Dubai C26 bus route is a comfortable and affordable way to travel, taking you from Al Wasl Park to Al Qusais Industrial Area. The bus covers the 10km distance in around 45 minutes, and the fare is always 5 AED, no matter where you start your journey. This route not only provides travel convenience but also reflects Dubai’s diverse culture. In this guide, you will be informed about the bus route, fares, stops, and important details to make your journey more convenient and enjoyable.
C26 Bus Route Overview
Let’s face it, Dubai traffic can make a short trip seem long. The C26 bus offers a budget-friendly escape, but its real value lies in the details that most guidebooks don’t include. Here’s why locals trust it:
- Bus Fare: The C26 bus fare is 5 AED, providing a budget-friendly travel option. Zone restrictions do not apply to this bus, meaning you can reach your entire destination for a single price.
- Stops: There are a total of 29 stops along the C26 bus route, including major destinations such as Al Karama, Al Mankhool, and Al Nahda. The bus’s stopping times at each stop may vary, so it’s best to check before departure.
- Timings: This bus operates daily from 5:15 am to 11:49 pm, and is available at various times throughout the day. The bus is more crowded during rush hour, while it is relatively less crowded during the afternoon and evening.
- Distance: The C26 bus covers a distance of approximately 15 km from Wasl Park Terminus to Qusais Industrial Area Terminus, which takes approximately 65 to 75 minutes to complete.
C26 Bus Route
The official route map shows where the bus goes, but the real experience tells you what to expect along the way. Here you will also be described the route with the help of a map.
There are a total of 29 bus stops on this route, which stretches from Al Wasl Park to Qusais Industrial Area. The C26 bus covers this distance in approximately 65 to 75 minutes, with a total distance of 15 kilometers.
1. Wasl Park Terminus – 1
2. Khadri Masjid – 02
3. Satwa, Square – 2
4. Satwa, Masjid 2 – 01
5. Satwa, Post Office – 01
6. Satwa, Roundabout – 02
7. Al Jafiliya Landside Metro Bus Stop – 1
8. Department Of Health – 02
9. Adcb Metro Bus Stop Landside – 1
10. Karama, Dubai Municipality Center – 01
11. Karama, Ent. – 02
12. Central Post Office – 02
13. College Of Islamic Studies 2 – 01
14. Dnata – 01
15. Traffic Police Department – 01
16. Twar 1, Intersection – 01
17. Airport Terminal 2, Departure – 01
18. Airport Terminal 2, Arrival – 01
19. Maria Qibtiya School – 01
20. Dafza – 01
21. Twar 1, Emarat Al Mawred – 02
22. Al Khulafa’A Al Rashideen Boys School – 01
23. Dubai Grand Hotel – 01
24. Damascus Road 1 – 02
25. Damascus Road 2 – 02
26. Damascus Road 3 – 02
27. Damascus Road 4 – 02
28. Qusais Industrial Area, Etisalat – 01
29. Qusais Industrial Area, Terminus – 01
What can you do during a C26 bus Route?
At the stops along the C26 bus route, you will also find popular tea stalls, mini-marts for shopping, and parks for relaxing. Passengers traveling on this route can also witness Dubai’s diverse cultural environment.
1) Al Wasl Park (Start):
Pro tip: Arrive 10 minutes early, as the shaded seating here fills up quickly at noon. Nearby gems: Don’t forget to grab a cup of tea from the nearby tea stall, it’s a local tradition.
2) Al Mankhool, Emirates Tower Hotel:
Why it’s important: This is the last chance to stock up on food and drinks, as there’s a long journey ahead. The nearby store has everything from sunscreen to snacks.
3) Al Karama Metro Station:
Seamless transfers: Coming from another emirate? The Green Line metro connects here, and the bus stop is just two minutes away.
4) Al Nahda, Dubai Municipality Staff Housing:
Local insight: If you want to stop somewhere along the way, this is the perfect spot. The hidden parks here are perfect for a stroll.
5) Qusais Industrial Area (Final Stop):
Don’t miss: The bus terminus offers easy access to nearby industrial centers, making it a prime point for work or business activities.
C26 Bus Timings
The C26 bus service varies at specific times during the week. The morning rush is light while office hours are busy. Here’s a summary of what to expect during your trip at different times of the day.
Monday to Friday Bus Timings
| First | Second | Third | Last | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:00 AM | 5:15 AM | 5:30 AM | 10:30 PM | Every 15 min |
| 6:02 AM | 6:18 AM | 6:34 AM | 11:38 PM | Every 15 min |
| 5:00 AM | 5:15 AM | 5:30 AM | 11:00 PM | Up to 15 min |
| 5:55 AM | 6:12 AM | 6:33 AM | 12:04 AM | Up to 15 min |
- Early Birds (5:00–7:00 AM): Empty seats, cool air, and people going to work. Best time for a comfortable and fast journey.
- Rush Hour (7:00–9:00 AM): School children and office workers are more on the bus, and stand near the back door to get off quickly.
- Midday (11:00 AM–3:00 PM): Less crowded, best time for senior citizens and parents.
- Evening (5:00–8:00 PM): Get a window seat on the right side to see the sunset.
Saturday & Sunday Bus Timings
On weekends, the C26 bus is mostly used by families, tourists, and leisure travelers. The rush hour ratio also varies, as people go out for picnics, shopping, and other recreational activities.
| First | Second | Third | Last | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:30 AM | 5:45 AM | 6:00 AM | 11:30 PM | Every 15 min |
| 6:26 AM | 6:44 AM | 7:02 AM | 12:29 PM | Every 15 min |
| 5:30 AM | 5:45 AM | 6:00 AM | 11:30 PM | Up to 15 min |
| 6:25 AM | 6:40 AM | 6:55 AM | 12:25 AM | Up to 15 min |
- Family Hours (9:00 AM–12:00 PM): Mostly families and picnickers on the bus. Early departure is recommended.
- Late Night (Post 10:00 PM): Buses are less crowded, but this is the best time to see the bright views of Dubai.
- Holiday Hack: Allow an extra 15-20 minutes on occasions like Eid or National Day, as major routes may be closed, which may cause delays in the arrival of buses.
Fare Secrets & Nol Card Hacks
Some blogs claim that bus fares in Dubai vary depending on the fare zones, but the fare for the C26 bus is always 5 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.
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 C26 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.
C26 Bus Alternatives
- Taxi fare: If you want to go from Al Wasl Park to Al Qusais Industrial Area, a taxi fare can range between 30-50 AED. This is a fast and comfortable option, but you will miss out on the cheap bus fare and the real daily sights of Dubai during the journey. Traveling by bus allows you to share experiences with local travelers and get to know the city better.
- Metro + Walking: The Green Line of the Dubai Metro connects to stations near Qusais, but it can take extra time compared to the bus. You may have to walk 10-15 minutes from the metro station to reach the Al Qusais Industrial Area, which can be difficult, especially in the summer season. The C26 bus goes directly to the Industrial Area, so it is a more comfortable and budget-friendly option.
FAQs
Foldable bodyboards are allowed, but full-size surfboards? Drivers may be reluctant and suggest you take a taxi.
Yes! The front rows are reserved for women. This is easily identified by the pink markings.
The E306 night bus runs from Al Nahda until 1 am, but it is a 20-minute walk from Mumzaar. Keep the RTA emergency number (+971 800 9090) handy.
Conclusion
The C26 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, and charge your NOL card.
Share your C26 story in the comments! For live updates, bookmark RTA’s C26 page or DM me I reply to every question!
