X23 Bus Timings in Dubai: Complete Route, Schedule, Fares, and More

The X23 bus route is one of Dubai’s express bus services operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), designed to connect Bur Dubai with International City efficiently. With fewer stops than standard routes, it offers a practical option for commuters travelling across residential, commercial, and industrial districts.

Before diving into the details, here’s a quick overview of what this guide covers.

• Overview of the X23 bus route
• Stops and route details
• Schedule and operating times
• Fare and payment details
• Passenger tips and connections
• Key takeaways
• FAQs

Overview of the X23 bus route

The X23 is an RTA express bus service linking Al Ghubaiba Bus Station with International City Bus Station. The “X” designation indicates limited stops and faster travel compared to regular city buses.

• Route endpoints: Al Ghubaiba Bus Station ↔ International City Bus Station
• Distance: Approximately 25–27 km, depending on direction
• Typical journey time: Around 55 minutes in normal traffic, extending to 70–75 minutes during peak hours

The route serves key districts including Bur Dubai, Oud Metha, Ras Al Khor, and multiple International City clusters, making it useful for both daily commuters and occasional travellers.

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Stops and route details

The X23 follows a stable core corridor across the city, with minor stop adjustments introduced as part of the RTA’s January 2026 network upgrades. In total, the route now serves approximately 26 stops in one direction.

Key stops from Al Ghubaiba to International City

From Bur Dubai towards International City, the route includes major stops such as:

• Al Ghubaiba Bus Station
• Raffa and Rolla areas
• Sharaf DG / BurJuman interchange area
• Oud Metha Road and Wafi City
• Ras Al Khor area
• International City clusters, including Greece, Morocco, China, and Civil Defence
• International City Bus Station (terminus)

Stops in the reverse direction

In the return direction, the bus retraces the same main corridor, starting from International City Bus Station and passing through the clusters, Ras Al Khor, Oud Metha, BurJuman area, and ending at Al Ghubaiba.

As with most RTA routes, individual stop locations may change slightly over time. For precise stop-by-stop navigation, passengers should always consult the S’hail app or Wojhati journey planner.

Schedule and operating times

The X23 operates daily from Sunday to Saturday. While the overall service window is consistent, exact departure times can vary by day and direction.

General operating window:

• First buses: around 5:00 AM
• Last buses: around 11:00–11:30 PM

Buses run multiple times per hour throughout the day, with higher frequency during peak commuting periods.

RTA schedules are subject to operational adjustments. For real-time timings and the most accurate planning, the official S’hail app or Wojhati planner should be used.

Fare and payment details

Fares on the X23 follow Dubai’s zone-based Nol card system.

Typical fare range:

• Shorter trips: lower zone-based fare
• Full journey (Al Ghubaiba ↔ International City): approximately AED 5 to AED 7.50

Payment method:

• Nol card only (Silver, Gold, Blue, or personalised cards)
•  Cash payments are not accepted

Important: A minimum balance of AED 7.50 is required on your Nol card to start any journey, even if the final fare is lower.

Passengers must tap in and tap out correctly to avoid being charged the maximum zone fare.

Passenger tips and connections

The X23 is well-suited for daily commuting, but a few practical tips can make the journey smoother.

On-board comfort and accessibility

• Fully air-conditioned buses
• Priority seating for elderly passengers, pregnant women, and people of determination
• CCTV and standard RTA safety features

Useful connections and planning tips

• Metro connections: BurJuman and Oud Metha areas allow convenient transfers to the Red and Green Metro lines
• Peak hours: Expect heavier traffic between 7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM
• Live tracking: Use S’hail or Wojhati for real-time updates and service alerts
• Nol card checks: Always confirm your balance before boarding

Key takeaways

The X23 is an express RTA bus connecting Al Ghubaiba and International City through major residential and commercial districts. It operates daily from early morning until late evening, with frequent service and a stable core route. Travel times average around one hour, fares are zone-based and paid via Nol card only, and real-time planning through official RTA apps is strongly recommended.

FAQs

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