The RTA F28 bus is a vital feeder route in Dubai, connecting the Emirates Tower Metro Station to key areas in Satwa. This circular line operates daily with a high frequency, making it a reliable choice for commuters. The first bus departs at 05:20 AM on weekdays.
Plan Your Trip: F28 Bus
- Check Live Time: Use the RTA S’hail app for real-time F28 bus schedule tracking.
- Get Your Nol Card: You must have a Nol card with a minimum balance to pay the fare.
- Find Your Stop: Review the 13 stops on the route list below to find the one closest to you.
F28 Bus Route & Schedule Highlights
This table outlines the essential service details for the RTA F28 bus route as of 2026.
| Attribute | Details |
| Route Name | F28 |
| Route Type | Circular (Loop) |
| Main Stops | Emirates Tower Metro (Start/End), Satwa, Trade Center |
| Total Stops | 13 |
| Total Journey Time | Approximately 30-35 minutes (full loop) |
| Standard Fare | AED 3 (Silver Nol Card) |
| Metro Transfer | Free (if transferring from Metro within 1 zone) |
| Operated By | Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) |
RTA F28 Bus Timetable & Frequency (2026)
The F28 bus runs seven days a week, but the operating hours and frequency change slightly between weekdays and weekends.
Daily operating hours and frequency
The schedule is designed to serve both early-morning commuters and late-night travelers.
| Day | Operating Hours | Frequency |
| Monday – Thursday | 05:20 AM – 11:48 PM | Every 20–25 minutes |
| Friday | 05:20 AM – 12:48 AM (Next Day) | Every 17–34 minutes |
| Saturday | 05:20 AM – 11:44 PM | Every 20–26 minutes |
| Sunday | 07:29 AM – 11:48 PM | Every 20–35 minutes |
F28 bus schedule today (Sample Departures)
While you should always check a real-time app for the f28 bus schedule today, here is an illustrative timetable based on the official frequency. This shows the approximate departure times from the first stop, Emirates Tower Metro Bus Stop Seaside.
- Weekday Morning (05:20 AM – 09:00 AM):05:20, 05:40, 06:00, 06:20, 06:45, 07:10, 07:35, 08:00, 08:25, 08:50
- Weekday Midday (09:00 AM – 04:00 PM):09:15, 09:40, 10:05, 10:30, 10:55, 11:20, 11:45, 12:10, 12:35, 13:00, 13:25, 13:50, 14:15, 14:40, 15:05, 15:30, 15:55
- Weekday Evening (04:00 PM – 11:48 PM):16:20, 16:45, 17:10, 17:35, 18:00, 18:25, 18:50, 19:15, 19:40, 20:05, 20:30, 20:55, 21:20, 21:45, 22:10, 22:35, 23:00, 23:20, 23:48 (Last Bus)
- Weekend (Example: Sunday):07:29 (First Bus), 07:55, 08:25, 08:55, 09:30, 10:05, 10:40… (continuing every 20-35 minutes until the last bus at 11:48 PM)
F28 Bus Route and Stops
The F28 route is a simple, 13-stop loop that makes it easy to navigate.
F28 circular route stops
The bus begins at Emirates Tower Metro Bus Stop, services the Satwa neighborhood, and returns to the same stop. The full list of stops in order is:
- Emirates Tower Metro Bus Stop Seaside
- Rostamani Tower
- Wasl, Masjid 2
- Wasl, School 2
- Khadri Masjid 2
- Satwa, Square 2
- Satwa, Masjid 2
- Satwa, Post Office
- Satwa, Roundabout 2
- Trade Center Metro Bus Stop
- White Crown Tower
- Durrah Tower
- Emirates Tower Metro Bus Stop Seaside (Final Stop)
Route map and direction
The F28 bus is designed to feed commuters from the Metro into the residential and commercial areas of Wasl and Satwa. After leaving the Emirates Tower station, it travels through Satwa, passing key landmarks like the Satwa Masjid and Post Office, before looping back via the Trade Center Metro Bus Stop.
F28 Bus Fare and Nol Card Payment
Paying for the F28 bus is simple and affordable, especially for Metro users.
Free travel for Metro users
As of a 2026 RTA update, this feeder (F-series) bus is free if your journey involves a transfer from the Dubai Metro. To qualify, your bus and Metro trips must be part of a single journey and remain within the same RTA fare zone. The system will automatically register your transfer and not charge you for the bus portion.
Standard bus fare
If you are only taking the F28 bus without a Metro transfer, the fare is based on the number of zones you cross. Since this entire route is within one zone, the standard fare is:
- Silver Nol Card: AED 3
- Red Nol Ticket: AED 4
Nol card is required
Cash is not accepted on any RTA Dubai bus. You must have a valid Nol card (Silver, Gold, or Red Ticket) to ride. It is recommended to have a minimum balance of AED 7.50 on your card before starting your journey, as this is the minimum required to check in.
Pro Tip: Check Your Balance
Always tap your Nol card on the reader when you board and when you get off the bus. This is crucial for feeder routes. If you forget to tap out, the system may charge you the maximum fare for the longest possible journey.
Onboard Bus Facilities
RTA’s feeder buses are modern and equipped with features for a comfortable ride.
- Air Conditioning: All buses are fully air-conditioned to provide comfort in the Dubai heat.
- Dedicated Seating: Buses feature priority seating areas for women, children, seniors, and People of Determination.
- Real-Time Information: Onboard digital displays show the next stop and other route information.
- Accessibility: Low-floor entry and dedicated spaces make the buses accessible for wheelchair users.
- Safety Features: All buses are monitored by CCTV cameras for passenger security.
Final Thoughts
The F28 bus timetable and route provide an essential link between Dubai’s world-class Metro system and the bustling streets of Satwa. Its high frequency, low cost, and new integration for free Metro transfers make it an exceptionally efficient way to travel.
Always check a real-time app like S’hail for the most accurate f28 bus schedule today, as timetables can be affected by traffic and public holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the frequency of the F28 bus?
The F28 bus runs every 20-25 minutes during peak weekday hours. On Fridays, the frequency is every 17-34 minutes, and on Sundays, it is every 20-35 minutes.
How much is the F28 bus fare?
The trip is free if you transfer from the Dubai Metro within the same zone. If you are only taking the bus, a standard 1-zone trip costs AED 3 with a Silver Nol Card or AED 4 with a Red Nol Ticket.
What time does the F28 bus start?
The F28 bus starts at 05:20 AM from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, the service begins later, at 07:29 AM.
How many stops are on the F28 bus route?
The F28 is a circular route with 13 stops. It starts and ends at the Emirates Tower Metro Bus Stop (Seaside) and loops through the Satwa and Wasl neighborhoods.
Can I pay for the F28 bus with cash?
No. You must use a valid RTA Nol card to pay your fare. Cash is not accepted on any RTA Dubai bus. Ensure your card has a minimum balance of AED 7.50 before boarding.
Last updated: October 2026
Reviewed by: Dubaihowto RTA Transport Analyst
Disclaimer: All timings and fares are subject to change by the RTA. This article is for informational purposes.
Author: The DubaiHowto Editorial Team
DubaiHowto is an independent informational platform created to help UAE residents and visitors understand everyday services such as public transport, telecom, government procedures, visas, fines, and utility systems.
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Last reviewed: February 2026. Sources: Official UAE portals and service providers