
X23 Bus Route: Are you really wondering or fond of travelling between the two most acquainted locations, Al Ghubaiba to International City by the bus? There is no other ideal option apart from the X23 bus. It is an extensive express bus route operated by one of the prominent entities, the “Road and Transport Authority (RTA)”.
Therefore, this comprehensive article will delve into everything with essential information that might help you a lot. It incorporates the X23 timings, route details, fare, feature, map inclusion and even contact details.
Must Read: X13 Bus Route, Timings, StopsX23 Bus Route Dubai Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Route Name | X23 |
| Route Description | Ghubaiba Bus Station – International City Bus Station |
| Total Distance | 25 kilometres |
| Total Journey Time | Approx. 32 minutes |
| Operational Hours | 05:20 to 11:30 (Relying on Starting Point) |
| Fare | AED 3 to AED 7.5 |
| Official Website | RTA Dubai |
X23 Bus Route Details
The X23 bus is a crucial part of the RTA, dedicated to linking two significant locations that are tremendously rich in diversity.
- Starting Point: Al Ghubaiba Bus Station · 29
- Ending Point: International City Bus Station · 4
Subsequently, the bus connects the two key locations, incorporating the distinct key destinations and serene landmarks such as Dubai Creek, Dragon Mart and Union metro station, an intersection point of the Red and Green lines of the Dubai Metro.
X23 Bus Timings (Updated 2026)
The X23 bus is a daily operation service; the X23 Bus Timetable is issued under the oversight of the RTA, which is classified into two major components:
Weekdays (Monday to Friday)
| First Bus | 5:20 AM |
| Last Bus | 11:30 PM |
| Frequency | Every 15–20 minutes |
Weekends (Saturday and Sunday)
| First Bus | 5:30 AM |
| Last Bus | 11:00 PM |
| Frequency | Every 20–25 minutes |
X23 Bus Route Map
Fare and Payment Details
The fare is slightly different, which depends on the travel zone you have travelled.
| Distance (Zones Crossed) | NOL Silver Card | NOL Gold Card | NOL Personal/Blue Card Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Within 1 Zone (e.g., short intra-area ride) | AED 3 | AED 6 | AED 3 |
| 2 Adjacent Zones (e.g., Al Ghubaiba to Rashidiya) | AED 5 | AED 10 | AED 5 |
| More Than 2 Zones (e.g., Al Ghubaiba to International City) | AED 7.5 | AED 15 | AED 7.5 |
If you are worried about how to pay the fare, the RTA has facilitated a smart card, which is the NOL card. It is a straightforward payment option. As far as I know that the bus does not accept cash. They can pay via the NOL card, whether it is a Silver NOL card, a Gold Card or even a Blue Card.
Distance and Duration
The route between the Al Ghubaiba Bus Station and the International City Bus Station spans about 25 kilometres.
Meanwhile, the bus generally takes a time approximately 30 to 40 minutes to reach the final destination.
X23 Bus Major Stops List
| S.N. | Stops/Stations |
|---|---|
| 1 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station |
| 2 | Raffa |
| 3 | Rolla |
| 4 | Sharaf DG Metro Bus Stop 1 |
| 5 | Four Point Sheraton Hotel |
| 6 | BurJuman Metro Bus Stop C |
| 7 | Oud Metha Metro Bus Stop |
| 8 | Oud Metha Road 1 |
| 9 | Oud Metha Road 2 |
| 10 | Wafi City |
| 11 | Aden Street 1 |
| 12 | Ras Al Khor, Terminus |
| 13 | Used Car Exhibition |
| 14 | Vegetable Market |
| 15 | Manama Road 4 |
| 16 | International City, Greece |
| 17 | International City, Civil Defence |
| 18 | International City, Trafalgar Tower |
| 19 | International City, Rivera Dreams Apartments 1-1 |
| 20 | International City, Post Office 2 |
| 21 | International City Bus Station |
Nearby Attractions and Landmarks
- Al Ghubaiba Metro Station
- Dragon Mart
- Dubai Creek
- Bur Dubai and Deira
- International City
Passengers Facilities and Accessibility
- The bus is neat and clean.
- The bus is fully equipped with air conditioning in summer weather.
- Free Wi-Fi access for spending time on the bus.
- Download the S’hail app to track the real-time bus schedule.
- Comfortable seats for pregnant women and senior citizens.
- There is 24/7 customer service support dedicated to the passengers.
- Reserved seats for women and children, and people with disabilities.
- The onboard display facilitates alerts about arrivals and upcoming stops.
Travel Tips for First-Time Travellers
- The passenger must have a valid Nol card, ensuring an adequate balance.
- Always pick a time such as 6–9 AM and 4–7 PM to avoid further delays.
- Download the RTA S’hail App to track the real-time schedule.
- Classifying the proper seat for the seniors, pregnant women, and disabled passengers.
Customer Care Support

| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Call Center | 800 90 90 (toll-free) |
| Customer Service Centres | Al Barsha, Al Kifaf, Al Manarah, Al Twar, Deira, and Umm Ramool |
| ask@rta.ae and info@srta.gov.ae | |
| RTA Smart App | RTA Smart App |
| Overseas Callers | +971 4 605 1414 |
| Dubai RTA Tel | +971 4 284 4444 |
| Website | https://www.rta.ae/ |
| Fax | +971 4206 5555 |
| P.O. Box | 118899 |
| Contact Timing | Monday – Thursday (7:30 am to 3:30 pm) Friday (8:00 am to 12:30 pm) |
FAQs
What time does the X23 bus depart from Al Ghubaiba?
The bus usually departs early at 5:20 AM on weekdays and 5:30 AM on weekends
How can I pay the fare?
The individuals may make the payment through the RTA NOL card, which is easily accessible to buy at any bus station in Dubai.
Conclusion
The X23 bus is a contemporary and reliable public transportation which allows all commuters to commute, whether they’re residents or casual visitors. It is considered an omnipotent part of the express bus route system. Overall, it is quite economical in terms of fare, apart from other alternatives like Careem and Uber.
