Satwa Bus Station is a vital public transport hub in Dubai, offering passengers connectivity with various parts of the city via the RTA bus system. It is for the benefit of passengers, workers, and visitors who use public buses as their mode of transport for everyday needs, whether for shopping or commuting. The station is operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai and serves as a valuable hub for public transport in the city.

The station offers bus connections and passenger facilities to enable people to move from residential areas to commercial areas. Other public transport options are also available for passengers, depending on their destination, such as the Dubai Metro.

Quick Facts About Satwa Bus Station

The area, passenger capacity, and facilities of the station are recorded in an official announcement issued by the RTA on 6 March 2021. Before travelling, please check current routes and operating times via RTA.

Where Is Satwa Bus Station Located?

Al Satwa Bus Station is located in the Al Satwa neighbourhood of Dubai, one of the well-established urban areas of Dubai that offers access to the other central areas of the city, residential buildings, restaurants, and local shops.

Al Satwa is close to Sheikh Zayed Road and Jumeirah. The area is useful to travellers between residential areas and commercial areas because of its location. Visit Dubai also recommends that visitors visit the typical shops and casual dining places of this district.

How to reach the station

Depending on your point of origin, the most advisable means of getting to the terminal is via.

• By bus: See RTA’s travel planner for one that comes to a stop at the terminal or close by.
• By taxi: Set Al Satwa Bus Station as the destination and ask the taxi driver if he is dropping you at Al Satwa Bus Station.
• By Metro: Use the Red Line and check which nearby station provides the most convenient onward connection.
• By car: Use a current map application to get to the station and access roads.

Confirm the exact station entrance and bus pick-up location before travelling. Several bus stops are available at Al Satwa, and another roadside stop will not necessarily be the same as the main terminal.

Bus Routes and Destinations

Al Satwa is connected with various parts of Dubai by the local bus system. The route available is dependent on destination, direction of travel, and existing RTA service arrangements, however.

The official Visit Dubai neighbourhood guide includes several services that can be found in the wider Al Satwa area: F11, F12, 88 and 32C. Passengers are not permitted to assume which routes or which stops each stop service serves.

Routes serving the wider Al Satwa area

These descriptions are based on the published neighbourhood guide and are not guaranteed to be accurate when taking a bus. Please check any bus services and stop schedules by referring to the RTA’s official timetable or RTA’s journey planner before depending on it, as it may change.

Travelling to Global Village

For those who are looking to take a vacation to Global Village, Route 108 is especially significant.

The RTA said that the service will run from Al Satwa Bus Station to Global Village from 29 November 2024. It stated that the service is to run Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Public holidays, and Special event days, with operating times from 2:00 PM till 1:00 AM the next day and trains running at 60-minute intervals.

These are the original details and should not be considered a guarantee of the timetable for all future seasons. Global Village is a seasonal event, and service is subject to change. Please refer to the RTA timetable and the attraction’s operating schedule when planning a journey.

Bus Timings and Operating Hours

No specific departure time for all the buses that run from Al Satwa. Services operate at different frequencies depending on the day, direction, and operating period, and each route has its own timetable.

RTA has a special timetable page that contains public transport timetables and information about special holiday services. The authority also recommends passengers check for holiday and special occasion services in the appropriate timetable.

How to check the next bus

Use this method to discover a time to leave that matches your travel time:

1. Launch the official RTA journey planner or timetable.
2. Type in your origin and destination.
3. Choose the right time of travel and date.
4. Check the route number and the stop where you must board.
5. Inspect the destination indicated for the bus before getting on.

When travelling early in the morning or late at night, check the first or last train as opposed to the timetable of the day. A daytime route service does not guarantee night-time service.

Note: I cannot guarantee an accurate, up-to-date opening and closing time for the entire terminal based on the information available. If you are travelling by RTA service, please ensure you read the latest RTA service updates if a specific time is important to you.

Metro Connections Near Al Satwa

The Metro has no station named after the neighbourhood, Al Satwa. Depending on the exact starting and ending points, passengers are able to switch to other lines of the Dubai Metro at the surrounding stations and then continue their travel by bus, taxi, or walking to the destination.

The ideal interchange will differ depending on the location of the travel within Al Satwa. One metro station that is close to one neighbourhood might not be as convenient for another.

World Trade Centre Metro Station

If you are going to one of the northern or central areas of Al Satwa, you should definitely take a look at World Trade Centre as one of the metro stations. This can only be useful if you are going to a specific destination and have a specific walking route available.

Consider the walking distance before taking this connection as an option; you may want to consider a bus or taxi from the Metro station. The route on the map that is the shortest may not be the easiest in hot weather or with luggage.

Emirates Towers and other Red Line stations

Another station on the Red Line to consider when travelling through central Dubai is Emirates Towers. Other nearby Red Line stations may also provide a convenient alternative if travelling to a different station.

Check out RTA’s journey planner to find out what connections are available. If the walking route involves a change from the Metro to a roadside bus stop, check the walking route separately.

Facilities at the Terminal

RTA’s published description of Al Satwa Station contains useful information on the infrastructure of the terminal. The station has an area of 11,912 square metres and was planned to facilitate the integration into other public transport services, the authority said. It was said to be able to carry 7,800 passengers a day and had accommodation for an expansion to 15,000 passengers. These are the figures for day-to-day passenger numbers at the station as opposed to the maximum that is planned.

The facilities announced in the RTA are:

• Public rest areas: A space equipped for passengers to wait for a service.
• Prayer rooms: Men and women have their own prayer rooms.
• Public Toilets: Toilet facilities for passengers in the station.
• Ticket card machines: Equipment designed to enable public transport payment.
• Information displays: Screens for bus and passenger information.
• Refreshments: Vending machines will be available for snacks and drinks.
• Parking: Appropriate area for staff, visitors, and buses.
• Bicycle racks: Parking for bicycles.
• Pick-up and drop-off facilities: Areas set aside for the drop-off and pick-up of passengers.

The announcement also lists ATMs, self-service kiosks, and investment areas as the station’s facilities.

This inventory does not independently verify that all machines, retail units, or services are in operation today, as it is based on an official station announcement of their construction. If a specific facility is needed, please consult with RTA (outside of commuting hours).

Bus Fares and Nol Card Payment

The public bus network in Dubai is Nol. Other RTA transport services, subject to the relevant rules and fare arrangements, are also available on the card, such as the Metro, Tram and marine transport.

The fare for a journey using public transport is determined by the number of fare zones crossed, RTA says. When the transfer rules are satisfied, the transfer between metro and bus can be considered as a single trip. According to the published rules of RTA, the time span between checking out from Metro and checking in on a bus for the relevant Integrated Journey is 30 minutes.

How much does a bus journey cost?

The fare will vary according to the zones in which the journey takes place and the ticket or card type. RTA’s published standard Silver Card fares are:

These fares are the ones available on the official nol fares page of the RTA. Before travelling, please verify the page as fare rules and products may change.

Using your card correctly

Before boarding, passengers are required to have sufficient balance; during boarding and exiting of the respective transport service, they must tap the card on the reader. RTA’s NOL guidance also says that the balance for check-in on covered transport services should be at least AED 7.50.

Don’t take it for granted that all ticket types have the same fare and transfer conditions. For those who commute on a regular basis, you can compare the different options for NOL with the number of trips you take.

Nearby Places and Useful Landmarks

Al Satwa is a residential and commercial area, which means that the trip to the bus terminal can also be used to get to any urban destination and some shopping streets.

The guide to Al Satwa by Dubai’s Tourist Office emphasises the neighbourhood’s local character, casual dining and cheap shopping. It also marks locations like Al Khazzan Park, restaurants in and around the wider district.

Local shops and restaurants

The area has a good choice of local shopping and eating places. The terminal isn’t just a place to change buses; visitors can explore local businesses as well.

If you are meeting someone, choose a particular point or entry on the street in the neighbourhood instead of the neighbourhood name. This prevents confusion with other roadside stops that are close to the main stop.

Al Khazzan Park and nearby attractions

Al Khazzan Park is one of the locations that is included in the context of Al Satwa in Visit Dubai. It may be relevant to visitors who will be doing a short trip in the wider central Dubai area.

Please verify the location, access, and current hours of operation of the attraction individually. Note that not all attractions are within easy walking distance from the neighbourhood, particularly the terminal.

Sheikh Zayed Road and central Dubai

Its links to the Sheikh Zayed Road corridor make it relevant for the trips that involve central Dubai. But the best kind of public transport will vary depending on time of day and destination.

If attractions are located further away, do not choose a bus that only stops at Al Satwa. Getting to the final leg of the journey via Metro or another bus ride might be more convenient.

Practical Tips for Passengers

With just a little preparation, many common problems can be avoided, especially when travelling to an unknown location.

• Confirm the route direction:  Routes can have the same number and run in different directions. Review the destination before getting on the bus.
• Check the exact stop: The main terminal and nearby numbered stops may have different services.
• Have your Nol card ready: Check how much you have in your card before using the bus or Metro.
• Take time for transfers: Allow time to walk between stops and wait for connecting services.
• Verify holiday schedule: Service arrangements may be impacted by special events or public holidays.
• Verify return journeys: Do not assume the return bus follows the same timetable or boarding point as the outward journey.

These are especially helpful when making an appointment, going to the airport, or visiting a seasonal attraction.

Conclusion

Al Satwa Bus Station is a handy bus transportation node for commuters who are around Dubai for transport. It has public amenities and links to other buses. The most crucial thing is checking routes and boarding locations before leaving, particularly for bus-to-Metro or vice versa.

Always refer to RTA’s official timetable and journey planner for accurate travel timetables and check their Nol fares page for travel information on how to pay. This way you don’t have to rely on erroneous opening times or old route lists.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Satwa Bus Station in Dubai?

Satwa Bus Station is located in Al Satwa neighbourhood in Dubai, UAE. It’s available on Google Maps by searching its name.

Which authority operates the station?

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is responsible for the public bus service in Dubai and offers the official routes and fares information.

Which buses serve the Al Satwa area?

Routes F11, F12, as well as 88 and 32C, are linked to the broader Al Satwa area. Please refer to the RTA journey planner for up-to-date routes and boarding stops.

Does Satwa Bus Station have a Metro station?

Al Satwa is not the name of a Metro station. Depending on their destination, passengers may want to take a look at other nearby Red Line stations, such as World Trade Centre.

What time do buses start operating?

Operating hours for buses will vary from route to route and from day to day. Refer to the RTA official timetable to check for the departure time.

Can I pay for the bus with cash?

A Nol card is used for payment on regular RTA bus trips. Make sure you have enough card balance before embarking.

How much is the bus fare from Al Satwa?

The standard Silver Nol card costs AED 3 in one zone, AED 5 in 2 adjacent zones, and AED 7.50 in more than 2 zones.

Is there a direct bus from Al Satwa to Global Village?

In a statement, RTA announced that it has decided to have direct service between Al Satwa Bus Station and Global Village on Route 108. Please consult the current seasonal timetable for details about service availability.

What facilities are available at the station?

Passenger waiting areas, prayer rooms, toilets, NOL card machines, information displays, vending machines, and bicycle racks are among the facilities at the station, as listed by RTA.

How can I check live bus timings?

Please use the RTA journey planner. Check out the services available and departure times by entering your start and end locations.