Dubai’s public transport system is known for being modern, clean, and tourist-friendly. One of the busiest and most important transport hubs in the city is the Union Metro Bus Station. Located in the heart of old Dubai, this station connects metro lines, buses, taxis, and nearby commercial areas, making daily travel extremely convenient for residents and visitors alike.
Whether you are a tourist exploring Dubai for the first time, an expat commuting to work, or a resident using public transport every day, Union Metro Bus Station is one of the most useful transit points in the city.
Union Metro Bus Station Overview
Union Metro Bus Station is a major transport interchange in Dubai operated by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The station is directly connected to Union Metro Station, one of the largest underground metro stations in the UAE.
It serves thousands of passengers daily and offers quick access to different areas of Dubai through buses and metro services.
The station is especially popular because of its central location in Deira, easy connectivity, and access to shopping, hotels, restaurants, and business districts.
Exact Location and Nearby Landmarks
Union Metro Bus Station is located in Deira, Dubai, near Al Rigga and Dubai Creek areas.
Nearby Landmarks
Some popular landmarks close to the station include:
- Al Ghurair Centre
- Union Square
- Deira Clocktower
- Reef Mall
- Dubai Creek
- Al Rigga Road
- Baniyas Road
The location is ideal for travelers staying in old Dubai because many budget hotels, restaurants, and shopping streets are nearby.
Nearest Metro Station
The nearest metro station is:
Union Metro Station
Union Metro Station is directly connected to the bus station and is one of Dubai’s key interchange metro stations.
It connects:
- Red Line
- Green Line
This allows passengers to easily travel to:
- Dubai International Airport
- Bur Dubai
- Dubai Mall
- Business Bay
- Expo City Dubai
- Dubai Marina
- Al Fahidi
- Stadium Metro Station
The metro connection makes commuting extremely smooth without needing private transport.
Available Bus Routes
Union Metro Bus Station serves several RTA bus routes connecting different parts of Dubai.
Some commonly used routes include:
| Bus Route | Destination |
| C01 | Airport Terminal |
| 27 | Dubai Mall Area |
| 13B | Al Qusais |
| X23 | International City |
| 8 | Jumeirah / Marina Side |
| 91A | Gold Souq Area |
| 103 | Global Village (seasonal) |
Bus routes may change depending on RTA schedules, weekends, or seasonal updates.
Passengers can also use the RTA S’hail App or station screens for live route information.
Bus Timings
Union Metro Bus Station operates almost throughout the day with different schedules depending on the route.
General Bus Timing Information
- First buses usually start around 4:30 AM to 5:00 AM
- Many routes continue until midnight
- Some airport and special routes operate 24/7
- Peak hours:
- 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Metro services connected to Union Station also operate late at night on weekends.
It is always recommended to check the latest RTA timetable before traveling.
Ticket Price and Fare Details
Dubai uses the Nol Card system for buses and metro services.
Standard Fare Information
| Travel Type | Approximate Fare |
| Within one zone | AED 3 – AED 4 |
| Two zones | AED 5 – AED 6 |
| Multiple zones | AED 7.5+ |
Nol Card Types
- Silver Nol Card
- Gold Nol Card
- Blue Nol Card
- Red Ticket for tourists
Passengers can recharge cards at:
- Ticket machines
- Metro counters
- RTA apps
- Convenience stores
Cash payment inside RTA buses is generally not accepted.
Union Metro Bus Station Contact Number
For transport inquiries, passengers can contact Dubai RTA customer support.
RTA Contact Details
- RTA Call Center: 800 9090
- International Number: +971 4 605 1414
Passengers can also use:
- RTA Dubai App
- S’hail App
- Official RTA website
Facilities Available at Union Metro Bus Station
The station is designed for passenger comfort and daily convenience.
Available Facilities
- Air-conditioned waiting areas
- Nol card recharge machines
- Escalators and elevators
- Public restrooms
- Prayer rooms
- Food outlets nearby
- ATM machines
- Mobile charging points in some areas
- Accessibility support for people with disabilities
- CCTV security and police monitoring
The station is generally clean, organized, and safe even during busy hours.
Parking and Taxi Availability
Parking
Public parking is available in nearby Deira areas, although parking spaces may become crowded during peak times.
Nearby paid parking zones are managed by RTA.
Taxi Services
Taxis are easily available outside the station throughout the day.
Options include:
- Regular Dubai taxis
- Careem taxis
- Ride-hailing services
Taxi waiting times are usually short because of the station’s central location.
Nearby Hotels, Restaurants, and Shopping Areas
One of the biggest advantages of Union Metro Bus Station is its proximity to hotels and shopping centers.
Nearby Hotels
- Swissôtel Al Ghurair
- Landmark Grand Hotel
- Ibis Al Rigga
- Carlton Palace Hotel
- Hyatt Place Dubai
Restaurants Nearby
Travelers can find:
- Indian restaurants
- Pakistani food
- Arabic cuisine
- Fast food outlets
- Cafes and bakeries
Popular food streets around Al Rigga and Deira are within walking distance.
Shopping Areas
- Al Ghurair Centre
- Reef Mall
- Deira City Centre (short metro ride)
- Traditional souqs near Dubai Creek
Tourists often use Union Station as a starting point for exploring old Dubai markets.
How to Reach Union Metro Bus Station
Reaching the station is simple from almost anywhere in Dubai.
By Metro
Take either:
- Red Line
- Green Line
Get off at:
- Union Metro Station
The bus station is directly connected.
By Bus
Many RTA buses stop at Union Bus Station from different residential and commercial areas.
By Taxi
Ask the driver for:
“Union Metro Station, Deira”
Most drivers are familiar with the location.
From Dubai Airport
- Take the Red Line metro from Airport Terminal stations
- Change if needed at interchange stations
- Reach Union Metro Station in around 15–25 minutes depending on the terminal
Travel Tips for Visitors and Daily Commuters
Useful Tips
- Avoid rush hours if possible
- Keep your Nol card recharged
- Use the S’hail App for live updates
- Follow metro cabin rules
- Stand on the right side of escalators
- Carry water during summer months
- Use Gold Class cabins only with Gold Nol cards
Tourists should also save offline maps because Deira streets can feel busy for first-time visitors.
FAQs About Union Metro Bus Station
Q: Is Union Metro Bus Station open 24 hours?
A: The station area remains active for long hours, but exact bus and metro timings depend on RTA schedules.
Q: Which metro lines connect at Union Station?
A: Union Station connects both the Red Line and Green Line.
Q: Can tourists use the buses easily?
A: Yes. Dubai buses are tourist-friendly, air-conditioned, and easy to navigate using Nol cards.
Q: Is there luggage space for airport travelers?
A: Yes, buses and metro areas usually accommodate small and medium luggage bags.
Q: Are taxis available late at night?
A: Yes, taxis are commonly available outside the station even during late-night hours.
Q: Is Union Metro Station safe for solo travelers?
A: Yes. The station is considered safe and has security monitoring throughout the day.
Conclusion
Union Metro Bus Station is one of Dubai’s most important public transport hubs. Its central Deira location, direct metro connectivity, multiple bus routes, and nearby shopping and hotel options make it extremely convenient for both tourists and residents.
Whether you are traveling to work, exploring old Dubai, heading to the airport, or moving between different areas of the city, Union Metro Bus Station offers a reliable and comfortable transport experience.
For anyone using public transport in Dubai regularly, this station is a key gateway to the city.
