N55 Bus Route – Updated Stops and Timing in Dubai (2025 Edition)

How can Dubai residents and visitors travel affordably at night without a car? What public transport option links major city hotspots to the airport after midnight?

As one of the busiest cities in the Middle East, Dubai never truly sleeps. While many metro lines and daytime bus services wind down after evening hours, the city still moves with workers on the night shift, late-arriving travelers, and residents returning home from social events.

To meet this ongoing demand, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) operates a limited but essential network of night bus routes, of which the N55 is the most comprehensive.

The N55 bus route runs across a vast section of Dubai, from Al Maktoum International Airport through iconic destinations like Burj Al Arab, Satwa, Palm Jumeirah, and all the way to Ibn Battuta Metro Station. As of 2025, the route has been revised with updated stops and schedules, offering better connectivity and convenience for night travelers.

Understanding the N55 Bus Route: What It Covers and Why It’s Important?

The N55 is part of the RTA’s commitment to ensuring round-the-clock mobility across Dubai. While many commuters rely on metro and tram services during the day, options during the night are far more limited. This makes the N55 an essential transport line for:

• Late-night or early-morning flights through Al Maktoum Airport
• Residents in Jumeirah, Satwa, or Dubai Marina returning home
• Night shift workers who commute from densely populated areas
• Tourists accessing major hotels or leisure destinations without taxis

This route not only fills a gap in Dubai’s 24-hour transport plan but also reflects the city’s vision of creating an accessible, inclusive, and sustainable transportation network.

Updated List of N55 Bus Stops (2025)

Following passenger feedback, urban development, and transport data analysis, the RTA updated the N55 night bus route to include 50 strategic stops. These stops ensure access to business hubs, residential communities, religious centers, and tourist locations.

Here is the official list of updated N55 stops, including direction to and from the airport:

This comprehensive list enables smoother travel planning for riders heading to locations such as JBR, Dubai College, or Satwa Mosque even in the early hours of the morning.

N55 Bus Timing and Frequency

The N55 bus operates overnight, offering travelers consistent service throughout the night. The schedule varies slightly between weekdays and weekends to match travel patterns and city movement.

Passengers can expect a full journey time of around 70 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic, boarding patterns, and passenger volume.

For precise bus arrival times and route tracking, the RTA S’hail app offers real-time updates.

Key Locations and Connectivity Along the Route

The N55’s strategic route design connects vital zones across Dubai, both for residents and tourists. It serves:

• Major residential communities like Satwa, Umm Suqeim, and Jebel Ali Gardens
• Tourist landmarks including Burj Al Arab, Madinat Jumeirah, and Jumeirah Beach Residence
• Transportation hubs like Ibn Battuta Metro, Palm Monorail, and Al Maktoum International Airport
• Public services such as police training centers, masjids, libraries, and municipal offices

Its route overlaps with several day routes and metro lines, making transfers and onward travel convenient for those transitioning between day and night services.

Fare Details and Ticketing Options

The N55, like other RTA buses, operates on a zone-based fare system. The fare depends on the number of zones crossed during the trip.

• The fare typically ranges between AED 3 and AED 7.
• Only Nol cards are accepted. Riders must tap in and tap out correctly to be charged the appropriate fare.
• Card top-ups can be done via metro stations, kiosks, convenience stores, and online portals.

Travelers are advised to keep a minimum Nol card balance of AED 7 before boarding, especially late at night when top-up locations may be closed.

Passenger Experience and Safety

Riding the N55 is not only affordable but also safe. Dubai RTA has equipped the buses with modern safety measures, including:

• Full air-conditioning and surveillance cameras
• Designated priority seating for women, children, and people with disabilities
• Regular sanitization, even during late hours

Passenger feedback suggests that the route offers a comfortable and peaceful ride, ideal for those heading to or returning from a long flight or night shift.

Summary: N55 Bus Route Overview

Conclusion

For night travel across Dubai, the N55 bus route is unmatched in coverage, convenience, and consistency. Whether one is heading to a hotel along Jumeirah Beach, transferring at Ibn Battuta, or catching a flight at Al Maktoum Airport, the N55 provides a dependable link.

Its extensive stop network, hourly frequency, and safe facilities make it the preferred choice for those navigating Dubai after dark. As RTA continues to improve night mobility, the N55 stands out as a cornerstone of this transformation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the N55 operate throughout the night?

Yes. It runs from 11:00 PM to 5:00 or 6:00 AM, depending on the day.

Can tourists use the N55 with a visitor Nol card?

Yes, tourist Nol cards are fully valid for use on N55 and all other RTA services.

Is the N55 bus route safe for solo night travelers?

Absolutely. The buses are monitored by CCTV, have well-lit interiors, and follow secure routes.

Does the N55 connect to Dubai Metro?

Yes. It connects to major metro stations like Ibn Battuta, allowing easy transfers between modes.

Where can I find real-time updates for the N55?

You can use the RTA S’hail app or check RTA’s official website for live bus tracking.

How long does a full N55 trip take?

On average, the full journey from Al Maktoum Airport to Ibn Battuta takes 70 to 90 minutes.

Are all stops serviced in both directions?

Yes. The N55 follows a loop route, so all 50 stops are serviced during every complete trip.