The N30 Bus Route is one of Dubai’s RTA night buses, connecting International City Bus Station with Airport Terminal 2. Covering 25 stops over approximately 82 minutes, it gives residents and travellers a reliable, low-cost way to reach Dubai International Airport after dark, when most daytime services have stopped.
This guide covers the full stop list, the N30 Bus Route Map, night timings, fares, and a comparison with other transport options so you can plan your journey with confidence.
- What is the N30 bus route?
- N30 bus route stops
- N30 Bus Route Map
- N30 bus timings and frequency
- How to pay for the N30 bus
- N30 vs other transport options from International City to the airport
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
What is the N30 bus route?
The N30 is operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and forms part of Dubai’s N-prefix night bus network. Night buses run during the hours when most daytime routes are off service, keeping public transport available through the night.
The N30 Bus Route in Dubai connects International City Bus Station with Airport Terminal 2, passing through Al Rashidiya, Garhoud, and all three terminals of Dubai International Airport along the way.
N30 bus route stops
The N30 covers 25 stops between Airport Terminal 2 and International City. The sequence below runs from Airport Terminal 2 to International City.
- Airport Terminal 2, Departure
- Airport Terminal 2, Arrival
- Al Twar 1, Intersection 2
- Traffic Police Department
- Flame Intersection 1
- Garhoud Intersection 1
- Airport Terminal 1, External Parking
- Airport Terminal 3
- Emirates Airlines Headquarters 1
- Gulf & Safa Dairies 1
- Rashidiya, Grand Masjid
- Al Rashidiya, Street 33a (Al Jahiz Boys School)
- Rashidiya, Street 38
- Rashidiya Gate 3
- Manama Road 4-2
- International City, Greece 2
- International City, Civil Defence 2
- International City, Post Office 2
- International City, Entrance Ea
- International City, Dragon Mart Main Entrance
- International City, Cosco Logistics 1
- International City, Cosco Logistics 2
- International City, Dragon Mart 2
- International City, Ibis Styles Hotel
- International City Bus Station
The reverse direction (International City to Airport Terminal 2) follows the same corridor in the opposite order.
N30 Bus Route Map
The N30 Bus Route Map traces a direct corridor from Dubai International Airport southeast through the Garhoud and Al Rashidiya districts before reaching International City. Key landmarks along the route include all three terminals of Dubai International Airport, the Al Rashidiya residential neighbourhood, and the Dragon Mart commercial area within International City.
For a live, interactive N30 Bus Route Map with real-time vehicle tracking, use the RTA’s S’hail app, available on iOS and Android. The app also shows live departure times at individual stops.
N30 bus timings and frequency
The N30 runs every 60 minutes, from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. With an end-to-end journey of approximately 82 minutes, it is worth checking the departure time at your stop before you leave, so you do not arrive to find you have just missed a bus.
For accurate stop-by-stop departure times, check the S’hail app or the RTA website. Schedules may be adjusted during public holidays and major events.
How to pay for the N30 bus
Cash is not accepted on RTA buses. You will need a Nol card or a Red Ticket to board the N30. Tap your card on the reader when boarding and tap out when you exit.
Fares are calculated based on the number of zones your journey crosses.
| Zones travelled | Silver Nol card (AED) | Red Ticket (AED) |
| 1 zone | 3.00 | 4.00 |
| 2 zones | 5.00 | 6.00 |
| More than 2 zones | 7.50 | 8.50 |
For most passengers travelling the full length of the N30 between International City and Airport Terminal 2, the fare is likely to fall in the ‘more than 2 zones’ tier, bringing the maximum pay-per-trip cost to AED 7.50 with a Silver Nol card.
Nol card options
- Silver Nol card: The standard option for most riders. Cards cost AED 25 and come loaded with AED 19 of credit. This is the most commonly used card for bus travel in Dubai.
- Red Ticket: A paper single-use ticket that costs AED 2. Fares are deducted per journey.
- Personal Nol card: Required for concession fares. Costs AED 70 and gives eligible users, including students, senior Emirati citizens, and people of determination, reduced or free travel.
Children aged 5 and under travel free on all card types. You can top up your Nol card at RTA ticket machines, approved retail outlets, and through the Nol Pay app.
N30 vs other transport options from International City to the airport
The N30 is the most affordable way to travel between International City and Dubai International Airport during the night, but it is not the fastest. Here is how it compares with other common options.
| Transport option | Approx. cost | Journey time | Available overnight | Door-to-door |
| N30 Night Bus | AED 3 – 7.50 | ~82 minutes | Yes (9:00 PM – 5:00 AM) | No |
| Taxi | AED 30 – 55 (est.) | ~30 – 40 minutes | Yes | Yes |
| Ride-hailing service | AED 25 – 55 (est.) | ~30 – 40 minutes | Yes | Yes |
The N30 Bus Route works best for passengers travelling light who can plan around the hourly schedule. If you have heavy luggage, a tight check-in window, or need to reach a specific terminal entrance, a taxi or ride-hailing service will be faster and more convenient.
Key takeaways
- The N30 Bus Route connects International City Bus Station with Airport Terminal 2, covering 25 stops in approximately 82 minutes.
- The route operates every 60 minutes from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM, making it Dubai’s most affordable overnight public transport option for airport-bound travellers from International City.
- Payment is by Nol card or Red Ticket only. With a Silver Nol card, fares range from AED 3 to AED 7.50 depending on the number of zones travelled.
- The N30 Bus Route Map follows a direct corridor through Al Rashidiya and Garhoud, with stops at all three terminals of Dubai International Airport.
FAQs
The N30 is an RTA night bus connecting International City Bus Station with Airport Terminal 2. It covers 25 stops over approximately 82 minutes and runs every 60 minutes from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM.
The N30 covers the full route from Airport Terminal 2 to International City in approximately 82 minutes. Travel time for individual stops along the route will be shorter.
With a Silver Nol card, fares start at AED 3 for a single-zone journey and reach a maximum of AED 7.50 for journeys spanning more than two zones. Red Ticket fares start at AED 4.
The N30 operates from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM, with buses running every 60 minutes. It is a night bus and does not operate during daytime hours.
Yes. The N30 stops at Airport Terminal 2 (Departure and Arrival), Airport Terminal 1 (External Parking), and Airport Terminal 3. Check your terminal before boarding so you know which stop to alight at.
