If you want an seamless way to travel between Al Ghubaiba, Bur Dubai, Karama, Dubai Knowledge Village, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City, the 83 Bus Route is one of the must contemporary RTA services. It links the historic side of Dubai with important business and residential areas along the Sheikh Zayed Road corridor.
This updated guide explains the 83 Bus Route Dubai timings, stops, route map, fare, nol card rules, travel time and useful connections so tourists and residents can plan their journey with fewer surprises. Must Read: 84 Bus Route
Quick Highlights of 83 Bus Route
| Description | Details |
|---|---|
| Bus number | 83 |
| Main starting point | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station |
| Main destination | Al Fardan Exchange Metro Bus Stop Seaside |
| Former station name | Al Khail Metro Station |
| Major areas served | Bur Dubai, Karama, Knowledge Village, Internet City, Media City |
| Number of stops | Around 30 on the current listed route |
| Journey time | Around 47–72 minutes depending on direction and traffic |
| Payment | nol Card / accepted RTA payment options |
| Best for | Daily commuters, tourists and business travellers |
| Operator | Dubai RTA |
Current journey planners list around 30 stops on the route, while journey time can vary significantly with traffic and the direction of travel.
83 Bus Route: Al Ghubaiba to Al Fardan Exchange
The 83 Bus Route initiates at Al Ghubaiba Bus Station and travels towards the Al Fardan Exchange area on the Dubai Metro Red Line.
The route is particularly useful because it links older Dubai neighborhoods with major employment and technology districts in western Dubai.
A simplified journey looks like this:
Al Ghubaiba → Raffa → Rolla → Sharaf DG → Mankhool → Karama → Al Jafiliya area → Knowledge Village → Dubai Internet City → Dubai Media City → Al Fardan Exchange
The current stop listing includes 30 stops in the direction from Ghubaiba towards the seaside terminal.
Important 2026 naming update
If you search online for “83 bus Al Khail Metro”, you may see older information. The station previously known as Al Khail is now Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station (R35) on the Red Line. RTA and Dubai’s transport authorities updated station signage, digital systems and announcements following the naming-rights agreement.
This means travellers searching for 83 Bus Route Al Khail Metro should use Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station when checking current maps and journey planners.
83 Bus Route Stops
Some of the important stops on the 83 Bus Route include:
| S.N. | Stops |
|---|---|
| 1 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station |
| 2 | Raffa |
| 3 | Rolla |
| 4 | Sharaf DG Metro Bus Stop |
| 5 | Mankhool, Street 7 |
| 6 | Mankhool, Street 12A |
| 7 | Mankhool Center Point |
| 8 | Saeediya School |
| 9 | Karama 2 |
| 10 | Karama 1 |
| 11 | Karama Commercial Center |
| 12 | Schools Health Center |
| 13 | Karama Entrance |
| 14 | DEWA Substation, DIC |
| 15 | Dubai Knowledge Village Block 3 |
| 16 | Dubai Knowledge Village Conference Centre |
| 17 | Knowledge Village Main Gate |
| 18 | Schlumberger, Dubai Internet City |
| 19 | Infotech, Dubai Internet City |
| 20 | Dubai Media City |
| 21 | Dubai Media City Building 14 |
| 22 | International Advertising Association Building |
| 23 | Dubai Internet City Building 9 |
| 24 | Dubai Internet City Building 8 |
| 25 | Dubai Internet City Building 5 |
| 26 | Al Fardan Exchange/Nakheel Seaside area |
The exact stop names and stop numbering can change in journey-planning systems, so passengers should check the live stop display before travelling.
83 Bus Timings in Dubai 2026
The bus operates throughout the day the specific timetable on Monday to Thursday and Sunday, the service starting around 5:30 AM on the outbound direction, while the reverse direction has a later first departure.
Another current route listing for the Al Fardan Exchange direction shows weekday service beginning around 5:30 AM, with the last listed service around 8:26 PM.
Therefore, travellers should use the RTA website or S’hail app for the exact departure from their particular stop. RTA itself recommends checking scheduled trips through its website, S’hail app or by SMS before travelling.
Good to know 88 Bus Route.
83 Bus Route Map
Why timings can differ
Bus arrival times can be affected by:
- Traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road
- Peak-hour congestion
- Road works
- Special events
- Public holidays
- Ramadan schedules
- Temporary route changes
For this reason, the safest approach is to check the live departure shortly before leaving.
83 Bus Fare and nol Card
The 83 Bus uses Dubai’s integrated public transport fare system. Your fare depends on the number of zones travelled.
For a standard Silver nol Card, RTA currently lists fares of AED 3 for one zone, AED 5 for two adjacent zones and AED 7.50 for more than two zones. Red Ticket fares are AED 4, AED 6 and AED 8.50 respectively.
Dubai does not accept cash payment when boarding RTA public transport. Travellers should have a valid nol card or another supported payment method.
NOL Card tips for tourists
If you are visiting Dubai for a short trip:
- Buy and top up your nol card before boarding.
- Keep enough balance for the complete journey.
- Tap your card when entering and exiting where required.
- Do not wait until the bus arrives to look for a card.
- Keep your card separate from other contactless cards to avoid accidental taps.
RTA currently states that passengers should have at least AED 7.50 in their nol balance for bus travel requirements.
How Long Does Bus 83 Take?
The complete journey can take roughly one hour, although the actual duration depends on the direction, stop, traffic and waiting time.
Current journey-planning data puts the route at approximately 47–72 minutes depending on the service and direction.
If you are travelling during the morning or evening rush, leave extra time.
For tourists, the bus is a good choice when you are not in a hurry and want to save money compared with a taxi.
Best Places to Use Bus 83
The route is particularly convenient for people visiting or working around:
- Bur Dubai and Al Ghubaiba: Start your journey around Al Ghubaiba to explore historic Dubai, museums, traditional markets and the creek area.
- Karama: Popular for affordable restaurants, shops and everyday services. Several 83 stops make this neighbourhood easy to reach.
- Dubai Knowledge Village: Students, employees and visitors heading to Knowledge Village can use the 83 route for convenient access.
- Dubai Internet City: The route serves several stops around Dubai Internet City, making it useful for employees and visitors travelling to technology and media companies.
- Dubai Media City: Media professionals and visitors can use the route to reach important offices and business destinations around Media City.
83 Bus Route Travel Tips for Tourists
If you are using the route for the first time, these simple tips can make the trip easier:
- Reach the stop 5–10 minutes before the expected arrival.
- Check the bus destination displayed on the front of the vehicle.
- Confirm the direction before boarding.
- Keep your nol card ready.
- Use Google Maps, S’hail or another live journey planner to confirm your stop.
- Press the stop button before your destination.
- During summer, carry water and avoid unnecessary outdoor waiting.
- Allow additional travel time during rush hours.
- Check holiday and Ramadan schedules before making an important connection.
RTA provides route information, bus maps and accessibility information through its public transport services. Buses also include facilities such as wheelchair spaces and passenger information displays.
FAQs
Where does the 83 bus start in Dubai?
The 83 bus starts at Al Ghubaiba Bus Station and travels towards the Al Fardan Exchange/Seaside terminal area. Current route listings show approximately 30 stops.
Is Al Khail Metro the same as Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station?
Yes. Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station is the new name for the former Al Khail Metro Station. The station was renamed in 2025.
How much does the 83 bus cost?
The fare depends on the number of Dubai transport zones crossed. A standard Silver nol Card costs AED 3 within one zone, AED 5 across two adjacent zones and AED 7.50 across more than two zones.
Can tourists use Bus 83?
Yes. Tourists can use Dubai’s RTA bus network by obtaining a suitable nol card and checking the current route schedule before travelling.
Where can I check the latest 83 bus timing?
For the most reliable departure information, check the RTA website or S’hail app immediately before your journey. RTA specifically recommends these channels for checking scheduled bus trips.
Final Thoughts
The 83 Bus Route is a reliable and cost-effective Dubai public transport connection for anyone travelling between Al Ghubaiba and the Al Fardan Exchange/Al Khail area, with important stops around Karama, Knowledge Village, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City.
The biggest 2026 takeaway is to remember the updated station name: Al Khail Metro is now Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station. Also, avoid relying on an old timetable copied from another website. Check the live RTA information before leaving, especially on weekends, holidays or during major events.