Taking a short trip around Dubai? You can skip the taxi and book a bus instead for just AED 5 with the Roads and Transport Authority’s Bus on Demand service.
The service allows users to book a pick-up and drop-off at their specified locations, within the service zones, making it easier to move around the city.
Here’s all you need to know.
Where can I use this service?
Currently, the Bus on Demand is available in the following communities:
- Al Barsha 1, 2 & 3
- Al Nahda
- Al Karama
- Al Mankhool
- Al Rigga
- Business Bay
- Barsha Heights
- Downtown Dubai
- Dubai International Financial Centre(DIFC)
- Dubai Academic City
- Dubai Silicon Oasis
- Oud Metha
- Port Saeed
- Al Qusais
- Jumeirah Village Circle
- Al Warqa 1,2,3 & 4
- DIP 1 & 2
Service timings
- Mon-Thu: 5am - Midnight
- Fri: 5am – 1am (next day)
- Sat: 5am – Midnight
- Sun: 8am – Midnight
How much does it cost?
While the standard fare is AED 5, you can even travel on the bus for at a cost of AED 2 if you are on a route which has a promotional fare being offered. Here are the details:
- Standard Fare: AED 5
- Additional Passenger Fare: AED 4 (this is for an extra rider added to the same booking)
- Interzone Standard Fare: AED 7 (if you are moving between adjacent zones within the designated service areas)
- Special fare discount for Business Bay: AED 2 (if you are travelling within the Business Bay area)
Which interzone routes can I take on the Bus on Demand?
The service also offers riders to move between the following zones:
- Al Barsha – Barsha Heights
- Al Rigga – Port Saeed
- Al Nahda – Al Qusais
- Dubai Silicon Oasis – Dubai Academic City
- Business Bay – Downtown Dubai
- Al Karama – Oud Mehta – Al Mankhool
Interzone Promotional Fare
Some interzone routes offer a discounted fare of AED 5 as well, instead of the standard AED 7:
- Al Barsha – Barsha Heights: AED 5
- Al Rigga – Port Saeed: AED 5
- Al Karama – Oud Metha: AED 5
- Al Karama – Al Mankhool: AED 5
How to book the service
You need to first download the ‘Dubai Bus on Demand’ app, which is available for Apple and Android users.
- Click on ‘Get started’.
- Enter your mobile number.
- You will then receive a one-time password via SMS on your number.
- Next, enable location services for the app, which will then pick up on your current location. If you are in an area which is not part of the service zones, you will see the notification ‘Out of Zone’.
- Select the number of passengers.
- Ensure the location is accurate, and move the location pin if required.
- Next, select your drop-off point, by entering the name of the location, or selecting it on the map.
- Next, select the bus you wish to take. You may see multiple options, with buses scheduled to arrive in the area.
- Confirm your booking, and make sure you are at the location in time for when the bus arrives.
Once your ride is complete, you can pay for it using your nol card or your credit card.