The F04 bus is one of Dubai’s key RTA feeder services, its route link GGICO Metro Station with Sabkha Turnoff through Deira’s busy commercial streets. Whether you commute daily, work near traditional markets, or rely on metro connections, the F04 bus route plays a practical role in navigating old Dubai efficiently in 2026.
In this guide, discover:
- Understanding the F04 bus route
- F04 bus route details and major stops
- Operating hours and schedule of the F04 bus
- Fare structure of the F04 bus
- Approximate travel time and distance
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Understanding the F04 bus route

The F04 bus is operated by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority as a feeder service. It connects the GGICO Metro Station in Al Garhoud with the Sabkha Turnoff in Deira, looping back to its starting point.
Because it links directly with the Dubai Metro Red Line at GGICO and passes through Union Metro Station, it provides easy transfers for passengers travelling across the city. Residents working in Deira’s trading districts, students, and visitors exploring traditional souks frequently rely on this circular service.
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F04 bus route details and major stops
The F04 bus route follows a circular loop through central Dubai.
Path and loop structure
The route begins at GGICO Metro Station in Al Garhoud. From there, it passes key locations including:
- DNATA
- Clock Tower Roundabout
- Maktoum Road
- Etisalat Head Office
- Union Metro Station
- Naif Intersection
- Sabkha Turnoff.
After reaching Sabkha Turnoff, the bus loops back toward GGICO via similar stops, completing a full circular route. This loop structure makes it convenient for passengers who need flexible boarding and drop-off options within Deira.
Key stops along the way
The F04 bus route serves approximately 24 to 25 stops in total. Some of the major stops include:
| Stop Number | Location |
| 1 | GGICO Metro Station |
| 2 | DNATA Building |
| 3 | Clock Tower Roundabout |
| 4 | Maktoum Road |
| 5 | Etisalat Head Office |
| 6 | Union Metro Station |
| 7 | Al Nakhal |
| 8 | Burj Nahar Intersection |
| 9 | Naif Intersection |
| 10 | Sabkha Turnoff |
| … upto 25 | Includes Khaleej Road, Bustan Rotana, Indian High School, etc. |
The route mainly serves Deira and Al Garhoud, but it also benefits residents commuting from nearby communities. For example, those living in the Jumeirah Lakes Towers or the Dubai Marina neighbourhood often transfer from the metro to feeder buses such as the F04 when heading into older business districts.
Operating hours and schedule of the F04 bus route
The F04 bus route runs daily, with slight variations between weekdays and weekends.
Daily timings
| Day | First bus | Last bus |
| Monday to Friday | 5:20 to 5:30 a.m. (from GGICO) | Around 11:30 p.m. (GGICO) and 11:45 p.m. (Sabkha) |
| Saturday | 6:00 a.m. | Around 12:00 midnight |
| Sunday | 6:00 a.m. | Around 12:03 to 12:07 a.m. (depending on direction) |
| Friday | Around 5:40 a.m. | May extend past midnight, sometimes around 1:07 a.m. |
Timings may adjust slightly during public holidays or Ramadan, so checking the RTA S’hail app before travel is advisable.
Frequency

- Peak hours: During peak hours, typically between 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., buses run approximately every 15 to 20 minutes.
- Off-peak hours: During off-peak hours and weekends, frequency usually ranges between 20 to 30 minutes. Late-night departures may operate at slightly longer intervals.
Fare structure of the F04 bus
The F04 bus follows Dubai’s zone-based NOL fare system.
Fare of F04 bus
| Zones Covered | Fare (AED) | Notes |
| 1 Zone | Approximately 3 AED | Typical short local trips |
| 2 Zones | Approximately 5 AED | Crossing one zone boundary |
| 3 or More Zones | Approximately 7.50 AED | Longer cross-zone journeys |
| Gold Class | 6 to 15 AED | Premium seating options |
| Children under 5 | Free | No NOL charge |
| People of Determination | Free | With a valid permit or card |
Passengers must use an NOL card. Accepted types include Silver, Gold, and Blue cards. Cash payments are not accepted on RTA buses.
If you tap out of the metro and board the F04 bus route within 30 minutes, you may benefit from a free metro-to-feeder transfer under RTA’s integrated fare policy.
Approximate travel time and distance

A full loop from the GGICO Metro Station to Sabkha Turnoff and back typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions in Deira.
The total route distance is approximately 8 to 10 kilometres. Traffic near Clock Tower and Union Metro can extend travel times during peak business hours.
Key takeaways
- The F04 bus is a circular RTA feeder service connecting GGICO Metro Station and Sabkha Turnoff, serving around 25 stops across Deira and Al Garhoud.
- Service generally starts around 5:20 to 5:30 a.m. on weekdays and runs until about 11:30 p.m., with extended hours on weekends.
- Buses operate every 15 to 20 minutes during peak times and 20 to 30 minutes during off-peak hours.
- Fares begin at approximately 3 AED for one zone using a NOL card, with free travel available for young children and People of Determination under specific conditions.
- A complete loop takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes and covers around 8 to 10 kilometres.
FAQs
On weekdays, the first bus from GGICO typically departs around 5:20 to 5:30 a.m., with the last departure around 11:30 p.m. Weekend services may extend to midnight or slightly beyond.
During peak hours, buses arrive every 15 to 20 minutes. During off-peak periods and weekends, frequency ranges between 20 to 30 minutes.
A single-zone journey costs approximately 3 AED with an NOL card. Crossing zones increases the fare to around 5 AED or 7.50 AED, depending on distance. Gold class fares are higher. Children under five and people of Determination travel free.
No. Only NOL cards are accepted. Metro-to-feeder transfers within 30 minutes may qualify for integrated fare benefits.
Live maps and updates are available through the official RTA S’hail app, the WoJāti Journey Planner, and public transport tracking apps such as Moovit and Transit.