The F20 bus route in Dubai connects Business Bay with Al Safa and nearby residential districts, offering a reliable feeder service to the Metro. Operated by Dubai Roads and Transport Authority in 2026, this circular route runs daily with regular intervals and an affordable flat fare.
In this guide, know all about:
- Understanding the F20 bus route service
- Route and stops of the F20 bus route
- Operating hours and frequency of the F20 bus route
- Travel time and coverage
- Fare and payment methods
- Useful details and tips regarding the F20 bus route
- Scenarios and examples
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Understanding the F20 bus route service

The F20 bus route is operated by Dubai Roads and Transport Authority as a feeder bus connecting Business Bay Metro Bus Stop Seaside with Al Safa 1 before looping back to its starting point. It supports commuters travelling between Metro stations and residential neighbourhoods.
The route covers a mix of residential and commercial areas, including Al Wasl, Al Safa, Falcon House, private schools, and local shopping centres. With approximately 24 stops in a full circular trip, it serves daily commuters, students, and residents living near Al Wasl Road and surrounding streets.
Its proximity to key communities, such as the Dubai Marina community and the Al Barsha area, makes it relevant for residents who rely on Metro connections to access these popular neighbourhoods.
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Route and stops of the F20 bus route
The F20 bus route follows a circular alignment, starting and ending at the same Metro-linked bus stop.
Before diving into the stops, here is where the route begins and ends.
Starting and ending point
The route begins at the Business Bay Metro Bus Stop, Seaside. After completing its loop through Al Wasl and Al Safa, the bus returns to the same stop.
This setup makes transfers between Metro and bus convenient, especially for commuters heading toward residential pockets around Al Safa and Al Wasl Road.
Main stops along the F20 bus route
Below is the full list of stops served by the F20 bus route in 2026:
- Business Bay Metro Bus Stop Seaside
- Emarat, Headquarters 2, Street 35
- Al Wasl, Street 35, Al Ittihad Health Centre
- Al Wasl, Street 35A
- Al Wasl, Street 35, Dar Al Bar Society
- Al Wasl Road, Ferdous Building
- Al Safa 1, Street 19, Jumeirah College
- Al Safa, Street 8B, Private School
- Al Safa, Street 13, Al Razi Boys School
- Al Safa, Street 13A
- Onpassive Metro Bus Stop Seaside
- Wasl, Road 5
- Falcon House
- Wasl, Rawdhat Al Abraar Masjid
- Wasl, Road 4
- Safa, Spinneys
- Safa, Shopping Centre
- Al Wasl Road, Ferdous Building (second branch)
- Wasl Road, Box Park 2
- Al Wasl, Street 35, Dar Al Bar Society (return)
- Al Wasl, Street 35A
- Al Wasl, Street 35, Al Ittihad Health Centre (return)
- Emarat, Headquarters
- Business Bay Metro Bus Stop Seaside
Operating hours and frequency of the F20 bus route
The F20 bus route operates daily with varying first and last departure times depending on the day of the week.
| Day | First departure from Business Bay | Last departure/return | Frequency |
| Monday to Thursday | ~ 04:16 a.m. | ~ 11:45 p.m. (return around 12:24 a.m) | Approximately every 30 to 40 minutes |
| Friday | ~ 04:15 a.m. | Around 12:45 a.m. the next day | Similar intervals with slight adjustments |
| Saturday | ~ 04:14 a.m. | ~ 11:45 p.m. | Approximately every 30 to 40 minutes |
| Sunday | ~ 07:09 a.m. | ~ 11:44 p.m. | Similar interval |
Schedules may change during public holidays or Ramadan, so commuters should verify timings via official RTA channels.
Travel time and coverage
- Round-trip timing: The full loop of the F20 bus route takes approximately 60 to 63 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
- Total distance: The total round-trip distance is roughly 60 km.
- Shorter segment timing: Some shorter segments, such as Business Bay to Al Safa, can take around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the stop and road conditions.
Fare and payment methods

The standard fare for the F20 bus route is AED 3 per trip.
Payment must be made using a NOL card. Cash is not accepted on Dubai public buses. If you transfer from the Metro using an NOL card within 30 minutes of exiting, you may receive a free or discounted transfer depending on your journey zones.
RTA recommends maintaining a minimum NOL balance of approximately AED 7.50 to ensure smooth travel.
Useful details and tips regarding the F20 bus route
Here are a few important details about the F20 bus route:
- Air-conditioned buses: All RTA buses are fully air-conditioned, offering comfortable seating.
- Accessibility features: Priority seating and wheelchair accessibility are available.
- Real-time tracking: Passengers can check live updates through the RTA app or third-party transit apps.
- Holiday adjustments: Timings may change during Ramadan, Fridays, and public holidays.
Scenarios and examples

To make planning easier, here are two real-life examples.
Catching F20 early morning on Tuesday
On a typical Tuesday, the first bus departs Business Bay at approximately 04:16 a.m. If you are boarding from Al Safa 1, you can expect the bus a few minutes later, depending on traffic and stop sequence.
This early schedule supports shift workers and early office commuters.
Late-night travel on Friday
On Fridays, the last departures can extend to around 12:45 a.m., finishing shortly after midnight. However, extended service past midnight only applies on certain days, so always confirm timings in advance.
Key takeaways
The F20 bus route is a circular feeder service connecting Business Bay Metro Bus Stop Seaside with Al Safa and the surrounding streets. It operates daily with approximately 24 stops, and a full loop takes about 60 to 63 minutes. First buses start around 4:15 a.m. on weekdays, with Sunday services beginning later. Frequency averages 30 to 40 minutes. The fare is AED 3, payable exclusively by NOL card, with transfer benefits available in certain cases.
FAQs
From Monday to Thursday, the first departure is around 04:16 a.m. Fridays start around 04:15 a.m., while Sundays begin later at approximately 07:09 a.m.
The last full departure is typically around 11:45 p.m., with the return finishing near 12:24 a.m. Friday services may extend until about 12:45 a.m.
The standard fare is AED 3 per trip, payable by NOL card.
No. Cash payments are not accepted. A valid NOL card is required.
The frequency is approximately every 30 to 40 minutes throughout most of the day.