Dubai’s C28 bus route is more than just a trip it’s a gateway to sun-soaked days at Mamzar Beach Park. As someone who has traveled this route countless times, I’ve learned its quirks, shortcuts, and best-kept secrets. This guide combines official RTA data with real-life experience to help you master the journey from Al Barha to Mumbra Beach Park without breaking a sweat. So let’s get started and find out about Dubai’s C28 bus route, fares, travel distance, and more in today’s roundup of the best information.
C28 Bus Route Overview
Let’s face it, Dubai traffic can turn a quick trip into a marathon. The C28 bus offers a budget-friendly escape, but its real value lies in the details that most guidebooks miss. Here’s why locals swear by it:
- No parking worries: Mummzar Beach Park’s parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends. The C28 drops you off just steps from the entrance.
- Air-conditioned comfort: Beat the 45°C heat while soaking in the sights of Deira’s spices and Al Nahda’s leafy streets.
- Cultural snapshot: Rub shoulders with locals and tourists alike. This is a microcosm of Dubai’s diversity.
C28 Bus Route
The official route map tells you where it goes, but experience tells you what to expect. Here you will also be shown the route with the help of a map. There are a total of 39 bus stops on the Al Baraha to Mamzar Beach Park route. The C28 bus covers this distance in 40 minutes, which is a distance of 7 kilometers.
1) Mamzar, Beach Park Terminus – 01
2) Mamzar, Beach 8 – 01
3) Mamzar, Beach 7 – 02
4) Mamzar, Beach 6 – 02
5) Mamzar, Beach 5 – 02
6) Mamzar, Beach 4 – 02
7) Mamzar, Beach 3 – 02
8) Mamzar, Beach 2 – 02
9) Mamzar, Beach 1 – 02
10) Mamzar, Health Center – 01
11) Hamriya Port,Sheikh Almar Masjid – 1
12) Hamriya – 01
13) Wuhaida, School – 1
14) Al Wuheida, Ali Bin Abi Talib Masjid – 02
15) Wuheida, Street 22 – 1
16) Uae Athletics Federation – 02
17) Hamriya, Masjid – 02
18) Hamriya, Street – 02
19) Abu Hail, Masjid Al Salam – 01
20) Abu Hail – 01
21) Abu Hail, Masjid Ashram – 01
22) Majid English School – 01
23) Hor Al Anz, Turnoff – 02
24) Abu Baker Al Siddique Road – 02
25) The Center – 02
26) Muraqqabat, Police Station 2 – 01
27) Crowne Plaza Hotel Deira 2 – 01
28) Reef Mall – 02
29) Salah Al Din Metro Bus Stop – 02
30) Deira, Fish Roundabout 2 – 01
31) Deira, Taxi Station – 01
32) Union Metro Bus Stop B – 01
33) Deira, Beniyas Road – 01
34) Al Sabkha Marine Transport Station – 2
35) Emirates NBD – 01
36) Deira, Old Souq – 01
37) Al Ras, Public Library – 01
38) Al Ras Metro Bus Stop – 02
38) Gold Souq Bus Station – 15
What can you do during a C28 bus Route?
- Al Baraha Station (Start):
- Pro tip: Arrive 10 minutes early; the station’s shaded seating fills up quickly at midday.
- Nearby gems: Grab a mug of tea from the stall outside. It’s a rite of passage here.
- Al Muraqqabat, Emirates Tower Hotel:
- Why it’s important: This is your last chance to grab a snack before heading to the beach. A mini-mart near the stop sells everything from sunscreen to crisps.
- Al Qiyadah Metro Station:
- Seamless transfers: Coming from another emirate? The Green Line connects here, and the bus stop is a 2-minute walk from Exit 3.
- Al Nahda, Dubai Municipality Staff Housing:
- Local insight: If you’re looking to take a detour, head out here. The area’s hidden parks are great for a quiet stroll.
- Mamzar Beach Park (Final Stop):
- Don’t miss: The bus stops right at Gate 2, where the ticket counters are less crowded than the main entrance.
C28 Bus Timings
The RTA’s schedule is a starting point, but Dubai’s rhythm has its own rules. Here’s what you won’t find on their website:
Weekdays (Monday–Friday):
- Early Birds (5:30–7:00 AM): Empty seats, cool breeze, and fishermen heading to the docks. Perfect for photographers.
- Rush Hour (7–9 AM): Packed with schoolkids and office workers. Stand near the rear door for a quicker exit.
- Midday (11 AM–3 PM): Ghost-town vibes. Ideal for seniors or parents with strollers.
- Evening (5–8 PM): Sunset chasers en route to Mamzar. Secure a window seat on the right for golden skyline views.
Weekends (Saturday & Sunday):
- Family Hours (9 AM–12 PM): Expect picnic baskets and beach umbrellas crowding the aisle.
- Late Night (Post 10 PM): Fewer buses, but a serene ride past lit-up skyscrapers.
Holiday Hack: During Eid or National Day, add 15–20 minutes to your plan. Road closures for fireworks near Mamzar can delay arrivals.
Fare Secrets & Nol Card Hacks
Some blogs claim that bus fares in Dubai vary depending on the fare zones, but the fare for the C28 bus is always 3 AED, whether you start or end the journey. This means that zone restrictions do not apply to this particular bus.
Nol Card Tricks:
- Auto-Top-Up: If you want your Nol Card balance to be automatically recharged, you can link it with the RTA app. This will save you from having to worry about running out of balance while traveling.
- Group Savings: Children under the age of five can travel for free. If you have small children with you, it is a good idea to take a stroller to avoid crowds and make the journey comfortable.
Mamzar Beach Park
You’re not just taking a bus you’re unlocking a day of hidden adventures. Here’s how to maximize your trip:
Amenities you’ll love:
BBQ Zones: If you want to BBQ in the park, book a spot online in advance (yes, the park has Wi-Fi!)
Bike Rentals: Skip the walking; pedal along the 4.5km coastline.
Secret Cove: Near Gate 4, a rocky outcrop offers Instagram-worthy tide pools.
Avoid these mistakes:
Weekend Crowds: Chaos on Fridays. Arrive before 10 AM or after 4 PM.
Ignoring the tides: Check Dubai’s tide times. Low tide reveals sandbars that are perfect for shell hunting.
Tips For Riding in C28 Bus
Window seat strategy: Sit on the right side for a glimpse of the middle of Dubai Creek.
Driver attitude: Smile and wave to the driver — it’s common courtesy here, and they may wait if they see you running to the stop.
Monsoon season: Rare but real. Buses are delayed if it rains. Follow @RTA_Dubai on Twitter for live alerts.
Alternatives… But Why Bother?
Taxi fares: A cream from Al Barsha costs AED 30-40, but you’ll miss out on the camaraderie of bus regulars arguing over football scores. Taxis can get you around quickly, but you might make some friends on the bus.
Metro + Walking: The Red Line connects to Al Rigga, but a 15-minute walk to Mumtaz in the scorching heat? No thanks
FAQs
Foldable bodyboards fit, but full-sized surfboards? Drivers might frown and opt for a taxi.
Yes! Front rows are reserved. Pink signage makes it easy to spot.
The E306 night bus runs until 1 AM from Al Nahda, but it’s a 20-minute walk from Mamzar. Keep RTA’s emergency number (+971 800 9090) saved.
Conclusion
The C28 isn’t just a bus it’s a lifeline for beach lovers, thrifty explorers, and curious souls. With this guide, you’re not just following a schedule you’re tapping into years of collective commuter wisdom. So slap on that sunscreen, charge your Nol card, and let the C28 turn your Mamzar Beach day into an effortless adventure.
Share your C28 story in the comments! For live updates, bookmark RTA’s C28 page or DM me I reply to every question!
