Dubai’s Bus On-Demand: How to book, areas covered, timings and fares

Dubai: Faster than a bus and more affordable than a taxi, Dubai’s Bus On-Demand service offers a convenient, app-based ride-pooling option for major neighbourhoods across the city.

Launched in 2020 by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the service connects passengers to shared mini-buses that pick up and drop off riders at nearby locations within designated community zones.

Designed for flexibility and ease, Bus On-Demand is especially useful for commuters who don’t have a bus stop close to their home or workplace, offering a smart, efficient way to travel short distances within their area.

The Dubai Bus On-Demand service, authorised by RTA, currently covers major residential and business areas across the city, including:

This wide coverage allows residents and commuters to easily book affordable shared rides within these neighbourhoods using the Bus On-Demand app.

The RTA Bus On-Demand service operates throughout the week with convenient timings:

The Dubai Bus On-Demand fares are designed to be affordable and flexible for daily commuters:

Interzone standard fare: Dh7 (An interzone ride refers to a trip where a passenger travels between adjacent zones within the designated Dubai Bus On-Demand service areas.)

Interzone promotional fares

Zone fare discount

The Bus On-Demand currently connects the following interzone routes:

Booking your ride through the Dubai Bus On-Demand app (available on iOS and Android) is simple:

If it’s your first time using the app, you will need to create an account before booking. When signing up, enter your credit/debit card details, as the service does not accept cash payments.

You can pay using any credit/debit card or your nol card. Each time you take a ride, the fare is automatically charged and deducted from your payment method.

The Bus On-Demand operates corner-to-corner within each zone, or connects to the nearest Dubai Metro station. There are no fixed routes or bus stops. The bus will pick you up from a location close to you and drop you off at your requested destination.

Depending on your location, you may need to walk a few meters to the pick-up point. The Bus On-Demand app provides step-by-step guidance to help you find it, ensuring minimal waiting and no lengthy detours even with multiple passengers onboard

Once your booking is confirmed, the Bus On-Demand app will display the details of your assigned bus on the ride screen, including the bus number plate. When your bus approaches, you’ll receive a notification with the plate number. All RTA Bus On-Demand vehicles display the official logo, making them easy to recognise.