The X25 bus in Dubai is one of the city’s most practical express bus services for commuters travelling between old Dubai and newer residential and business hubs. Operated by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, the route connects Al Karama and BurJuman to Silicon Oasis, Academic City, and Dubai Outsource City. For residents, students, and professionals, it offers a cost-effective alternative to driving while remaining well integrated with the wider public transport network.
In this guide, learn about:
- Understanding the X25 bus route
- Major stops and connections of the X25 bus in Dubai
- Schedule and timing of the X25 bus in Dubai
- Fare and tickets of the X25 bus in Dubai
- Passenger guide and tips
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Understanding the X25 bus route
The X25 bus in Dubai is an express service operated by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, connecting Al Karama and BurJuman in central Dubai to Dubai Outsource City via Silicon Oasis and Academic City. It serves major residential communities, universities, and office zones, making it popular with daily commuters. Journey time typically ranges between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and boarding volumes.
Before looking at the stops in detail, it helps to understand the route structure and endpoints.
Route details and coverage
- Start point: Al Karama Bus Station
- End point: Dubai Outsource City (Royal Bank of Scotland stop)
- Total stops: Approximately 26 to 30 designated stops along the route, including major interchange points
- Total distance: Around 25 kilometres, with slight variations depending on the exact boarding and exit stops
The route aligns well with Dubai’s wider bus network, forming part of the city’s integrated public bus system across Dubai that allows commuters to move easily between residential and commercial areas.
Major stops and connections of the X25 bus in Dubai
The X25 bus in Dubai passes through a mix of residential, commercial, and educational areas. Many stops also act as transfer points to the Dubai Metro or other bus routes, which is useful for passengers planning longer journeys.
Below are some of the most important stops along the route and what they connect to.
| Stop | Notable connections or nearby landmarks |
| Al Karama Bus Station | Main interchange with access to the BurJuman area and nearby metro links |
| Karama and Centrepoint area stops | Dense residential neighbourhoods and shopping areas |
| BurJuman Metro Bus Stops | Direct transfer to the Red and Green Metro Lines |
| Oud Metha Metro Station | Green Line access, hospitals, and hotels |
| Dubai Silicon Oasis and Academic City | Universities, tech parks, Avenue Mall, residential clusters |
| Dubai Outsource City (Final stop) | Business outsourcing hub and surrounding residential areas |
Al Karama Bus Station itself is a key interchange point, and passengers often rely on Al Karama’s main bus interchange facilities and routes when planning their commute.
Schedule and timing of the X25 bus in Dubai
Understanding operating hours and frequency helps avoid unnecessary waiting, especially during peak commute periods.
Operating hours of the X25 bus in Dubai
On most days, the X25 bus in Dubai runs from early morning until late evening:
- Weekdays (Monday to Thursday) and weekends: First bus generally departs between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., with last services around 10:45 p.m. to 11:15 p.m.
- Fridays: Services usually start later in the morning, depending on direction, with the final trips around 11:00 p.m.
- Peak hours: Morning (approximately 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.) and evening (around 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) see higher demand.
Frequency and journey duration
| Time period | Typical frequency | Approximate end-to-end travel time |
| Peak hours | Every 15 to 20 minutes | 45 to 60 minutes |
| Off-peak hours | Every 25 to 30 minutes | Similar range, traffic-dependent |
| Fridays and late evening | Every 30 to 35 minutes | Slightly longer due to reduced service |
Fare and tickets of the X25 bus in Dubai
The X25 bus in Dubai uses the standard NOL card fare system applied across the city’s public transport network. Cash payments are not accepted onboard, so passengers must tap their card when boarding and exiting.
| Zones crossed | Fare (AED) |
| 1 zone | 3.00 |
| 2 zones | 5.00 |
| 3 or more zones | 7.50 |
Accepted payment options include NOL Silver, Gold, and Blue cards, as well as Red Tickets commonly used by visitors. Concessions are available for students, senior citizens, and people of determination, in line with RTA policies. Importantly, fares are calculated based on the number of zones crossed rather than a fixed end-to-end price.
Passenger guide and tips
Daily commuters and first-time users can make their journey smoother by keeping a few practical points in mind.
- Accessibility: Buses are fully air-conditioned, with priority seating and designated wheelchair spaces
- Real-time planning: Live schedules and service updates are available through RTA’s S’hail app and journey planner
- Boarding and payment: Always tap your NOL card when entering and exiting to avoid incorrect fare charges
- Best times to travel: Off-peak hours are less crowded and often feel quicker
- Transfers: Convenient metro connections are available at BurJuman and Oud Metha
For passengers travelling towards Silicon Oasis, many rely on step-by-step public transport options for reaching Dubai Silicon Oasis to plan combined bus and metro journeys.
Key takeaways
The X25 bus in Dubai is an express route linking Al Karama and BurJuman with Silicon Oasis, Academic City, and Dubai Outsource City. It covers roughly 25 kilometres with around 26 to 30 stops and completes the journey in about 45 to 60 minutes. Services generally run from early morning until late evening, with higher frequency during peak hours. Fares range from AED 3 to AED 7.50 depending on zones crossed, and a NOL card is required. Metro interchanges at BurJuman and Oud Metha make the route especially convenient for longer commutes.
FAQs
Use the RTA Journey Planner or the S’hail app to locate nearby stops, view stop names, and track real-time bus positions. Stops are clearly marked on-site and within the app.
No. The X25 bus in Dubai generally operates from around 5:30 or 6:00 a.m. until approximately 11:00 or 11:30 p.m. There are no after-midnight services.
No, cash is not accepted onboard. Passengers must use a valid NOL card or approved ticket and tap in and out.
There is no confirmed onboard Wi-Fi service. However, buses are air-conditioned, well-maintained, and equipped with priority seating and accessibility features. Light luggage is usually allowed.
Service frequencies and stop patterns can vary during public holidays, weekends, or late evenings. Checking the RTA S’hail app or official RTA updates provides the most accurate information.
