Satwa is one of Dubai’s most historic and culturally rich neighbourhoods, known for its South Asian eateries, tailoring shops, lively markets and easy access to the city’s central districts. While Satwa does not have its own Dubai Metro station, the area remains easily accessible thanks to several nearby Red Line stations and a robust network of RTA buses and taxis.
This guide covers all the practical ways to reach Satwa by metro, including walking routes, bus connections, travel times and fares. It also highlights key access points and nearby landmarks to help you choose the quickest route.
- Closest Metro Stations to Satwa
- Step-by-Step Routes to Satwa by Metro
- Metro and Bus Options from Nearby Stations
- Map and Station Locator
- Travel Times and Typical Costs
- Why Satwa Is One of Dubai’s Most Convenient Neighbourhoods
- Alternative Transport Routes
- Tips for Navigating to Satwa
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs

Closest Metro Stations to Satwa
Satwa is situated between Jumeirah, Bur Dubai, and Sheikh Zayed Road. Although the neighbourhood is not directly on the metro network, two Red Line stations offer the closest access:
1. World Trade Centre Metro Station (Red Line)
Approx distance from Satwa: 1.5–2 km
Walking time: 20–30 minutes
2. Al Jafiliya Metro Station (Red Line)
Approx distance from Satwa: 1.8–2.2 km
Walking time: 19–24 minutes
Both stations offer fast bus connections and a plentiful supply of taxis. Many residents also choose homes in the World Trade Centre or nearby Jumeirah due to the strong transport links, often comparing prices using Property Finder rental listings.
Step-by-Step Routes to Satwa by Metro
Start by taking the Red Line to either World Trade Centre or Al Jafiliya. From there, you can walk, take an RTA bus or use a taxi for the final part of your trip.
Route A: From Anywhere on the Red Line
- Board the Red Line in the direction of UAE Exchange or Centrepoint.
- Get off at the World Trade Centre or Al Jafiliya.
- Continue by walking, taking the bus, or using a taxi, depending on your preference.
This route works best if you are coming from Business Bay, DIFC, Dubai Marina, JLT, BurJuman or Deira.
Metro and bus options from nearby stations
Satwa is well connected by RTA buses, and most routes from the nearest metro stations take only 5 to 15 minutes. Below is a simple breakdown of which buses to take depending on where you start your journey.
From World Trade Centre Metro Station
- Buses stopping near or inside Satwa include: C26, C9, 15, 32C, 55, F11
- Recommended stops: Satwa Bus Station (03 or 04), Satwa Roundabout, Dhiyafa Street
- Walking is possible but less ideal during the summer.
From Al Jafiliya Metro Station
- Direct buses into Satwa include: C10, 15
- Possible stops: Satwa Roundabout, Satwa Bus Station, Al Dhiyafa Street
Map and Station Locator
Satwa is conveniently located near several major transport hubs, making it easy to find the best route depending on your starting point.
The neighbourhood is bordered by two Red Line stations and several key bus hubs, all within a short distance from Satwa’s main streets.

Below are the most relevant locations to help you plan your route.
- World Trade Centre Metro Station (Red Line): Located directly on Sheikh Zayed Road beside the Dubai World Trade Centre. From the station, Satwa is roughly 1.5–2 km away.
- Al Jafiliya Metro Station (Red Line): Situated next to Zabeel Park on the south side of Satwa. The walking time is approximately 19–24 minutes.
- Satwa Roundabout & Satwa Bus Station: Positioned in central Satwa along Al Dhiyafa Street, these are the main bus hubs serving most routes entering the neighbourhood.
For the latest metro maps and connections, travellers can refer to the official RTA Rail Network Map, which provides updated station links, interchange points and future line extensions.
Travel times and typical costs
Travel to Satwa is usually quick and predictable, especially when starting from stations along the Red Line. Below is an overview of the typical duration of each part of the journey.
Metro Travel Time
- Red Line journeys take 10 to 40 minutes, depending on your starting station.
- Green Line passengers can transfer to the Red Line at Union or BurJuman to continue toward Satwa.
Walking Times
- From World Trade Centre: 20–30 minutes
- From Al Jafiliya: 19–24 minutes
Bus Travel Time
- Buses from nearby metro stations reach Satwa in 5 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic and the route used.
Typical Costs
- Combined metro + bus: AED 8–12
- Taxi from either metro station: AED 20–40
Why Satwa is one of Dubai’s most convenient neighbourhoods
Satwa’s location makes it one of Dubai’s most practical neighbourhoods for everyday commuting. Many residents choose it because it is situated between major destinations such as DIFC, Jumeirah, Al Wasl, and Bur Dubai, allowing them to reach workplaces, schools, and shopping areas quickly.
The neighbourhood is particularly popular with people working at the Dubai World Trade Centre or the surrounding offices along Sheikh Zayed Road, as the bus routes connecting Satwa to these areas run frequently throughout the day.
For those considering living near Satwa or its border districts, such as Al Badaa and Jumeirah 1, the area’s central connectivity is often a significant advantage. Its mix of low-rise buildings, family-run shops, and walkable blocks gives it a character distinct from the nearby high-rise zones.
Alternative Transport Routes
Satwa is easily accessible, even if you’re not travelling directly along the Red Line. The neighbourhood lies between key districts such as DIFC, Jumeirah, and Al Bada’a, so several transport options link it to the broader city.
Whether you’re coming from Deira, Bur Dubai, the Marina or old Dubai, you can usually reach Satwa with a simple metro transfer, a short bus ride or a quick taxi connection.
| Option | How It Works | Travel Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Line → Red Line Transfer | Take the Green Line to Union or BurJuman, transfer to the Red Line, and continue to the World Trade Centre or Al Jafiliya | 20–40 mins | AED 3–8 | Best for travellers starting in Deira or Bur Dubai |
| Direct Buses to Satwa | Use buses C1, C9, C10, C15, C26, 7, 15, 32C, 55, 93, X13, X28, F11, F12, E304 | 5–25 mins | AED 5–8 | Most frequent option; stops at Satwa Bus Station and Al Dhiyafa |
| Taxi from Metro Station | Taxi from World Trade Centre or Al Jafiliya to Satwa | 6–12 mins | AED 20–40 | Quickest route during hot weather or late hours |
| Ride-Hailing | Book Careem or Uber from your location | 6–20 mins | AED 20–40 | Wide availability; door-to-door convenience |
Tips for Navigating to Satwa
Reaching Satwa is usually straightforward once you know which metro station to use and how you want to complete the last stretch of the trip. The area is busy throughout the day, with frequent buses, walkable streets, and plenty of taxis available at every major intersection.
Planning small details, such as bus timetables, walking routes, or whether to take a cab during peak heat, can make your journey smoother, especially if you’re visiting for work, shopping, or errands.
- Use the Moovit or RTA app for live bus and metro schedules.
- Walking from the nearest metro station is possible, but not ideal during the hotter months.
- Keep your Nol card topped up to avoid delays at the station.
- If carrying bags or travelling at night, consider using a taxi instead of walking.
- All RTA buses and metros accept Nol cards for seamless transfers.
- If you are comparing homes near Satwa, the Home Value Estimator helps assess long-term value trends in the surrounding communities.

Key Takeaways
Satwa does not have its own metro station, but it is easily accessible via nearby Red Line stops, such as World Trade Centre and Al Jafiliya. Most travellers either walk for around 20 minutes or take an RTA bus that arrives in under 15 minutes, making the final stretch affordable and straightforward.
The area is also well served by taxis and ride-hailing apps, which offer quick access during hot weather or late evenings. Satwa’s central location, situated between Jumeirah, DIFC, and Bur Dubai, means that journey times are short from most parts of the city.
Its dense network of bus routes makes it especially convenient for daily commuters. Using journey-planning tools helps ensure smoother travel, particularly during peak hours or when connecting from the Green Line.
FAQs
World Trade Centre and Al Jafiliya are the closest ones and both on the Red Line
No, you can’t. You must walk, take a bus or use a taxi from the nearest station.
Common routes include C10, C15, C9, C26, 15, 55, X28, 7, F11 and F12.
Combined metro and bus costs AED 8–12. A taxi from the metro costs AED 20–40.
Around 19–30 minutes, depending on the station.
Yes, you can by transferring to the Red Line at Union or BurJuman, then continuing to WTC or Al Jafiliya.
Yes, they are available. Taxis and ride-hailing services operate 24/7.
Yes, it’s accessible. You can take the Red Line toward Centrepoint and get off at World Trade Centre or Al Jafiliya. From there, take a short bus ride or a taxi to Satwa.
Yes, Satwa is a highly walkable neighbourhood with many shops, tailors, cafés and services located close to each other.