Transport links
Buses connect with the Dubai Metro and marine transport, making transfers between city, creek and intercity services straightforward.
RTA Bus Station Al Ghubaiba - الغبيبة محطة حافلات
Bur Dubai
RTA Bus Station Al Ghubaiba is a major public transport hub in Bur Dubai, useful for local journeys and intercity trips to places such as Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Sharjah. Its strongest practical advantage is the easy transfer between buses, the nearby metro station and marine transport.
Reputation Score
4.5
★★★★★
5,213 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Intercity routes
The station serves intercity buses to Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Sharjah, alongside routes across Dubai.
Air-conditioned waiting
Blocks A, B, C and D provide air-conditioned waiting areas, a useful break from Dubai’s summer heat.
Clear layout
Multiple platforms, clear signage, ticket counters and information desks help passengers find the right service.
Helpful staff
Several reviews describe staff and drivers as polite and willing to guide first-time passengers.
Passenger facilities
Reviews mention clean washrooms, seating, free Wi-Fi, vending machines and prayer facilities.
Tips for a Better Visit
Check platform. For Abu Dhabi, check the departure block and bus before waiting; one review specifically points passengers to Block C.
Confirm departure. Do not rely only on an announcement: check the bus bay and departure time yourself, especially for late services.
Check late routes. If travelling late, verify the route first: a review says Sharjah service stopped after 10pm rather than running all night.
Allow time. Build in extra time for route 12 to Al Qouz, which one passenger says is regularly 10–15 minutes late.
Use indoor wait. Arrive early and use the indoor waiting area, where reviewers mention comfortable seating, clean washrooms and free Wi-Fi.
Check Ajman. For Ajman, confirm the departure station before setting out; one review says that service operates from Union Metro Bus Station.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Al Ghubaiba Rd
Al Souq Al Kabeer - Al Fahidi, Dubai
| Mon | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Tue | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Wed | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Thu | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Fri | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Sat | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Sun | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Popular Mentions
E100 - Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
The E100 is a named intercity service from Al Ghubaiba to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.
E306 - Sharjah Al Jubail Bus Station
The E306 is listed as the intercity service to Sharjah Al Jubail Bus Station.
Abra connections
The station is close to creek transport, making Abra connections practical for nearby areas and attractions.
Al Ghubaiba Metro Station
The adjacent metro station gives passengers a convenient way to continue across Dubai after arriving by bus.
Common Concerns
Missed departure
One passenger said an Abu Dhabi bus left at 10:36pm without a hall announcement or staff call.
Rude staff
Some reviews report shouting or dismissive responses from security and customer-service staff.
Route delays
Route 12 to Al Qouz was reported as arriving 10–15 minutes late repeatedly.
Busy periods
The station can become crowded, and one reviewer found the toilets and seating needed more care.
Taxi disputes
A reviewer reported taxi drivers demanding cash or higher-than-expected fares late at night.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
RTA Bus Station Al Ghubaiba is one of Bur Dubai’s main public transport hubs, particularly useful for intercity travel and cross-city connections. You can catch the E100 to Abu Dhabi, the E201 to Al Ain and the E306 to Sharjah, as well as local, express, night and tourist routes. The nearby Al Ghubaiba Metro Station and marine transport make changing between bus, metro and creek travel unusually easy.
The station is generally described as clean, spacious and well organised. Air-conditioned waiting areas are divided into Blocks A, B, C and D, with seating, washrooms, ticket counters and information desks. Reviews also mention free Wi-Fi, vending machines, prayer rooms and nearby shops and restaurants, so arriving early is manageable rather than a punishment.
The renovated layout and clear signage are especially helpful for first-time passengers. There are a few practical cautions. One passenger missed a 10:35pm Abu Dhabi departure after no announcement, while another reports repeated 10–15-minute delays on route 12 to Al Qouz.
Check the departure bay yourself, confirm late-night route availability and ask which block serves your bus. For Abu Dhabi, one review points passengers to Block C. Taxi arrangements outside also drew a late-night complaint about cash demands and inflated fares.