Getting around Deira and Old Dubai often means navigating busy streets, traditional markets, and densely populated neighbourhoods. While the Dubai Metro handles longer journeys well, shorter local trips can be less straightforward without a car. This is where the F01 bus route becomes especially useful.
The F01 is a circular bus service operated by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). It loops around Union Bus Station, serving residential areas, heritage districts, hospitals, mosques, markets, and Metro connections across Deira. Designed for short, everyday journeys, it’s commonly used by residents, workers, and shoppers who need to move around Old Dubai without changing modes of transportation.
- What the F01 bus is used for
- F01 bus route and stops
- Operating schedule and service frequency
- Fares and payment method
- Trip duration and distance
- Who the F01 bus is best suited for
- Peak hours and crowd patterns
- Tips for riding the F01
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
What the F01 bus is used for
The F01 is designed specifically for short-distance travel within Deira and the surrounding neighbourhoods. Unlike long routes that cross the city, this service focuses on helping passengers cover small distances comfortably and affordably.
It is often used for:
- Travelling between Union and nearby residential streets
- Reaching local markets, mosques, and clinics
- Connecting homes and workplaces to the Metro
- Running daily errands without relying on taxis
Because the route operates as a loop, passengers can board at multiple stops and return to Union without having to plan complex transfers. This makes the F01 particularly convenient for people who live or work in Old Dubai and prefer a simple, familiar route.
F01 bus route and stops
The F01 bus route operates as a circular route, starting and ending at Union Bus Station. This loop design makes it easy to travel short distances within Deira without changing buses.
The service covers 18 stops in total, passing through residential areas, markets, and key transport links across Old Dubai, making it well-suited for everyday local travel.
Full route loop (18 stops)
Below is the complete list of stops, beginning and ending at Union Bus Station.
- Union Bus Station
- Union Metro Bus Stop 1
- Maktoum Heritage Souq
- Maktoum Hospital Road, Cemetery
- Naif Park
- Sabkha
- Khaleej Road
- Hyatt Regency Hotel
- Murar Jadeed
- Baraha, Eid Musalla
- Baraha, Street
- Al Baraha Masjid
- Hor Al Anz, Roundabout
- Rasheed Road
- Al Nakhal 1
- Deira Taxi Station
- Union Metro Bus Stop 2
- Union Bus Station
Route highlights
The route travels through heritage and market areas such as Naif and Sabkha, as well as quieter residential streets in Al Baraha and Hor Al Anz. Several stops are near mosques, parks, and hospitals, making the service convenient for everyday needs.
One of the biggest advantages of the F01 is its direct connection to Union Metro Station, via two bus stops. This enables easy transfers between the Red and Green Lines, linking local travel with citywide transport.
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Operating schedule and service frequency
The F01 operates daily, including weekends and public holidays, making it a reliable option for regular local travel in Deira. Because it is a feeder route serving short trips, the service operates steadily throughout the day rather than in short rush-only windows. That said, first departure times and total daily trips vary by day, particularly on Fridays and Sundays.
Passengers travelling early in the morning or late at night should check the day-specific schedule, as start times are earlier on weekdays and later on Sundays. Frequency also changes slightly with demand, with shorter wait times during busier periods around Union and the market areas.
Operating hours by day
The table below outlines the typical first and last departures for the F01, along with an estimate of the number of trips that run each day.
| Day | First bus | Last bus | Approximate trips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday–Thursday | Around 4:17 AM | Around 12:04 AM (next day) | ~46 |
| Friday | Around 4:15 AM | Around 1:03 AM (next day) | ~46 |
| Saturday | Around 4:13 AM | Around 12:02 AM (next day) | ~40 |
| Sunday | Around 7:15 AM | Around 12:02 AM (next day) | ~35 |
Service frequency
Across most of the day, buses arrive roughly every 25 to 55 minutes. During busier periods around Union and market areas, wait times are usually shorter. Early mornings and late nights tend to have longer service intervals.
Because the F01 is a local route with moderate frequency, checking live arrival times can help avoid unnecessary waiting.
Fares and payment method
The F01 operates on a simple flat fare, making it one of the easiest bus routes in Dubai to budget for. No matter how many stops you travel or how long you stay onboard, the fare remains the same for every trip.
- Fare: AED 3 per trip
- Payment method: NOL card only
- Cash or bank cards: Not accepted
Children under five and people of determination travel free. Discounted fares apply for students and senior citizens when using personalised NOL cards, in line with RTA fare policies.
Note: Tapping your NOL card both when boarding and when getting off ensures the system records your trip correctly.
Trip duration and distance
The total loop distance of the F01 is approximately 5 kilometres. Completing the full circuit usually takes around 40 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and passenger volume.
For shorter trips between nearby stops, travel time is significantly less, which is why the route is popular for errands, appointments, and local commuting.
Connecting transport and transfer options
The F01 integrates smoothly with Dubai’s wider transport network.
Passengers can:
- Transfer to the Dubai Metro at Union Metro Bus Stops 1 and 2
- Connect with multiple bus routes at Union Bus Station
- Use a single NOL card across buses and Metro
This makes the F01 a convenient feeder service for passengers starting or ending longer journeys at Union.
Who the F01 bus is best suited for
The F01 is ideal for passengers who make frequent short trips within Deira and Old Dubai. It is commonly used by residents travelling between home, shops, and places of worship, as well as workers commuting short distances.
The route also suits:
- Elderly passengers who prefer buses over walking long distances
- Shoppers visiting markets in Naif and Sabkha
- Metro users needing last-mile connectivity
- Anyone looking for a low-cost alternative to taxis
Because it is a local loop, the F01 is less suitable for long cross-city travel but works extremely well within its coverage area.
Peak hours and crowd patterns
Passenger demand on the F01 follows everyday routines in Deira, with busier periods linked to work schedules and market activity. The table below shows when the route is typically most crowded and when it’s quieter.
| Time of day | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Early morning (5:30–8:30 AM) | Higher demand from commuters heading to work |
| Late morning to early afternoon | Generally quieter and more comfortable |
| Late afternoon (4:00–6:30 PM) | Busy return journeys towards residential areas |
| Evenings near markets | Crowding around Naif and Sabkha, especially on weekends |
| Fridays | Quieter early mornings; busier from midday onwards |
Travelling outside peak hours usually means more space on board and shorter boarding times.
Tips for riding the F01
Because the F01 is a local feeder route with moderate frequency, a little planning can make the trip more comfortable, especially during busy periods around Union and nearby markets.
- Check live arrival times before heading out: Apps such as S’hail or Moovit help you avoid unnecessary waiting, particularly early in the morning or late at night.
- Ensure your NOL card has sufficient balance: the fare is low, but topping up in advance helps avoid delays at boarding.
- Expect busier stops near Union and market areas: Stops around Union, Naif, and Sabkha tend to attract more passengers throughout the day.
- Keep Sunday hours in mind: Services start later on Sundays than on other days of the week.
- Stay onboard if you’re unsure of your stop: Since the route is circular, it’s often easier to complete the loop and get off at a familiar point.
Key takeaways
For short-distance travel around Union and Old Dubai, the F01 bus route remains one of the most practical and affordable options available. With 18 stops covering residential streets, heritage areas, markets, and Metro connections, it offers a simple, affordable way to get around locally. Running daily from early morning until after midnight on most days, and costing just AED 3 per trip, the F01 remains one of the most practical local bus services in Dubai for everyday travel.
FAQs
The F01 starts and ends at Union Bus Station, operating as a continuous loop.
Each trip costs AED 3 and is paid with an NOL card.
On most days, the first bus runs shortly after 4:15 AM, with the last service just after midnight. On Sundays, the first bus starts later.
The complete route takes around 40 to 45 minutes.
Yes. It connects directly to Union Metro Station, giving access to both the Red and Green Lines.
