Efficient Dubai public transport makes getting around Dubai a breeze, as long as you know how the public transport system works. Using public transportation in Dubai is easy and a great option to explore the city.
Look forward to seeing glitzy skyscrapers, glorious golden sands beaches, traditional dhows on the Creek and more!
This guide will help steer you in the right direction if you are planning your first trip to Dubai. By the end you will know how to pay to travel on Dubai transport, plus much more!
- How to use Dubai metro on the red and green lines.
- What a NOL card is.
- How to cross Dubai Creek on a water taxi
- Travelling around Dubai by taxi, tram and monorail
- How to get from Dubai International Airport on arrival
Here’s our round-up of Dubai public transport so you can start exploring the city and its numerous sights and attractions.
VISITING DUBAI? Check out these FREE things to do to save money!
DUBAI TAXI
Firstly, due to fares being strictly regulated, taxis are actually relatively cheap, especially for families or groups of 3 or 4 people. Second, as all taxis are metered, there is no issue when paying your fare.
Efficient, safe and clean, taxis are the most preferred public transport option in Dubai. They are maintained by RTA Dubai who have a useful Smart Taxi App, available for both iOS and Android devices.
Taxis can be hailed on the street if the taxi sign is alight. Dubai Taxi are a subsidiary of RTA and can be recognised by its red roof top. You can flag them down in any safe area or reserve a ride in advance.
Some typical fare costs are:
- Dubai Creek to Burj Khalifa – Approx. AED 33 (£6.88) | Trip time ~ 18 minutes
- Dubai Mall to Burj Al Arab – Approx. AED 42.50 (£8.86) | Trip time ~ 19 minutes
- The Walk to Mall of The Emirates – Approx. AED 33 (£6.88) | Trip time ~ 19 minutes
TOP TIP: Dubai traffic can be very busy, so journeys especially during rush hour, can be slow.
Airport taxis start from AED25 ($6.80), with clear signs pointing you towards the official pick-up area in any terminal. While many hotels offer an airport transfer, these are usually quite expensive.
A cheaper option is to pre-book a private airport transfer with GetYourGuide.
DUBAI METRO
Probably the best transport in Dubai for tourists is Dubai Metro, especially for longer journeys. The fully automated, driverless rail system is fast, efficient and easy to navigate. Currently running on two lines (red & green), there are plans afoot to extend the system further.
Pros Of Dubai Metro:
- Trains run every few minutes and cover longer distances
- Walkways, trains and stations are air-conditioned
- All trains connect to Dubai International Airport
- Metro trains provide easy access to Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa, Mall of The Emirates, Discovery Gardens, Creek and Gold Souk
Cons Of Dubai Mall:
- Depending on where you are staying there may not be a station close-by
- At present the system is not extensive, although RTA plan more lines in the future
Dubai metro system is divided into seven zones across the city, with fares calculated based on the number of zones passed. For example Deira Area is in Zone 5 and Bur Dubai Area is in Zone 6.
Dubai Metro tickets can be purchased at all stations. You can purchase single, return and day-pass tickets or a cashless smart card known as Nol on the metro.
All trains have compartments reserved for women and children only.
To check Dubai Metro prices, use RTA’s easy online journey planner to plan your trip.
WHAT IS A NOL CARD?
RTA’s NOL Card is a rechargeable travel pass which can be used on the city’s trams, buses, and metro. Cash is not accepted as a means of payment, so this card makes travel more efficient and convenient.
Easy to use and carry around, they can be topped up with credit and each time to take a ride, the fare is automatically deducted.
Most tourists will purchase a nol Red Ticket intended for occasional use. If you plan on using Dubai transit system frequently and you have a longer stay in the city, a nol Silver Ticket could be more suitable.
- Purchase your nol card on arrival at the airport so you can utilise it immediately.
- You can purchase cards at all Dubai Metro stations, bus stations and Carrefour supermarkets
- A minimum balance of AED 7.50 is required (maximum cost of a single trip fare)
- Top up cards at vending machines and ticket booths at each Metro station
- nol Red Tickets are paper-based tickets that can be loaded with up to 10 single trips, from AED 2.
- nol silver cards are smart cards with an e-purse that can be loaded with up to AED 1000 after registering your card. Buy from AED 25 which included AED 19 e-purse value. Silver cards can also be used on water transport
Check out how to use a nol card here.
DUBAI TRAM
Another mode of public transportation run by Dubai Roads and Transport Authority is Dubai Tram. Running along Al Sufouh Road and Jumeirah Beach Road, the tram links Dubai Metro and the Palm Jumeirah Monorail.
Running 14.5 km between 11 stations, the tram provides easy access to the more populated areas of Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence daily.
It’s a quick and fun ride in comfortable carriages with some fantastic Marina views.
- Trams run every Monday to Saturday: 06.00am – 01.00 (next day) and Sunday: 09.00am – 01.00 (next day)
- 10-minute intervals during peak hours and 12-minute intervals during off-peak hours.
- Fares start at AED 3 and are payable with a NOL card. If it’s busy you can buy a Gold Class fare for AED 6
DUBAI BUS
Buses are a low-cost option to explore the city on a budget. Dubai’s bus network is safe, efficient, cheap and a popular mode of transportation.
Hop on a bus from every Dubai airport terminal to all major neighbourhoods. Public buses in Dubai run from 04:00 in the morning until 01:00 (the next day) as often as every 30 minutes, making journeys hassle-free.
Buses also take you to destinations that the Metro doesn’t reach such as Jumeirah Beach.
The first three rows are segregated sections for women and families. Payments must be made using a NOL card (transport card) as drivers do not accept cash!
Buses are also the cheapest form of public transport for traveling from emirate to emirate.
A popular option is to visit the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque then catching the Abu Dhabi to Dubai bus back. Check the Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus fare here.
Dubai to Sharjah Bus – check fare here, and the bus from Dubai to Fujairah – check the fare here.
TOP TIP: Inspectors carry out random checks on board, so make sure you have a valid NOL card or you will be given a Dhs200 fine.
PALM JUMEIRAH MONORAIL
The Palm Monorail is privately owned and connects key landmarks along Palm Jumeirah. Beginning at the Gateway Station and ending at Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, this is the only public transportation system on Palm Jumeirah for tourists and residents.
Work is underway for the opening of a further station at The Pointe. It’s a really fun ride to take even if you just ride the loop without getting off.
With soothing background music and customised information about attractions accessed from each stop, it is an unforgettable trip. From Palm Gateway to Al Ittihad Park, you will hear rustling leaves and birds tweeting!
Services operate every 15 minutes and the journey time is about ten minutes.
- A round trip from Palm Gateway to Atlantis Aquaventure is 30 AED (Single trip 20 AED)
DUBAI MARINA WATER BUS
The water bus is the perfect way to explore the Dubai Marina area, and get from one side to another. Comfortable, air-conditioned and offering scenic views, there may only be four stations but it’s a great way to travel by water.
Depending on the time of day, Water buses run approx. every 15 minutes
- Marina Walk to Marina Terrace – AED 3
- Dubai Marina Mall to Marina Promenade – AED 3
- Marina Walk to Dubai Marina Mall – AED 5
- Marina Promenade to Marina Terrace – AED 11
DUBAI CREEK WATER TAXI
Don’t miss a ride on a traditional wooden Abra during your trip to Dubai. Named after the “act of crossing”, which people have been doing for decades, Abra’s are a novel and lively way to cross between the two banks of Dubai Creek.
It’s part of the city’s history and is great fun, as the Creek is bustling and lively with boats of all sizes. Whilst there are motorized versions, I suggest that you ride the traditional Abras.
- Heritage Engine Abras – More traditional wooden version with a real sense of the past. For AED 1 per trip, you can travel from Bur Dubai station to Deira old market Abra station (and vice-versa).
TOP TIPS FOR USING DUBAI TRANSPORTATION
With so many public transport options available, it may be easy to simply hop in a taxi. However, we suggest experiencing Dubai from a locals point of view and embracing as many different types of transport as possible.
It makes for an unforgettable experience! Some other tips include:
- Be clued up about transport options and up to date information by checking out Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) website.
- Travelling in a group or as a family? Taxis will be a budget friendly and stress-free option for shorter trips.
- During rush hour and for longer journeys, we suggest Dubai Metro.
- Always factor in rush-hour traffic when planning your day.
- For travelling to the city from the airport (about 15miles) either take a taxi or Dubai Metro. You can carry two pieces of luggage with you on a Dubai Metro train – one large suitcase (no bigger than 81cm x 58cm x 30cm) and one carry-on bag (no bigger than 55cm x 38 cm x 20cm).
PLANNING A DUBAI TRIP SOON?
Dubai is very popular. With an excellent year-round climate, world-class architecture and beautiful parks, Dubai is a fantastic United Arab Emirates destination. Here are more of our guides from the area.
We hope you found this article helpful and you now feel confident exploring on Dubai public transport. If you have any questions please leave a comment below.
Looking for more interesting places to visit? Check out our Destinations Page for inspiration.
