If you travel daily between Bur Dubai/Deira (Gold Souq area) and International City, then the X23 bus route in Dubai is one of the most important and budget-friendly public transport options you can use.
I will tour you through the bus route 23, bus 5 in this ultimate guide, you learn all you need to know about that bus route, and also learn all the bus stops along the route, timings, the fare, how long it takes, and useful things to know. The guide does not answer.
This is not an itinerary of routes we have to cover, this is a proper travel guide that will ensure you spend less time, get that much-needed direction, and travel wiser in Dubai.
What is the X23 Bus in Dubai?
The X23 bus is an RTA public transport route that connects:
- Gold Souq Bus Station (Deira / Old Dubai)
- International City (Residential hub in Dubai)

X23 Bus Route Overview
A mere map of the run would look like:
| Route Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Starting Point | Gold Souq Bus Station |
| Ending Point | International City (various clusters, mainly France Cluster area) |
| Travel Time | 55 to 75 minutes (depending on traffic) |
| Fare | Around AED 5–7 (Nol Card only) |
| Frequency | Every 15–20 minutes |
X23 Bus Timings & Frequency
X23 bus in Dubai runs very frequently throughout the day covering the entire range from early morning till the late evening hours on a regular basis. This will make it a handy solution for those who work on a daily basis between Gold Souq Bus Station and International City.
Please note, if you do miss a bus don’t worry the next X23 will arrive usually within a few minutes so there will little waiting time at the station.
X23 Bus Timings (Weekly Schedule)
| Day | From Al Ghubaiba / Gold Souq Area | From International City Bus Station |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM | 5:00 AM – 11:19 PM |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM | 5:00 AM – 11:19 PM |
| Sunday | 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM | 5:06 AM – 11:15 PM |
Full X23 Bus Stops
Below is a commonly used stop sequence based on RTA route structure and commuter data:
| Stop No. | Bus Stop Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station |
| 2 | Raffa |
| 3 | Rolla |
| 4 | Sharaf DG Metro Bus Stop 1 |
| 5 | Four Point Sheraton Hotel |
| 6 | BurJuman Metro Bus Stop C |
| 7 | Oud Metha Metro Bus Stop |
| 8 | Oud Metha Road 1 |
| 9 | Oud Metha Road 2 |
| 10 | Wafi City |
| 11 | Aden Street 1 |
| 12 | Ras Al Khor, Terminus |
| 13 | Used Car Exhibition |
| 14 | Vegetable Market |
| 15 | Manama Road 4 |
| 16 | International City, Greece |
| 17 | International City, Civil Defence |
| 18 | International City, Trafalgar Tower |
| 19 | International City, Rivera Dreams Apartments 1-1 |
| 20 | International City, Post Office 2 |
| 21 | International City Bus Station |
X23 Bus Travel Time
Travel time depends on traffic conditions in Dubai:
- Normal traffic: 55–60 minutes
- Peak hours: 70–75 minutes
- Late night: 50–55 minutes (faster)
X23 Bus Fare & Payment Method
Dubai’s RTA system is fully cashless.
Payment Method:
- Only Nol Card is accepted
Fare:
- AED 5-7(approximately) according to zones.

Distance and Travel Duration (X23 Bus Route Dubai)
Distance between Gold Souq Bus Station with International City of Dubai is approximately 25-27 kilometres, Dubai commute by bus from Gold Souq Bus Station to International City of Dubai is not long and inconvenient.
The ride time to the X23 is currently on average 59 minutes – 1 hour 20 minutes.
Tips for Daily Commuters Using X23 Bus
Here are some handy travel tips for making traveling easier and more comfortable:
- Arrive Early: Make sure that you are at the bus stop at least 10-15 mins before their actual arrival.
- Always drink fluids: Always carry sufficient fluids to drink on your travels especially in the summer months.
- Charge Nol cards before traveling: Make sure that your card is not in danger, because of not being charged.
- Read Luggage Rules: Read the RTA luggage rules before getting on the bus.
- Respect Fellow Passengers: Be polite and respectful to other people travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does X23 bus end?
Distances are usually covered by ship most of the day every 20 mins or so.
What is the final destination of X23 bus?
The final stop is usually International City (France Cluster area).
Can I pay cash on X23 bus?
No. Only Nol Card payments are accepted in Dubai buses.
Should X23 bus be used daily?
Indeed, it is among the most secure and affordable means of commuting between Deira and International City.
Final Words
The Bus X23 route of Gold Souq Bus Station to International City is certainly one of the most feasible and most cost-effective ways to travel every day by commuters, workers or residents in Dubai.
The X23 provides a straight, easy, and effective route between two of the most significant places in the city instead of having to rely on costly transportation like taxis, or being forced to transfer stations with the complicated metro-bus.

