Rashidiya Bus Station: Travel Made Simple

By Muhammad Ahmad

The main transit point in the city of Dubai, Rashidiya Bus Station lies very close to the Rashidiya Metro Station on the Red Line. As a well-connected station, it serves as an entrance for cross-town and inter-emirate travel undertaken by commuters and carries a variety of local and intercity bus routes. 

Equipped with modern facilities, seamlessly interfaced with the metro, and close to Dubai International Airport and Mirdif, the Rashidiya Bus Station is an excellent source of transportation for everyday commuters, residents, and visitors seeking to explore the city.

History and Location of Rashidiya Bus Station

History of Rashidiya Bus Station

Rashidiya Bus Station was established in the early 2000s to support the growing number of commuters in Dubai. Rashidiya Bus Station was strategically located near residential areas and main highways, making it an important hub for transport. 

The station, in 2009, became even more important with the opening of the Rashidiya Metro Station on the Red Line. Indeed, the trains provided seamless transfers between the bus and metro services. 

The station has undergone new developments and has modern facilities, digital information boards, and extended seating areas. In the present day, it is a necessary stop in serving passengers towards other parts of Dubai and neighboring emirates like Sharjah and Ajman.

Location of Rashidiya Bus Station

Rashidiya Bus Station is located at Rashidiya in Dubai, along the Red Line adjacent to Rashidiya Metro Station. The station lies roughly at the intersection of Airport Road (D89) and Emirates Road (E311), thus allowing for direct access to high roads. 

It is strategically located close to major locations that include Dubai International Airport – Terminals 1 and 3 – and the Mirdif residential community. 

Central, and also with access to the metro, makes it a huge transit area for commuters through Dubai and to other emirates.

Rashidiya Bus Station

Nearby Communities and Attractions of Rashidiya Bus Station

Nearby Communities of Rashidiya Bus Station

Rashidiya Bus Station is strategically located in the heart of many popular residential and commercial communities. Major communities within the area include:

  • Al Rashidiya: The main residential community around the station, it is characterized by an abundance of villas, local amenities, and proximity to both schools and mosques.
  • Mirdif:  A significant residential community south, which features parks, malls, and shopping centers, such as the Mirdif City Centre, and different types of homes.
  • Al Garhoud:  West of the station, Al Garhoud has many business centers and hotels close to Dubai International Airport.
  • Nad Al Hamar: A small locality on the southeast side, boasting a quiet community and local facilities.
  • Muhaisnah:  Located northeast of Rashidiya, Muhaisnah is a huge community with a mix of residential and industrial sectors and affordable housing.
  • Al Warqa: Al Warqa is one of the most emerging residential areas on the eastern side that boasts names for parks and proximity to the Dubai Safari Park.

Nearby Attractions of Rashidiya Bus Station

Rashidiya Bus Station is placed strategically on the main road near a few attractions and points of interest, targeting the residents as well as visitors. Some of the most important attractions close to this bus station are:

  • Dubai International Airport: easily drivable distance, Terminals 1 and 3 of Dubai International Airport are easily accessible, which makes Rashidiya Bus Station a great transit point for any traveler.
  • Mirdif City Centre – A great one of the shopping malls located in the Mirdif area with several retail shops, food facilities, and family entertainment amenities like iFly Dubai.
  • Dubai Festival City Mall – It is only a few kilometers away. This is a waterfront shopping and dining destination offering great views, famous shops, and also the IMAGINE water and light show.
  • Dubai Safari Park – Located east of Rashidiya, this is one of the largest wildlife parks in the world with various animal exhibits and activities. It’s a good family destination.
  • Rashidiya Park – This park is located in the Rashidiya neighborhood. It offers some green areas, playfields, and sidewalks for walking for locals and visitors.
  • Located along the Dubai Creek about a five-minute walk away, one of the oldest and largest parks in Dubai has great boat rides, picnic spots, and a visit to Dubai Dolphinarium.
  • Al Khawaneej Walk is A modern lifestyle destination that happens through outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment, with just a short drive from the station.

Facilities at Rashidiya Bus Station

Rashidiya Bus Station makes travel relaxing and hassle-free with many facilities. The Major Facilities are:

  • Ticket Counters: bus ticket booking and also for Nol card recharging, which can be used in all public transport in Dubai.
  • Waiting Lounges: Well-hydrated and air-conditioned waiting area with seating space for passengers.
  • Toilets: Clean and hygienic toilet facilities for traveling passengers.
  • Snack and Beverage Outlets: Vending machines and snack and beverage outlets for quick bites and drinks.
  • Information Counters: Staffed counters that guide passengers on routes and schedules and general travel advice.
  • Digital Information Displays: Electronic boards that regularly update the schedule of arrivals and departures so that travelers can get ready in advance for their buses.
  • Free Wi-Fi: Provided for passengers to surf the internet while waiting.
  • Accessible Features: Ramps and elevators for easy access for all passengers to the train from all angles of disability. The seating levels in the carriage are also accessible to be used by people with disabilities.
  • Parking Facilities: Parking spaces allocated for private cars, taxis, and easy drop-offs of passengers. That way, passengers arriving by car will be alighting easily.

Local Routes within Rashidiya Bus Station

Intercity Routes from Rashidiya Bus Station

Rashidiya Bus Station is a gateway to many intercity bus routes, comfortably catering to neighboring emirates. Here are some of the most popular intercity routes from Rashidiya Bus Station:

  • E201 (Al Ain): It runs between Rashidiya and Al Ain Bus Station, making the route of travel extend to the oasis town in the east of the United Arab Emirates.
  • E400 (Sharjah): Radiates out from Rashidiya Bus Station to Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah and provides an easy way to get between Dubai and Sharjah with very frequent travel options.
  • E411 (Ajman) Route: It links the passenger directly to Ajman Bus Station and provides multiple departures from any location within Dubai to Ajman.
  • Route E700 (Fujairah): Offers direct travel to the Bus Station in Fujairah for passengers traveling to the emirate along the east coast.
  • Route E306 (Sharjah – Al Ghubaiba): While beginning in Al Ghubaiba, passengers heading to Sharjah’s Al Taawun area may embark from Rashidiya.

Other Bus Stations in Rashidiya Bus Station

While Rashidiya Bus Station is the main station in the district, there are a few further stops and minor stations in the surrounding area that cater to the needs of the Rashidiya community and provide additional access points:

  • Rashidiya Metro Bus Stop – Located alongside the Rashidiya Metro Station, this is part of the multimodal transport system, allowing passengers to easily alight from the metro to carry on by bus.
  • Airport Terminals 1 & 3 Bus Stop – Situated close to Dubai International Airport, it has easy access from Rashidiya that accommodates passengers wanting to board the buses to different locations within Dubai as well as intercity routes.
  • Nad Al Hamar Bus Stop – This bus stop provides Rashidiya Bus Station and neighborhood routes to the Nad Al Hamar locality.
  • Bus stops in Mirdif: There are several bus stops around Mirdif, connecting to Rashidiya. This would be a convenient stop-over for those living around Mirdif before heading onto the station for longer trips or transferring to the metro line.

Passenger Tips for a Smooth Journey

Here are some useful tips to navigate easily from Rashidiya Bus Station:

  • Plan: Before you proceed to the station, check the RTA website or mobile app for bus schedules, so that you do not wait at the station for too long.
  • Top up your Nol Card: Have enough balance in your Nol card before boarding, so you do not get delayed. Top-up machines can be located within the station.
  • Be on Time: Reach the bus station at least 10-15 minutes before the scheduled departure so that you can see your bus, grab a good seat, and get a feel for it.
  • Utilize the digital information boards and the information desk available in the station for any latest updates regarding arrivals and departures of the buses.
  • Travel Light: Avoid excess luggage and keep all your belongings safe, especially during busy hours.
  • Rush Peak Hours: It could be extremely busy, especially during rush hours-the early morning and evening time. If you can, travel during other times for a relatively uninterrupted journey.
  • Expect Traffic: Dubai has heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. You may want to add some extra time if you are traveling intercity-just in case there is a delay
  • Respect the Station’s Rules: Obey the station’s rules. It can stand in a queue patiently. Give seats to seniors or disabled passengers.
  • Stay Hydrated and Comfortable: Bring a bottle of water, especially in hot weather, and dress comfortably for the journey.
  • Use Wi-Fi: Make use of the station’s free Wi-Fi to stay connected or check for updates while you wait.

Future Plans and Developments of Rashidiya Bus Station

Some of the plans and developments towards Rashidiya Bus Station are to better improve passenger experience while enhancing connectivity to the growing transport network of Dubai. Some of the key development issues include:

  • Extended Bus Routes: Add local and intercity routes that will take the Rashidiya area to more parts of Dubai and other emirates.
  • Upgraded Passenger Facilities: This station will experience upgraded features for waiting, seating, and passenger amenities for a pleasant experience.
  • Incorporation of Intelligent Technologies: Installation of in-real-time digital information boards, contactless payment systems, as well as mobile applications, are incorporated for efficiency and convenience towards accessing and paying for the schedule.
  • Accessibility: Widening of ramps, installation of elevators, as well as the creation of spaces more dedicated to passengers with disabilities.
  • Green Infrastructure: Installation of solar panels, as well as other eco-friendly lighting devices, to ensure that it’s an environment-friendly atmosphere.
  • Metro Integration Expansion: Continuation of the integration plan with the Dubai Metro system, to be further streamlined by reducing transfer time between the bus and the metro services.
  • Parking Infrastructure Expansion: Expansion of parking space for private vehicles, taxis, and drop-off and pick-up areas to meet increasing passengers’ demands
  • Security Upgrades: Replacing existing security improvement measures including CCTV surveillance and increased staffing for safer passengers. Also Read

Frequently Ask Question

What are the operating hours of Rashidiya Bus Station?

How do I purchase a bus ticket at Rashidiya Bus Station?

Can I use my Nol card for intercity buses from Rashidiya Bus Station?

Is there parking available at Rashidiya Bus Station?

Conclusion

The Rashidiya Bus Station represents an important transit point in the public transport system of Dubai. The connection provided is excellent with local routes as well as intercity routes. Strategically located with all modern facilities, the station offers seamless connectivity to the Dubai Metro, thus making commuting easy and efficient for the people. 

Further development on expanded bus routes, upgrade of amenities, and sustainability initiatives shall significantly heighten its position as one of the key transit hubs. 

The Rashidiya Bus Station will be developed in time to meet the ever-changing needs of the growing number of passengers, as Dubai strives to have a world-class public transportation system.

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