If you are looking for an ideal way to travel between the western and northeastern parts of Dubai, the 97 Bus Route play a huge role in connecting these two. The bus often connects the Al Qusais Bus Station with Jebel Ali Industrial Area 7, passing through the industrial, residential and worker accommodation areas along the way.
Besides, current route information also lists Parco Hypermarket as the service’s southern terminus, so passengers should confirm their correct stop before starting their journey. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll articulate everything you need to know about the 97 Bus Route, including the timetable, fare, and practical tips to make your journey more efficient.
Quick Highlights of the 97 Bus Route
| Description | Details |
|---|---|
| Bus number | RTA 97 |
| Main route | Al Qusais Bus Station ↔ Jebel Ali Industrial Area 7 |
| Southern-side stop | Parco Hypermarket area |
| Northern terminal | Al Qusais Bus Station |
| Route type | Dubai urban bus |
| Payment | nol card |
| Typical journey | Around 60–65 minutes on current published data |
| Fare | Based on Dubai’s zone system |
| Best for | Workers, residents and budget travellers |
| Data update | 2026 |
Must Read: Jebel Ali Bus Station timings.
97 Bus Timings in Dubai
The bus is a daily operated service, runs under the supervision of the eminent Road and Transport Authority (RTA). Similarly, the bus starts to depart at 7:00 AM from Al Qusais, reaching Parco Hypermarket at about 8:05 AM, giving a journey of approximately 65 minutes.
Note: Another directory published in 2026 lists the service schedule as approximately 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., with departures varying according to operating schedules.
97 Bus Route: Major Stops
I did a huge search; the route database shows slightly different stop names and counts. According to the outdated list, the route shows 13 stops, while the current real-time data shows 11 stops for the route.
Below, I have articulated the complete stops list associated with Route 97, including:
| S.N. | Stops |
|---|---|
| 1 | Al Qusais Bus Station |
| 2 | Muhaisnah area |
| 3 | Abella Camp |
| 4 | Algeria Street |
| 5 | Tunis Road |
| 6 | Grand Hypermarket B |
| 7 | Grand Mini Mall |
| 8 | Jebel Ali Industrial Area |
| 9 | Parco Hypermarket |
RTA 97 Bus Route Map
97 Bus Fare and NOL Card
The fare for the 97 bus varies depending on the travel zone you travel. The standard fare starts from AED 3 for one zone, AED 5 for two adjacent zones and AED 7.50 for more than two zones. The exact amount depends on the zones crossed during your journey.
Passengers should:
- Keep enough balance on their NOL card.
- Tap in when boarding.
- Tap out when leaving.
- Keep the card segregated from other contactless cards to avoid accidental payment issues.
Children aged five and below can travel free under the published RTA fare rules.
Facilities and Travel Comfort
Dubai buses are designed with passenger comfort in mind. Route 97 highlights features such as air conditioning, priority seating and accessibility facilities.
For a more comfortable trip:
- Carry a water bottle, especially during hot months.
- Avoid travelling at the busiest times if your schedule is flexible.
- Keep your NOL card ready before boarding.
- Use headphones at a reasonable volume.
- Watch the onboard display so you do not miss your stop.
- Keep luggage compact when the bus is crowded.
Good to know Al Qusais Bus Station timings.
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
If you are visiting Dubai from another country, Route 97 can be useful when your accommodation or workplace is away from the major tourist areas.
Before travelling:
- Search your exact starting stop rather than only searching “Jebel Ali.”
- Confirm the direction of the bus.
- Check the live departure time.
- Make sure your NOL card has sufficient balance.
- Keep your destination visible on your phone.
- Allow additional time during peak traffic.
A taxi may be faster for some journeys, but it might be costly, whereas Bus 97 can be considerably more economical for budget-conscious travellers and regular commuters.
FAQs
What is the 97 bus route in Dubai?
The 97 bus route is a RTA operatd public service that connects Al Qusais Bus Station with Jebel Ali Industrial Area 7, catering to multiple residential and industrial areas between the two ends.
What time does Bus 97 start?
The bus generally starts at 7:00 AM from Al Qusais as per the current data. However, operating times can vary, so check the live RTA or S’hail information before travelling.
How long does Bus 97 take from Al Qusais to Jebel Ali?
The bus typically takes approximately 65 minutes from Al Qusais to Parco Hypermarket. It is subject to change slightly due to traffic. Traffic can make the actual journey longer.
Final Thoughts
The RTA 97 bus is a convienent, quite economical and straightforward public transport option that delivers a service for travelling between Al Qusais and the Jebel Ali Industrial Area without paying taxi prices. In wrapping up, the commuter must check the live departure, confirm their exact stop and keep sufficient NOL balance before boarding.