Dubai: 5-Day Pass with Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Desert Tour

Traveling to Dubai? This 5-day sightseeing pass from Big Bus Tours offers an accessible way to explore the city’s most iconic sights, enjoy a desert sunset adventure, and unwind on a traditional dhow cruise—all at a reasonable price. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning visitor, this package packs in the essentials with flexibility and a few surprises along the way.

Our review highlights how this tour facilitates discovering Dubai at your own pace, with the added convenience of multiple included attractions. We love the combination of unlimited bus travel, authentic experiences like the desert tour, and extra perks like free entry to Dubai Frame and Atlantis’s lagoon. That said, one thing to consider is that the desert sunset tour operates only three days a week and isn’t wheelchair accessible, so planning ahead is key. This experience is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, cost-effective way to see the city while enjoying some unique adventures.

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Key Points

Flexible 5-day pass allows unlimited hop-on hop-off bus rides, giving you total control over your schedule.
Includes major attractions like Dubai Frame and Ambassadors Lagoon, helping you see both historic and modern Dubai.
Desert sunset tour offers a different perspective on Dubai’s landscape, with cultural shows and interactions.
One-hour dhow cruise combines sightseeing with unlimited pizza and drinks, making for a relaxed experience.
Informative audio commentary in six languages enhances your understanding of iconic sights.
Good value for money as multiple attractions and experiences are bundled into a single ticket.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Dubai with the 5-Day Pass

This all-in-one ticket is designed for travelers who want to maximize their Dubai experience without fussing over individual bookings. You get unlimited access to the Big Bus’s two routes—the Red and Blue—covering the city’s top landmarks and beaches. The Red Route takes you past the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the historic Al Fahidi Fort, while the Blue Route offers scenic rides along Jumeirah’s coastline, including Ain Dubai and Atlantis the Palm.

Travel in comfort thanks to air-conditioned buses with audio guides available in six languages. The routes are thoughtfully designed, meaning you can hop off, explore, and hop back on at your leisure. Several reviewers, such as Luca and Paul, appreciated how this approach makes city exploration simple and stress-free. Luca especially mentioned the ease of hopping on and off multiple days, appreciating that it’s “the most easiest way to explore a city.”

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The Attractions Included

Dubai Frame

This modern architectural marvel offers spectacular panoramic views of Dubai’s old and new sections. From the observation deck, you can compare the historic Deira district with the gleaming skyline of downtown—ideal for snapping photos and gaining perspective on Dubai’s rapid growth. Reviewers like Wendy highlighted that it’s “worth going on for the views,” and others found it a good introductory point for understanding Dubai’s layout.

Ambassadors Lagoon at Atlantis The Palm

Home to over 65,000 marine animals, this enormous aquapark is a must-see for families and marine life enthusiasts. Access is included with your pass, offering a chance to see the underwater world up close. Many guests, like Mariana, found this to be “good value for money,” especially as it’s part of the bundle.

More Great Tours Nearby

Desert Sunset Safari

Operating on select days (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday), this guided adventure begins at Dubai Mall and takes you into the desert for a stunning sunset experience. Visitors often interact with camels, falcons, and horses, and get a taste of Bedouin culture with shows and henna tattooing. Reviewers like Sandra found the desert tour “worth going on” for the different perspective it offers of Dubai’s landscape, even if the experience wasn’t “as exciting as imagined.” It’s a relaxing way to escape the city and witness a truly different side of Dubai.

There's plenty more to explore in Dubai

Dhow Creek Cruise

This one-hour river cruise offers views of Dubai’s historic creek, with unlimited pizza and soft drinks included. It’s a chilled experience, as Wendy pointed out, with the opportunity to see landmarks like Al Fahidi Fort from the water, coupled with tasty food. Several reviews mentioned the cruise as “nice” and a good way to wind down after a day of sightseeing.

How the Bus Routes Enhance Your Experience

The Red Route is a highlight, passing Dubai’s most famous landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Gold & Spice Souks. The commentary adds layers of insight, and the stops are conveniently located for easy exploration. For example, Luca appreciated the detailed information that made each stop more meaningful, and Wendy noted that drivers and staff were “great and took the time to speak with us.”

The Blue Route offers a scenic ride along Jumeirah Beach, with stops at Ain Dubai, Media City, and Atlantis. It’s perfect for capturing photos and relaxing while enjoying Dubai’s beachfront vibe. Several travelers found this route especially helpful for discovering areas they might not have explored otherwise.

Practicalities and Considerations

The price of $109 per person for five days of unlimited bus travel and multiple attractions is quite competitive. When you factor in the entry to the Dubai Frame, lagoon, desert tour, and dhow cruise, the overall value becomes clear. It’s an efficient way to see a lot without paying separately for each experience, especially for those on a budget or with limited time.

However, note that hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to plan your start point accordingly—either at the designated bus stops or nearby accommodations. The buses depart from and return to the same main location near Dubai Mall, simplifying logistics.

The desert tour operates only three days a week and isn’t wheelchair accessible. If you have mobility concerns, it’s worth considering this. Also, travelers arriving via cruise ship should note that transfers between the port and Dubai city aren’t included, so you’ll need to organize transport.

Reviews from Travelers: Real Insights

Many guests praised the knowledgeable guides and friendly staff. Luca mentioned the tour was “packed with things to do and see,” and Wendy said the commentary was “clear and very informative.” Several reviewers, like Karen, pointed out the exceptional customer service, with staff going above and beyond—such as helping with lost tickets during a medical emergency.

The value for money consistently stood out, with Mariana stating it was “perfect” and Kali adding that it’s “truly, truly amazing value for money.” The flexibility to hop on and off means you can tailor your day, whether you want to spend longer at the Dubai Mall or catch a sunset at the desert.

Some reviews mentioned minor hiccups, like traffic delays on Blue Route, or buses that could be more modern, but overall, the service was rated very positively. Sonya suggested opting for the deluxe version if available, for even more free entries and tours.

The Sum Up

This Dubai 5-Day Pass offers excellent value, especially for those who want to see the city from multiple angles—by bus, boat, and in the desert. It caters well to travelers who appreciate flexibility, want to maximize their time, and prefer bundled experiences that eliminate the hassle of booking individually.

The inclusion of major attractions like Dubai Frame and Atlantis Lagoon makes it a practical choice for first-timers eager to tick off Dubai’s highlights. The unlimited hop-on hop-off buses provide the freedom to explore at your own pace, while the desert sunset and dhow cruise add a touch of adventure and relaxation.

While not perfect—particularly the limited operation days for the desert tour and the absence of hotel transfers—this pass delivers a comprehensive Dubai experience at a very competitive price. It’s especially suitable for families, first-time visitors, and budget-conscious travelers seeking a well-rounded, convenient way to navigate Dubai’s dazzling sights.

FAQ

Does the 5-day pass include hotel pick-up and drop-off?
No, hotel transfers are not included. You’ll need to start your journey from the designated bus stops or your accommodation nearby.

Can I join the hop-on hop-off bus tour from any stop?
Yes, your tickets are valid for five consecutive days from your first use, and you can board at any stop along the route with your QR code or mobile voucher.

When does the desert sunset tour operate?
The desert tour runs on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, departing from Dubai Mall. Be sure to check the schedule for availability.

Is the desert tour wheelchair accessible?
No, currently the desert sunset tour isn’t accessible for wheelchair users.

How long does each bus route take?
The Historical (Red) Route takes about 2.5 hours, while the Dubai Marina (Blue) Route takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic.

What attractions are included in the ticket?
Entry to Dubai Frame and Ambassadors Lagoon, a 1-hour dhow cruise with unlimited pizza and drinks, and the desert sunset tour are included.

Do I need to book attractions in advance?
Tickets for attractions like Dubai Frame and Lagoon should be collected from a Big Bus Tours team member before visiting. The dhow cruise departs multiple times daily, so you can choose a convenient time.

This comprehensive Dubai pass offers a practical, fun, and budget-friendly way to see the city’s highlights while leaving room for spontaneous adventures. Whether you’re ticking off landmarks or relaxing on the water, this experience balances convenience with authentic moments.