If you’re in Dubai and need a reliable way of getting from mainstream nodes such as Mall of the Emirates Metro Station and Greens, Federal F35 Bus is a service you don’t want to miss. The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) runs this bus service ensuring the reputation of the punctuality of it being reliable and that it has frequent arrivals and user-friendly services.
In this guide, I will cover everything you need to know about the F35 Bus route — from schedules and stops to fare details, travel tips, and more.
F35 Bus Service
The Federal F35 Bus comes as a feeder service under the watch of Dubai’s RTA. The core objective of the F35 is essentially to allow movement from residential areas to commercial zones and the enormous Metro system in the city. The start of the F35 is the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station, and it runs up to The Greens and Al Dhafra with many approaches in the middle.
F35 enjoys a high level of value by employees, students, and tourists who do not use their vehicles or use taxis as a transport method.
Operated By: Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
Managing all public transport aspects in Dubai, the RTA sets out to carry out its functions concerning buses, metro, trams, and water transport networks in the city. Providing for safety and timely travel, the F35 is a convenient and reliable type of transport.
F35 Bus Timetable
| Days | Timings |
|---|---|
| Monday | 05:13 AM to 12:44 AM |
| Tuesday | 05:13 AM to 12:44 AM |
| Wednesday | 05:13 AM to 12:44 AM |
| Thursday | 05:13 AM to 12:44 AM |
| Friday | 05:13 AM to 12:44 AM |
| Saturday | 05:13 AM to 12:44 AM |
| Sunday | 05:13 AM to 12:44 AM |
F35 Bus Timing and Frequency
Although a general-purpose F35 stands out because of its reliability and schedule, it is appropriate for morning commuters and has sleep-in commuters.
Operating Hours
- First Bus: 05:13 AM
- Last Bus: 12:44 AM (next day)
This makes F35 ideal for people who must be at work early or cannot leave work at home during the night.
Frequency
This frequency does vary a little during the day, but there are normally buses every 15 to 20 minutes during rush hour, and they are spaced further apart during quieter periods.
Travel Time and Distance
- Approximate Travel Time: 36 minutes
- Total Distance: Roughly 6.7 kilometers
Buses in the F35 can cover the distance quite effectively, and this makes it easy for commuters to go about their business with ease.
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F35 Bus Route
F35 Bus Route Map
Tips for a Smooth Ride on the F35 Bus
Here are some pro tips to make your journey on the F35 even more convenient:
1. Be on Time
- Go to the station at the given time of the bus.
2. Keep Your NOL Card Ready
- Make sure that your NOL card is topped up well before you get on board the F35 Bus. It is a good idea to load the NOL card with AED 7.50.
3. Mind the Etiquette
- Offer seats to those who need them.
- Do not eat or drink while traveling on the bus.
- Turn the volume down and do not make any noise.
4. Use the RTA App
- Plan your route and make your trip always a trouble-free one.
- Set alerts for bus arrival times and receive notifications in case of delays.
F35: background on the places it serves
The F35 loops from Mall of the Emirates Metro Station through Al Barsha and The Greens area. Here is some background on the main destinations, plus a note on timings.
Mall of the Emirates
According to Wikipedia, the mall opened for business on 28 September 2005 and sits at interchange four on Sheikh Zayed Road. It houses Ski Dubai, described as the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort, and the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station on the Red Line was completed in September 2009. That metro link is what makes the F35 so useful as a feeder.
Using the Red Line
The Wikipedia’s Dubai Metro article says the Red Line runs from Jebel Ali to the Sharjah border, with trains every 5 to 7 minutes off-peak. From Mall of the Emirates you can reach Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall stations directly.
A note on journey time
The page above gives two different durations: about 36 minutes in the summary and a longer span in the stop-by-stop table. A loop route can take longer than a straight line distance suggests, especially in traffic, so I would plan for the longer figure and use the RTA app for live timing.
How nol and tap-in, tap-out work
The nol card is a prepaid contactless card, so money has to be on it before you board. According to Wikipedia’s Nol card article, you tag on and tag off at metro gates or bus validators, and the fare is deducted from the stored value. It also notes that the minimum balance was raised from AED 1.80 to AED 7.50 in August 2014 to avoid interrupted journeys. That figure comes from a 2014 change, so treat it as background and check the RTA website for the current rule before relying on it.
In my experience the most common mistake is tapping in and forgetting to tap out. The system then cannot work out where you got off, and you can lose more than you expected. Make it a habit to tap out as you step off, before you start looking at your phone.
Where to get official information
- The RTA website is the place to confirm fares, timetables and any route changes. Roads and Transport Authority page on Wikipedia describes the authority, which was set up in 2005 and runs the Metro, Tram, buses, water transport and taxis.
- The RTA also publishes a mobile app and other services (including S’hail and Nol Pay, as listed on that Wikipedia page), which you can use for live information rather than relying on a printed or blog timetable.
- Timetables change with school terms, Ramadan and public holidays. If your trip is time-critical, check the official channels on the day.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the F35 Bus available on weekends?
Yes, the F35 Bus service operates daily, even on public holidays.
Can I take luggage on the F35?
Although small bags and backpacks are allowed, large suitcases would create an inconvenience if the bus were full.
Does the F35 accept cash payments?
No, Only forms of payment through NOL cards are accepted.
Is the F35 air-conditioned?
Yes, in addition to all being air-conditioned, all buses are also well-maintained throughout.
Can tourists use the F35?
Absolutely! All you need is a valid NOL card, which can be purchased at metro stations or RTA counters.
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Final Thoughts
For people who want an easy, cost friendly and environment friendly means of transport to move around between The Greens and Mall of the Emirates, F35 Bus is an option. Aggregated under the auspices of the RTA, the F35 ensures safe, on time, and comfortable travelling through some of Dubai’s most vibrant areas.
If one needs to commute to work, fetch groceries or go to the mall, the F35 bus will assist you in having hassle free and time efficient journeys.
