Khorfakkan, a stunning coastal city on Sharjah’s eastern coast, is known for its beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and the iconic Al Rafisah Dam. While driving is the most common way, taking the bus from Dubai to Khorfakkan is an affordable and scenic alternative.
Though there is no direct bus from Dubai to Khorfakkan. You will need to take two separate bus services: first from Dubai to Sharjah’s Al Jubail Bus Station, and then from Al Jubail Bus Station to Khorfakkan Bus Station. The total journey takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, including transfer time, and costs between AED 45 and AED 90 depending on the route and operator.
The journey is operated by two different authorities. The first leg from Dubai to Sharjah is managed by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The second leg from Sharjah to Khorfakkan is operated by the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA). Both buses are air-conditioned and comfortable, with designated luggage storage areas.
This guide covers everything you need to know about bus routes, fares, schedules, and travel tips for 2026.
Option 1: RTA Bus E700 via Masafi (Recommended)
This is the most direct and fastest bus connection, avoiding the transfer at Al Jubail. The E700 bus from Dubai’s Etisalat Bus Station goes directly to Masafi, which is only a short 20-minute taxi ride from Khorfakkan. This option reduces total travel time to approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
Step 1: Take the RTA Bus E700 from Etisalat Bus Station to Masafi
The E700 bus is an intercity route that connects Dubai with Fujairah, passing through Masafi. The bus departs from Etisalat Bus Station (located at Etisalat Metro Station on the Green Line) and travels along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311).
- Departure Location: Etisalat Bus Station 12, Al Qusais (next to Etisalat Metro Station, Green Line)
- Arrival Location: Masafi, Hospital 1 or Masafi, Police Station 1
- Frequency: Every 2 to 3 hours, with more frequent departures during peak times
- First Departure: Approximately 5:30 AM from Etisalat Bus Station
- Last Departure: Approximately 9:00 PM
- Journey Time: 1 hour 29 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes
- Fare: AED 15 to AED 26 (approximately $4–$7 USD)
The bus makes several stops along the way, including stops in Dubai Silicon Oasis and other key locations. Seats are comfortable, and the bus has air conditioning throughout.
Step 2: Taxi from Masafi to Khorfakkan
From Masafi, you will need to take a taxi for the final leg to Khorfakkan. The distance is approximately 15–20 km, and the journey takes about 20 minutes by taxi.
- Distance: 15–20 km
- Taxi Fare: AED 30 to AED 50 (RTA taxi rates approximately AED 2.26 per km)
- Availability: Taxis are usually available at Masafi bus stops; if not, you can call a taxi via the Careem or Hala Taxi app.
- Tip: Ask the bus driver to drop you at the stop where taxis are more readily available.
Total cost for Option 1: AED 45 to AED 76
Total time: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours (excluding waiting time for the bus)
E700 Bus Timings (2026 Approximate)
The schedule below is approximate and subject to change. Always check the RTA website or the S’hail app for real-time updates.
| Departure from Etisalat Bus Station | Arrival at Masafi |
|---|---|
| 5:30 AM | 7:00 AM |
| 6:30 AM | 8:00 AM |
| 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM |
| 9:30 AM | 11:00 AM |
| 11:00 AM | 12:30 PM |
| 12:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| 2:00 PM | 3:30 PM |
| 3:30 PM | 5:00 PM |
| 5:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| 6:30 PM | 8:00 PM |
| 8:00 PM | 9:30 PM |
Tip: The morning bus from Etisalat Bus Station can be crowded, especially on weekends. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to secure a seat.
Option 2: Transfer at Al Jubail Bus Station (Alternative Route)
This route uses two separate bus services: first from Dubai to Sharjah’s Al Jubail Bus Station, then from Al Jubail to Khorfakkan Bus Station. This option takes longer but may be more suitable if you are starting from central Dubai or Sharjah.
Step 1: Take RTA Bus E303 or E306 from Dubai to Al Jubail
From Union Bus Station or Etisalat Bus Station, take an RTA bus to Sharjah’s Al Jubail Bus Station. The E303 bus from Union Bus Station to Al Jubail is one of the most frequent intercity routes.
- Departure Location: Union Bus Station (Deira, near Union Metro Station)
- Arrival Location: Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah
- Bus Number: E303 (Union–Al Jubail) or E306 (Etisalat–Al Jubail)
- Frequency: Every 15 to 20 minutes
- First Departure: Approximately 5:00 AM
- Last Departure: Approximately 11:00 PM
- Journey Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Fare: AED 4 to AED 10
Step 2: Take SRTA Bus 116 from Al Jubail to Khorfakkan
From Al Jubail Bus Station, take the SRTA Bus 116 directly to Khorfakkan Bus Station. This bus runs hourly throughout the day.
- Departure Location: Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah
- Arrival Location: Khorfakkan Bus Station, Khorfakkan
- Bus Number: SRTA Bus 116
- Frequency: Hourly (approximately)
- First Departure: Approximately 5:30 AM
- Last Departure: Approximately 11:00 PM
- Journey Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Fare: AED 33 to AED 40 ($9–$11 USD)
Total cost for Option 2: AED 37 to AED 50
Total time: Approximately 4 hours (excluding transfer waiting time)
SRTA Bus 116 Timings (2026 Approximate)
The schedule below is approximate and based on publicly available information. Use the RTA Sharjah app for real-time schedules.
| Departure from Al Jubail Bus Station | Arrival at Khorfakkan Bus Station |
|---|---|
| 5:30 AM | 8:00 AM |
| 6:30 AM | 9:00 AM |
| 7:30 AM | 10:00 AM |
| 8:30 AM | 11:00 AM |
| 9:30 AM | 12:00 PM |
| 10:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| 11:30 AM | 2:00 PM |
| 12:30 PM | 3:00 PM |
| 1:30 PM | 4:00 PM |
| 2:30 PM | 5:00 PM |
| 3:30 PM | 6:00 PM |
| 4:30 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 5:30 PM | 8:00 PM |
| 6:30 PM | 9:00 PM |
| 7:30 PM | 10:00 PM |
| 8:30 PM | 11:00 PM |
Payment Methods: Nol Card vs. Cash vs. Sayer Card
Understanding the payment systems for each leg of your journey is essential to avoid issues.
For RTA Buses (Dubai to Sharjah or Etisalat to Masafi)
- Nol Card required: Dubai RTA buses do not accept cash. You must have a Nol Silver, Gold, or Red Ticket to board.
- Minimum balance: Ensure your Nol card has at least AED 15 for intercity travel.
- Where to top up: Metro stations, ticket vending machines, or the nol Pay app.
For SRTA Buses (Sharjah to Khorfakkan)
- Cash payment accepted: You can pay with cash directly to the driver. Standard fare is AED 8 per journey.
- Sayer Card (recommended): A reloadable smart card that offers discounted fares (AED 6 instead of AED 8). Available at Sharjah bus stations.
- No Nol card accepted: SRTA buses do not accept Dubai’s Nol card; you will need separate payment.
Getting to the Starting Bus Stations in Dubai
Reaching the correct starting bus station is the first step. Here is how to get to each departure point.
How to Reach Etisalat Bus Station (E700 Bus)
Etisalat Bus Station is located directly at Etisalat Metro Station on the Dubai Metro Green Line. Take the Green Line to Etisalat Metro Station, and the bus station is a short walk from the metro exit. Signage is clear and well-marked. From anywhere in Dubai, you can take the Red Line to Union Metro Station and transfer to the Green Line.
How to Reach Union Bus Station (E303/E306 Buses)
Union Bus Station is located adjacent to Union Metro Station (Red and Green Line interchange). Exit the metro station and follow the signs for “Union Bus Station” or “Intercity Buses.” The bus station is less than 5 minutes on foot. From the metro station, cross the street towards the Al Ghurair Centre side and you will see the bus terminal.
Important: For the E303 bus, ensure you are taking the intercity bus to Sharjah (Al Jubail), not the local city buses. Look for “E303” displayed on the front of the bus.
Dubai to Khorfakkan Bus Cost Comparison
The table below summarises the cost, duration, and number of transfers for each bus route.
| Route | Total Cost (AED) | Total Duration | Number of Transfers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option 1: E700 (Etisalat → Masafi) + Taxi | 45 – 76 | 2 – 2.5 hours | 1 (taxi) |
| Option 2: E303/E306 (Dubai → Al Jubail) + Bus 116 | 37 – 50 | 4 – 5 hours | 1 (bus transfer) |
| Organised Day Tour (from Dubai) | 150 – 300 | 10 – 12 hours (including sightseeing) | 0 (direct pickup/drop-off) |
Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey to Khorfakkan
Follow these tips to make your bus trip from Dubai to Khorfakkan comfortable and hassle-free.
Plan Ahead and Check Schedules
Bus frequencies on weekends (Friday and Saturday) may differ from weekdays. Some routes may have reduced service on Fridays. Use the RTA Dubai app (S’hail app) for real-time E700 bus tracking. For SRTA buses, download the “RTA Sharjah” app from Google Play or the Apple App Store for live bus tracking and schedules.
Arrive Early at the Bus Station
Arrive at your departure bus station at least 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The E700 bus in particular can fill up quickly, especially during morning peak hours and on weekends. If the bus is full, you will need to wait for the next departure which could be 2 to 3 hours later.
Bring Your Nol Card and Cash
Have your Nol card pre-loaded with sufficient balance for the RTA bus. For the SRTA bus, carry small denomination notes to pay the exact cash fare. For taxi transfers, you will need cash or your payment app. Keep coins and small bills handy for the taxi fare.
Pack Snacks and Water
The total journey time can be several hours, and there are limited food options at Masafi. Pack light snacks and a water bottle. You can also buy snacks at Al Jubail Bus Station during your transfer.
Manage Luggage Space
Both RTA and SRTA buses have designated luggage storage areas under the coach. Space is limited. Avoid bringing oversized luggage if possible. Keep valuables with you rather than in the luggage compartment.
Alternatives to the Bus
If the bus does not suit your needs, here are alternative ways to reach Khorfakkan from Dubai.
Driving by Car
The most flexible option is to drive. The journey from central Dubai to Khorfakkan takes approximately 90 minutes via the E611 and E102 highways. The route is well-maintained and offers scenic views of the Hajar Mountains. Tolls (Salik) apply on certain highways in Dubai.
Shared Taxi (Limousine Service)
Shared taxis depart from Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah. The fare is slightly higher than the bus, but the journey is faster. Shared taxis are available at designated taxi stands near major bus stations. The cost for a shared taxi from Sharjah to Khorfakkan is approximately AED 25 to 35 per seat.
Organised Day Tours from Dubai
Several tour operators offer day trips to Khorfakkan from Dubai. Pickup points include Deira City Centre, BurJuman, Al Barsha, Dragon Mart, and Ibn Battuta Mall. The tour includes bus transportation, visits to Fujairah Beach, Khorfakkan Waterfall, Al Rafisah Dam, and Snoopy Island. Drop-off is typically around 9:00 PM. Cost is higher but includes guided sightseeing.
Final Recommendation: For the fastest and most direct public transport option, take the E700 bus from Etisalat Bus Station to Masafi, then take a short taxi to Khorfakkan. This option combines affordability with reasonable travel time.
