Dubai's public transportation system is exemplary in terms of efficiency and ultramodern design. The entire network is designed to provide both city residents and tourists with a fast, low-cost, and eco-friendly alternative for moving around. The X22 bus, a premium rapid connection from Al Qusais Industrial Area 2 to Business Bay Metro station, stands out among the other options.
It is not just that the X22 bus is another figure on Dubai's transport map, but that it has become a necessity in the daily lives of hundreds of people who use it to travel to workplaces, schools, and business areas. In this ultimate guide, we will dive deep into all the details concerning X22 bus timings, stops, fares, and travel tips for 2025.
The X22 bus line is one of the “Express” bus services offered by Dubai RTA. The “X” symbolizes the express service that entails fewer bus stops, shorter travel times, and a direct route. The specific route indeed links the factory area in the eastern part of Dubai (Al Qusais) with major business and downtown facilities such as BurJuman, Dubai Mall, and Business Bay.
It's a particularly useful route for workers traveling from Sharjah-border areas like Al Nahda or Al Qusais into central Dubai, where most corporates are based. Rather than switching the metro lines, the X22 bus not only goes to the corporate core of the city but does so effortlessly, with air conditioning as well.
The X22 bus makes about 24 stops on its way from Al Qusais to Business Bay, and around 17 on the return. The complete route crosses several fare zones and goes through both residential and commercial areas.
Al Qusais Industrial Area 2 Terminus
Al Nahda 1 Terminus
Union Metro Bus Stop
BurJuman Metro Station / Center
Al Karama
Dubai Mall / Dubai Fountain Street
Bay Square
Coral Tower
Mayfair Residency
Business Bay Metro Station (Landside)
Dubai Mall / Fountain Street
BurJuman
Union Metro Station
Al Nahda 1
These stops are all identifiable with RTA signs you won’t find it complicated to find them even if you are a first-time traveler. The route can be a great opportunity for a traveler to connect to the Dubai Metro, Red and Green lines, which allow passengers to continue without a taxi to Deira, JLT, Dubai Marina, or Jebel Ali.
Based on the traffic patterns and passengers' requirements, the Public Transport system of Dubai regularly modulates bus time schedules. The following timings show the latest average operational hours on the X22 route:
First Bus: 06:00 AM
Last Bus: 07:55 PM
Morning Frequency: Every 8–12 minutes
Evening Frequency: Every 11–20 minutes
Average Journey Time: 55–60 minutes
First Bus: 06:40 AM
Last Bus: 07:58 PM
Morning Frequency: Every 20–25 minutes
Evening Frequency: Every 12–17 minutes
Average Journey Time: 50–55 minutes
Pro Tip: Timings may vary during public holidays, Friday prayers, or peak tourist months (Nov–Feb). Always check the RTA Wojhati or S’hail App before departure for the live schedule and estimated arrival time.
Day
Operating Hours
Frequency
Notes
Monday – Thursday
06:00 AM – 08:00 PM
8–15 minutes
Regular business-day service
Friday
06:30 AM – 07:30 PM
15–25 minutes
Slight delay due to Jumu’ah prayers
Saturday
06:00 AM – 07:55 PM
10–20 minutes
Weekend shopping traffic
Sunday
May vary / Limited
25–30 minutes
Check the RTA app before travel
The limited-time service report says that the bus may not be available at all on Sundays due to maintenance issues or route optimization weeks.
Bus fares in Dubai are zone-based, depending on the distance traveled. The X22 line runs through many zones. Thus, the fare changes accordingly.
Zone Distance
Approximate Fare (AED)
Description
Within 1 Zone
3.00 AED
Short intra-area rides
Between 2 Zones
5.00 AED
Typical mid-route journeys
Across 3+ Zones
7.50 AED
Full Al Qusais–Business Bay trip
The system of fare payment is cashless and works with the NOL card (Silver, Gold, Blue, or Red).
Remember to tap in and out at the card reader; failing to tap out may lead to the maximum fare deduction.
You can recharge your card at metro stations, RTA vending machines, or convenience stores across the city.
Maintain a minimum balance of AED 15 to guarantee a hassle-free boarding.
The sleek RTA X-series buses offer transit comfort and reliability for the urban traveler. The bus shall be equipped with:
Total air-conditioning built in
Ample cushioned seating
Special seating for kids, women, and people of determination
A digital display showing the next stops
CCTV-monitored bus interiors for safety
Most rides take about 45–60 minutes, depending on the Bur Dubai and Downtown routes’ traffic. Delays can occur during rush hours, especially between 7 and 9 in the morning and 5 to 7 in the evening.
The X22 bus not only offers precious time savings but also, most importantly, blends other forms of transportation like the metro and bus together.
Union Metro Station (Red & Green Lines): You can go to Deira, JLT, or Jebel Ali.
BurJuman Metro Station: A big interchange with the two metro lines.
Business Bay Metro Station: The route connects with Downtown, Dubai Canal, and Sheikh Zayed Road offices.
Other bus lines connecting are 8, 88, X23, 10, and F14, allowing multi-leg trips to be very convenient.
If you are looking for a comfortable ride with shorter waiting times, this is how to plan your day:
Best Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM (lighter traffic)
Avoid: 7–9 AM (morning rush) and 5–7 PM (evening rush)
Night Travel: Not available — last bus leaves around 7:55 PM
The X22 route is part of Dubai's sustainability vision by replacing private cars with public transportation, thus reducing traffic congestion and CO₂ emissions. The RTA vehicles are Euro 5-compliant and use cleaner fuel technology to minimize their environmental impact.
This is a route that thousands of workers and businesses can afford and allows them to be eco-friendly at the same time, further consolidating Dubai as an intelligent and sustainable city.
RTA Wojhati App: Official trip planner with bus, metro, and tram details.
S’hail App: A unified booking and fare calculator tool.
Google Maps/Transit App: Have real-time bus tracking.
You may also follow RTA Dubai's X (Twitter) channel for immediate alerts on route diversions or delays.
Feature
Details
Route Code
X22
Operator
Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
Start Point
End Point
Total Stops
24 (onward), 17 (return)
First Departure
06:00 AM
Last Departure
07:55 PM
Average Duration
45–60 minutes
Fare
AED 5–7.50
Payment
NOL Card only
8–20 minutes
Days of Operation
Monday – Saturday
Air Conditioning
Yes
Accessibility
Wheelchair friendly
Real-time Tracking
Available via RTA Apps
Office Workers Commuting between Deira, Karama, and Business Bay.
Students are traveling to the educational institutions nearby in Bur Dubai.
Tourists exploring Downtown Dubai on a budget.
Daily Residents prefer eco-friendly, cost-effective traveling.
This bus line proves to be the most direct and efficient mode of transport for most of the daily passengers residing in Al Nahda and Al Qusais.
Dubai X22 bus line stands as a perfect epitome of the RTA's efforts to create a connected, inclusive, and sustainable transportation network. Whether you are going for a business meeting in Downtown, visiting the Dubai Mall, or just commuting to work, the X22 is your reliable travel companion. The express line, which not only provides speed but also is inexpensive and comfortable, is one of the transportation routes that crosses important economic zones from Al Qusais Industrial Area 2 to Business Bay. Showing that every single bus running on the road promotes a greener and cleaner Dubai.
You should always consider traveling by the X22 bus the next time you are planning a trip around the city-infused with creativity and technology, Dubai's express link between factory and innovation.
From Al Qusais: 06:00 AM - 07:55 PM. From Business Bay: 06:40 AM - 07:58 PM.
The fare would be AED 5 to AED 7.5, depending on zones.
Yes. It operates on Fridays with reduced frequency; however, it has limited or no service on Sundays.
Yes, all the RTA eco-friendly buses are air-conditioned and modern.
The trip takes around 45–60 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Emila is a passionate real estate expert, lifestyle enthusiast, and writer dedicated to showcasing the dynamic charm of Dubai. With 6 in real estate, travel writing, Emila Hales brings insightful perspectives to readers exploring Dubai’s vibrant real estate market, luxurious lifestyle, and diverse cultural offerings. As an avid storyteller, Emila loves sharing tips on finding dream properties, uncovering hidden gems in the city, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of Dubai.
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