Planning to make your way from Dubai to Dammam by bus? You're in the right place! While it's not the fastest way to get there, taking the bus can be a fantastic choice if you're looking to save money or enjoy a bit of adventure along the way. In this guide, I'll walk you through the different bus routes you can take, complete with all the details you need to plan your journey. Whether you're traveling on a tight budget or just enjoy overland adventures, I've got you covered!
1. Flight via Dubai and Local Buses (Fastest Option)
Need to get there ASAP? Here's your fastest bet - a quick flight with some bus connections to make your life easier at both ends.
Estimated Travel Time: 5 hours 21 minutes
Cost: AED 304–890
Journey Overview:
- Step 1: Take the Line 102 bus from your location to Rashidiya Metro Station (33 minutes, AED 7–10).
- Step 2: Transfer to the MRed Metro Line at Rashidiya Metro Station and travel to Dubai International Airport (5 minutes, AED 4–6).
- Step 3: Fly from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to King Fahd International Airport (DMM) (1 hour 25 minutes, AED 290–850).
- Step 4: Upon arrival at King Fahd International Airport, take the G7 bus to Dammam city center (49 minutes, AED 3–24).
2. Bus and Train Combination (Best Budget Option)
Want to save some dirhams and don't mind taking the scenic route? This combo's got your name on it.
Estimated Travel Time: 31 hours 2 minutes
Cost: AED 210–346
Journey Overview:
- Step 1: Start in Dubai by taking the Line 102 bus to Rashidiya Metro Station (33 minutes, AED 7–10).
- Step 2: Transfer to the MRed Metro Line at Rashidiya Metro Station and travel to Al Rigga Metro Station (14 minutes, AED 4–6).
- Step 3: Take a bus from Al Rigga Metro Station to Muscat (8 hours, AED 100).
- Step 4: From Muscat, board a long-haul bus to Riyadh (15 hours, AED 35).
- Step 5: Complete your journey by taking a train from Riyadh to Dammam (3 hours 52 minutes, AED 19–140).
3. Self-Drive (Flexible Option)
Got wheels and love the open road? This one's all you.
Estimated Travel Time: 9 hours 32 minutes
Cost: AED 359–519 (fuel and tolls included)
Journey Overview:
- Step 1: Start your trip in Dubai, ensuring your vehicle is in good condition before setting off.
- Step 2: Drive approximately 883 kilometers along major highways to Dammam.
4. Line 106 Bus, Shuttle to Abu Dhabi, Fly (Most Time-Efficient)
Here's a clever little route that mixes buses with a flight from Abu Dhabi - bit of juggling but worth it.
Estimated Travel Time: 7 hours and 41 minutes
Cost: AED 136–1,079
Journey Overview:
- Step 1: Take the Line 106 bus from Global Village 1 to the Mall of the Emirates Bus Station (33 minutes, AED 6–9).
- Step 2: Transfer to the Red Line Metro at Mall of the Emirates Metro Station and head to Jabal Ali Metro Station (15 minutes, AED 4–6).
- Step 3: Switch to the Branch Metro Line at Jabal Ali Metro Station and head to Ibn Battuta Metro Station (2 minutes, AED 3–5).
- Step 4: Take a shuttle bus from Ibn Battuta Metro Station to Abu Dhabi Airport (1 hour 28 minutes, AED 35).
- Step 5: From Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH), catch a flight to Dammam (DMM) (1 hour 30 minutes, AED 85–1,000).
- Step 6: After landing at Dammam, take the G7 bus from King Fahd Airport Station to Dammam Main Station (49 minutes, AED 3–24).
- Step 7: Walk from Dammam Main Station to your final destination (12 minutes, 960 meters).
5. Full Bus and Train Route via Seeb (Most Adventurous)
Ready for the ultimate adventure? This route's got it all - buses, trains, and plenty of stories to tell.
Estimated Travel Time: 32 hours 43 minutes
Cost: AED 167–379
Journey Overview:
- Step 1: Take the Line 103 bus from Dubai to Union Square (1 hour, AED 8–12).
- Step 2: Transfer to the E303 bus to Al Jubail Terminal in Sharjah (50 minutes, AED 6–9).
- Step 3: Ride the 203 bus from Sharjah to Muscat (7 hours 25 minutes, AED 35–100).
- Step 4: Take a combination of bus and taxi services from Muscat to Riyadh (15 hours, AED 80–155).
- Step 5: End your journey with a train ride from Riyadh to Dammam (3 hours 52 minutes, AED 19–140).
Discover more fascinating routes in the region, including the journey from Dubai to Muscat and Dubai to Sohar.
Look, I know these bus journeys aren't the quickest way to get from Dubai to Dammam - but they definitely have their perks! Plus, you'll get to experience the stunning Gulf landscapes that you'd miss from 30,000 feet up. The budget-friendly routes might take longer, but they'll give you a chance to see some amazing landscapes and maybe even make a few friends along the way. The bus-flight combo is a smart middle ground if you want to save some cash without spending two days on the road.
