Fare starts at AED 3, rides run 24/7
If you care more about saving dirhams than minutes, RTA Bus Route C01 is the ultra-cheap way from Dubai International Airport into the city. It’s a standard city bus, not an airport coach, and runs all day and all night between DXB and the Al Sabkha Bus Station area in Deira.
Where to board at DXB
From T1 and T3, follow signs for “Buses / Public Transport” to the ground-level bus stands right outside arrivals; C01 is usually on stands marked with an orange RTA sign and route number. T3’s bus stop sits a few minutes’ walk from Emirates arrivals, while T2 has its own separate RTA stop with C01 signage on the curb.
Route, timing and frequency
C01 runs between DXB and Al Sabkha with intermediate stops in Deira, including areas around Deira City Centre and the older creekside districts. Expect about 35–50 minutes from the airport to Al Sabkha depending on traffic on D89 and inner Deira streets, and plan extra time around 18:00–21:00 when city roads slow down.
Fares, cards and payment
A Nol Red ticket for a single C01 airport trip typically costs around AED 3–5 in the standard zone structure, far below the AED 55–70 you’ll pay for a taxi from DXB to Deira. You must tap a Nol card or Red ticket when boarding and again when exiting; drivers do not take cash, and Nol cards are sold at ticket machines inside the terminal and near some bus stops.
Step-by-step: from arrivals to city
- 1. Clear immigration and customs at T1, T2 or T3 and enter the public arrivals hall.
- 2. Find RTA ticket machines or service counters near the “Public Transport” signs and buy a Nol card or Red ticket; load at least AED 10 to cover the ride plus a buffer.
- 3. Walk outside to the bus area directly in front of arrivals, then look for the sign showing “C01” and “Al Sabkha.”
- 4. Tap your Nol card on the reader by the front door, then sit anywhere that leaves space for luggage and strollers.
- 5. Watch the stop display and listen for “Al Sabkha Bus Station,” then tap out on the reader by the exit door before stepping off.
Last tips
The buses have air conditioning but limited luggage space, so keep it reasonable to one suitcase plus a backpack per person. If you land after midnight and still want to stretch your budget, C01’s 24-hour schedule means you can still skip the taxi and ride in for the cost of a coffee.