The X13 bus in Dubai is a long-distance RTA bus route that connects outer residential communities with central urban districts. Running between Lulu Village and Satwa Bus Station, the route plays a crucial role for daily commuters, retail workers, students, and residents who rely on affordable public transportation across Deira, Bur Dubai, and Satwa. As part of Dubai’s wider bus network, X13 integrates with metro stations, feeder buses, and key commercial hubs, making it a dependable option for everyday travel in 2025 and beyond.
In this guide, discover:
- Route and key stops of the X13 bus in Dubai
- Schedule and frequency of the X13 bus in Dubai
- Fare and payment details of the X13 bus in Dubai
- Journey time and distance of the X13 bus in Dubai
- Passenger guide and tips
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Route and key stops of the X13 bus in Dubai
The X13 bus in Dubai connects Lulu Village and Satwa Bus Station, passing through dense residential areas, wholesale markets, transport hubs, and commercial zones along the way.
- Start point: Lulu Village
- End point: Satwa Bus Station
- Total stops: Approximately 23 to 25, depending on direction
This route supports daily movement across Deira and Bur Dubai and forms part of the broader Dubai public bus network, which complements metro and tram services citywide.
Major stops along the route
The stops below highlight key boarding and interchange points. The exact stop order may vary depending on travel direction.
| Stop name | Nearby landmarks and notes |
| Lulu Village | Starting and terminating point, retail and residential cluster |
| Al Nahda area stops | Schools, clinics, supermarkets |
| Naif Intersection | Traditional markets and wholesale trading areas |
| Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Major interchange with the Dubai Metro Green Line |
| Department of Ports and Customs | Government offices |
| Capital Hotel | Central hospitality zone |
| Satwa Masjid | Residential and community facilities |
| Satwa Bus Station | Route terminus and interchange |
Satwa Bus Station remains one of the most important transport nodes in the area, supporting multiple city routes and feeder connections across Bur Dubai and Jumeirah, like the Satwa Bus Station connectivity.
Schedule and frequency of the X13 bus in Dubai
The X13 bus in Dubai operates daily with schedules aligned to workday demand, Friday prayer timings, and weekend travel patterns. While timings are stable year-round, slight adjustments may apply during public holidays.
| Day | Lulu to Satwa | Satwa to Lulu |
| Sunday to Thursday | ~5:05 a.m. to ~11:20 p.m. | ~4:45 a.m. to ~11:00 p.m. |
| Friday | ~6:00 a.m. to ~11:30 p.m. to midnight | ~4:45 a.m. to ~11:30 p.m. to midnight |
| Saturday | ~5:00 a.m. to ~11:30 p.m. | ~4:30 a.m. to ~11:30 p.m. |
| Sunday (weekend schedule) | ~6:00 a.m. to midnight | ~6:00 a.m. to midnight |
Schedules align with Dubai’s integrated transport planning approach as per the citywide public transport planning guide.
Frequency patterns of the X13 bus in Dubai
- Peak hours (morning and evening): Every 10 to 15 minutes
- Off-peak hours: Every 15 to 25 minutes
- Late nights and weekends: Gaps may extend up to 25 to 30 minutes
Crowding is most noticeable near Al Ghubaiba, Naif, and Satwa during peak commuting hours.
Fare and payment details of the X13 bus in Dubai
The X13 bus in Dubai follows Dubai RTA’s unified fare structure, ensuring consistency across buses, metro, and trams.
Fare
- Standard one-way fare: AED 5 using an NOL Card
- Shorter trips: May cost less depending on the fare zones crossed
- Discounted or free travel: Available for students, senior citizens, and people of determination with valid NOL profiles
These fare rules apply across the entire city bus network, including interchange stations such as Etisalat Bus Station.
Payment methods
- NOL Card only: Mandatory for boarding
- Tap in and tap out: Required for accurate fare calculation
- Cash: Not accepted on board
Passengers should ensure sufficient balance before boarding to avoid penalties.
Journey time and distance of the X13 bus in Dubai
- Distance: Approximately 30 kilometres one way
- Travel duration: Around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic and boarding times
Traffic congestion near Deira markets and central Bur Dubai can extend travel time during weekday evenings.
Passenger guide and tips
The X13 bus in Dubai is designed for daily use, but planning ahead improves comfort and reliability.
- Real-time tracking apps: Use the S’hail, RTA, or Moovit apps to check live bus locations, arrival times, and nearby stops.
- Peak-hour crowd awareness: Expect heavier crowds during morning and evening rush hours, especially at Al Ghubaiba and Naif.
- NOL card readiness: Keep your NOL Card charged before boarding, as cash payments are not accepted on RTA buses.
- Priority seating rules: Designated seats are reserved for elderly passengers, pregnant women, and people of determination.
- Weekend and holiday timing: Services may start later and operate slightly longer at night on weekends and public holidays.
For passengers travelling onward to medical districts, the route also supports connectivity options in Dubai Healthcare City.
Key takeaways
The X13 bus in Dubai connects Lulu Village and Satwa Bus Station through approximately 23 to 25 stops, serving key residential, commercial, and transport hubs. It operates daily from early morning until late night, with higher frequency during peak commuting hours and adjusted schedules on weekends and public holidays. The standard one-way fare is AED 5 using a NOL Card, with concessions available for eligible passengers. Covering around 30 kilometres, the journey typically takes between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic and boarding conditions.
FAQs
No. Only NOL Cards are accepted, and passengers must have sufficient balance when boarding.
The full one-way fare is AED 5 using a NOL Card.
There are around 23 to 25 stops, depending on the direction of travel.
On weekdays, the first departure is around 4:45 a.m. Friday services may start later.
Yes. Weekend and holiday schedules typically start later and may extend closer to midnight.
