Al Satwa Bus Station is one of the most bustling transport centers in one of Dubai’s most interesting neighborhoods. It stands as an easy-access link for residents and tourists alike. Right in the heart of Al Satwa, it acts as a connection point to other important attractions in the city and shopping centers in its residential districts.
Whether you need to travel to Dubai at a budget-friendly cost or just get to work, the Al Satwa Bus Station offers all routes and services frequently, making it an essential service of the city’s public transport system.
- History and Location of Al Satwa Bus Station
- Nearby Communities and Attractions of Al Satwa Bus Station
- Facilities at Al Satwa Bus Station
- Popular Routes from Al Satwa Bus Station
- Local Routes within Al Satwa Bus Station
- Intercity Routes from Al Satwa Bus Station
- Other Bus Stations in Al Satwa Bus Station
- Passenger Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Future Plans and Developments of Al Satwa Bus Station
- Frequently Ask Question
- Conclusion
History and Location of Al Satwa Bus Station
History of Al Satwa Bus Station
Al Satwa Bus Station is inextricably tied to the city’s growth and expansion of the oldest and most culturally diverse regions of Dubai, the Al Satwa neighborhood. The bus station was a building raised in the expansion of public transportation in Dubai.
Ever since the early 2000s, it has been a basic source of the needs of the community in the locality and a connecting point from and to other parts of the city.
Originally, Al Satwa was a small, densely populated locality with old houses and crowded streets selling all things in local markets. As the city was developing, RTA wanted to have a central bus station due to ever-growing demands for cheap public transportation systems.
Al Satwa Bus Station, which further improved the accessibility of the area to key destinations such as Deira, Bur Dubai, and Sheikh Zayed Road.
Location of Al Satwa Bus Station
The Al Satwa Bus Station is located in a strategic position within the busy and diverse neighborhood of Al Satwa, one of Dubai’s most culturally vibrant and lively neighborhoods. It is located along Al Satwa Road, immediately adjacent to the famous Satwa Roundabout and a short walking distance from the busy Al Diyafah Street, which has several eateries and shops.
It is accessible from main roads such as Sheikh Zayed Road and Jumeirah Road, making it a very convenient transit hub for residents and tourists alike.
Its locational advantage places it close to Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah Beach, the Dubai World Trade Centre, and other popular parts of the city, providing that important link to many areas inside the city.
Nearby Communities and Attractions of Al Satwa Bus Station
Nearby Communities of Al Satwa Bus Station
It is centrally located and thus easily accessible to several neighboring communities that reflect the rich landscape of Dubai. Some of the major neighborhoods that are close to Al Satwa Bus Station include:
- Jumeirah 1 It is one of the seaside districts but this will surprise you because despite being a seaside district, Jumeirah 1 is an area of resort beaches with cafe-lined roads and endowed with the beautiful looking Jumeirah Mosque, part of residential areas and other tourist attractions.
- Bur Dubai: One of the historic areas in Dubai is Bur Dubai. This district stands out for its traditional souks, the Dubai Museum, and the lively Al Fahidi Historical District. It is culturally significant and can be reached from Al Satwa Bus Station.
- Downtown Dubai: It is one of the best-known areas in the city. It hosts the mighty Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Opera. It is a major tourist attraction and within just a few minutes from downtown by bus or taxi.
- Sheikh Zayed Road Corridor: It has most of Dubai’s skyline and business centers, including the Dubai World Trade Centre. It is easily accessible to daily commuters due to its proximity.
- Karama: A multicultural residential and commercial zone, Karama gains popularity with relatively cheap shopping, Indian restaurants, and warm excitement. It is one of the favorite places among the residents for affordable shopping.
Nearby Attractions from Al Satwa Bus Station
Furthermore, plenty of attractions surround Al Satwa Bus Station that offer various cultures and an energetic lifestyle in Dubai. Here are a few notable spots close by that can be easily visited:
1. Jumeirah Beach
It is relatively close, being only a few kilometers from Jumeirah Beach. It is highly suitable for sunbathing, swimming, and having a picnic and offers excellent views of the Arabian Gulf, plus iconic landmarks such as the famous Burj Al Arab.
2. Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa
A short bus or taxi ride will take you to the world-famous Dubai Mall. It’s a spot for luxury shopping with an aquarium and breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa. All tourists visit, and it also is one of the top places in town to purchase local shopping.
3. La Mer Beach
La Mer is a hip beachfront location offering a combination of shopping, dining, and entertainment. It is a perfect place to spend a day at leisure with the family; it has water sports, cafes, and a laid-back beach atmosphere.
4. Dubai World Trade Centre
This is a world business center, and also a significant center for exhibitions, conferences, and events. This makes it an ideal transit point for those who are in this country on business or as attending guests of international trade fairs and concerts.
5. Al Diyafah Street
Just beside the Al Satwa Bus Station, Al Diyafah Street (now 2nd of December Street) – a very lively area with most of the casual restaurants, street food stalls, and budget shopping. Local food is great here.
6. The Green Planet
The Green Planet, an indoor rainforest biome, offers leisurely activities amidst the nearby City Walk. This is a family-friendly attraction that allows visitors to tour exotic plants and animals as well as get up close and personal with the exciting interaction process.
Facilities at Al Satwa Bus Station
The Al Satwa Bus Station provides a range of facilities that are meant to enhance and establish comfort for travelers. Being among the major transit stations in Dubai, the bus station ensures that passengers have easy access to various amenities that exist and are necessary. Here is a look at the facilities provided:
1. Passenger Waiting Area
The waiting areas provided by the station are spacious and roofed, so passengers can wait for their buses there in comfort under shelter, protected from the sun and scorching heat.
2. Ticket Counters and Kiosks
Apart from the above facilities, the station provides ticket counters and self-service kiosks where passengers can purchase tickets and refill NOL cards, not forgetting to check the timetables of buses on different routes.
3. Restrooms and Hygiene Facilities
In most stations, there are clean and well-maintained restrooms to ensure the comfort of every passenger. There are more hand sanitizing stations for improved hygiene.
4. Information Desk
The station has an information desk at the convenience of the staff to help people with questions such as routes and schedules and even general travel information.
5. Cafes and Snack Stalls
To keep up with the demanding lifestyle of the working traveler, Al Satwa Bus Station includes some tiny café counters and snack sellers where passengers may quickly grab a drink or snack before boarding their bus.
6. Wi-Fi and Charging Stations
To catch up with business or otherwise, the bus station ensures that there are free Wi-Fi connections and recharging stations for mobile devices so that passengers can continue to use their cell phones while waiting.
Popular Routes from Al Satwa Bus Station
| Bus Code | Route |
| XO2 | Union Square Bus Station |
| X13 | Al Quoz |
| 7 | Al Qusais Bus Station |
| 32C | International City |
| 55 | Al Quoz Bus Station |
| 98E | Lulu Village |
| CO1 | Dubai International Airport |
| CO9 | Hor Al Anz |
Local Routes within Al Satwa Bus Station
| Bus Route | Location |
| F11 | World Trade Center |
| X28 | Satwa -Dubai Internet City |
| 21 | Satwa -Nahda 1 |
| 15 | Satwa -Al Khail gate |
Intercity Routes from Al Satwa Bus Station
| Route No | Destination | Key stops |
| E100 | Satwa – Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station | Jebel Ali, Shahama, Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station |
| E101 | Satwa – Abu Dhabi (Mussafah Shabiya) | Ibn Battuta Mall, Mussafah, Abu Dhabi Bus Station |
| E306 | Satwa – Sharjah Al Jubail Station | Deira City Centre, Al Nahda, Sharjah Al Jubail |
| E400 | Satwa – Ajman Bus Station | Al Rashidiya, Al Ghubaiba, Ajman Bus Station |
| E411 | Satwa – Fujairah City | Deira, Dubai Airport Free Zone, Fujairah City |
Other Bus Stations in Al Satwa Bus Station
In addition to the main Al Satwa Bus Station, there are numerous other bus stops in the area. Some of these include:
- Al Satwa Bus Station 1: The main bus station in the area offers many local and intercity routes across Dubai and beyond.
- Al Satwa Roundabout Stop: It is right beside the world-famous Satwa Roundabout. This stop is good enough for locals as a feeder to other local routes in surrounding areas.
- Satwa Mosque Stop: It is located right beside the Satwa Grand Mosque. Hence, access to nearby stores, cafes, and other local attractions is facilitated by this stop.
- Al Bada’a Bus Stop: This stop serves the neighborhood of Al Bada’a, acting as a satellite to local routes in the surrounding neighborhood of Satwa.
- 2nd of December Street Stop: A very busy stop along 2nd of December Street, and it’s not too hard to navigate the large number of shops, cafes, and eateries in the area.
Passenger Tips for a Smooth Journey
Here are some quick tips to make sure you have a smooth journey from Al Satwa Bus Station:
- Check Schedules: Make advance arrangements by checking the bus timings through the RTA website or app.
- Use a Nol Card: Ensure your Nol card is topped up for easy travel.
- Carry Water: Grab your water bottle to keep you hydrated during hot weather.
- Arrive Early: Arrive at least 5-10 minutes before departure time at the station.
- Queue Etiquette: Be mindful of turn-taking and other transport users
- Prepare for Rush Hour: Prepare in advance, particularly when it comes to peak hours
- Handle Your Belongings Carefully: Be more aware of your belongings
- Know the Stops: Know beforehand where and how to get off
- Observe Station Rules: Observe the rules at the station to make everyone comfortable
- Stay Cool, Avoid Heat: By sitting under the shade, avoid direct sunlight exposure.
Future Plans and Developments of Al Satwa Bus Station
The future development of Al Satwa Bus Station is as follows:
- More frequent services to the new communities within Dubai.
- Upgrade facilities to comfort levels in the waiting area, seating, and food outlets.
- Easy access links to the nearby metro stations and other modes of transportation.
- Smart Tech & Sustainability deployment of digital boards, and contactless payments, among other environment-friendly practices.
- Intercity Terminus Area dedicated intercity bus services.
- Access Enhanced Accessible for people with disabilities
- Award-Winning Parking/Drop-Off Increased parking and drop-off. Also Read
Frequently Ask Question
What are the operating hours of Al Satwa Bus Station?
Al Satwa Bus Station operates around the clock, though most buses begin from there around 5:00 AM and the last one departs somewhere around 11:00 PM. The route-specific schedules could vary.
How do I get a bus ticket at Al Satwa Bus Station?
You can purchase a ticket for a bus from the ticket counters available at the station, or you can pay using a Nol card from RTA vending machines and almost every retail shop in the city of Dubai.
Is there parking available at Al Satwa Bus Station?
Yes, parking areas are available near the station for private cars and taxis. Note, however, that parking might be on a first-come, first-served basis, so allow for ample time to arrive before peak hours.
Can I use my Nol card on intercity buses from Al Satwa?
Yes, you can use Nol cards for local and intercity buses leaving Al Satwa. Just make sure you have enough balance on your card before boarding.
Conclusion
Generally, Al Satwa Bus Station is one of the key public transportation systems in Dubai, providing a portfolio of local and intercity routes. The fact that it is in a prime location and has the complete infrastructure and a high number of routes that it covers makes Al Satwa Bus Station beneficial to both commuters and tourists.
Expansion with smart technology and sustainability enhancements will increase its capacity, accessibility, and convenience as an option for passengers.
Al Satwa Bus Station would most likely lie at the center of a vision for an efficient, continuous transport system that Dubai could boast about regarding sustainability in its future growth.