If you’re looking to travel between Al Ghubaiba Bus Station and Al Faqa, the 66 Bus Route is a convenient option designed to provide a seamless connection between the two. Apart from that, the bus passes through several important areas, including Raffa, BurJuman, Oud Metha, Nad Al Shiba and the Dubai Outlet Mall.
Operated by the major Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), this bus accepts online payment via a Nol card for fare payment. Also, it is liable for serving various destinations outside the busy central districts without relying entirely on taxis.
66 Bus Route Quick Highlights
| Description | Details |
|---|---|
| Bus Number | 66 |
| Route | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station – Al Faqa |
| Return Route | Al Faqa – Al Ghubaiba Bus Station |
| Main Operator | RTA |
| First departure | Around 5:30 AM on the Dubai-bound timetable |
| Last departure | Varies by direction and timetable |
| Journey time | Around 1 hour 40 minutes–2 hours |
| Major interchange | BurJuman / Oud Metha area |
| Payment | nol Card |
| Fare | Zone-based; up to AED 7.50 for regular all-zone travel |
| Service days | Daily |
RTA’s current fare structure is zone-based rather than a single fixed fare. A regular Silver nol Card trip costs AED 3 within one zone, AED 5 across two adjacent zones and AED 7.50 across more than two zones.
Must Read the BurJuman Bus Station Guide.
66 Bus Timings in 2026
One important point about the 66 bus timetable is that online sources currently show different schedules. For example, some timetable databases list departures at approximately two-hour intervals, while current journey data can show different departure times. Transit’s live information for August 15, 2026, shows a 7:00 AM departure from Al Ghubaiba and an estimated 8:43 AM arrival at Faqa.
This means travellers should not depend on an old timetable screenshot when planning an important trip.
For a general planning guide, expect Bus 66 to operate from early morning through the evening, with relatively long gaps between some services. RTA provides timetable downloads through its official website, while its journey-planning service and S’hail app can be used for current trip information.
Typical 66 Bus Schedule
| Direction | Typical service window |
|---|---|
| Al Ghubaiba → Al Faqa | Early morning to evening |
| Al Faqa → Al Ghubaiba | Morning to evening |
| Frequency | Often around 1.5–2.5 hours |
| Journey duration | Approximately 100–120 minutes |
Travel tip: Arrive at the bus stop at least 10–15 minutes before your expected departure, especially because this is not a high-frequency route.
66 Bus Route and Stops
The route passes through a mixture of central Dubai neighbourhoods, residential areas and outer-Dubai destinations. Current route data identifies approximately 20 stops on the Al Ghubaiba-to-Al Faqa direction.
Main Bus 66 Stops
| S.N. | Stops |
|---|---|
| 1 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station 48 |
| 2 | Raffa |
| 3 | Rolla |
| 4 | Sharaf DG Metro Bus Stop |
| 5 | Four Points Sheraton Hotel |
| 6 | BurJuman Metro Bus Stop |
| 7 | Broadcast Interchange |
| 8 | Oud Metha Metro Bus Stop |
| 9 | Oud Metha Road |
| 10 | Oud Metha Road 2 |
| 11 | Wafi City |
| 12 | Wasl Club |
| 13 | Emarat Petrol Station |
| 14 | Nad Al Shiba, ENBD HQ |
| 15 | EPPCO/Muntazah Petrol Station |
| 16 | Dubai Outlet Mall |
| 17 | Al Fathan Masjid |
| 18 | Air Force Training School |
| 19 | Murquab, Intersection |
| 20 | Faqa, Terminus |
The exact stop naming and stop numbering can vary between databases, so check the RTA journey planner when you need a specific stop.
You must know the information about Dubai RTA Bus Timetable 2026.
66 Bus Route Map
The route map shows how Bus 66 travels from the historic Al Ghubaiba area through central and eastern Dubai before continuing towards Al Faqa. A map is particularly useful if you are unfamiliar with Dubai’s outer areas.
How to Pay for Bus 66
Dubai buses use the nol card, and passengers should tap the card when boarding and leaving the bus. Cash is not accepted for normal RTA public transport journeys.
The standard Silver nol Card costs AED 25, including AED 19 of credit.
Before boarding:
- Make sure your nol Card has enough balance.
- Tap in when entering.
- Keep the card until the end of the journey.
- Tap out when leaving.
- Do not share a personal nol Card with another passenger.
- Keep your nol card topped up with at least AED 7.50 available, as RTA specifies this as the minimum balance required for public transport use.
Is Bus 66 Good for Tourists?
Yes, but it is better suited to travellers who have a specific destination along the route rather than tourists trying to visit Dubai’s main attractions.
The route can be useful for:
- Budget travellers
- Visitors staying near Al Ghubaiba
- People travelling to Al Faqa
- Passengers visiting the Dubai Outlet Mall area
- Residents travelling between central Dubai and outer areas
- Travellers who prefer public transport over taxis
If you are visiting Dubai for sightseeing, combine Bus 66 with the Metro where practical rather than using it for the entire itinerary.
Important Tips Before Taking Bus 66
- Check the 66 bus timings before leaving your accommodation.
- Use the official RTA journey planner for last-minute changes.
- Keep your NOL card topped up.
- Arrive early because services are not extremely frequent.
- Check the direction displayed on the bus before boarding.
- Carry water, especially during Dubai’s hotter months.
- If travelling with children, keep them close while boarding and leaving.
- For long journeys, avoid planning a very tight connection with another bus.
FAQs
What is the 66 bus route in Dubai?
The 66 bus route is an urban bus network, designed to connect Al Ghubaiba Bus Station with Al Faqa, passing through areas such as Raffa, BurJuman, Oud Metha, Nad Al Shiba and the Dubai Outlet Mall area.
What time does Bus 66 start?
The bus usually starts early in the morning with departures from Al Ghubaiba beginning around 5:30–7:00 AM, depending on the published schedule. Check RTA’s live journey information before travelling.
How much is Bus 66 in Dubai?
The standard fare starts from AED 3, and the additional fare is calculated based on the travelled zone.
Does Bus 66 go to Al Faqa?
Yes, of course, Al Faqa is the terminus of the route, and the service operates between Al Ghubaiba Bus Station and Faqa Terminus.
How can I check Bus 66 live timings?
Travellers are highly encouraged to utilise the official RTA journey planner or S’hail app to check current departure information.
Conclusion
The 66 bus route is a convenient, reliable, and cost-effective RTA bus service in 2026. Whether you are a daily commuter or an occasional visitor, the bus behaves the same. One more important thing: you must keep your NOL card ready, arrive early and allow extra time for the long journey.