You stand in front of Union Bus Station with a bag over your shoulder; you have 15 minutes left before catching your bus; you just do not have any chance to think about the location of the ticket counter in this huge station. You have no NOL card and cash that is in denominations required, and there are three blog posts opened on your cell phone giving you three different pieces of advice about the ticket counter.
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What Is Union Bus Station Ticket Counter – And Why Is There Always Talk About its Ticket Counter?
Union Bus Station Ticket Counter, or Union Square Bus Station, is the central bus station situated in the heart of the Deira district, Dubai. The station is located close to the Union Metro Station, linking the Red and Green lines of the Dubai Metro.
There are different names for this station: Union Bus Station Ticket Counter, Union Square Bus Station, or just “Union”. This station belongs to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and this is why the ticket counter is the subject of talks among travelers. In fact, this station is the key transport hub of the intercity transportation in the UAE, and there are great chances that you will start your journey here if you are going to Sharjah or Ajman.
Where is the Union Bus Station Ticket Counter (Location + Directions)
The location of theUnion Bus Station Ticket Counter that UAE travelers ask for is situated on Al Sagi Street in Al Rigga, Deira, close to the Union Square Mall. The counter is close to the main entrance and the bus platforms, and you will not need to go anywhere else after entering the station.
You will have to leave the Union Metro Station and move to the bus station if you use the metro. The driving directions will lead you to the place where you will be able to park your car, but note that spaces become occupied fast during the peak hours.
If you still cannot figure out the location of the Union Bus Station, here are the landmarks you can rely on:
- Al Rasul Mosque – right next to the station
- Union Square Post Office – right next to the station
- Union Square Mall – right next to the station
You can give the name of the station to your taxi driver “Union Bus Station Ticket Counter , Deira”, and he/she will bring you right to this place.
Union Bus Station Ticket Counter Hours – Is It Open 24/7?
Now you have to find out the exact Union bus station ticket counter opening hours. But first, let us warn you that the operating hours of the ticket counter and the bus routes are different. The buses work starting from 4:30 AM to midnight; however, some high traffic routes operate 24/7.
Most of the day the counter works, but we would advise you to avoid the following periods:
- 7 AM – 9 AM – the morning rush period
- 5 PM – 7 PM – the evening rush period
You will not have to wait in a queue if you visit the counter either in the morning or in the middle of the day.
During Ramadan and other holidays, the hours may be changed, so if you visit the station during this period, check the actual working hours in advance.
How to Buy a bus Ticket at Union Bus Station – All Options Available
You have four options for buying the bus ticket at this station:
At the Staffed Ticket Counter
This is the easiest way. The staff at the counter will sell you the ticket accepting both cash and card payment methods. The counter staff work with travelers all the time, so you do not have to worry about the difficulty of purchasing the ticket.
Remember to have exact change or, at least, small bills. In case you have an Emirates ID or some other form of identification, have it with you as sometimes it is needed to purchase some tickets.
Via Self-service Ticket Vending Kiosks
These touch screen kiosks are located all over the station and allow you to select the route, pay and get the ticket. These devices accept card payment and, in some cases, also cash payment. Having used it once, you will never go to the ticket counter again.
Via the Nol Card
This is the rechargeable ticket that can be used in the entire public transport in Dubai – buses, metro and tram. If you will travel through the UAE several times, this is one of the most convenient options. You can charge the card at the station and use it at the gate without buying the ticket again.
Through the RTA Website or S’hail App
RTA S’hail app allows you to check the schedule, find the route and in many cases, buy the tickets in advance.
[External authority source suggestion: Link directly to the official RTA website (rta.ae) here for live timings and fare information]
Union Bus Station Fares – How Much Will the Ticket Cost?
The cost of the ticket depends on the destination, but here is some general information for you:
| Route | Approx. Fare (AED) | Frequency |
| Dubai to Sharjah | Budget-friendly, low double digits | Frequent, multiple times per hour |
| Dubai to Ajman | Slightly higher than Sharjah | Regular intervals throughout the day |
| Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah | Mid-range pricing | Several departures daily |
| Dubai to Fujairah | Highest of the four, given the distance | A handful of scheduled departures daily |
Note that prices may change from time to time, so always check the current fare via RTA website or the S’hail app before traveling. In some cases, people who are eligible for the concession have a lower price for the ticket (students, senior citizens, People of Determination).
Routes You Can Travel on the Union Bus Station
Here is some information about the intercity routes available from this station:
- E303 to Sharjah
- E307 and E400 to Ajman
- To Ras Al Khaimah
- To Fujairah
And the intracity connections:
- Routes to Deira
- Bur Dubai
- Al Qusais
The buses run frequently during the day, but their frequency becomes lower during the evening hours. In case if you are traveling to some other city, check the schedule before the evening as some routes become very rare.
[Internal link suggestion: Link out to dedicated route guides here, such as “E303 Bus Timing Dubai to Sharjah” or “Union to Ajman Bus Schedule”, if you have them published.]
Other Facilities of the Union Bus Station besides the Ticket Counter
Here is the information about the facilities you can use in addition to the ticket purchase.
- Parking – short-term and long-term parking is available
- Luggage storage – there are lockers for those who have to store their luggage
- Accessibility – there are ramps and elevators for wheelchair users
- Nearby amenities – café, ATM and Whole Union Square Mall
If you have some free time before the departure, you can spend it in the mall or café nearby.
7 Tips for a Successful Visit to the Union Bus Station
Here is some advice that will help you during your visit to the station. Remember them before your next trip:
- Charge your Nol card before the trip. You will not need to visit the counter at all.
- Have some small AED notes with you. Transactions at the counter will be faster if you do not need to get the change.
- Do not visit the area of the mosque entrance during the Friday prayer. It is crowded.
- Check your platform number. Different routes depart from different platforms and mistakes happen.
- Check the bus location in real time via the S’hail app. It is better to guess when your bus will arrive.
- Visit the station 10-15 minutes earlier than the departure. Weekday buses to Sharjah and Ajman are very crowded.
- Check your tap. A bad tap will result in faregate issues that will take time.
Union Bus Station Ticket Counter vs. Booking Online – Which Is Better?
The staffed counter is the best choice for those travelers who need confirmation of the correct route choice, are new to the station or prefer to pay in cash. The self-service kiosk is perfect for travelers who know what they need and do not want to wait in the queue.
If you plan to book the tickets in advance, you should use the website or the S’hail app. It will help you to plan your trip before it happens.
| Method | Speed | Best For |
| Ticket Counter | Moderate | First-time travelers, cash payments |
| Self-Service Kiosk | Fast | Quick, no-fuss purchases |
| S’hail App | Fastest | Planning, real-time tracking |
The combination of Nol card with the S’hail app gives you the most convenient experience if you travel to this station frequently. Otherwise, the ticket counter is just fine.
FAQs
Where is the Union Bus Station ticket counter located in Dubai?
The union bus station ticket counter that UAE travelers look for is situated on Al Sagi Street in Al Rigga, Deira, right next to the Union Square Mall and a short walk from the Union Metro Station.
What are the Union Bus Station ticket counter timings?
The counter works most of the day, coinciding with the bus schedule from 4:30 AM to midnight. Note that there are some high-frequency routes that operate 24/7. Try to avoid 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM rush periods.
Is it possible to buy the ticket without visiting the counter?
Of course! You can use the self-service kiosks at the station, charge and use the Nol card or book the tickets online via the RTA website or the S’hail app.
How much does it cost to buy a ticket at Union Bus Station to Sharjah or Ajman?
Fares to Sharjah and Ajman are quite affordable – the ticket to Ajman costs slightly more than to Sharjah. Fares change from time to time, so check the RTA website or the S’hail app for the current fare.
Is Union Bus Station the same as Union Square Bus Station?
Yes, these stations are the same and are located in Deira, Dubai. You can see both names used interchangeably, but they refer to the same location.
Conclusion:
You have found the answer to your question – you know the location of the union bus station ticket counter UAE travelers talk about, what its working hours are, how to pay, how much it will cost you and how to avoid the mistakes of the newcomers.
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