If you plan on visiting Dubai, there are a thing or two you should know. First, the city is huge, and second, many spots are worth seeing. You will have many options to roam around this city, such as the Dubai Metro, buses, trams, and even water taxis. Of course, there are some regular options, such as renting cars and getting behind the wheel yourself.
So, buckle up, because in this article, brought to you by DriveX, you will learn everything about how to get around Dubai, from different ways to move around and the budget you are going to need, to some pro tips that will make you blend in.
Overview of transportation in Dubai
RTA, which is short for “Roads and Transport Authority”, is in charge of public transportation in Dubai. Unlike the public image, the transport system in this city is modern, clean, and affordable. In general, when asked “how to get around Dubai?”, 6 ways are introduced, which will be mentioned in the list below:
- Dubai Metro
- Buses
- Dubai Tram
- Marine Transport
- Taxis
- Rental cars
In the next sections, you will learn more about each of the options. To use most of these, you will need a Nol Card, which will be like a magic pass to the entire city’s public transportation. It is like a train ticket, but with different varieties that you will get to learn later on. Also, for more information, you could also check the RTA Dubai official website.
Dubai Metro
Even on a global scale, the Dubai Metro is known for being advanced and efficient. It consists of 2 main lines that can be found in colors red and green on the metro map.
- Red Line: Runs along Sheikh Zayed Road. Its key stops include Dubai Marina, Burj Khalifa, and Mall of the Emirates.
- Green Line: You can use this line to visit historically rich parts of Dubai, like Al Fahidi, Union, and Dubai Creek.
Dubai Metro usually operates from 5:00 AM to midnight, but this timing could change on weekends. Also, since you will be visiting one of the most advanced cities in the world, you will not need to carry cash. Public transport is paid for using the Nol card Dubai, and the fares vary depending on the zones.
If you are planning to visit some of the famous tourist attractions in Dubai, like the Dubai Mall, then the metro is your best friend. The fees are listed in the table below.
| Card Type | 1 Zone (AED) | 2 Zones (AED) | All Zones (AED) |
| Silver | 3.00 | 5.00 | 7.50 |
| Gold | 6.00 | 10.00 | 15.00 |
| Personal (blue) | 3.00 | 5.00 | 7.50 |
| Red Ticket | 4.00 | 6.00 | 8.50 |
Dubai Buses and Trams
Buses complement the metro by serving areas not directly connected to metro lines. They are scheduled frequently, so commuters will never have to worry about being late. Even if you need to be on time for some international exhibitions in Dubai, its public transportation will not disappoint. They are practically everywhere, from residential neighborhoods to tourist hot spots.
You can use the RTA app to check the Dubai bus routes and find the stops that are close to the place where you are staying. The Dubai tram is another mode of transportation in Dubai, which is very favored among tourists. It was built in 2014 with the mission to link some popular spots, such as Al Sufouh Road and Jumeirah Beach Residence, to each other. Its real-time routes and timings are listed both in the RTA app and Google Maps.
If you are wondering about the Dubai public transport system fares, you have to know that commuters in Dubai are charged by the number of zones they travel through. There are 7 zones in Dubai’s map, and you will pay for the number of zones you have passed. Therefore, the prices that were listed in the previous section are valid for the buses and trams as well.
Marine Transport
If you care about the planet and also want to try a new way of getting around Dubai, then say hello to marine transport. You will have 2 options:
- Water Buses
- Water Taxis
If you want to get from Dubai Marina to Dubai Creek or the other way around, then this is one of the fun ways to do it. You will get the perfect view, and with the right timing, you can even watch the sunset on your way. However, the prices might be a bit higher than the metro and bus as you will see in the table below.
| Service Type | Fare (AED) |
| Traditional Abra | 1 (cash only) |
| Petrol Heritage Abra | 2 per person |
| Air-conditioned Abra | 2 per person |
| Petrol Heritage Abra | 25 per person OR 300 per charter |
| Motorised Abra | 1 per person OR 120 per charter |
| Electrical Abra
(Depending on route and duration) |
68.25 per person (25 min) |
| 52.5 per trip (12-15 min) | |
| Dubai Ferry
(Depending on route and duration) |
15 (Silver Nol card), 25 (Gold Nol card) |
| Water Taxi | 7–21 (depending on stops) |
| 25 (One-day pass with unlimited rides) |
What exactly is the NOL card?
Since the NOL card was mentioned a couple of times, it deserves a section of its own. You do not need separate tickets. Instead, you can just get a NOL card for transportation in Dubai. It has 4 different types, or better say colors.
- Red: For tourists; valid for 10 trips.
- Silver: Most popular; ideal for regular use.
- Gold: Includes access to more comfortable and luxurious cabins.
- Blue: Personalized, for frequent commuters.
You can purchase these at metro stations, bus terminals, and some convenience stores.
Tips for Tourists: How to Get Around Dubai Easily
If you are a tourist and this will be your first time using transportation in Dubai, here are all the tips you need to act like a pro.
· Download the RTA App Dubai
If you are new to transportation in Dubai, you will have no worries. Just download the RTA app Dubai and use its live tracking feature. This app can benefit you in different ways, such as:
- Keeps you updated about transportation schedules.
- Helps you get a taxi faster.
- Compare different transportation modes and choose the best one based on your destination.
- Find nearby parking lots or metro and bus stations.
· Use Google Maps
Google Maps covers every road, shows the schedule and timings of the metro and bus, and you can even use it to find the best restaurants in Dubai just by checking the ratings and reading the comments.
· Carry a NOL card
Always remember to take your NOL card. It will get you on any public transportation mode and free you from carrying cash around.
· Follow the Rules
Always be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to the signs. Each country and each place has its own set of rules that you must obey to blend in.
Dubai has some strict rules concerning smoking, eating, and drinking, where it is now allowed, and you might even have to pay a fine ranging from 100 to 200 AED if you do not obey the rules.
· Rent a car
If you do not want to rush your plans or are not comfortable using the public transport in Dubai, then you can easily rent a car. Dubai’s roads are completely driver-friendly, and if you do not speak Arabic, there is also an English version of the signs provided for you.
Public Transport vs Taxi vs Car Rental
Now, in the last part of this Dubai transportation guide, there is a comprehensive comparison, so we can know how to get around in Dubai most affordably and efficiently.
- If you like interacting with people and staying on budget at the same time, go for public transportation.
- But if you like to have your own timing but do not feel like driving, taxi drivers are ready to pick you up.
- And finally, if you like to be at the wheel, rental car agencies will be at your service. But the question is which one?
If you Google something simple like “Rent SUV Dubai”, lots of rental services will come up. How can you recognize the most reliable? If you are not sure which one to pick but are still looking for a luxury car hire, check out DriveX. It offers a vast variety of vehicles and is completely flexible when it comes to pickup and drop-off timing and locations.
Conclusion
In general, there is no best way to get around Dubai, and it all depends on your preferences. If you prefer to see how the natives commute every day, the advanced transportation system of this city will be a good chance.
Otherwise, you can just rent a car and avoid dealing with the public transportation schedules and buying or charging a ticket. In this case, you can leave everything with DriveX. We offer an incredible variety of cars you can pick from, and you will be free to choose the pickup time and location based on your schedule. Also, the reasonable pricing will let you save your cash for the fun parts of Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which one is the best mode of transportation in Dubai?
It depends on your destination and preferences. You can choose between metro, bus, marine transportation, taxis, and rental cars.
Where can I buy a NOL card?
You can get it from most of the convenience stores and metro or bus stations.
Where can I get rental car services?
There are lots of rental car agencies, but if you are looking for variety and flexibility, go for DriveX.