Satwa Bus Station – Complete Guide to Routes, Timings, Location & Travel Tips (2026)
Quick Answer:
Satwa Bus Station (Al Satwa Bus Station) is a major RTA-operated public bus hub in the Al Satwa neighbourhood of Dubai, near the Satwa Roundabout on Al Dhiyafa Street. Open 24 hours.
Nearest metro is World Trade Centre Metro Station (Red Line) — about 7 minutes walk. Buses run every 8–16 minutes, connecting Satwa to Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai Mall, Al Ghubaiba, Jebel Ali, and dozens of other places across Dubai.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Al Satwa Bus Station (Satwa Roundabout Bus Station) |
| Operator | Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai |
| Location | Al Satwa, near Satwa Roundabout, Al Dhiyafa Street, Dubai |
| Operating Hours | 24 hours daily |
| Nearest Metro | World Trade Centre Metro Station (Red Line) – ~7 min walk |
| Second Nearest Metro | Al Jafiliya Metro Station (Red Line) – ~27 min walk |
| NOL Card | Accepted on all routes |
| Contact | RTA Hotline: 800-9090 |
What Is Satwa Bus Station?
Satwa Bus Station — also called Satwa Roundabout Bus Station — is one of Dubai’s busiest public bus hubs. It sits in the heart of the Al Satwa neighbourhood, known for its mix of cultures, affordable restaurants, tailoring shops, and everyday street life. If you want to explore the wider area, check out our comprehensive Al Satwa Dubai guide to learn more about the neighborhood’s unique vibe
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) manages the station. It serves thousands of passengers every day — workers, residents, tourists, and inter-emirate travellers heading to Sharjah, Ajman, and Abu Dhabi. To understand how this bustling hub transformed over the decades, take a look at the complete history of Al Satwa Dubai.
There is no direct metro inside the station. However, World Trade Centre Metro Station on the Red Line is just a 7-minute walk away, making it easy to combine metro and bus travel.
Satwa Bus Station Location
Where Is Satwa Bus Station?
The terminal is located on Al Dhiyafa Street (2nd of December Street), Al Satwa, Dubai, near the Satwa Roundabout. It sits between Jumeirah to the west and Sheikh Zayed Road to the east.
Nearby landmarks:
- Satwa Roundabout (walking distance)
- Al Satwa Park
- Iranian Hospital
- Al Futtaim Mosque
- World Trade Centre (Red Line Metro)
Beyond these landmarks, there are plenty of hidden gems nearby. Explore our curated list of the top 7 places to visit in Al Satwa Dubai to plan your sightseeing itinerary.
Satwa Bus Station Coordinates
- Latitude: 25.2280° N
- Longitude: 55.2810° E
Search “Al Satwa Bus Station Dubai” in Google Maps or Apple Maps — it locates the station instantly.
Satwa Bus Station Google Map
To get directions on Google Maps:
- Open Google Maps
- Search “Al Satwa Bus Station Dubai”
- Tap Directions
- Enter your starting point and choose Bus or Walking
You can also use the S’hail RTA app (available on Google Play and App Store) for real-time bus tracking and journey planning directly from Satwa.
Satwa Bus Station Timings
Is Satwa Bus Station Open 24 Hours?
Yes. The Station is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Night buses like the N55 run through the early hours for shift workers and late travellers.
Bus Frequency and Waiting Times
| Day | Bus Frequency |
|---|---|
| Sunday to Thursday | Every 8–12 minutes |
| Friday | Every 9–16 minutes |
| Saturday | Every 7–12 minutes |
Most regular routes start around 5:00 AM and run until midnight.
Tip: For live timings, use the RTA Dubai website or the S’hail RTA app.
Route Schedules & Timings
| Route Type | First Bus | Last Bus |
|---|---|---|
| Local Dubai routes | ~5:00 AM | ~12:00 AM |
| Night routes (N55 etc.) | 12:00 AM | ~5:00 AM |
| Intercity (Sharjah/Ajman) | ~6:00 AM | ~11:00 PM |
| Intercity (Abu Dhabi – E304) | Morning | Evening |
During Ramadan and UAE public holidays, schedules may change. Always check the RTA app before travelling.
Satwa Bus Station Routes
Local Dubai Routes
| Route | From | To | Key Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| C01 | Al Satwa Bus Station | Airport Terminal 3 | Al Fahidi Metro, Union Metro, Airport T3 |
| X02 | Al Satwa Bus Station | Union Bus Station | Sharaf DG Metro, Gold Souq Metro |
| 7 | Al Quoz Bus Station | Al Satwa Bus Station | Al Quoz, Satwa |
| 15 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Al Khail Gate 2 | Al Jafiliya, Downtown |
| 32C | Al Qusais Bus Station | Satwa Bus Station | Dubai Airport, Dubai Festival City |
| 55 | Al Satwa Bus Station | International City | Multiple stops |
| 88 | Al Satwa Bus Station | Deira City Centre | Ferry Bay service |
| 93 | Al Satwa Bus Station | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Jumeirah coast |
| 98E | Al Quoz Bus Station | Al Satwa | Al Quoz Industrial Area |
| C9 | Hor Al Anz East | Satwa Bus Station – 03 | Qiyadah Metro, multiple stops |
| C26 | Al Wasl Park | Al Qusais Industrial Area | Satwa, Karama |
| F11 | Financial Centre Metro | Al Satwa | Sheikh Zayed Road stops |
| F28 | Emirates Tower Metro | Satwa | Emirates Towers area |
| X13 | Al Satwa Bus Station | Lulu Village (First Avenue Mall) | 23 stops across Dubai |
| 108 | Al Satwa Bus Station | Global Village | Weekends & holidays only |
| N55 | Al Satwa | Al Ghubaiba / Dubai Airport | Night bus |
| F55A | Al Satwa | Night feeder service | Early morning (3:00 AM–7:31 AM) |
Intercity Routes
| Route | Destination | Approx. Fare |
|---|---|---|
| E304 | Abu Dhabi | AED 25–30 |
| Sharjah intercity | Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah | AED 10–15 |
| Ajman intercity | Ajman Bus Station (via Sharjah) | AED 15–20 |
All fares are approximate. Use a NOL Card for accurate pricing.
Satwa Bus Station 2, 3, 4, and 5 — Each Stop Explained
Many people get confused when they see “Satwa Bus Station 2” or “Satwa Bus Station 5” on the RTA app. These are not separate bus terminals. They are individual numbered boarding bays — all within the same cluster along Al Dhiyafa Street, within a few metres of each other.
Think of them like numbered gates at an airport — same building, different doors.
Here is each stop explained:
Satwa Bus Station 2
Distance from main station: About 19 metres
Bus Station 2 is one of the smaller side bays sitting very close to the main terminal area. It handles overflow routes and serves as a secondary boarding point for passengers. If your RTA app directs you here, just walk straight from the main station — you will see it in under a minute. Routes serving this bay include some of the 32C, C26, and local feeder services.
Satwa Bus Station 3
Distance from main station: About 2 metres
This is practically at the entrance of the main station — just 2 metres away. Bus Station 3 is one of the primary bays handling several of the busiest routes. C9 (from Hor Al Anz East) terminates here. You will often find a queue here during morning and evening rush hours because of heavy passenger volume on routes using this bay.
Satwa Bus Station 4
Distance from main station: About 25 metres
Satwa Bus Station 4 is a separate bay on the side of the main cluster, handling routes that depart toward the Jumeirah and Abu Dhabi direction. Buses like 93 (toward Al Ghubaiba) and E304 (intercity toward Abu Dhabi) board from this general area. It is a short 25-metre walk from the main entrance — look for the route number displayed on the digital board above the bay.
Satwa Bus Station 5
Distance from main station: About 37 metres
Bus Station 5 is slightly further along the road but still part of the same cluster. This bay handles routes including 55 (toward International City), X13 (toward Lulu Village / First Avenue Mall), and 98E (Al Quoz direction). If you are heading toward International City or Al Quoz, this is the bay you are most likely to board from.
Pro tip: When you open the RTA S’hail app and search for your bus, it will show you exactly which stop number your specific route departs from. Do not just walk to the first bay you see — check the app first.
Nearest Metro Station to Satwa Bus Station
Satwa Bus Station has no metro line directly inside it. The nearest metro stations are on the Red Line:
World Trade Centre Metro Station (Closest)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~430 metres |
| Walking Time | ~7 minutes |
| Line | Red Line |
| Station Code | 22 |
| First Metro | ~5:51 AM |
| Last Metro | ~12:30 AM |
| Bus connections here | 21B, 98E, F11, F28 |
This is the best metro option for Satwa Bus Station. From World Trade Centre Metro, you walk south-east toward Al Dhiyafa Street and reach the station easily.
Al Jafiliya Metro Station (Second Nearest)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~2 km |
| Walking Time | ~27 minutes (not recommended on foot) |
| Line | Red Line |
| Better option | Take a taxi or bus from Al Jafiliya (~5 min) |
| Bus connections | 15, 28, 32C, X28 |
Al Jafiliya sits next to Zabeel Park. It is on the same Red Line but further from Satwa. A taxi from here takes about 5–7 minutes.
ADCB Metro Station to Satwa Bus Station
ADCB Metro Station is in Al Karama on Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road (Station Code: 20, Red Line).
Best route from ADCB to Satwa:
- Take bus F12 from ADCB Metro toward Satwa direction — about 15–20 minutes
- Or take a taxi — about 8–10 minutes
- Or take the Red Line one stop to World Trade Centre, then walk 7 minutes
Al Jafiliya Metro to Satwa Bus Station
- Exit Al Jafiliya Metro Station
- Board bus 15 or 28 toward Al Satwa
- Or take a taxi — roughly 5–7 minutes by car
How to Reach Satwa Bus Station
By Metro
Take the Red Line to World Trade Centre Metro Station. Walk approximately 7 minutes south-east toward Al Dhiyafa Street. The station is clearly visible near the Satwa Roundabout.
By Bus
Key inbound routes:
- 15 from Downtown / Al Ghubaiba
- 32C from Al Qusais
- 98E from Al Quoz
- X13 from Lulu Village / First Avenue Mall
- 7 from Al Quoz Bus Station
- C9 from Hor Al Anz East / Deira
By Taxi
Tell your driver “Satwa Bus Station, near Satwa Roundabout” or share the Google Maps pin. All Dubai taxi drivers know this location. From Downtown Dubai: 10–15 minutes. From Deira: 20–25 minutes.
By Car
Paid public street parking is available near the Satwa Roundabout and on surrounding streets. Arrive early on weekday mornings as spaces fill quickly.
Satwa Bus Station to Key Destinations
Satwa Bus Station to Sharjah
One of the most-used intercity routes from Satwa — thousands of workers commute this way daily.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Destination | Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah |
| Approx Travel Time | 45–75 minutes |
| Peak Hour Time | Up to 90+ minutes |
| Fare | AED 10–15 |
| NOL Card | Accepted |
| Buses run | ~6:00 AM to ~11:00 PM |
Al Jubail Bus Station to Satwa bus timings: Buses run on the same schedule in reverse. Expect the same 45–75 minute travel time from Sharjah back to Satwa.
Satwa Bus Station to Sharjah timings: Check the RTA app for exact departure times. During peak hours (7–9:30 AM and 5–8 PM), add extra travel time.
Satwa Bus Station to Abu Dhabi
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Route | E304 intercity service |
| Approx Travel Time | 2–2.5 hours |
| Fare | AED 25–30 |
| Tip | Arrive early — seats fill fast on weekends and holidays |
Satwa Bus Station to Al Ghubaiba
- Route: 93
- Travel Time: 20–30 minutes
- Al Ghubaiba connects to water taxis (abras), more intercity routes, and Bur Dubai destinations
Satwa Bus Station to BurJuman Metro Station
Take the Red Line metro from World Trade Centre. Two stops brings you to BurJuman in about 10 minutes. Alternatively, bus 93 passes through the Bur Dubai area.
Satwa Bus Station to Dubai Mall
- By Bus: Route 15 or 29 toward Downtown area — 25–35 minutes
- By Metro: WTC Metro → Financial Centre → Dubai Mall (Burj Khalifa) Station — 15–20 minutes
Satwa Bus Station to Airport Terminal 1
- Route: C01 goes to Airport Terminal 3 directly. Connect from T3 to T1 via the free inter-terminal shuttle inside the airport.
- Travel Time: 30–45 minutes
Satwa Bus Station to Ibn Battuta
Take the Red Line metro from World Trade Centre toward UAE Exchange / Centrepoint. Ibn Battuta is about 30 minutes by metro from WTC.
Satwa Bus Station to Jebel Ali
Take the Red Line from WTC to Jebel Ali Station — about 45 minutes. Or connect through Al Ghubaiba by bus.
Satwa Bus Station to Ajman
Intercity bus via Sharjah — total travel time 1.5–2 hours including the connection. Travelling early morning or after 8 PM avoids the worst traffic.
Al Rigga to Satwa Bus Station
- Take the Red Line from Al Rigga Metro
- Get off at World Trade Centre (~20 minutes)
- Walk 7 minutes to Bus Station
Or take X02 which runs from Satwa toward Union Bus Station in Deira (reverse it for Al Rigga direction).
Al Qusais to Satwa Bus Station
Route 32C runs directly — no transfer needed. Journey time: 30–40 minutes.
International City to Satwa Bus Station
Route 55 runs directly. Journey time: ~56 minutes. Fare: AED 7–10.
Al Khail Gate to Satwa Bus Station
Route 15 from Al Khail Gate 2 to Bus Station. Popular with Al Khail Gate residents.
Facilities at Satwa Bus Station
| Facility | Available |
|---|---|
| Air-conditioned waiting area | ✅ Yes |
| Prayer room | ✅ Yes |
| Clean restrooms (men & women separate) | ✅ Yes |
| NOL Card recharge machines | ✅ Yes |
| Bicycle parking | ✅ Yes |
| Nearby car parking | ✅ Yes (street parking) |
| Information desk | ✅ Yes |
| Real-time schedule boards | ✅ Yes |
NOL Card Information
All RTA buses at Satwa Bus Station require a NOL Card. Cash is not accepted on any RTA bus.
Types of NOL Cards
| Card Type | Best For | Where to Get |
|---|---|---|
| Red NOL Card | Tourists, short visits | Metro stations, RTA outlets |
| Silver NOL Card | Daily commuters (cheapest per trip) | Metro stations |
| Gold NOL Card | Gold class travel | Metro stations |
| Blue NOL Card | Personalised frequent traveller | Online / RTA offices |
Top up your NOL Card at the machines inside the station, via the S’hail RTA app, at metro stations, or at many petrol stations across Dubai.
Minimum balance: Ensure your card has enough balance before tapping in. You cannot board if balance is insufficient.
Restaurants Near Satwa Bus Station
Al Satwa is one of the best areas in Dubai for cheap, genuine food from around the world.
Within walking distance:
- Pakistani & Indian restaurants on Al Dhiyafa Street — biryani, nihari, roti, haleem at very affordable prices
- Iranian bakeries and kebab houses — fresh bread, dizi, grilled meats
- Filipino eateries — popular with the large Filipino community in Satwa
- Arabic shawarma spots — fast, cheap, filling
- Juice bars and fruit stalls — fresh mango juice, sugarcane juice
Most restaurants here stay open until 1:00–2:00 AM. Great for early departures or late arrivals. If you are a foodie looking for hidden gems, read our guide to the best food around Satwa Roundabout Dubai.
Shops Near Satwa Bus Station
Satwa is well known for tailoring, fabric, and everyday essentials at low prices:
- Tailoring shops — custom-made clothes at reasonable prices, a Satwa tradition
- Fabric and textile stores
- Phone and electronics repair shops
- Supermarkets (Al Adil, Lulu Express nearby)
- Pharmacies (Aster, Life Pharmacy)
- Money exchange counters for sending remittances
Hotels Near Satwa Bus Station
- Novotel Hotel — about 1.2 km away, near World Trade Centre
- Budget guesthouses and furnished apartments in Al Satwa itself
- Jumeirah area hotels — a short taxi ride away for premium stays
Al Satwa is a smart base for budget travellers who want central Dubai access without paying Downtown prices. For more tips on saving money on accommodation, transport, and shopping in the area, read our Al Satwa low budget travel guide.
Travel Tips for Satwa Bus Station
- Use the S’hail RTA app. This is the most important tool for travelling from Satwa. It shows live bus positions, exact arrival times, and full journey planning.
- Top up your NOL Card before arriving. Queues at the top-up machine can form during rush hour.
- Avoid peak hours when you can. Sunday–Thursday, 7:00–9:30 AM and 5:00–8:00 PM are the most crowded times. Sharjah-bound buses fill up quickly.
- Check which numbered stop your bus uses. Do not assume every bus goes from the same bay. Use the RTA app to confirm your exact stop number before leaving.
- For Red Line destinations, walk to WTC Metro. It is only 7 minutes away and often faster than waiting for a bus to those areas.
- Ramadan schedules change. Frequencies and certain routes adjust during Ramadan. Check the app before travelling.
Common Mistakes Visitors Make at Satwa Bus Station
- Wrong stop number. Standing at Stop 2 when your bus departs from Stop 5 means you miss it. Always check the stop number on the RTA app before you leave your house.
- No NOL Card. Dubai RTA buses do not take cash. Carry a topped-up NOL Card at all times.
- Confusing Satwa with Al Ghubaiba. Some Abu Dhabi routes depart from Al Ghubaiba, not Satwa. Confirm your departure station first.
- Ignoring peak-hour delays. The Sharjah corridor is extremely heavy from 7–9:30 AM and 5–8 PM. Budget extra time.
- Not checking holiday schedules. Some routes run reduced service on UAE national holidays.
- Waiting for a specific bus too long. If your bus is late, the next one is usually 8–16 minutes behind it. Check the app for the live position.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nearest metro station to Satwa Bus Station?
World Trade Centre Metro Station (Red Line) — about 430 metres, 7 minutes on foot. It is the easiest metro connection for Satwa Bus Station. Al Jafiliya Metro is the next closest at roughly 2 km away; a taxi from there takes 5–7 minutes.
Is Satwa Bus Station open 24 hours?
Yes. The station operates 24 hours, 7 days a week. Standard routes run 5:00 AM to midnight. Night buses including the N55 and F55A cover the late-night and early-morning hours for shift workers and late travellers.
Which bus goes from Satwa to Sharjah?
Intercity RTA buses run from Satwa Bus Station to Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah. Journey: 45–75 minutes. Fare: AED 10–15. Buses run from around 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Use your NOL Card — cash is not accepted.
Which bus goes from International City to Satwa?
Route 55 runs directly from International City to Al Satwa Bus Station. Journey time: ~56 minutes. Fare: AED 7–10.
Which bus goes from Al Qusais to Satwa?
Route 32C runs directly — no transfer needed. Travel time: 30–40 minutes.
How do I get from ADCB Metro to Satwa Bus Station?
Take bus F12 from ADCB Metro (~15–20 minutes), or take a taxi (~8–10 minutes). You can also ride the Red Line one stop to World Trade Centre, then walk 7 minutes.
What are the main bus routes at Satwa Bus Station?
Key routes: C01 (Airport T3), X02 (Union Bus Station), 7 (Al Quoz), 15 (Al Khail Gate 2), 32C (Al Qusais), 55 (International City), 88 (Deira City Centre), 93 (Al Ghubaiba), 98E (Al Quoz), X13 (Lulu Village), C9 (Hor Al Anz East), E304 (Abu Dhabi intercity), N55 (night bus).
Can I use my NOL Card at Satwa Bus Station?
Yes. All RTA buses at Satwa accept the NOL Card — both local and intercity routes including Sharjah, Ajman, and Abu Dhabi. Cash is not accepted on any RTA bus. Recharge machines are inside the station.
What is the difference between Satwa Bus Station 2, 3, 4, and 5?
These are numbered boarding bays within the same bus station cluster — all within 40 metres of each other. They are not separate stations. Different routes stop at different bays. Check the S’hail RTA app to see which numbered stop your specific bus uses before you arrive.
Is there parking near Satwa Bus Station?
Yes. Paid public street parking is available around the Satwa Roundabout and nearby streets. Arrive early on weekday mornings as it fills up during rush hour.
How long does the bus take from Satwa to Sharjah?
45–75 minutes on average. During peak hours (7–9:30 AM, 5–8 PM), it can take 90+ minutes due to heavy traffic on the Dubai–Sharjah corridor. Travel early morning or late evening for shorter journey times.
What facilities does Satwa Bus Station have?
Air-conditioned waiting areas, prayer rooms (separate for men and women), clean restrooms, NOL Card recharge machines, bicycle parking, street parking nearby, an information desk, and real-time schedule boards.
Which bus goes from Al Ghubaiba to Satwa?
Route 93 connects Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Satwa Bus Station. Journey time: 20–30 minutes.
Is Satwa Bus Station the same as Satwa Roundabout Bus Station?
Yes — same place. The station sits near the Satwa Roundabout on Al Dhiyafa Street, so both names are used. In the RTA app and Google Maps it is listed as Al Satwa Bus Station.
What is the RTA contact number for Satwa Bus Station?
Call RTA Helpline: 800-9090 (Arabic and English). You can also visit rta.ae or use the S’hail RTA app for journey planning.
How do I get from Al Rigga to Satwa Bus Station?
Take the Red Line metro from Al Rigga Metro Station. Get off at World Trade Centre (~20 minutes). Walk 7 minutes to Satwa Bus Station.
