How to Reach Global Village by Bus in Dubai
Travelling to Global Village by bus is one of the most practical options for visitors who do not want to drive, pay for parking or arrange a private taxi. Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority normally operates dedicated seasonal bus services from major metro-connected stations while Global Village is open.
The latest confirmed network included four direct routes: Bus 102 from Centrepoint or Al Rashidiya, Bus 103 from Union, Bus 104 from Al Ghubaiba and Bus 106 from Mall of the Emirates. These are seasonal routes, so they should not be treated as permanent year-round services.
Global Village Season 31 is expected to operate from October 2026 to May 2027. Exact opening dates, first and last bus times, station bays and fares may be updated before the new season begins. Always check the RTA journey planner or S'hail app on the day of travel.
Visitors who are still deciding how to plan their evening can also read our complete Global Village Dubai guide for information about pavilions, food, shopping, rides and entertainment.
Quick Answer: Which Bus Goes to Global Village?
| Bus Route | Departure Point | Metro Connection | Latest Confirmed Frequency | Best for Travellers From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 102 | Al Rashidiya Bus Station / Centrepoint | Centrepoint Metro Station, Red Line | Approximately every 60 minutes | Dubai International Airport area, Mirdif, Al Warqa and eastern Deira |
| 103 | Union Bus Station | Union Metro Station, Red and Green Lines | Approximately every 40 minutes | Deira, Al Rigga, Baniyas and Green Line passengers |
| 104 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Al Ghubaiba Metro Station, Green Line | Approximately every 60 minutes | Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi, Al Seef and Mina Bazaar |
| 106 | Mall of the Emirates Bus Station | Mall of the Emirates Metro Station, Red Line | Approximately every 60 minutes | Dubai Marina, JLT, Al Barsha, Downtown Dubai and western Dubai |
Important: The frequencies above are based on the latest confirmed completed season. The timetable for the next Global Village season may be different.
Global Village Bus Route 102 from Centrepoint
Route 102 is the most convenient choice for passengers starting near the eastern end of the Dubai Metro Red Line. The departure hub may be described as Al Rashidiya Bus Station in some official announcements and as Centrepoint Metro Station in newer travel information. These names refer to the same general transport area.
This route is useful for travellers staying near Dubai International Airport, Mirdif, Al Warqa, Rashidiya and eastern parts of Deira. Visitors arriving by metro should travel to Centrepoint, follow the signs for the connected bus station and confirm the correct bay for Route 102.
How to use Route 102
- Take the Dubai Metro Red Line to Centrepoint Metro Station.
- Exit towards the bus station and check the electronic departure board.
- Confirm that Route 102 is operating to Global Village that day.
- Use a valid nol card when boarding.
- Save the return-bus time before entering Global Village.
Global Village Bus Route 103 from Union
Route 103 connects Union Bus Station with Global Village. Union is one of Dubai's most useful public transport interchanges because both the Red Line and Green Line stop there. This makes the route convenient for visitors coming from Deira, Al Rigga, Baniyas, Bur Dubai and other areas connected to either metro line.
During the latest confirmed season, Route 103 was announced more frequently than the other dedicated services. However, passengers should still arrive early because queues can become long on weekends, school holidays and public holidays.
Who should choose Route 103?
- Guests staying near Union, Al Rigga or Baniyas.
- Visitors transferring from the Dubai Metro Green Line.
- Travellers coming from central Deira.
- Passengers who want a major transport hub with multiple backup options.
Global Village Bus Route 104 from Al Ghubaiba
Route 104 is generally the most suitable direct Global Village bus for visitors staying in Old Dubai. It starts from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station and provides a convenient connection for Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi, Al Seef, Mina Bazaar and nearby waterfront hotels.
Al Ghubaiba is connected to the Dubai Metro Green Line and several local and intercity bus services. Visitors can reach the station by metro, bus or taxi before transferring to Route 104.
This route is especially useful when your Dubai itinerary includes traditional areas such as the Creek, souks or heritage districts. You may also combine an Old Dubai visit with a broader Dubai city tour on another day of your holiday.
Global Village Bus Route 106 from Mall of the Emirates
Route 106 is normally the best choice for visitors staying in Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Barsha Heights, Al Barsha, Downtown Dubai or areas connected to the central and western sections of the Metro Red Line.
Passengers should take the metro to Mall of the Emirates, follow signs to the bus station and confirm the departure bay for Route 106. The latest route information described the service as travelling through parts of Al Barsha and Al Quoz before reaching Global Village.
Mall of the Emirates can become busy during the evening, so allow enough time to find the station, top up your nol card and join the correct queue. Do not assume that every bus leaving the station travels to Global Village.
Can You Go to Global Village by Metro?
There is no Dubai Metro station directly at the Global Village entrance. The easiest public transport method is normally to use the metro for the first part of the journey and transfer to one of the dedicated buses.
The best metro station depends on where your journey begins:
- Centrepoint: transfer to Bus 102.
- Union: transfer to Bus 103.
- Al Ghubaiba: transfer to Bus 104.
- Mall of the Emirates: transfer to Bus 106.
For a more detailed explanation of metro transfers, read our guide on how to go to Global Village by metro.
Global Village Bus Timings
Dedicated buses normally operate during the Global Village season, with services beginning in the afternoon and continuing into the late evening. During the most recently completed season, official visitor information stated that the service usually ran from around 3:15 PM to 11:15 PM.
These hours must not be treated as a guaranteed timetable for Season 31. Bus operations can change according to the opening date, day of the week, demand, traffic, special events and RTA scheduling decisions.
How to check the latest bus time
- Use the official RTA journey planner.
- Check the S'hail mobile application before leaving your hotel.
- Review the departure board at the bus station.
- Ask station staff to confirm the final return service.
- Keep extra travel time on weekends and public holidays.
How Much Is the Bus Fare to Global Village?
The Global Village bus fare is paid using a valid nol card. Cash is generally not used for boarding Dubai public buses. Because dedicated Global Village services are seasonal and fare information may be updated, visitors should check the current amount through RTA before travelling.
Make sure your nol card has sufficient balance for:
- The metro journey to your selected transfer station.
- The bus journey to Global Village.
- The return bus and metro journeys.
- An alternative public transport route if your plans change.
Top up your card before joining the bus queue. Waiting until the final departure period to find a top-up machine can add unnecessary stress.
How Long Does the Bus Journey Take?
The travel time depends on the departure station, traffic and the number of route stops. Official visitor information has previously described some journeys as taking around 30 minutes, but passengers should allow more time during busy evenings.
A practical plan is to allow between 45 and 90 minutes from the metro interchange to the Global Village entrance, including walking, waiting, boarding and possible traffic delays. The complete journey from your hotel may take longer.
When should you leave?
If you want to enter Global Village soon after opening, reach your selected bus station before the evening rush. Visitors interested in the illuminated pavilions and live atmosphere may arrive after sunset, but queues and road traffic are often heavier at that time.
How to Plan Your Return Bus
Planning the return trip is just as important as reaching Global Village. Do not wait until closing time to search for the bus schedule. The final buses can be busy, and missing the last service may leave you dependent on a taxi or app-based ride.
- Check the last departure for your route before entering the attraction.
- Take a photograph or screenshot of the return schedule.
- Choose a meeting point if your group separates inside Global Village.
- Start walking towards the exit well before the last departure.
- Keep enough nol balance for the complete return journey.
- Save a backup taxi or private-transfer option.
Families with children, elderly guests or large shopping bags should leave additional time to reach the transport area.
Best Bus Route from Popular Dubai Areas
| Starting Area | Suggested Transfer | Direct Global Village Bus |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Marina or JLT | Metro to Mall of the Emirates | 106 |
| Downtown Dubai or Business Bay | Metro to Mall of the Emirates | 106 |
| Al Barsha | Mall of the Emirates Bus Station | 106 |
| Deira or Al Rigga | Union Bus Station | 103 |
| Bur Dubai or Al Fahidi | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | 104 |
| Mirdif or Al Warqa | Centrepoint / Al Rashidiya | 102 |
| Dubai International Airport | Centrepoint or Union, depending on terminal and route | 102 or 103 |
The route above is a planning guide rather than a live journey result. Always compare the options in the RTA planner using your exact starting location.
Travelling from Sharjah, Ajman or Abu Dhabi
The four dedicated Global Village buses start within Dubai. Visitors coming from another emirate normally need to reach a suitable Dubai interchange first and then transfer to Route 102, 103, 104 or 106.
This can require several transfers and a long return journey, especially after Global Village closes. Families, groups and visitors carrying shopping bags may find a private transfer more convenient. Contact Friends Guide Travel & Tourism LLC to ask about transport, attraction tickets or a customised Dubai itinerary.
Is the Bus Suitable for Families?
Yes, public buses can be a good budget-friendly option for families. Dubai's buses are air-conditioned, and the dedicated Global Village services are designed for seasonal visitor demand. However, families should consider waiting time, crowded return services and the walking distance inside the large attraction.
Family travel tips
- Travel earlier to avoid the heaviest evening queues.
- Keep children close at busy metro and bus stations.
- Carry water while respecting transport rules.
- Use a lightweight stroller where appropriate.
- Set a fixed meeting point inside Global Village.
- Leave before the final bus if travelling with tired children.
Our Global Village family guide includes more ideas for planning a comfortable visit with children and older family members.
What to Carry for the Bus Journey
- A nol card with enough balance for both directions.
- A charged mobile phone and portable power bank.
- A screenshot of the route and final return time.
- Your Global Village ticket or booking confirmation.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- A light jacket during cooler winter evenings.
- A small reusable bag for shopping and souvenirs.
- Essential medication and identification where required.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using an old bus timetable
Global Village routes are seasonal. A timetable from a previous year may show the correct route number but the wrong operating dates, bay or final departure.
Going to the wrong station
Each bus route has a specific departure hub. Route 106 leaves from Mall of the Emirates, while Route 103 leaves from Union. Check the route number before travelling across Dubai.
Confusing Centrepoint and Al Rashidiya
Centrepoint is the current name of the Metro station that was formerly called Al Rashidiya. Some bus information still uses the older Al Rashidiya name for the connected bus station.
Forgetting the return timetable
The last bus is more important than the first bus. Save the return time as soon as you arrive.
Not topping up the nol card
Make sure every traveller has the correct card and enough balance before boarding.
Planning too many activities on the same evening
Global Village is large and can easily require four to six hours. Avoid creating a schedule that forces you to rush through the pavilions, food areas and shows.
Things to Do After Reaching Global Village
Once you arrive, you can explore international pavilions, shop for regional products, try food from different countries, watch live entertainment and enjoy carnival rides or paid attractions. The best experience depends on your interests and the season's event calendar.
Visitors looking for a complete seasonal itinerary may consider a Miracle Garden, Global Village and dhow cruise combo. Adventure travellers can compare it with the desert safari with quad bike and Global Village package.
You can also browse more Dubai attraction tickets and experiences when planning the rest of your UAE holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions About Global Village by Bus
Which buses go directly to Global Village Dubai?
The latest confirmed dedicated routes were 102 from Centrepoint or Al Rashidiya, 103 from Union, 104 from Al Ghubaiba and 106 from Mall of the Emirates.
Is there a direct metro to Global Village?
No. Global Village does not have a metro station at its entrance. Visitors normally take the metro to Centrepoint, Union, Al Ghubaiba or Mall of the Emirates and then transfer to the matching bus.
Does Bus 106 go to Global Village?
Yes, Route 106 was one of the latest confirmed seasonal services and operated from Mall of the Emirates Bus Station.
Does Bus 103 go to Global Village?
Yes, Route 103 was confirmed from Union Bus Station during the latest completed season.
Can I take Bus 102 from Centrepoint?
Route 102 serves the Centrepoint or Al Rashidiya transport hub. Confirm the live departure bay and timetable before travelling.
Can I pay cash on the Global Village bus?
Dubai public buses use the nol payment system. Carry a valid nol card with enough balance for the outbound and return journeys.
Are Global Village buses available throughout the year?
No. The dedicated routes are seasonal and normally operate while Global Village is open.
What time is the last bus from Global Village?
The final departure depends on the route and current season. Check the official RTA schedule on the day of your visit and reach the bus area early.
How long does the bus take to reach Global Village?
The journey time varies by route and traffic. Allow additional time for waiting, boarding and walking from the transport area.
Which bus is best from Dubai Marina?
Travellers from Dubai Marina normally take the Metro Red Line to Mall of the Emirates and transfer to Route 106, subject to the live seasonal schedule.
Which bus is best from Bur Dubai?
Route 104 from Al Ghubaiba is generally the most convenient dedicated option for Bur Dubai and Old Dubai.
Can tourists use the Global Village bus?
Yes. Tourists and UAE residents can use Dubai's public transport services with the appropriate nol card or ticket product.
Final Travel Advice
Going to Global Village by bus can be affordable, comfortable and simple when you choose the correct departure hub. The key routes to remember are 102, 103, 104 and 106. Because these services are seasonal, check the official live schedule before every journey, keep enough nol balance and plan the last return bus in advance.
For help with Global Village tickets, Dubai attraction packages, private transport or a customised UAE itinerary, contact Friends Guide Travel & Tourism LLC. Our Dubai-based team can help you compare suitable options for families, couples, groups and corporate travellers.