
Dubai Bus on Demand in Al Satwa
RTA also has the Dubai Bus On Demand service, in which Al Satwa is also included. This is not a fixed-route bus service and should not be confused with a bus service that leaves from a numbered station bay.
According to RTA, the service is available on the Dubai Bus On Demand app and currently costs AED 5 per passenger for a trip, while the fare between zones is AED 7. Additional passengers in the same booking will cost AED 4 per person. The service costs are separate from Dubai Bus and Dubai Metro regular travel.
Availability is based upon the service area the app displays at booking.
How to Plan a Journey
The name of the station is not a good route plan. Know where you want to go first, then check out the bus, Metro, and transfer choices.
Before leaving, check:
- Route number and destination: Double-check the route number and destination on the bus.
- Bus bay: Station messages will be posted on the terminal because there are multiple bus bays within.
- Live departure: Check for the latest scheduled information with RTA or S’hail.
- Payment: Check that your Nol card has adequate balance before getting onto the vehicle.
- Transfers: If using both bus and Metro, please be aware of the 30-minute transfer rule and the number of zones.
- Special schedules: Check the timetable on special days or during periods of special events.
RTA suggests using its Journey Planner or S’hail app to plan trips. It also offers the option of sending SMS via the corresponding bus stop number with the current service information.
Why Older Route Lists Can Be Misleading
The RTA station map that’s published in April 2025 includes the main routes at the terminal, but in January 2026, the authority adds 88A, 88B, 93A and 93B.
A page published prior to January 2026 may thus have some information that is out of date for new peak-period services; a third-party list might also lack direction or operating-period information.
Therefore, use route numbers as a guide and live RTA information as a last check. This is particularly relevant for journeys to and from the airport, early starts and late nights, and trips requiring a particular connection.
Conclusion
Al Satwa Bus Station is a crucial component of Dubai’s public transport system, providing easy access to the city’s bus routes to connect with various residential areas, business districts, and major transport hubs. There are a number of routes from which to choose, including C01, C09, F11, F27, 55, and 88, as well as newer peak-time services. The station is also linked to Dubai Metro, taxis, and private vehicles, and facilities like waiting areas, Nol card machines, parking, toilets, and prayer rooms make the travel easier. It is advisable to review the most up-to-date RTA information before travelling, particularly on routes which have recently been updated.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which bus goes from Satwa to Dubai Airport?
The C01 bus is the RTA bus that operates between Satwa and Dubai International Airport Terminal 3. Currently, RTA’s timetable indicates that C01 is a 24-hour route.
Does Satwa have a direct Metro station?
No. The bus terminal is NOT a Metro station. RTA bus services are available for passengers to travel from one bus service to another on the Metro network, and they can use the integrated fare rules for bus and Metro.
What are the main bus routes at Satwa?
The RTA station map lists 7, 11, 55, F11, F27, C01, C09, 88, and X02. In January 2026, RTA extended the peak-period services to include 88A, 88B, 93A, and 93B.
What are the new Satwa routes for 2026?
The four new services are 88A, 88B, 93A and 93B. RTA will use them from 9 January 2026 to help traffic on Routes 88 and 93 during peak hours.
How much is the bus fare from Satwa?
All journeys do not have the same fare. The standard costs for RTA’s Silver Card are AED 3 for one zone, AED 5 for two neighbouring zones, and AED 7.50 for more than two zones.
Can I use a Nol card on buses from Satwa?
Yes. The Nol card is used on Dubai’s public transport system, including buses, by the RTA. Passengers should tap at check-in and check-out, and the fare will be charged based on the applicable zone.
Does the station have parking?
Yes. According to the information for the RTA station project, there are 228 spaces for parking private vehicles, in addition to taxi and bus parking.
Are there prayer rooms and toilets at the station?
Yes. The station has separate prayer spaces for men and women and public toilets as part of its facilities, according to RTA.
Does C01 operate all night?
RTA’s current timetable states that C01 operates 24 hours. Times of departure may be subject to change; please refer to the latest timetable before travelling.
How can I check the next bus from Satwa?
Plan trips with RTA’s timetable or S’hail travel planner for up-to-the-minute departures. In addition, RTA offers an SMS service in the form of a specific bus stop number.
Is Bus on Demand available in Satwa?
Yes. At present, Dubai Bus On Demand covers Al Satwa as one of its covered areas. This is an on-demand service with a different rate.
