F43 Route: Understanding it
What is the F43 Bus?
F43 is the feeder route of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority. The F43 route connects Metro users at Ibn Battuta Metro Station on the Red Line to Discovery Gardens or Jebel Ali Gardens.
F43 Route
- Service area includes one of Dubai’s largest residential areas.
- Reduces dependency on private cars.
- Supports Dubai’s Green Mobility Strategy for 2030
- Red Line Metro provides reliable access for residents, office workers, students, and other users.
Updated F43 bus timetable for 2025
F43 timetable has been designed in accordance with the Red Line Metro schedule to allow passengers easy access between both.
| Day | First Bus | Last Bus | Frequency |
| Monday to Thursday | 5:05 AM | 12:10 PM | Every 10-20 minutes |
| Saturday | 5:05 AM | 12:2:30 AM | Every 10-20 minutes |
| Weekend | 5:10 AM | 12:2:30 AM | Every 15-25 minutes |
Timings of the RTA may differ slightly depending on traffic and updates to RTA schedules.
Peak and Off-Peak frequency
- Morning rush (6:00-7:00 AM): every 10-12 mins
- Midday (10 AM-4 PM): every 15-20 minutes
- Evening rush (5-8:00 PM): every 10 minutes
- Evening (9 pm-12 am): every 25-30 minutes
Travel Time
It takes between 35 and 40 minutes to complete a full circuit from Ibn Battuta Gardens to Discovery Gardens, depending on the traffic.
F43 route overview and map
Starting and ending points
- Start: Ibn Battuta Metro Station (Bus Stop – Food Court 3 side)
- End: Ibn Battuta Metro Station (Circular route)
Route: Key Stops
- Ibn Battuta Metro Station
- Jebel Ali Gardens 1
- Jebel Ali Gardens 2
- Jebel Ali Gardens 3
- Discovery Gardens (Multiple Stops)
- Discovery Gardens Pavilion Mall
- Jebel Ali Gardens Main Entrance
- Return to Ibn Battuta Metro Station
Landmarks Nearby
- Ibn Battuta Mall is a dining, entertainment, retail, and cinema hub.
- Discovery Gardens Pavilion is a community shopping center.
- Carrefour Market is a grocery store near Pavilion Stop.
- Schools: Dubai British School, Winchester School
- Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) access
Nol Cards, Tickets & Fares
Zone 2: Fare Structure
Dubai Nol Card is used to pay for the F43 buses in Zone 2.
| Card Type | Description | Fare (AED) |
| Silver Card | Regular commuters | AED 3- 5 |
| Gold Card | Gold Class Access | AED 6 to 10 |
| Blue Card | Personalized Nol Card | AED 3- 5 |
| Red Ticket | Visitor Card | AED 4 to 6 |
Nol Card: How To Use It
- When boarding, tap your card onto the reader.
- When exiting, tap again.
- Automatically, the correct fare is deducted.
If you fail to tap out, the full fare will be charged.
Choose from a range of Top-Up options
- Metro ticket machines at Ibn Battuta
- RTA vending machines and kiosks
- Zoom and Carrefour Stores
- RTA Dubai App and S’hail
Bus Features & Passenger Comfort
It has large, comfortable windows and is air-conditioned. Digital displays feature bilingual announcements and English and Arabic. Wheelchairs, strollers, and priority seating for the elderly and women are available.
Bus Shelter Amenities
- Waiting shelters with air conditioning
- Next-bus digital indicators
- Safety and security through CCTV surveillance
- Seating areas that are clean and clear of route maps
Nearby Attraction
Discovery Gardens
The district is divided into four clusters: Zen, Mediterranean Mogul, and Contemporary. Cluster is served by the F43, which makes it the easiest commuter route for residents.
Jebel Ali Gardens
Jebel Ali Garden is home to many families and relies on Metro F43 access.
Nearby Amenities
- Shops like supermarkets, mosques, and clinics
- Sheikh Zayed Road is easily accessible.
- Discovery Gardens Pavilion is within walking distance.
Connectivity with Dubai Metro and Other Routes
Metro Connection
The F43 is connected to the Dubai Metro Red Line at the Ibn Battuta Metro Station. This allows access to:
- Dubai Marina & JLT
- Business Bay
- Dubai Mall / Burj Khalifa
- Union Station (Deira)
- Dubai International Airport T1 and T3
Additional Feeder Buses
Passengers can travel to the following destinations from Ibn Battuta:
- Gardens Route F45
- F46: Al Furjan
- F47: Jebel Ali Industrial Area
- F55: Al Maktoum International Airport (Expo Route)
Intercity Bus Link
Ibn Battuta Bus Station is also a stop for:
- E101: Abu Dhabi – Ibn Battuta
- E102: Mussafah – Ibn Battuta
Digital Tools & Smart Travel
RTA Dubai App Features
- Tracking F43 buses in real-time
- Plan your trip with Metro + Bus Integration.
- Calculator and balance check for Nol.
- Route alerts and smart ticketing
Smart Nol Integration
- Top-ups online
- Set up for automatic recharge.
- See past trip details and fare reductions.
Download Recommended Apps
- Official RTA journey planner
- Bus tracking live for F43 buses with Moovit.
- Google Maps: Real-time arrival estimates
Sustainability & Benefits
Savings on Time & Money
F43 provides affordable commutes, as it eliminates parking costs and fuel expenses. Regular frequency allows passengers to save time and money when compared with taxis and ride-sharing.
Environmental Impact
Every RTA bus can reduce dozens of trips in private cars per day. F43 is a direct contribution to Dubai’s Clean Energy Vision 2050. It reduces emissions and encourages sustainable mobility.
Accessibility and Inclusiveness
Inclusive People
F43 is RTA’s universally accessible fleet.
- Wheelchair ramps
- Priority Zones onboard
- Stops are announced with audio and visual warnings.
Safety measures
- Cameras are installed in buses and shelters.
- Emergency Buttons
- Drivers who follow RTA safety protocols are well-trained.
Passenger Rules & Etiquette
Code of Conduct
The RTA code of conduct is mandatory for all passengers.
- Onboard eating and drinking are prohibited.
- Loud music and phone calls
- Priority seating areas
- Keep aisles clear
Fines & Penalties
| Violation | Fine (AED) |
| Traveling without a Nol Card that is not valid | 200 |
| No tapping or out | 200 |
| Damaging bus property | 500 |
| Unacceptable behavior or disturbance | 300 |
Future upgrades on F43 route
Blue Line Metro Integration
Dubai’s Blue Line Metro is set to connect the southern zone of the city, and F43 will be linked with its stations.
Deployment of electric buses
RTA will introduce hybrid and electric buses by 2030 on routes such as F43. This is to reduce noise pollution and the carbon footprint.
AI-based Scheduling
Artificial intelligence can optimize the frequency of buses in real time based on traffic and demand, making F43 more efficient.
RTA Support & Lost Item Assistance
Customer Service
- Hotline: 800 9090
- Website: rta.ae
- Mobile App: RTA Dubai
- Located in metro stations, malls, and shopping centers
Lost & Found Process
- Note the time and date, as well as the route of your bus (F43).
- Reports can be submitted via the app or by calling our hotline.
- RTA monitors items using CCTV footage and reports from drivers.
New Commuter Tips
Plan Ahead
Avoid long lines and crowds by using the RTA App or Google Maps.
Maintain Your NOL Card Charged
Maintain a minimum balance of AED7 to guarantee smooth boarding.
Select the best time
Avoid rush hour traffic for a faster, quieter ride.
Why choose the F43 Bus for Dubai
The F43 bus is a combination of comfort, affordability, and reliability – everything that a Dubai commuter could want. It is one of the most efficient RTA routes, thanks to its frequent departures and modern buses.F43 will get you to your destination comfortably, on time, whether you are heading to Ibn Battuta Mall to shop or to transfer to the Metro.
Conclusion
F43 is a vital bus service that connects residents of Discovery Gardens to Ibn Battuta Metro Station. It offers convenience, affordability, and modern buses with frequent departures.
You can contribute to a cleaner environment in Dubai by choosing public transportation like F43. It is also a cost-effective and stress-free way of getting around. The next time you want to go to the metro station from Discovery Gardens, take the F43 and be smart.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How do I find the F43 bus routes in Dubai
The F43 feeder bus is operated by RTA and connects Ibn Battuta Metro Station to Discovery Gardens, Jebel Ali Gardens.
What is the F43 bus timetable?
Every 10-25 minutes, it runs between 5:05 am and 12:10 am on weekdays. On weekends, this service is available until 12:30 am.
What is the F43 fare?
If you have a Nol Card, the fare will be AED 3 to 5 (Zone 2)
What is the stop for F43?
The major stops are the Ibn Battuta Metro Station, Discovery Gardens Pavilion, and Jebel Ali Gardens Clusters.
Can I use my Nol Card for the F43?
All Nol Silver and Gold tickets, as well as Blue and Red Nol Tickets, are acceptable.
How long does the F43 route take?
The entire loop will take approximately 35-40 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Blog: Full Visitor Handbook for Ibn Battuta Mall Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai
