If you are travelling around Jebel Ali, working in the industrial area, or connecting between the UAE Exchange Metro area and Jebel Ali Free Zone, the 99 Bus Route might be a perfect solution for you. The 99 Bus showcased the industrial and port-side destination along the way that often links the metro area.
The route is operated by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) which shows service between the UAE Exchange Metro Bus Stop and Jebel Ali Free Zone, Marine Control Tower, with Jebel Ali Bus Station and several JAFZA-area stops along the journey. This guide will elaborates on the 99 Bus Route Dubai timings, stops, map, fare, Nol Card payment, metro connections, travel tips and useful alternatives.
99 Bus Route Dubai: Quick Highlights
| Description | Details |
|---|---|
| Bus number | 99 |
| Operator | Dubai RTA |
| Main corridor | UAE Exchange Metro area ↔ Jebel Ali Free Zone |
| Key destination | Jebel Ali Free Zone, Marine Control Tower |
| Important interchange | UAE Exchange Metro area |
| Stops | Direction-dependent; current route listings show up to 25 stops |
| Typical service | Early morning to late evening/night |
| Fare | Zone-based; Silver Nol starts at AED 3 |
| Payment | Nol Card |
| Best for | Jebel Ali commuters, workers and visitors |
RTA’s published route information identifies Route 99 as a connection between Jebel Ali Bus Station and UAE Exchange Metro Station, while current route listings show the service extending through Jebel Ali Free Zone to the Marine Control Tower.
Must Read: Jebel Ali Bus Station Guide
99 Bus Route Stops
Some of the important stops listed on the route include:
| S.N. | Stops |
|---|---|
| 1 | UAE Exchange Metro Bus Stop |
| 2 | Globalink Westar Shipping Company |
| 3 | Lease Offices |
| 4 | Barwill Corporation |
| 5 | Galaxy International Overseas |
| 6 | Pharma Care |
| 7 | Lucy Switchgear |
| 8 | Inter Equipment Company |
| 9 | Nestle Free Zone Company |
| 10 | DCFC Logistic |
| 11 | JAFZA West / DEWA Sub Station |
| 12 | Edgen Murray Steel |
| 13 | Naboodah Cargo Centre |
| 14 | Jebel Ali Free Zone Roundabout |
| 15 | Jebel Ali Free Zone, Kanoo Group |
| 16 | Dubai Ports Authority, Staff Quarters |
| 17 | Gulf Denims Limited |
| 18 | Spinneys, Camp |
| 19 | Jebel Ali Bus Station |
| 20 | Jebel Ali Free Zone, National Solvents FZCO |
| 21 | Jebel Ali Free Zone, Crown Emirates Company |
| 22 | Jebel Ali Free Zone, Marine Control Tower |
The exact stop order can differ depending on direction and current RTA service arrangements, so use a live journey planner before starting your trip.
99 Bus Route Map
99 Bus Timings in Dubai
One of the biggest weaknesses in older Route 99 guides is that they present one fixed timetable as if it applies every day. In reality, public transport schedules can change according to the day, service adjustments, holidays and operational conditions.
Current route data places regular Route 99 service roughly from the early morning until around midnight, although exact first and last departures vary by direction and day. One current listing gives approximately 05:35–23:11 for the UAE Exchange-to-Marine Control Tower direction, while the reverse direction has different operating hours.
99 Bus Route Fare in 2026
The fare for Bus 99 is not best described as one fixed AED 4 fare. Dubai RTA calculates public transport fares according to the number of zones travelled.
For a regular Silver Nol Card, the current fares are:
| Zones travelled | Silver Nol fare |
| Within 1 zone | AED 3 |
| 2 adjacent zones | AED 5 |
| More than 2 zones | AED 7.50 |
Red Ticket fares are currently AED 4, AED 6 and AED 8.50 for the same zone categories.
This is why travellers may see different fare figures for the same route depending on their boarding and destination points.
Can You Pay Cash on Bus 99?
No. Dubai public buses use the Nol payment system, so passengers should have a valid Nol card or accepted RTA payment option before boarding. RTA states that cash is not accepted for its public transport fares.
For most tourists and regular travellers, a Silver Nol Card is a simple choice.
99 Bus Route and Dubai Metro Connections
One of the best features of Bus 99 is its connection with the UAE Exchange Metro area.
If you are staying elsewhere in Dubai, you can use the Metro to reach the southern end of the route and then continue by bus toward Jebel Ali. RTA’s fare system also allows transfers between Metro and bus within its transfer rules, with journeys calculated according to the zones travelled.
This can be much cheaper than taking a taxi for the entire journey.
Who Should Use the 99 Bus Route?
Bus 99 is especially useful for:
- Employees working in Jebel Ali Free Zone
- Visitors staying around Jebel Ali
- Workers travelling to industrial companies
- Travellers connecting from the Metro
- Budget-conscious tourists
- People avoiding expensive taxi journeys
- Passengers travelling around Jebel Ali’s logistics and port areas
It is less useful if your main itinerary is focused on Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Deira or Old Dubai. In those cases, Metro and other bus routes may be more convenient.
Good to know the 91 Bus Route
99 Bus Route Travel Tips
Follow these simple tips for a smoother journey:
- Keep your Nol Card ready. Avoid searching for your card while boarding.
- Check the direction carefully. Route 99 operates in both directions and the stop sequence differs.
- Use live tracking. Static timetables can become outdated.
- Avoid relying on a single third-party map. Road layouts and bus stops can change.
- Allow extra time during peak periods. Jebel Ali is a major employment and industrial area.
- Carry water during hot weather. Walking between industrial-area stops can feel uncomfortable in summer.
- Check your final stop before boarding. Some destinations may require a short walk or another connection.
RTA’s current digital transport ecosystem includes journey-planning and payment services through its apps, while the S’hail app continues to be developed as a broader mobility platform.
FAQs
What is the 99 Bus Route in Dubai?
The 99 Bus Route is an RTA service that are designed to cater between the UAE Exchange Metro area and Jebel Ali, incorporating the significant locations within Jebel Ali Free Zone. Current route data lists the Marine Control Tower as one end of the service.
What time does Bus 99 start in Dubai?
The first departure varies according to direction and day. Current listings show early-morning operation, with some services beginning around 5 AM. Always check the live RTA schedule before travelling.
How much is the 99 bus fare?
The fare depends on the number of zones travelled. A Silver Nol Card costs AED 3 within one zone, AED 5 across two adjacent zones and AED 7.50 across more than two zones.
Does Bus 99 connect with the Dubai Metro?
Yes. The route serves the UAE Exchange Metro area, making it useful for passengers transferring between the Dubai Metro network and Jebel Ali destinations.
Can I pay cash on Bus 99?
No. You should have a valid Nol card or another accepted RTA payment method before boarding.
Conclusion
The 99 Bus Route is one of the most convenient, straightforward, cost-effective Dubai bus services for for those who wan to reach the Jebel Ali’s industrial and Free Zone areas. It may not be a sightseeing route, but for commuters, workers and travellers staying in southern Dubai, it can save both time and money compared