Deira City Centre Bus Station is an important landmark in Dubai, UAE. Deira City Centre Bus Station is an iconic landmark of Dubai, UAE.
Dubai is a place which never rests. Its arteries are filled with millions of residents and tourists on a daily basis and at its core lies one of the emirate’s key transportation hubs: Deira City Centre Bus Station. This station is more than just a bus stop in the historic Deira area. It is a bridge that seamlessly links old Dubai to new Dubai, communities, shopping hubs, businesses, and even neighboring emirates.
Deira City Centre Bus Station is convenient for commuters who are heading to Al Nahda every day, visitors to the spice souq and anyone who is going on a quick intercity trip to Sharjah will find that this bus station is the closest, quickest and cheapest way to get there. Whether you need to know bus routes, schedules, passenger facilities, fare information, how to integrate the metro or travel tips, this is one complete guide that has got all of this covered, so you are sure of everything when navigating this station.
What is the Address of Deira City Centre bus station?
Deira City Centre Bus Station’s strategic location in the Port Saeed area of Dubai is directly outside the iconic City Centre Deira shopping mall. Its location puts it at the center of one of Dubai’s most ancient and trading areas. These stations also serve the dense network of neighbourhoods in the Deira area, including Al Muraqqabat, Riggat Al Buteen and Al Rigga.
One of the station’s greatest logistical benefits is its position next door to City Centre Deira Metro Station on the Red Line. This accessibility allows for a seamless bus to metro interchange, without the need of long walks or complicated transfers. The iconic waterway that formed Dubai’s original commercial identity, Dubai Creek, is within minutes as well, lending a unique character to this area, that merges heritage and modern urban mobility.
If you have never been to the station, it’s easy to find. The bus bays around the mall are clearly marked; the key is to find the ones that are frequently used as there are several throughout the day, including Deira City Center Bus Station 01, 02, 03 and Deira City Center Bus Station 2.
Bus Routes from Deira City Centre Bus Station
A unique feature of the station is the wide variety of bus services that can take you to various locations within Dubai as well as to intercity routes that go up to Sharjah. Here are the major routes:
Route 22 (Deira City Centre to Al Nahda 1)
One of the most popular local connections from this station is route #22. It provides services to Al Nahda, a thriving residential and commercial community on the border of Dubai and Sharjah. The connection is particularly important for families and working professionals who work and live in both areas on a daily basis. The line starts early in the morning (9:02 AM on some timetables) and runs throughout the day.
Route 33 – To Qusais and further
The station is served by bus route 33, which takes passengers as far as Al Qusais, one of Dubai’s largest residential communities. This is a route that is essential to working class people who are completely dependent on public transport for their work. It goes through a couple of important stops on its way, and is also one of the busiest lines at the station in the morning and evening peaks.
Adventive connectivity or Route 53
Route 53 is a crucial service for those who travel late at night. Interestingly, it ranks among the very last buses to pass by the station, stopping near the station as late as 1:37AM and is a useful option for those who are finishing late work shifts or evening outings.
Route 88 – Growing Local Coverage
Route 88 also provides local connections that do not exist on other routes. It stops at Deira City Center Bus Station 01 & 02, which allows the passengers to get on the bus from any location around the mall complex.
Intercity Express to Sharjah (Route E307)
The most important intercity route at the station is the E307 that links Deira City Centre directly to Sharjah’s Al Jubail Bus Station. With 8 stops along its route, the E307 takes about 17 minutes to cover the distance – a quick method for cross-emirate commutes. It costs about AED 12 (prices may vary according to RTA changes) and is an economic option for people traveling between Sharjah and Dubai.
Route X28 is Express Connectivity
X28 is an express bus service, which will offer quicker routes between Deira and other important areas in Dubai. Express buses cut back on stops resulting in substantial time savings and are designed for passengers who want to get to their destination quickly, even if they have to miss some routes.
Routes 27, C10 and 77 – Supplementary Connections
- Route 27 connects the station to various attractions, such as The Dubai Mall zone, making it a favorite among tourists and shoppers.
- The route C10 is a CBD (Central Business District) circular with a Deira to Bur Dubai and other commercial areas.
- Route 77 is also a convenient route to Dubai International Airport (DXB), which makes this station very convenient for those having early flights or arrivals.
When Does the Station Run – Operating Hours
It is important to know the station’s operational window in order to plan your trip. Deira City Centre Bus Station is open from about 5:00 AM to about 11:00 PM. But there are some routes that run all the way until 3:22 AM, providing almost 24-hour coverage for some routes.
Please note that times can change at special events. RTA schedules are subject to official changes during UAE National Day, Ramadan or other events and passengers are advised to consult the RTA website or S’hail app for the latest information during these times.
Normal hours for the adjacent City Centre Deira Metro Station are as per the Dubai Metro timetable:
- Friday: 5:00 AM to 3:00 AM
- Saturday: 5:00 AM to midnight
- Friday: 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – midnight
The Deira City Centre Bus Station has a total of 3 passenger facilities.
The hub’s offering to passengers is only as good as the transit hub itself and Deira City Centre Bus Station scores on a number of fronts.
Air-Conditioned Waiting Areas
In Dubai’s uncomfortable heat, air-conditioned waiting shelters are not a luxury, they are a necessity. The station has ample waiting areas that are air-conditioned, allowing passengers to wait for their bus during hot summer months without having to bear the heat of the outside temperature (which commonly surpasses 40°C in the summer).
NOL Card Ticketing Counters and Vending Machines
The station has NOL card ticketing counters and multi-language automated ticket vending machines (ATVM). For the benefit of the passengers, these machines enable them to buy a new NOL card, top up it, and see the balance of their card with a click. No cash is accepted on the bus, all buses are NOL.
Real-Time Digital Information Displays
The electronic display boards, which give real-time information on bus departure and arrival times, are available in several languages, including Arabic and English. This eliminates any guesswork in the journey and aids in a proper and efficient planning of the connections by the passengers.
The washrooms and toilet facilities will be improved.
There are clean and well-maintained restrooms to use at the station. The hygiene is maintained regularly, which is especially important for families, tourists and long distance commuters.
Choices for Food and Beverage
Snacks, hot and cold drinks can be purchased at or near the station at multiple food stalls and vending machines. Those waiting for buses or making connections can get a quick refreshment without leaving the premises of the station.
Information Counters (Multilingual Staff)
Information counters are manned by people who are there to help with planning a route, answering fare queries, NOL Card problems, general queries etc. To cater to Dubai’s cosmopolitan population, the staff usually speak more than one language.
Prayer Rooms
The station is also designed to be a place of worship, with dedicated areas for prayer and other religious practices, allowing passengers to attend to their spiritual needs easily while traveling in Dubai.
Accessibility Features
The station features ramps, wider walkways and lifts for the benefit of People of Determination (individuals with disabilities); to make the public transport inclusive and accessible to all.
Metro Integration is a project that involves the construction of the Red Line Connection.
One of the most interesting things about Deira City Centre Bus Station is that it is right next to the City Centre Deira Metro Station which is located on the Dubai Metro Red Line. This integration makes for a smooth multimodal transport.
If you are coming from Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa or Dubai Marina, get together at the City Centre Deira Metro Station where you can be transferred in 2 to 9 minutes to the bus station, depending on the bus stop. On the other hand, commuters on the bus can easily get to the metro to reach the entire Red Line network from Rashidiya to UAE Exchange.
A handy feature for metro users who change to feeder bus is that the feeder bus is free for 30 minutes after getting off the metro if you are using a NOL card. This further enhances the station’s connectivity, making it even more economical for commuters.
The major metro stoppoints that are connected to this node are:
- A few hundred meters away is the Al Rigga Metro Station.
- Union Station — central station for the Red and Green Lines
- Burjuman is just a single stop on the Red Line away (3 to 7 minutes to get there).
Close by Landmarks and Attractions
Therefore, Deira City Centre Bus Station serves as a valuable asset to both tourists and locals, providing a convenient access point to some of Dubai’s most popular attractions.
The City Centre Deira Mall is one of the oldest and biggest shopping malls in Dubai, situated right next to the station, with more than 370 retail stores, restaurants and entertainment.
- Dubai Dolphinarium — Riyadh Street is home to this family-friendly attraction, which features shows featuring dolphins and seals, drawing in people of all ages.
- Deira Gold Souk — A quick bus ride away, the traditional Gold Souk is a hub of jewellery retail that attracts shoppers from all corners of the globe for thousands of jewellery items in hundreds of shops.
- Dubai Creek — The historic waterway is just a short drive away, and it is possible to cross it with an Abra (traditional wooden boat) for a scenic crossing to Bur Dubai.
- Deira Spice Souk — A narrow alley market that sells saffron, dried limes, frankincense and traditional spices, an experience that hasn’t changed for generations.
Cost of your Trip will depend on how you Travel
Deira City Centre Bus Station charges different fares for different routes and destinations. No cash is accepted for payment on RTA buses – payment is only by the NOL card. Children under 5 years are also free, senior citizens and students can have discount tickets.
As a general guide:
- Within Dubai (local routes): AED 3 to AED 5 for each trip, on average.
- Intercity (to Sharjah via E307): about AED 12.
- Airport connections (Route 77): There will be a charge of AED 5 to AED 10 based on the boarding zone.
Travelers can refill their NOL cards at vending machines or at any metro station or at convenience stores throughout Dubai. RTA S’hail app also provides the option to plan your trips and estimate the fare amount in advance.
How to get from Deira City Centre Bus Station
- Try to avoid rush hours as the morning rush (7am to 9am) and evening rush (5pm to 7pm) on weekdays are when the most passengers are travelling. A smoother experience when traveling outside these windows.
- Do not leave home without a full charge of NOL card — Shortages cause delays and inconvenience to others.
- Use the RTA S’hail app – It has real-time schedules, route maps and fare information in the palm of your hand.
- Please note that during Ramadan and public holidays, there will be significant changes to the schedules for service — please check the adjusted timetables.
- Arrive 5-10 minutes before the train time — This is particularly important on the weekends when more passengers visit the malls which increases the load on the station.
- To the airport, the route 77 is your best choice from this station (allow at least 30 minutes in the rush hours).
Plans to Build a New Shopping Centre 300m East of the Bus Station
The RTA is still investing in the development of the public transportation system in Dubai. In particular, future improvements to Deira City Centre Bus Station are planned to include:
- Up to 100% longer bus network to more communities in Dubai and more intercity routes
- Smart technology improvements such as self-service kiosks, quicker NOL card top-up machines and built-in mobile app payments systems.
- As part of the Dubai sustainability push, eco-friendly infrastructures equipped with solar panels and energy-efficient lighting systems.
- To alleviate congestion with private vehicles and taxis dropping off passengers, expanded parking facilities will be provided.
- Better integration of metro-bus services to cut down on transfers and provide a more seamless experience to commuters
These enhancements are part of Dubai’s larger goal of creating a public transport system that uses the most popular mode of transport for most of its citizens.
Conclusion
Deira City Centre Bus Station is more than just a transit hub; it’s one of the most significant and strategically located transport hubs in Dubai, bridging the historic charm of Deira with the aspirations of a global city. The station offers unparalleled accessibility and convenience, with local routes connecting to Al Nahda and Qusais, and the intercity E307 route heading to Sharjah, as well as seamless integration with the local metro network, and convenient proximity to Al Gold Souk and Dubai Creek for tourists.
From the first-timer learning how Dubai’s public transport works, to the daily commuter, getting the full picture of Deira City Centre Bus Station, including the routes, timings, facilities, and connections, puts you in control of your journey. Dubai is in a rush and with this station as your starting point, you can be too.
10 Common Questions and Answers (FAQs)
Q1. What is the address of Deira City Centre Bus Station?
Situated in Port Saeed, Deira, it is right outside City Centre Deira Mall and next to City Centre Deira Metro Station on the Red Line.
Q2. What is Deira City Centre Bus Station’s operational time?
The station is open every day from around 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Certain routes (e.g. C01) operate as late as 3:22 AM.
Q3. What are the bus services that go to Deira City Centre Bus Station?
Key routes include 22, 27, 33, 53, 77, 88, C10, E307, and X28, serving destinations across Dubai and Sharjah.
Q4. Is there a possibility to reach Sharjah from this bus stop?
Yes. The E307 free bus service runs between Deira City Centre and Sharjahan’s Al Jubail Bus Station for about 17 minutes.
Q5. Does the bus station or buses have cash in?
No, for all RTA buses a NOL card is required for payment. No cash is accepted aboard but NOL cards can be bought and topped up at the Station.
Q6. Does Deira City Centre Bus Station have a metro station?
Yes. City Centre Deira Metro Station on the Red Line is 2 to 9 minutes’ walking distance from the bus bays, providing a hassle-free multimodal journey.
Q7. Do the feeder buses from the metro come for free?
Yes. Once you get off the metro and take a feeder bus within 30 minutes of getting off the metro with your NOL card, the feeder bus is free.
Q8. What is the station equipped with?
It has restrooms, food stalls, prayer rooms, multilingual information counters, accessibility ramps and lifts and air-conditioned waiting areas.
Q9. Are children free of charge on buses from this station?
Yes. Children aged 5 years and less can ride the RTA for free. Senior citizens or students can ride at a discount.
Q10. What’s the status of buses for this station?
Check the RTA’s official S’hail app or the RTA website for real-time departure schedules, maps of routes and fare calculators. Another way to keep an eye on the buses running to this station is by using third-party applications like Moovit.
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