The 5 is a short Deira bus that links two metro stations. It runs from Abu Hail Metro to Union Square Bus Station. This guide gives you the 5 bus timings Dubai travellers ask for most. It covers the first bus, the last bus, the gaps between buses and the fare. The route passes through Hor Al Anz. It suits residents, students and anyone who needs the Union interchange. The full trip takes about 40 minutes in normal traffic. Check the S’hail app or rta.ae on the day because RTA changes times by day and season.
Route overview
Route 5 is a standard urban route run by the RTA. It starts at Abu Hail Bus Station beside Abu Hail Metro Station on the Green Line. From there it runs through Hor Al Anz on Abu Hail Road. Then it turns toward Deira and ends at Union Square Bus Station. Moovit lists 23 stops in one direction and 18 in the other. The full trip takes about 36 to 42 minutes in normal traffic. The 5 bus timings Dubai route runs every day of the week. Hor Al Anz is a dense residential district with schools, clinics and small shops. Many riders use the 5 for school runs and for the short hop to Union. Union Square Bus Station sits beside Union Metro Station. That station serves the Red Line and the Green Line. For other city routes, see our Dubai bus timings hub.
First bus and last bus
The first bus leaves Abu Hail at about 5:00 AM on most days. The last bus from Abu Hail leaves at about 11:30 PM. In the other direction the first bus leaves Union Square at about 5:00 AM and the last bus leaves at about 11:30 PM. These 5 bus timings Dubai figures are typical ranges from the hub table. They are not the official RTA timetable. Moovit lists shorter hours for this route at about 6:00 AM to about 10:30 PM. The two sources do not agree. Treat the hub times as a guide and check S’hail on the day. Do not plan a very early trip without a live check. If you travel late at night, aim for the bus before the last one. A delay can leave you with no ride.
How often does it run
The 5 runs about every 20 to 30 minutes on most days. The gap stays close to the same through most of the day. Morning and evening rush can stretch the gap because the Deira roads slow down. The bus fills up around Hor Al Anz in the morning. If the first bus that comes is full, the next one follows in about 20 minutes. On Friday the service runs on a slightly later pattern. Check live times in S’hail first.
Main stops
Abu Hail Bus Station is the Deira terminus. It sits beside Abu Hail Metro Station on the Green Line. The bus passes Omer Bin Al Khattab School, a busy stop for students and staff. Then it runs along Abu Hail Road through Hor Al Anz. The Hor Al Anz stops serve homes, clinics and small shops. The bus passes Burj Nahar Mall, a handy landmark for shoppers. Then it reaches Fish Roundabout, one of the best known junctions in Deira. The Union Metro stop follows. The bus ends at Union Square Bus Station. Use the S’hail app to find the stop nearest your hotel or workplace.
Fare and Nol card
You pay with a Nol card on every Dubai RTA bus. You cannot pay with cash on board. Tap your card on the reader when you board. Tap again when you get off so the system charges the right zone fare. The standard Nol bus fare is about AED 3 for one zone, AED 5 for two zones and AED 7.50 for three zones. The Abu Hail to Union trip is short and stays inside one zone. Expect to pay about AED 3 for the full trip. Top up at a metro station, a bus station kiosk or through the RTA app.
How to reach / connections
The 5 connects with the metro at both ends. Abu Hail Metro Station on the Green Line sits beside the bus station at the start. Union Metro Station serves the Red Line and the Green Line at the other end. From Union you can ride the Red Line to Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and the Marina. The Green Line takes you to Al Ghubaiba, Al Fahidi and the Creek. At Union Square you can also change to intercity buses. The E303, E306 and E307 buses leave from Union for Sharjah. For the Sharjah trip, see our Jubail Bus Station guide. If you travel at prayer times, our Prayer Time UAE page helps you plan the day around them.
FAQs
What are the 5 bus timings Dubai visitors need first?
The first bus leaves Abu Hail at about 5:00 AM on most days and the last bus leaves at about 11:30 PM. The same range applies from Union Square. Moovit lists shorter hours at about 6:00 AM to about 10:30 PM. Check S’hail or rta.ae on the day because RTA changes times by day and season.
How often does the 5 bus run?
The 5 runs about every 20 to 30 minutes on most days. The gap can stretch in the morning and evening rush when the Deira roads slow down.
How long does the 5 bus take from Abu Hail to Union?
Allow about 36 to 42 minutes for the full trip in normal traffic. Evening rush in Deira can add 10 minutes or more.
How much is the fare on the 5 bus?
A full trip costs about AED 3 with a Nol card because the route stays inside one zone. You cannot pay cash on board.
Does the 5 bus run on Friday?
Yes, the 5 bus timings Dubai listings show service every day including Friday. The first buses run a little later on Friday. Check the live time in S’hail before you travel.
