91A Bus Timings in Dubai: Complete Route, Schedule, Fares, and More

Dubai’s bus network quietly keeps the city moving, especially for people travelling between residential areas and major work zones. One of the most relied-on long routes is the 91A Bus Route, which connects Gold Souq in Deira with Jebel Ali Bus Station, passing through central districts, Metro interchanges, and industrial areas along the way.

The route is commonly used by commuters heading to Jebel Ali Free Zone, staff accommodation areas, and workplaces near Sheikh Zayed Road. It’s not the fastest way across the city, but it is dependable, affordable, and widely accessible. 

• 91A bus route from Gold Souq to Jebel Ali
• Operating hours and service frequency
• Important stops and landmarks
• Who the 91A bus is best suited for
• Ticket types and fare structure
• How to pay and NOL card options
• First-time rider tips
• Key takeaways
• FAQs

91A bus route from Gold Souq to Jebel Ali

Bus 91A begins at Gold Souq Bus Station in Deira and travels south-west across Dubai before ending at Jebel Ali Bus Station. The full route covers roughly 40 kilometres and includes around 27 to 29 stops, depending on the direction.

A complete journey usually takes between 60 and 80 minutes. Travel time can vary based on traffic, particularly during peak hours. But the route remains fairly consistent throughout the day.

Along the way, the bus passes through Naif, Al Nakhal, the Union Metro area, Al Jafiliya, and stretches of Sheikh Zayed Road before reaching several stops inside Jebel Ali Free Zone, including staff quarters and industrial facilities. This makes the 91A an important link between older parts of Dubai and one of its largest employment hubs.

91A bus route at a glance

• Start point: Gold Souq Bus Station, Deira
• Areas covered: Naif, Al Nakhal, Union Metro area, Al Jafiliya, sections of Sheikh Zayed Road, and Jebel Ali Free Zone (including staff accommodation and industrial areas).
• End point: Jebel Ali Bus Station
• Estimated duration: Approximately 60 to 80 minutes for the full route
• Total stops: Around 27 to 29 stops, depending on the direction of travel
• Approximate distance: Roughly 40 kilometres

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Operating hours and service frequency

The 91A bus runs every day of the week, including weekends and public holidays, with slightly different start times and frequencies depending on the day. 

Because the 91A covers a long distance and multiple busy areas, checking live arrival times before travelling can help avoid unnecessary waiting, particularly in the evening.

Peak hours and crowd patterns

Passenger numbers on the 91A closely follow working hours in the areas it serves, particularly around Jebel Ali Free Zone and central Dubai. While the route runs steadily throughout the day, certain time windows are noticeably busier.

• Morning peak (6:30–9:00 AM): Busiest period, especially for buses travelling from Deira towards Jebel Ali
• Evening peak (4:30–7:30 PM): High demand on return journeys towards Deira
• Fridays: Crowds are more spread out, with increases around midday and early evening
• Quieter periods: Late mornings and early afternoons are usually less crowded and more comfortable

Travelling outside peak hours can make a long journey noticeably smoother.

Important stops and landmarks

The 91A serves a broad mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas, which helps explain why it remains one of the most consistently used long-distance bus routes in Dubai. By linking older neighbourhoods in Deira with major employment zones in the west of the city, the route supports daily commuting as well as essential travel for shopping and services.

Key stops along the route include:

• Gold Souq Bus Station, the starting point in Deira and a major bus hub serving the surrounding markets and residential streets.
• Naif – Intersection 01, close to dense housing areas and local shops.
• Union Metro Bus Stop A, offering convenient transfers to the Red and Green Metro lines.
• Al Jafiliya Bus Station, another important interchange for buses serving central Dubai.
• Sheikh Zayed Road stops are located near offices, commercial buildings, and service roads.
• Jebel Ali Free Zone, including staff accommodation and industrial facilities that generate high daily commuter traffic.
• Jebel Ali Bus Station is the final stop and a key transport point for onward travel.

Together, these stops make the 91A particularly valuable for workers commuting to Jebel Ali and surrounding industrial areas, while also supporting everyday travel across central Dubai.

Who the 91A bus is best suited for

The 91A is designed for passengers making longer trips across the city rather than short, quick journeys. Its coverage makes it a practical choice for people who prioritise affordability and direct access over speed.

• Daily commuters travelling between Deira and Jebel Ali Free Zone.
• Shift workers start early or finish late in industrial areas.
• Residents of older districts without direct Metro access.
• Cost-conscious travellers are avoiding taxis and ride-hailing services.
• Passengers carrying work bags or backpacks, especially during off-peak hours.

Because of its length and number of stops, the route is less suited to short or time-sensitive trips.

Ticket types and fare structure

Fares on Bus 91A are zone-based, which means the amount you pay depends on how far you travel rather than the route number itself. This makes shorter journeys cheaper while keeping longer trips affordable.

With a Silver NOL card, fares typically work as follows:

• One zone: around AED 3, suitable for short trips
• Two adjacent zones: around AED 5, for medium-distance travel
• Three or more zones: around AED 7.50, which applies to the full journey from Gold Souq to Jebel Ali

Passengers using a Red Ticket for single trips usually pay more. These fares generally range between AED 4 and AED 8.50, depending on the distance travelled and ticket validity.

How to pay and NOL card options

Payment on the 91A is made exclusively using Nol cards. Passengers must tap their card when boarding and again when getting off the bus so the correct fare can be calculated.

The main options available are:

• Silver NOL is the most common and widely used option
• Gold NOL, which allows access to Gold Class seating where available
• Blue NOL, a personalised card offering discounted fares for eligible users
• Red Ticket, designed for occasional travellers or short-term use

Discounted fares are available for students, senior citizens, and people of determination when using personalised cards such as the Blue NOL.

First-time rider tips

If you’re taking the 91A for the first time, a little preparation can make the journey smoother, especially since the route is long and serves busy areas. These practical tips help avoid common mistakes and make navigating the service easier from the start.

• Tap in and tap out: Always tap your NOL card when boarding and again when getting off so the correct fare is charged.
• Arrive a few minutes early at busy stops: Gold Souq and Union can get crowded, particularly during peak commuting hours.
• Use a live map during the journey: Keeping Google Maps or the RTA app open helps you track stops, especially on longer rides.
• Listen for stop announcements: They are announced on board, but following along on your phone adds reassurance.
• If you miss your stop, stay on the bus: Exit at the next stop and walk back or transfer safely rather than rushing to get off.

Key takeaways

Bus 91A is a dependable option for travelling between Gold Souq in Deira and Jebel Ali Bus Station, covering around 40 kilometres and serving nearly 30 stops. While the journey can take over an hour, the route is important for commuters heading to Jebel Ali Free Zone and nearby industrial areas. With zone-based fares starting at AED 3 and topping out at around AED 7.50 for the full trip, the 91A remains one of the most affordable long-distance bus routes in the city. 

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