Dubai Bus Fare Changes & Pricing Guide (2026)
Did Dubai bus fares go up in 2026? Actually, some went down. Discover the AED 2 Bus-On-Demand rate, the AED 14 daily cap, and new intercity pricing.
By Rifat Hossain
Navigating public transport costs can be tricky, but 2026 has brought good news for Dubai commuters. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has maintained stable pricing for most routes while introducing targeted fare reductions to make travel more affordable.
From the 60% price drop in Business Bay to new intercity flat rates, here is your complete guide to dubai bus fare changes and the current pricing structure.
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📉 Major Price Drops & 2026 Changes
While global inflation has driven costs up elsewhere, Dubai has strategically reduced specific fares to encourage public transport use.
1. Bus-On-Demand: 60% Fare Reduction
The biggest pricing update of the year affects the Bus-On-Demand service in Business Bay.
- Old Price: AED 5 per trip.
- New Price: AED 2 per trip.
- Impact: A massive 60% reduction to help commuters in this high-traffic business district.
Current On-Demand Pricing Structure:
- Business Bay: AED 2 flat rate.
- Other Zones (e.g., Silicon Oasis, Al Barsha): Standard rate of AED 5 for the first passenger + AED 4 for each additional rider.
2. New Minimum Top-Up Rules
As of January 2026, the minimum amount required to top up your Nol Card has changed depending on where you pay.
- Metro Ticket Offices: Minimum top-up increased to AED 20.
- Online/Apps (S'hail, Nol Pay): Minimum remains lower at AED 10.
Tip: Use the apps to top up if you only need a small amount!
🚌 Current Bus Fare Structure (2026)
Regular city buses continue to operate on a zone-based system. The price depends on how many zones you cross.
Standard Nol Card Fares
| Zones Traveled | Silver Card (Standard) | Gold Card (Premium) | Red Ticket (Tourist) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Zone (< 3 km) | AED 3.00 | AED 6.00 | AED 4.00 |
| 2 Zones | AED 5.00 | AED 10.00 | AED 6.00 |
| 3+ Zones | AED 7.50 | AED 15.00 | AED 8.50 |
The Daily Cap: AED 14
You will never pay more than AED 14 in a single day using a Silver Card.
- How it works: Once your total trips (bus, metro, tram combined) hit AED 14, all subsequent trips that day are free.
🏙️ Intercity Route Pricing (New & Updated)
2026 saw the launch of competitive pricing for travel between emirates.
Bus E308: Dubai ↔ Sharjah
- Route: Stadium Bus Station (Dubai) to Al Jubail Bus Station (Sharjah).
- Fare: AED 12 (One-way fixed rate).
- Why take it? It is significantly cheaper than a taxi and runs every 30 minutes.
Bus E100: Dubai ↔ Abu Dhabi
- Route: Al Ghubaiba to Abu Dhabi Central.
- Fare: AED 25 (One-way).
- Note: This is one of the rare routes where cash is accepted alongside Nol Cards.
🎟️ Monthly Passes & Discounts
For frequent commuters, paying per trip is the expensive way to travel.
Monthly Pass Savings
| Pass Type | Cost (Silver Class) | Savings Potential |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Zone | AED 140 | Save ~25% |
| 2 Zones | AED 230 | Save ~35% |
| All Zones | AED 350 | Save ~40% |
Who Travels for Free or 50% Off?
- Free (100% Off): Children under 5 years and People of Determination.
- 50% Discount:
- Students (5-23 years): With valid school enrollment.
- Seniors (60+): With valid ID.
- Social Welfare Holders: With valid documentation.
Example: A student traveling 3 zones pays only AED 3.75 instead of AED 7.50.
🎡 Special Route Pricing
Some routes do not use the zone system and have flat fares.
- Global Village (Bus 102, 103, etc.): Fixed fare of AED 10 per trip during the season (Oct-April).
- Marine Transport: Ferries start at AED 50 (Silver), while Abras can cost as little as AED 1 or up to AED 150 for special event bookings.
✅ Summary of 2026 Updates
- Did general fares increase? No. Standard zone fares remain stable.
- Is cash accepted? Only on intercity Bus E100.
- Best value? The AED 350 Monthly Pass breaks even if you travel more than 25 days a month.
With the dubai bus price update, the RTA has focused on stability and targeted cuts. Whether you are commuting to Business Bay for just AED 2 or heading to Sharjah for AED 12, the system remains one of the most affordable in the region.
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