F13 Bus Timings in Dubai: Complete Route, Schedule, Fares, and More

The F13 bus route is a key RTA feeder service that improves short-distance travel within Downtown Dubai, especially around Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. It connects major landmarks with the Dubai Mall Metro Station, offering a reliable last-mile transport solution. Regular schedules, low fares, and metro integration make it a practical option for daily commuters and visitors alike.

In this guide, learn about:

• Understanding the F13 bus route
• F13 bus route and major stops
• Schedule and operating hours
• Fares and payment methods
• Travel time and efficiency
• Amenities, accessibility, and tips
• Useful schedule table: Sample timings (Landside to Landside)
• Key takeaways
• FAQs

Understanding the F13 bus route

The F13 bus route is an RTA feeder bus that runs in a loop within Downtown Dubai, linking Dubai Mall Metro Station (Landside) with key nearby landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain Street, and 8 Boulevard Walk. It is designed to provide quick last-mile connectivity between the Dubai Metro Red Line and major attractions, offices, hotels, and residential towers in the Downtown district.

Covering around 6 to 6.5 kilometres, the F13 bus route enables efficient travel between central Downtown stops while reducing the need for long walks across busy pedestrian zones.

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F13 bus route and major stops

The F13 bus route operates as a loop service starting and ending at Dubai Mall Metro Station (Landside), covering key Downtown Dubai locations along the way.

Start and loop points

The route begins at Dubai Mall Metro Bus Stop Landside and loops through central Downtown landmarks before returning to the same station. This design makes it ideal for short, circular trips within the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa zone.

Key stops

The major stops on the F13 bus route include:

1. Dubai Mall Metro Bus Stop Landside
2. The Dubai Mall’s main entrances
3. Dubai Fountain Street
4. Burj Khalifa and the Palace Hotel area
5. 8 Boulevard Walk Tower
6. Return to the Dubai Mall Metro Bus Stop Landside

These stops serve some of Dubai’s busiest attractions, including the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, and the Dubai Fountain promenade. All of which are located within walking distance of each other, but often crowded, making the feeder bus a convenient option.

The route also passes through areas close to central Downtown residential districts that share similarities with premium urban zones such as Business Bay, where accessibility and transit connectivity play a crucial role in daily commuting decisions.

Distance and duration

The total loop distance is roughly 6 to 6.5 kilometres. A full round trip typically takes around 20 to 22 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Individual segments between stops usually take between 5 and 10 minutes, depending on congestion levels and peak tourist activity.

Schedule and operating hours

The F13 bus route runs daily throughout the year with slight variations in timing depending on the day of the week.

Below is the standard weekly schedule:

On Fridays, services usually begin later at around 10:03 a.m. and continue past midnight until approximately 12:30 a.m. the next day. This extended timing caters to weekend nightlife and late-night visitors in Downtown Dubai.

These schedules are generally consistent across 2026, though RTA may adjust them during special events, major holidays, or peak tourism seasons.

Frequency of buses on the F13 bus route

The frequency of the F13 bus route changes depending on the time of day and passenger demand.

• Peak hours: During peak hours, buses arrive approximately every 10 to 15 minutes, ensuring minimal waiting time for commuters and tourists.
• Off-peak hours: In off-peak hours, the interval increases to around 15 to 20 minutes. Late-night and weekend services may sometimes see waiting times extend to 20 to 30 minutes.
• Weekdays: Weekdays generally have the highest service frequency, reflecting stronger commuter demand during working hours in Downtown Dubai.

Fares and payment methods

The F13 bus route follows RTA’s standard feeder bus fare structure.

• Fare: The fare for a single trip is AED 3, regardless of passenger category.
• Payment: Payment must be made using an NOL card, as cash payments are not accepted on board. NOL cards can be purchased and topped up at metro stations, vending machines, and authorised retail outlets across Dubai.
• Special case: One useful advantage is the free transfer benefit. If a passenger exits the Dubai Metro and boards the F13 feeder bus within 30 minutes using the same NOL card, the transfer is free.

This makes the F13 especially cost-effective for people commuting to and from Downtown Dubai via the Red Line.

Travel time and efficiency

The F13 bus route is designed for quick and efficient inner-Downtown mobility.

• One-way trip: Typical one-way travel between major stops, such as the Dubai Mall Metro Station to the Burj Khalifa area, takes around 5 to 10 minutes.
• Round-trip: A full loop journey takes approximately 20 to 22 minutes in normal traffic conditions.

However, travel times can increase during major events, weekend evenings, or tourist peak seasons when the Downtown area experiences heavier traffic. Passengers are advised to allow extra buffer time during such periods.

Amenities, accessibility, and tips

The F13 bus route is equipped with several commuter-friendly features that enhance convenience and accessibility.

Accessibility

All buses operating on this route are wheelchair-friendly and include ramps and priority seating for people of determination, elderly passengers, and families with strollers.

Waiting facilities

Major stops such as Dubai Mall Metro Bus Stop Landside offer sheltered waiting areas, seating, and real-time digital displays showing upcoming bus arrivals. Smaller stops along the loop may have more basic facilities but remain clearly marked.

Late-night service

Fridays offer extended late-night service, running past midnight into early Saturday morning. Travellers planning late outings should still check updated RTA schedules during festive seasons or large-scale events in Downtown Dubai.

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Metro connections

The route connects directly with the Dubai Metro Red Line at Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall Station, making it a key last-mile transit link. The free transfer rule within 30 minutes using the NOL card significantly improves commute affordability.

Using the NOL card effectively

Passengers should ensure an adequate balance on their NOL card before boarding. Maintaining extra balance helps cover return trips and unexpected transfers within the RTA network.

Useful schedule table: Sample timings (Landside to Landside)

Below is an indicative example of departures from the Dubai Mall Metro Bus Stop Landside:

Key takeaways

The F13 bus route provides frequent and reliable feeder service within Downtown Dubai, connecting Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, and surrounding landmarks with the Dubai Metro Red Line. The standard fare is AED 3, payable only via NOL card, with free transfers available from the metro within 30 minutes. Service frequency is higher during peak hours and slightly lower at night or on weekends, while a full loop typically takes around 20 to 22 minutes, making it an efficient option for short inner-Downtown travel.

FAQs

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