Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is redefining daily commuting with its Bus On Demand service, a smart, affordable, and convenient way to travel across the city’s busiest neighborhoods.
Think of it as Uber meets public transport, small shared buses that operate without fixed stops, giving passengers a flexible, on-the-go alternative for just Dhs5 per ride.
What Is Bus On Demand?
The Bus On Demand service operates through a dedicated app, allowing passengers to book a ride, set their pickup and drop-off points, and hop on a mini-bus that takes them directly to their destination.
Each vehicle seats up to 13 passengers and runs within designated community zones, offering the comfort of a taxi but at the cost of a bus fare.
It’s Dubai’s latest step toward making public transport smarter, faster, and fully integrated with city mobility systems.
Where You Can Ride
The service currently covers some of Dubai’s most popular residential and commercial districts, including:
- Al Barsha 1, 2, and 3
- Business Bay
- Downtown Dubai
- DIFC
- Al Karama
- Al Mankhool
- Al Nahda
- Al Rigga
- Barsha Heights
- Oud Metha
- Dubai Silicon Oasis
- Dubai Academic City
- Port Saeed
Whether you’re commuting to work in Business Bay, heading to a cafe in Downtown, or living in Barsha, the Bus On Demand service connects you to every major hub efficiently.
Timings and Fares
Operating Hours
- Mon–Thu & Sat: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Fri: 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Sun: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Fares
- Dhs5 per trip within a single zone
- +Dhs4 for each extra passenger
- Dhs7 for interzone rides
- Special: Within Business Bay, only Dhs2 per trip
There are no fixed bus stops — simply use the Bus On Demand app, enter your location, and get picked up directly.
Book or learn more at: thebusondemand.com
Interzone Routes and Fares
Dubai’s RTA has also launched six key interzone routes connecting major neighborhoods across the city:
- Al Barsha ➜ Barsha Heights — Dhs5 (promotional fare)
- Al Rigga ➜ Port Saeed — Dhs5 (promotional fare)
- Al Karama ➜ Oud Metha — Dhs5 (promotional fare)
- Al Karama ➜ Al Mankhool — Dhs5 (promotional fare)
- Business Bay ➜ Downtown Dubai — Dhs7 (standard fare)
- Dubai Silicon Oasis ➜ Dubai Academic City — Dhs7 (standard fare)
With fares starting as low as Dhs 2 and routes covering the city’s core areas, this initiative brings both accessibility and affordability to Dubai’s public transportation network.
Why It’s a Game Changer
The Bus On Demand service embodies Dubai’s Smart Mobility Vision, reducing congestion while improving last-mile connectivity for thousands of commuters daily.
It’s efficient, eco-friendly, and designed with convenience in mind, making it a perfect fit for residents and tourists navigating Dubai’s fast-paced lifestyle.
Whether you’re a student, office worker, or visitor, this Dhs5 ride might just be Dubai’s most underrated travel hack.
