Route F55 runs from DXB to Ibn Battuta in about 65 minutes
RTA Bus Route F55 links Dubai International Airport to Ibn Battuta Bus Station in roughly 60–70 minutes, depending on traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road (E11). It’s an airport feeder bus, useful if you’re staying in Jebel Ali, Discovery Gardens, or near Ibn Battuta Mall and don’t want to pay the AED 70–100 you’d spend on a metered taxi from T3.
The F55 starts at Terminal 3 (T3) and also serves Terminal 1 via the airport bus stands, then runs out to Ibn Battuta on a fixed route. Buses are operated by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), are fully air‑conditioned, and accept only the Nol card system — you can’t pay cash on board, so buy or top up a Nol card at the airport Metro or RTA machines before boarding.
Single fares on the F55 usually fall in the AED 5–8 range, much cheaper than taxi. You tap your Nol card at the reader when you board and again when you exit. The line is treated as a feeder route, so if you connect to the Dubai Metro Red Line at Ibn Battuta within 30 minutes, it counts as one integrated trip within the fare cap rules, saving a few dirhams over paying two separate rides.
Service typically runs every 20–30 minutes at peak times, thinning out late at night. The airport bus stops are signposted with the route number “F55” and an RTA timetable board. Look for low‑floor red and white RTA buses; luggage goes either in the interior rack or at your feet, and a standard suitcase up to around 23 kg is normal on this route.
If you land in T2, there’s no direct F55 stop there; you’ll need to shift over to T1 or T3 using the free airside shuttle or landside taxi for roughly AED 25. From T3 arrivals, walk about 5–7 minutes following “Public Bus” signs to reach the stand; from T1 arrivals, it’s closer to 3–5 minutes on foot under cover.
Step-by-step: using RTA Bus Route F55 from DXB
- 1. After landing at T1 or T3, clear immigration and customs, then follow the green “Bus” signs for 3–7 minutes to the public bus area.
- 2. Buy or top up a Nol card at the RTA machine or ticket office near the Metro entrance; load at least AED 15 to cover the bus plus any Metro transfer.
- 3. Walk to the stand marked F55; confirm “Ibn Battuta Bus Station” on the front display and check the printed timetable for the next departure time.
- 4. Board through the front door, tap your Nol card on the reader, and grab a seat; keep bags either on your lap, in the rack, or firmly held in the aisle space.
- 5. Ride for around 60–70 minutes until the final stop at Ibn Battuta Bus Station, then tap out on the reader as you exit.
- 6. From Ibn Battuta, walk 3–5 minutes to the Ibn Battuta Metro Station on the Red Line or pick up a local taxi for the last 5–15 minutes to nearby hotels or neighborhoods.
One practical tip: if you’re landing during evening rush hour (around 17:00–20:00), assume an extra 20 minutes on top of the usual F55 run time and pad your schedule before any fixed check‑in or meeting.