If you are planning a visit to Global Village, one of Dubai’s most popular seasonal attractions, knowing the best way to reach it using public transport can make your trip easier and more affordable. Global Village brings together cultural pavilions, live shows, food streets, shopping bazaars, and family-friendly entertainment.
However, due to its location along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) , there is no metro station directly adjacent to Global Village. For this reason, most visitors rely on a combination of the Dubai Metro and RTA buses.
This guide explains exactly how to go to Global Village by metro, how to connect to the right bus routes, travel timings, fares, and essential tips for a smooth journey.
- Overview of accessing Global Village by public transport
- Route planning to Global Village
- Using the Dubai Metro to Global Village
- Dubai RTA direct bus routes to Global Village
- Alternative travel options to Global Village
- Travel tips and important notes
- Comparing public transport options
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Overview of accessing Global Village by public transport
Global Village is well-connected through Dubai’s public transport system, although it does not have a direct metro link. The journey typically involves taking the Dubai Metro to one of several major interchange stations and then transferring to an RTA bus that directly goes to the Global Village entrance.
This setup is planned intentionally to accommodate the large number of visitors during the Global Village season. The RTA operates dedicated seasonal bus routes that run only when the attraction is open (typically from October to April).
These buses are air-conditioned, affordable, and convenient, making them one of the most popular ways for residents and tourists to reach the venue.
Route planning to Global Village
To understand how to reach Global Village smoothly, think of the journey in two parts: first, the metro ride, and second, the bus transfer. Your starting point in Dubai will determine which metro station is most convenient for your transfer.
The four main metro stations that connect to Global Village buses are
- Mall of the Emirates Metro Station (Red Line) → Bus 106
- Centrepoint (Rashidiya) Metro Station (Red Line) → Bus 102
- Union Metro Station (Red and Green Line interchange) → Bus 103
- Al Ghubaiba Metro Station (Green Line) → Bus 104
Using the Dubai Metro to Global Village
The first step in the journey is taking the Dubai Metro Red Line or Green Line to the interchange station that corresponds to your bus route.
Recommended metro stations and reasons
- Mall of the Emirates Metro Station (Red Line): Ideal for those coming from Dubai Marina, JLT, Internet City, Downtown Dubai, or Business Bay.
- Centrepoint (Rashidiya) Metro Station (Red Line): Convenient for travellers arriving from Dubai International Airport and eastern Dubai.
- Union Metro Station (Red/Green Line): Useful for those coming from Deira, Bur Dubai, or areas along the Green Line.
- Al Ghubaiba Metro Station (Green Line): Ideal for travelers starting in the Old Dubai areas, such as Al Fahidi and Al Raffa.
Dubai RTA direct bus routes to Global Village
Once you reach the metro station, you will continue your journey by taking one of the dedicated Global Village bus routes. These services are seasonal and synchronised with Global Village opening hours.
| RTA Route | Departure Station | Frequency | Metro Line Connection | Journey Time | Notes |
| 102 | Centrepoint (Rashidiya) Bus Station | Every 30–60 mins | Red Line | 40–45 mins | Ideal for airport side of Dubai and eastern areas |
| 103 | Union Bus Station | Every 30–40 mins | Red & Green Lines | 55–60 mins | Good for Deira and Bur Dubai |
| 104 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Every 30–60 mins | Green Line | 55–65 mins | Serves Old Dubai and creekside districts |
| 106 | Mall of the Emirates Bus Station | Every 30–60 mins | Red Line | 35–40 mins | Fastest and most popular express route |
| 108 | Al Satwa Bus Station | Operates Fri–Sun & holidays | Connections vary | Varies | Seasonal weekend route |
Alternative travel options to Global Village
While the metro-plus-bus combination is the most affordable and widely used method, some travellers may prefer other ways to reach Global Village.
Taxi or ride-hailing
Taxis, Uber, and Careem are available across Dubai. The journey cost varies depending on distance, though most rides from central Dubai cost around AED 50–80 each way. This is the most comfortable option, especially for families with children.
Private car
If you are driving, Global Village offers free public parking and paid VIP parking. However, parking can become busy during peak seasons, especially on weekends, so it is recommended to arrive early.
Travel tips and important notes
These tips help ensure a comfortable and hassle-free journey.
- Global Village buses operate only during the open season, generally from October to April.
- Weekends (Friday to Sunday) are the busiest; expect longer queues and fuller buses.
- Always check updated timings using the RTA App, S’hail, or Moovit for real-time bus arrivals.
- Ensure your NOL card has enough balance before boarding the metro or bus to avoid delays.
- When returning, head to the designated bus stand near the exit, where each route is clearly marked.
Comparing public transport options
Travelling by metro and RTA bus offers the best balance of convenience and cost, while taxis provide door-to-door comfort at a higher price, and private cars give flexibility but risk parking delays. This table shows a comparison of the main public transport options to Global Village:
| Option | Pros | Cons |
| Metro + RTA Bus | Affordable, direct to park entrance, avoids traffic, frequent service | Requires transfer, can be crowded, dependent on schedule |
| Taxi/Uber/Careem | Fastest door-to-door, no transfers | Expensive, possible heavy traffic, not ideal for large groups |
| Private Car | Flexible timing, free parking available | Parking congestion during busy times, driving stress |
Key takeaways
There is no metro station at Global Village, so a bus transfer is always required, regardless of your starting point. The most economical and convenient way to get there is to take the Dubai Metro to one of the main interchange stations and then board one of the direct RTA bus routes, such as 106, 104, 103, or 102. Fares are affordable at around AED 10 each way, and buses operate during the open season from afternoon to late evening.
Among the available routes, the Mall of the Emirates Metro plus Bus 106 is often the fastest and most convenient for many residents and visitors, particularly those coming from central or western Dubai. Checking live timings and travelling slightly earlier than peak hours can help ensure a smoother journey.
FAQs
No, the closest you can get using the metro is to a station where you then transfer to an RTA bus that goes directly to the entrance.
Metro plus RTA bus is the most affordable way to get to Global Village, making it ideal for solo travellers and families.
Buses run seasonally, typically from mid-afternoon until late evening during Global Village’s open season.
Yes, RTA buses are air-conditioned and generally equipped to accommodate passengers with different needs.
No. All payments are made through the NOL card directly when boarding.
