Why go
Bus travel can make sense when your trip begins in another emirate and you do not need a car on arrival. Routes use different terminals across Dubai, so the useful choice is the one that leaves you closest to your accommodation or connecting Metro, taxi or local bus.
The full story
Dubai’s inter-emirate buses form part of the wider UAE transport network. They connect Dubai with Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain and Fujairah, using several Dubai terminals. Al Ghubaiba in Bur Dubai and stations around Deira are useful transport hubs in the older city districts. This is not the same as Dubai’s local bus system: an inter-emirate arrival gets you into the city, then a second connection may be needed for a beach district, a hotel corridor or a suburban address. Route numbers, terminals, fares and operating times are current details, so confirm them with the operator before travelling. Allow extra time for the final transfer, particularly if arriving with luggage. Rail, bus and taxi connections vary by terminal, so map the onward leg first.