The 36B bus route connects Etisalat Bus Station in Rashidiya to International City, covering 26 stops through some of Dubai’s busiest eastern neighbourhoods. Operated by the RTA, it runs through Mirdiff and Al Warqaa before terminating deep inside International City, offering residents in these areas a direct link to the Green Line Metro.
This guide covers the full stop list, 36B bus schedule, fares, and how the route compares to the 36A bus, so you can plan your commute with confidence.
36B bus route overview

The bus 36B route is a standard RTA service running from Etisalat Bus Station to International City (Greece K12 Terminus 2). It covers the eastern corridor of Dubai, making it a practical choice for residents of Mirdiff, Al Warqaa, and International City.
Key facts:
- Operator: RTA (Roads and Transport Authority)
- Direction: Etisalat Bus Station to International City, Greece K12 Terminus 2
- Total stops: 26
- Typical journey time: approximately 75 minutes
- Frequency: every 20 to 30 minutes
Note: As of 17 July 2026, the RTA discontinued sections of Routes 36A and 36B between International City and Dubai Silicon Oasis. Passengers travelling to Dubai Academic City or Silicon Oasis should use the new Routes 37A or 37B.
36B bus stops
The bus 36B runs through Rashidiya, Mirdiff, Al Warqaa, Dubai Textile City, and International City. Below is the full stop list in order:
- Etisalat Bus Station
- Rashidiya Gate 3
- Mirdiff, 83rd Street
- Mirdiff, Bilal Bin Rabah Masjid
- Mirdiff, Sport Society
- Mirdiff City Centre
- Downtown Mirdiff Gate 1
- Downtown Mirdiff Gate 2
- School of Research Science
- Nouakchott Street
- Al Warqaa, Street 25-1
- Al Warqaa, Street 25-2
- Al Warqaa, Street 25-3
- Dubai Textile City Main Gate
- Dubai Textile City
- International City, Lake Entrance
- International City, Morocco
- International City, China 3
- International City, China 2
- International City, Dragon Mart 1
- International City, Post Office
- International City, Rivera Dreams Apartments
- International City, CBD Buildings
- International City, Persia O02
- International City, Persia M03
- International City, Greece K12 Terminus 2 (final stop)
At the Etisalat end, the bus station sits near the e& Metro Station on the Green Line, making it a useful interchange point for metro commuters heading east.
Looking for a home along the route? Browse apartments for rent in Mirdiff or properties in International City on Property Finder.
36B bus timings and frequency
The 36B bus schedule follows standard RTA operating hours. Services generally run from 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM, seven days a week, with a frequency of every 20 to 30 minutes.
| Day | Operating hours | Frequency |
| Monday to Thursday | 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM | Every 20 to 30 min |
| Friday | 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM | Every 20 to 30 min |
| Saturday | 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM | Every 20 to 30 min |
| Sunday | 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM | Every 20 to 30 min |
For live departure times and real-time bus tracking, use the RTA app.
What to expect when riding the 36B bus
- Peak-hour services between 7:00 and 9:00 AM and 5:00 and 7:00 PM can be busier, particularly around Mirdiff City Centre.
- The RTA S’hail app provides live bus locations and alerts for any service changes.
- During public holidays and Ramadan, operating hours may differ. Check official RTA announcements before travelling on those days.
Fares and how to pay
Fares on the 36B bus are zone-based and paid exclusively via a NOL card. Cash is not accepted on RTA buses.
| Fare | Silver / Personal NOL | Gold NOL | Red Ticket |
| 1 zone | AED 3 | AED 6 | AED 4 |
| 2 zones | AED 5 | AED 10 | AED 6 |
| 3+ zones | AED 7.5 | AED 15 | AED 8.5 |
Given the length of the 36B bus route, most journeys will fall within the two-zone or three-zone bracket.
Additional payment information:
- NOL cards can be purchased and topped up at metro stations and select bus stops, not on board the bus.
- Keep a minimum balance of AED 7.5 to cover the highest possible fare.
- Tap in when boarding and tap out when alighting at your stop.
- Children aged five and under travel free.
- People of determination travel free with a Personal NOL card.
For a broader look at fares and payment options across Dubai’s public transport network, the guide to public buses in Dubai on the Property Finder blog covers everything in detail.
About the 36A bus
The 36A bus runs the same corridor as the 36B but in the opposite direction, travelling from International City (Greece K12 Terminus) back to Etisalat Bus Station. While the two services share the same road, stop names can differ slightly in each direction, and the 36A bus journey takes longer at approximately 104 minutes.
| Feature | 36B bus | 36A bus |
| Direction | Etisalat to International City | International City to Etisalat |
| Total stops | 26 | 26 |
| Typical journey time | ~75 min | ~104 min |
| Frequency | Every 20 to 30 min | Every 30 min |
| Starting point | Etisalat Bus Station | International City, Greece K12 Terminus 2 |
| Final stop | International City, Greece K12 Terminus 2 | Etisalat Bus Station |
| Metro connection | e& Green Line at Etisalat | Via 36B at Etisalat |
Both the 36A and 36B were updated in July 2026, with the sections between International City and Silicon Oasis removed from both services. Routes 37A and 37B now serve that stretch.
Landmarks and neighbourhoods along the route
The 36B passes through several of Dubai’s key eastern communities:
- Rashidiya: The route begins at Etisalat Bus Station, close to the e& Metro Station on the Green Line, making it a convenient interchange for commuters coming from other parts of the city.
- Mirdiff: Stops here include Mirdiff City Centre, a well-established community mall, as well as residential stops near Sport Society and the area’s quieter streets.
- Al Warqaa: A residential neighbourhood with three dedicated stops along Street 25, serving families and commuters based in this part of Dubai.
- Dubai Textile City: A major commercial hub for the garment and fabric trade, served by two stops on the route.
- International City: The route’s final stretch winds through multiple residential clusters, including Morocco, China, Dragon Mart, and the Persia and Greece zones.
Considering a move to the area? Explore apartments for sale in International City or flats to rent in Al Warqaa on Property Finder.
Tips for riding the 36B bus
- Top up your NOL card before you travel. There are no card top-up facilities on board.
- Use the RTA S’hail app to check live departure times for the 36B bus and receive alerts about any service disruptions.
- In International City, stops are closely spaced. Press the stop button in good time before your destination.
- If you need to reach Silicon Oasis or Academic City, take Routes 37A or 37B from International City rather than the 36B.
- Check the destination displayed on the front of the bus before boarding to confirm it is the right service.
- Allow extra journey time during morning and evening peak hours, particularly through Mirdiff City Centre.
Key takeaways
- The 36B bus route runs from Etisalat Bus Station to International City (Greece K12 Terminus 2) across 26 stops, with a full journey taking approximately 75 minutes.
- Buses run every 20 to 30 minutes and generally operate from 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily; use the RTA app for live timings.
- Fares are paid by NOL card only, ranging from AED 3 for one zone to AED 7.5 for three or more zones; cash is not accepted.
- As of 17 July 2026, the 36B no longer serves Dubai Silicon Oasis or Academic City. Use Routes 37A or 37B for those destinations.
FAQs
The 36B bus starts at Etisalat Bus Station in Rashidiya and ends at International City, Greece K12 Terminus 2. The route covers 26 stops in total.
A full end-to-end journey on the 36B bus takes approximately 75 minutes.
The 36B bus runs every 20 to 30 minutes. For accurate, real-time departure times, use the RTA app.
The 36A and 36B serve the same corridor but in opposite directions. The 36B runs from Etisalat to International City; the 36A bus runs from International City to Etisalat. The 36A journey typically takes around 104 minutes, compared to approximately 75 minutes for the 36B.
No. As of July 2026, the sections of Routes 36A and 36B between International City and Dubai Silicon Oasis were discontinued by the RTA. Routes 37A and 37B now serve that corridor.