You can reach Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah from Dubai by intercity bus for a fraction of a taxi fare: Sharjah services leave mainly from Al Ghubaiba, Union Square and Stadium-area stations, Ajman buses run from Union Square and other north-Dubai points, and Ras Al Khaimah coaches depart from Union Square/Al Ghubaiba side terminals. Pay attention to which emirate’s bus you are boarding, because payment differs — Dubai RTA services use Nol, while Sharjah and other emirates’ operators may use their own cards or cash.
Quick facts
- Sharjah: Frequent RTA and Sharjah (Sayer) buses from Al Ghubaiba and Union Square; journey 30–60 minutes depending on the notorious Sharjah traffic
- Ajman: Regular services from Union Square area; journey typically around 45–75 minutes
- Ras Al Khaimah: Coaches from Dubai (Union Square/Al Ghubaiba area) via RAK Transport Authority operators; journey around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
- Fares: Typically around AED 10–35 depending on destination — check the official app/portal for the current fare
- Timetables: Check S’hail for RTA routes and the operator (SRTA/RAKTA) for the other emirates’ services before you travel
How to take intercity buses, step by step
- Choose your Dubai departure point. For Sharjah, Al Ghubaiba Bus Station and Union Square are the main hubs. For Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah, Union Square in Deira is the usual starting point. Confirm the exact station in S’hail or the operator’s timetable, as bays move.
- Confirm the operator and payment method. RTA-operated services take Nol. Sharjah’s own buses use the Sayer card or other payment as directed at the station, and RAK coaches may sell a ticket at the counter or on board. Carry both your Nol card and a bank card/cash backup.
- Check the timetable and travel off-peak if you can. The Dubai–Sharjah corridor jams badly on weekday evenings (Sharjah-bound) and mornings (Dubai-bound). A midday bus can take half the time of a 6pm one.
- Top up and arrive early. Load your Nol card before queuing, and arrive 15 minutes before departure — intercity buses board by queue and can fill at peak times.
- Tap or show your ticket as directed, and store luggage properly. Longer RAK services have underfloor luggage space; keep valuables and documents in the cabin with you.
- Know your arrival station. Sharjah services typically end at Al Jubail Bus Station near the souks; Ajman services at the central bus station; RAK coaches at the main RAK bus station. Onward local buses and taxis are available at each.
- Plan the return before you set off. Note the last bus times back to Dubai — they are not 24-hour, and a missed last bus means an expensive intercity taxi.
Route notes for each emirate
Sharjah is practically a suburb run: buses are frequent all day and it is the cheapest cross-emirate hop, but budget your time honestly around rush hour on Al Wahda Street and the Ittihad Road corridor. Ajman services are less frequent than Sharjah’s, so the timetable matters more — check the next return bus when you board. Ras Al Khaimah is a real intercity trip of around 100 km; the coaches are comfortable, the scenery turns mountainous near the end, and it is by far the cheapest way to reach Jebel Jais country if you combine it with a local taxi at the RAK end.
Costs in AED
Expect typically around AED 10–17 for Sharjah, around AED 12–20 for Ajman, and around AED 25–35 for Ras Al Khaimah — check the official app/portal for the current fare for your exact route and operator. Compare that with intercity taxis, which commonly run from around AED 80 to Sharjah in traffic to AED 250+ for Ras Al Khaimah. For a family of four the maths can narrow, but for solo travellers and couples the bus wins easily.
Common mistakes
Assuming every bus takes Nol is the most common problem — Sharjah and RAK operators run their own systems on many routes. Second is underestimating Sharjah traffic and missing a connection or appointment. Third is not checking the last return bus; write it down before you leave Dubai, especially for Ajman and RAK where evening services thin out.
FAQ
Where do buses to Sharjah leave from in Dubai?
Mainly Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Bur Dubai and Union Square in Deira, with other stops including the Stadium area. Check S’hail for the route nearest you and today’s times.
Can I pay for the Ras Al Khaimah bus with my Nol card?
It depends on the operator of that specific service. Some are RTA-run and take Nol; RAK Transport Authority coaches may require their own ticket. Check at the station counter before you queue.
How long does the bus to Ras Al Khaimah take?
Typically around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours from Dubai, depending on traffic leaving the city and the number of stops on that service.
