X25 Bus Timetable: A Guide to Dubai’s RTA Route

The RTA X25 bus timetable operates daily, connecting Al Karama Bus Station and Silicon Oasis HQ. Weekday services typically run from 05:30 AM to 11:10 PM with a frequency of 20-30 minutes. This express route provides a crucial link for commuters traveling through Dubai Healthcare City and Academic City.

Your X25 Bus Quick Actions:

1. Check Real-Time: Always verify the live X25 bus schedule on the RTA S’hail app before you leave.
2. Check Nol Balance: Ensure your Nol card is topped up with at least AED 7.50 for a one-way trip.
3. Plan Travel Time: Budget 45 to 60 minutes for the full journey, as traffic can impact travel duration.

Understanding the RTA X25 Bus Route

Key service areas

The X25 bus is an essential express route operated by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). It creates a direct corridor between the established residential and commercial hub of Al Karama and the modern tech and education park of Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO).

Its route is designed to bypass some of the city’s heaviest traffic by utilizing major arteries, making it a preferred choice over standard bus lines that have more frequent stops.

Who uses this route?

This line is a lifeline for a diverse group of commuters. Daily users include students heading to the numerous universities in Academic City and professionals working at the Silicon Oasis HQ and surrounding tech companies.

Residents of Al Karama and Mankhool also use the X25 bus to access specialized services at Dubai Healthcare City.

Route map and direction

The X25 bus schedule operates in two primary directions:

1. Al Karama Bus Station to Silicon Oasis HQ: This is the outbound journey, starting from the busy Karama terminal and heading towards the city’s outskirts.
2. Silicon Oasis HQ to Al Karama Bus Station: This is the return journey, bringing commuters back into the city center.

X25 Bus Timetable (November 2026)

Timings are approximate and can be affected by road traffic. Always check a real-time app for the most accurate X25 bus schedule.

Al Karama to Silicon Oasis schedule

The first buses start early to accommodate the morning work and university commute.

Day	First Bus	Last Bus	Frequency
Weekdays (Mon-Thu)	05:30 AM	11:00 PM	20-30 mins
Friday	06:00 AM	11:00 PM	30 mins
Weekends (Sat-Sun)	05:45 AM	11:15 PM	20-30 mins

Silicon Oasis to Al Karama schedule (Return trip)

The return journey mirrors the outbound service, with frequent buses during the evening peak hours.

Day	First Bus	Last Bus	Frequency
Weekdays (Mon-Thu)	05:35 AM	11:10 PM	20-30 mins
Friday	06:05 AM	11:00 PM	30 mins
Weekends (Sat-Sun)	06:00 AM	11:20 PM	20-30 mins

Frequency and travel duration

You can typically expect a bus every 20 to 30 minutes, especially during peak morning (6:30 AM – 9:00 AM) and evening (5:00 PM – 7:30 PM) hours.

The total journey time for the X25 bus route is usually between 45 and 60 minutes. This can extend to 75 minutes or more during heavy traffic or adverse weather.

Key Stops on the X25 Bus Route

While this is an express bus, it serves several critical locations. The main stops include:

Al Karama Bus Station

This is the major terminus, offering connections to many other RTA bus routes serving Bur Dubai, Deira, and other central areas.

Mankhool and Oud Metha

The bus makes stops along Mankhool Road and Oud Metha Road, serving dense residential areas and providing access to locations like Rashid Hospital.

Dubai Healthcare City

This is a vital stop for patients, visitors, and thousands of employees working in the numerous clinics and hospitals within this specialized zone.

Academic City

A major destination on the route, this stop serves students and faculty from multiple universities, including Zayed University and Dubai Men’s College.

Silicon Oasis HQ

The final terminus, this stop places you at the headquarters of the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority and provides access to the surrounding tech park, residential towers, and the Cedre Shopping Centre.

Fares and Nol Card Payments

Paying with your Nol card

Cash is not accepted on any RTA Dubai bus. You must pay for your journey using a Nol card. You can use a Silver, Gold, or Blue (Personal) card.

Tap your card on the reader when you board the bus (checking in) and, most importantly, tap it again when you exit (checking out) to ensure you are charged the correct fare.

Fare structure by zones

The X25 bus fare is calculated based on the number of RTA zones you cross. The journey from Al Karama to Silicon Oasis typically crosses 2 zones.

Zones Traveled	Nol Card Fare
1 Zone	AED 3.00
2 Zones	AED 5.00
3+ Zones	AED 7.50

Note: Fares are for Silver Nol cards. Gold card fares are double. Students, seniors, and People of Determination may be eligible for concessions with a Blue Nol card.

Checking your Nol balance

You can check your Nol card balance at any Metro station, at bus station ticket machines, or by using the RTA Dubai app or S’hail app.

Pro Tip: To secure a seat during the 7:00 AM rush, try to board at Al Karama Station itself rather than a stop like Mankhool. For the return trip from Silicon Oasis, avoid the 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM window if you can, as it’s the busiest time for employees heading home.

How to Track the X25 Bus in Real-Time?

Waiting for a bus is frustrating. Use these tools to see exactly where your bus is.

Using the S’hail App (Recommended Method)

The S’hail app is Dubai’s official journey planner and provides the most accurate, real-time data for the X25 bus.

Step 1: Download and Open: Download the “S’hail” app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Step 2: Plan Your Journey: Enter your starting point (e.g., “Al Karama Bus Station”) and your destination (e.g., “Silicon Oasis HQ”).

Step 3: Select the Bus Option: The app will show you several travel options. Tap on the bus icon and look for the X25 bus route.

Step 4: View Live Tracking: The app will display a map showing the real-time location of the next X25 bus and its estimated time of arrival (ETA) at your stop.

Using Google Maps

Google Maps also integrates RTA data. You can enter your destination and select the public transport icon. It will show the X25 bus schedule, but it may be less accurate for live tracking than the S’hail app.

Tips for a Smooth Journey

Best times to travel

To avoid the heaviest crowds, try to travel during off-peak hours. The quietest times are typically between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Weekends are generally less crowded than weekdays, with the exception of Friday evenings.

Bus etiquette

Be mindful of reserved seating. Seats at the front of the bus are often designated for women and children.

Allow passengers to exit the bus before you board.

Keep the volume on headphones low and avoid loud phone conversations.

Alternative Transport Options

If the X25 bus timetable doesn’t fit your needs, consider these alternatives.

RTA Bus X28

This is another popular express route that connects Dubai Marina to the Dubai Mall, offering a different cross-city option. It does not serve Karama or Silicon Oasis directly.

Dubai Metro

The closest Metro stations to the Al Karama end of the route are BurJuman Station (Red and Green Line) and Oud Metha Station (Green Line). You could take the Metro to one of these stations and then catch the X25 bus.

Taxis and ride-hailing

Taxis, Careem, or Uber are always available. This will be significantly more expensive (AED 60 – AED 90) but is the fastest option outside of peak traffic hours, completing the journey in 25-35 minutes.

Final Thoughts

The X25 bus route is an affordable and reliable way to commute between Al Karama and Silicon Oasis. By understanding the X25 bus timetable, key stops, and how to track the bus in real-time, you can make your journey smooth and predictable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Last updated: October 2026
• Reviewed by: Ahmed Khan, Dubai Transport Contributor
• Disclaimer: All timings, fares, and routes are based on RTA data as of late 2026 and are subject to change. Always confirm with the RTA S’hail app for live updates.