Dubai is a city of the future, with a rich cultural heritage and an awe inspiring architectural identity, Big Bus Tours presents a fantastic way to explore Dubai’s top attractions. An exciting sightseeing service that offers a comfortable hop on, hop off tour of Dubai’s iconic landmarks.
Big Bus Tours offers visitors a complete view of the city with two main routes: City Tour (Red Route) and Beach Tour (Blue Route). In this article, we would like to outline the operational schedules of Big Bus Dubai, ticket prices, key stops and other interesting on this topic.
Operational Details
Daily, Big Bus Dubai is a great and accessible way to travel around the city. With convenient schedules on both the City Tour and Beach Tour, you can see Dubai’s highlights without feeling rushed. Here’s an overview of the timetable for each route:
City Tour - Red Route
- Tour Duration: 2 hours
- Bus Frequency: Every 30-40 minutes
- First Bus: 09:00 AM from Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
- Last Bus: 05:00 PM from Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
The Red Route carries travelers to the Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future, and Dubai Mall, a well known attraction. It has a frequency of 30–40 minutes, a great way to jump from one key destination to another.
Beach Tour - Blue Route
- Tour Duration: 2 hours, 20 minutes
- Bus Frequency: Every 40 minutes
- First Bus: 09:15 AM from Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
- Last Bus: 05:15 PM from Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
For those wanting to visit Dubai’s coastal regions and superlative beaches, such as the Mall of the Emirates and the glamorous Atlantis The Palm, the Blue Route is the way to go. This route also runs every 40 minutes so you have time to take in the sights along the way.
Ticket Pricing: Tickets from as little as AED 252 offer affordable sightseeing options from Big Bus Tours. Each ticket gives unlimited hop on hop off access to both the Red and Blue routes so that travellers can see Dubai at their own pace. The tickets can be bought online or directly from the bus.
Route Overview
1. City Tour - Red Route
Dubai’s most famous sights feature in the City Tour. Here’s a list of major stops along the Red Route:
- Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall: The tour begins at the world-famous Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, home to luxury shopping, KidZania, and the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.
- Museum of the Future: Located near the Financial Center Metro Station, this architectural wonder showcases groundbreaking innovations.
- Royal Palace: Visit Zabeel Palace street for a view of the royal residence.
- Arabian Dhow Cruise: Experience the traditional Arabian Dhow cruise along Dubai Creek, providing scenic views of the city’s skyline.
- Bastakiya Old Village: Discover Dubai’s historic district, showcasing the city’s traditional Arabian architecture and culture.
- Al Fahidi Fort: Step into history at the Al Fahidi Fort, which houses the Dubai Museum and offers a glimpse into Dubai’s past.
- Gold Souq: Explore the famous Gold Souq for traditional markets and precious metal shopping.
- Dubai Creek: A perfect spot to see the Dubai Creek and visit nearby markets.
- Spice Souq – Located on Baniyas Road, this stop is near the corner with Old Baladiya Street, offering a chance to explore the vibrant spice markets.
- Dubai Creek – Situated on Baniyas Road, opposite the Riviera Hotel entrance, this stop provides views of the iconic Dubai Creek.
- Baniyas Road – This stop is located near the Dubai Municipality Headquarters, offering a glimpse of the bustling city.
- Burjuman – Located at Burjuman Mall on Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road, this stop gives access to one of Dubai’s popular shopping malls.
- Dubai Frame – Situated at Zabeel Park (Gate No. 3), this stop provides a chance to visit the Dubai Frame, an iconic landmark offering panoramic views of the city.
2. Beach Tour - Blue Route
Dubai’s stunning coastline is what you will go with The Beach Tour. Some of the major stops along this route include:
- Mall of the Emirates/Ski Dubai: A shopping haven and home to the world-famous Ski Dubai, where visitors can experience indoor skiing.
- Ain Dubai/Madame Tussauds: Visit Bluewaters Island to see the giant Ferris wheel and Madame Tussauds Dubai.
- Atlantis The Palm: Stop at the Palm Jumeirah to explore the luxurious Atlantis hotel and its water-themed attractions.
- Dubai Marina / JBR – Located at The Walk (in front of Starbucks, near Oceanview Hotel), this stop offers views of the vibrant Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR) area.
- Bayside / Skydive – Situated on King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street (at the RTA bus station), this stop is near the popular Skydive Dubai location.
- Tallest Block – Located on Braih Street (near the corner with King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, opposite Marriott Hotel), this stop provides access to the Tallest Block area, a popular part of the Marina.
- Media City – This stop is at King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street (next to Media City Tram Station), offering a chance to explore Dubai’s Media City.
- Palm West Beach – Located on the Golden Mile in front of Hilton Hotel, this stop offers views of the Palm West Beach and the surrounding area.
- Souk Madinat Jumeirah / Burj Al Arab – Located at Souk Madinat (Jumeirah Square roundabout), this stop gives access to the luxurious Souk Madinat and provides views of the iconic Burj Al Arab.
Accessibility and Services
Big Bus Tours Dubai ensures passenger comfort with several accessible features:
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Passengers with mobility challenges have easy access to all buses through ramps.
- Audio Guides: An informative commentary in various languages delivers an in depth look at the history and landmark of the city.
- Hop-On, Hop-Off: You can stop as often as you want and choose whatever schedule works for you.
Nearby Attractions and Landmarks
Throughout both routes, you will encounter some of Dubai’s most iconic and picturesque locations, including:
- Burj Khalifa – The world’s tallest building.
- Dubai Museum – Explore the history of Dubai in this cultural institution.
- Dubai Marina – A modern waterfront area with stunning views.
- Atlantis The Palm – Visit the legendary resort on Palm Jumeirah.
- Mall of the Emirates – A luxury shopping mall featuring Ski Dubai.
- Jumeirah Mosque – A beautiful and iconic mosque, offering visitors a glimpse into Islamic culture and architecture.
- Creekside Park – A lush, tranquil park along Dubai Creek, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic.
- Jumeirah Beach Park – A scenic beach park with stunning views, ideal for a relaxing day by the water.
- Heritage Village – A cultural destination showcasing traditional Emirati life and craftsmanship.
- Palm Jumeirah – A man-made island in the shape of a palm tree, home to luxurious hotels and resorts.
- Dubai Creek – The historic heart of Dubai, offering a mix of old-world charm and modern developments.
- Burj Al Arab – One of the most luxurious and iconic hotels in the world, shaped like a sail.
- Grand Mosque – A beautiful mosque offering a serene place of worship and cultural immersion.
- Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum’s House/Shindagha Museum – A historic residence turned museum, providing insights into Dubai's past.
- Bastakia Quarter – A charming district with traditional wind-tower houses and galleries, showcasing Dubai's old town.
- Diving Village – A cultural site offering insight into Dubai’s history as a pearl diving center.
Journey Experience
Big Bus Dubai – An unforgettable experience with the comfort, convenience and all the cultural insights. If you’re looking to take in the best of the city, whether you’re gliding past the majestic Burj Khalifa or discovering Dubai’s old town at Bastakiya, this tour is a great way to do it. Hop-on, hop-off options means you can visit each location at your own pace, so your sightseeing experience is exactly as you want it.
Informative audio guides in a variety of languages will help you learn more about Dubai’s interesting history and modern development. From the glamorous Dubai Mall to the tranquil Dubai Creek, the tour takes in a world of all sorts of iconic locations. If you’re a first time visitor or a regular traveller, Big Bus Dubai is a great way to see and experience the city.
Travel Tips for Big Bus Dubai
- Plan Ahead: Before you decide which stops you want to visit, you’ll make the most of your time.
- Avoid Peak Hours: If you want to get more from the experience, then try boarding the bus early in the day when the buses are not so crowded.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Be prepared to do a fair amount of walking, so dress comfortably and wear sunscreen.
- Bring a Camera: You don’t want to forget the camera when it comes to Dubai architecture and landmarks, stunningly beautiful.
- Book Tickets in Advance: Buying your tickets online ahead of time saves time.
Traveling with Big Bus Dubai or Abu Dhabi Big Bus is a fantastic way to explore the UAE’s most famous attractions in comfort and style. With comprehensive routes, frequent departures, and informative commentary, it’s an excellent choice for residents and visitors alike looking to discover the cities’ unique offerings.
Whether you’re new to Dubai or Abu Dhabi—or simply want to learn more about their rich heritage—Big Bus Tours provides the perfect opportunity to uncover Dubai’s modern landmarks and vibrant culture, as well as Abu Dhabi’s stunning attractions like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Corniche.