Gold Souq Bus Station is an integral RTA bus station for commuting to some of the major areas of Dubai. It is served by buses that go to Dubai Mall, Al Qusais, International City, Ras Al Khor, Al Ghubaiba, Al Quoz and Creek. The station is also connected to the Dubai Metro network, making it more convenient to travel by train.
The station is used for local or cross-country journeys – various lines have different destinations. The key points to know are the routes of the buses, how to connect to the metro, bus ticket costs, nearby attractions, and which bus stop or platform for the bus route you need to take.
Where Is Gold Souq Bus Station?
Deira is one of the oldest and well-established commercial areas of Dubai, where the station is located. It is located near the historic Gold Souk and the overall waterfront region of Deira.
The station is not a bus stop at any roadside location. The transport complex also features a number of numbered platforms and adjacent external stops, so it’s important to know which platform number to go to for which route.
This is especially important when viewed in the context of current transport listings where the individual stops listed (e.g. Gold Souq Bus Station, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 25) are on different routes.
Visit Dubai states the Dubai Gold Souk is also accessible from Al Ras Metro Station and the Gold Souq Metro Station on the Green Line, if you’re travelling directly there. This is the T10 bus, one of the authorities’ suggestions for buses that are closest to the souk.
Gold Souq Bus Station Routes
The best thing about the station is the number of places you can go without having to change trains elsewhere first.
Please note, though, that schedules and routes may be subject to change; please consult the current RTA Journey Planner before travelling. RTA offers bus maps and their routes for download on its Dubai Bus service.
Route 27 to Dubai Mall
One of the most helpful buses for Dubai business travellers between Deira and Downtown Dubai is bus number 27.
The current line is from Gold Souq Bus Station to Dubai Mall. Stops on the list will take you to Naif Intersection, Burj Nahar, Al Nakhal, Union, Etisalat Head Office, Maktoum Road, Clock Tower, City Centre, World Trade Centre, and other central areas before arriving at Dubai Mall.
This is especially convenient for those who wish to travel directly from the Dubai side of Deira to Dubai Mall and Downtown via bus.
Route 10 to Al Quoz
RTA’s published timetable for route 10 indicates that a bus runs from Al Quoz Bus Station to Gold Souq Bus Station.
The route travels through various key areas along the way, such as Umm Hurair, British Council, Rashid Hospital, Dubai Courts, Hamarain Center, Salah Al Din Metro area, Naif, and others in Deira before arriving at the Gold Souq station.
Route 10 can be useful, as it provides a long cross-city route and could be the sole mode of transport for passengers between Deira and Al Quoz without using the Metro.
Routes 13A and 13D to Al Qusais
There are several services that link the station with Al Qusais.
According to the current route information, 13A is an RTA route from Al Qusais Bus Station to Gold Souq Bus Station. The route will go through areas like Muhaisnah and other northern districts of Dubai.
In addition, 13D connects Qusais to the station. Timetables available now show that the trains run from about 5:05 am on weekdays until into the evening, and may not run on Fridays and weekends. As timings may vary, please check the live timetable for the day of travel.
Route 53 to International City
International City is connected with Gold Souq via Route 53.
This route passes through Naif, Baniyas Square, Deira, Festival City, Ras Al Khor and International City. Current timetables indicate that the service is run on a daily basis, with particular attention being given to the timetables of departures and frequencies by day.
It is one of the helpful routes for travel between Historic Deira and International City.
Route 64 to Ras Al Khor
There is a road connecting Gold Souq to Ras Al Khor, which is known as Route 64.
There are many stops between Ras Al Khor Terminus and Gold Souq Bus Station on the current route information, and RTA’s published routing documents also mention the Gold Souq–Ras Al Khor route.
It is advisable for passengers travelling towards Ras Al Khor to pay attention to the destination information that is displayed on the bus, as there are several platforms and services at the station.
Route C04 to Creek and Al Jaddaf
C04 serves as a link between Gold Souq and Creek Metro Station and Al Jaddaf.
The stops listed in RTA’s timetable include Al Jaddaf Marine Bus Stop, Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, Al Jaddaf, Creek Metro Bus Stop, and more.
It’s good for when you want to travel between Creek and Al Jaddaf and across the waterfront on the Deira side of the city.
Route C05 to Al Ghubaiba
The other important cross-city link is C05 from Gold Souq to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station.
It passes through such places as Hyatt Regency, Al Nakhal, Union, Etisalat Head Office, Maktoum Road, Clock Tower, Karama and Burjuman before arriving at Al Ghubaiba.
Al Ghubaiba is also a big interchange, so C05 may be useful to use when driving towards other areas of Bur Dubai.
Gold Souq Bus Station Timings
There isn’t one specific time of day that is a good indicator for the station’s opening and closing hours. Each RTA route operates on its own timetable, and departures are dependent on the day of the week.
For instance, the operating hours for Route 53 are different from Monday through Sunday, and the operating hours for Route 13D are different on weekdays and on Fridays and Saturdays.
The following example also illustrates the variation in departure times by day, as seen in RTA’s own timetable for Route 10. For instance, the listed first arrival of the Gold Souq is at 6:00 AM, and the Souq departs regularly throughout the day as listed on the published schedule on Friday.
This is why it is best to look at the RTA Journey Planner or live service information instead of using one generic “station timing.
Metro Connection
Gold Souq Bus Station offers one of the best benefits of its location near the Dubai Metro Green Line.
The Green Line provided by Gold Souq Metro Station is in the same district of Deira. Visit Dubai also notes that the Gold Souq is within walking distance of Gold Souq Metro Station and Al Ras Metro Station.
The Green Line is easy to use for those who wish to travel around Old Dubai, especially Deira and Bur Dubai.
People coming in on the Red Line will be transferred to the Green Line at BurJuman and then will head towards the Deira stop. Visit Dubai advises changing near BurJuman if you’re taking the Red Line to Al Ras and Gold Souq.
Gold Souq Bus Station to Gold Souq Metro Station
The bus station and the Metro station are both within the same transport area, but the station signs indicate which numbered bus bay is adjacent to each entrance to the station, and you should not assume that all numbered bus bays are directly next to a station entrance.
The current transit listings have Gold Souq Metro Station as one of the closest rail options to the bus station. The distance walked will vary by bus bay and external stop.
Bus Fare and Nol Card
The Nol card system is used for public transport in Dubai. According to RTA, fares will be based on the number of zones he/she crosses and transfers between buses, and the Metro will be allowed within the specified transfer window.
RTA currently quotes the following for standard fares of Silver or Personal:
| Zones travelled | Silver/Personal fare |
| Within 1 zone | AED 3 |
| 2 adjacent zones | AED 5 |
| More than 2 zones | AED 7.50 |
These are the standard fares currently set by RTA, and the fare for a specific journey will vary depending on the zones being travelled.
The Nol Silver Card is offered by RTA at AED 25 (AED 19 stored value). The card is valid for public transport, and its validity is 5 years.
Note: Not all trips from the station are AED3. The proper fare is determined by the number of zones traversed.
Facilities and Accessibility
Dubai’s bus system has been designed with accessibility features that cater to the needs of various passengers.
RTA claims its bus facilities include platform alerts, tactile guidance paths, dedicated wheelchair spaces on all buses, and informative displays.
People who need accessible travel are advised to check the particular trip and boarding point beforehand, especially between the bus and metro and walking services.
How to Reach the Dubai Gold Souk
There are multiple ways to get around in Dubai if you are going to the Dubai Gold Souk.
According to Visit Dubai, Gold Souk is only a 5-minute walk from Gold Souq Metro Station and Al Ras Metro Station. It also indicates the nearest bus service to the souk is T10, while other buses have nearby stops such as Route 5, C09 and C28.
The option depends upon the starting point of your journey.
The Metro is also easier in other parts of Dubai, as it has no traffic. An RTA bus might be more convenient if you are already close to a bus that runs on a bus corridor that has a station.
Popular Destinations from the Station
The Dubai Metro’s network of routes extends throughout Dubai’s districts.
The most helpful links are:
- Dubai Mall: Route 27 will lead you directly towards The Dubai Mall.
- International City: Route 53 connects the station with International City.
- Ras Al Khor: Route 64 serves the Ras Al Khor corridor.
- Al Qusais: Routes 13A and 13D serve the Qusais area.
- Al Ghubaiba: C05 connects the two major bus stations.
What is important is that these routes are not all from the same numbered bay. Look for the route number and destination before getting on the bus.
Best Way to Plan Your Journey
Please always check your destination in the RTA Journey Planner and not just on the station name to ensure a correct trip.
Pick your start and end locations and compare the recommended bus, Metro and walking routes. This is especially beneficial as RTA may change routes, stops and schedules.
RTA also publishes maps and routes of Dubai buses to download, and information about the public transport system at bus stations and on information boards.
When travelling by multiple modes, watch out for transfer rules. RTA says transfers could be made between buses and Metro, and transfers among modes must be made within 30 minutes to keep the journey one and the fares unified.
Important Things to Check Before Travelling
The information about public transport may change, particularly route numbers, stop assignments and departure times. That’s why a ‘fossilised’ timetable discovered via a search engine should not always be considered to be the up-to-date one.
RTA publishes the information to show that routes can be changed. For instance, RTA has altered several bus routes in the Gold Souq area in the past, including some services to other bus stations.
Before travelling, check:
- The number of the route and the destination.
- A platform or stop that is numbered.
- The departure time for that day.
- The fare that is being asked for, and the requiredNoll product.
- All temporary services and/or alternate route modifications.
This is particularly important for trips early in the morning and late at night, when the frequency of the service may differ significantly between services and days.
Gold Souq Bus Station vs Gold Souk
The names can be confusing.
Gold Souq Bus Station is a public transport station under the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The Dubai Gold Souk is the jewelry market in Deira.
The bus station has been named after the nearby gold market district, but these are two different locations. According to Dubai’s Visit website, the Gold Souk is easily reached by the Dubai Metro and bus service, including the nearby Gold Souq station and Al Ras metro station.
Looking for shops, jewellery prices, or the market itself, you can search for Dubai Gold Souk. If you are looking to catch a bus, use Gold Souq Bus Station.
Conclusion
Gold Souq Bus Station is one of the most helpful bus stations in Deira, where you can catch buses to various areas of Dubai. It connects to routes leading to Dubai Mall, Al Qusais, International City, Ras Al Khor, Al Quoz, Al Ghubaiba, Creek and Al Jaddaf, and the nearby Green Line offers another means of transportation around Old Dubai.
Do not use a standard timetable taken off an older site; it may not be accurate. Before travelling, verify the RTA route, stop number, and departure time and fare for your trip.
Read Also: Bus Station Ajman Transport: Routes, Timings, Fares and Travel Guide
FAQs
What is the main bus station for the Gold Souk area?
Gold Souq Bus Station is the primary bus station operated by RTA in the Gold Souq area and has several bus stops and bus routes.
Which bus goes from Gold Souq to Dubai Mall?
Bus 27 runs from Gold Souq Bus Station to Dubai Mall.
Is Gold Souq Bus Station near the Metro?
Yes. Gold Souq Metro Station on the Green Line is close to the bus station.
Which Metro station is closest to Dubai Gold Souk?
Dubai Gold Souk is near Al Ras Metro Station or Gold Souq Metro Station, which is approximately a 5-minute walk.
How much does a bus ride from Gold Souq cost?
Travel from one zone to another will cost a minimum of AED 3 (standard RTA fare). The fare increases to AED 5 or AED 7.50 when travelling across more zones.
Can I use a Nol card on buses from Gold Souq?
Yes. Nol can be used to pay for RTA bus trips from Gold Souq Bus Station.
Which bus goes from Gold Souq to International City?
Bus number 53 runs from Gold Souq Bus Station to International City.
Which bus goes from Gold Souq to Al Qusais?
Al Qusais is connected to Gold Souq Bus Station via buses 13A and 13D.
Which bus goes from Gold Souq to Al Ghubaiba?
Bus C05 runs from Gold Souq Bus Station to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station.
How can I check the latest bus timing?
Before travelling, check the latest departure times and routes by using the RTA Journey Planner.
