Dubai Transportation Guide

Dubai International Airport (DXB)

World's Busiest International Airport

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the world's busiest airport for international passengers, serving over 88 million travelers annually. Located just 4km from Dubai city center, it connects to over 260 destinations worldwide and serves as the main hub for Emirates airline and flydubai.

International Connections

The airport offers direct flights to major cities globally including:

Asia: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Mumbai, Delhi, Manila, Jakarta
Europe: London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Rome, Madrid, Moscow, Istanbul
North America: New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Boston, Washington DC, Chicago
Australia/NZ: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Auckland
Middle East/Africa: Riyadh, Jeddah, Cairo, Johannesburg, Nairobi

Airport Facilities

Free unlimited WiFi throughout all terminals
24-hour restaurants, cafes, and food courts
Duty-free shopping (one of the world's largest)
Lounges (Emirates, Marhaba, Priority Pass)
Transit hotels (Dubai International Hotel in Terminal 3)
Prayer rooms in all terminals
Children's play areas

From Airport to City Center

Dubai Metro (Red Line)

Cost: AED 3-8.50 + AED 5 airport supplement = Total AED 8-13.50
Duration: 15-20 minutes to downtown, 30 minutes to Dubai Marina
Schedule: 5:00 AM - midnight (until 1:00 AM Thu-Fri-Sat)
Stations: Terminal 1 & Terminal 3 connected directly
Benefits: Fastest, cheapest, no traffic delays
Note: Terminal 2 requires shuttle bus to Terminal 1/3 first

RTA Public Bus

Cost: AED 3-6 (Nol Card)
Duration: 30-90 minutes (depending on destination and traffic)
Routes: Route 4 (Deira), Route 11 (Al Ghubaiba), Route 33 (Satwa)
Schedule: 24 hours (frequency varies)
Benefits: Very cheap, scenic route, air-conditioned
Note: Can be slow due to traffic, many stops

Taxi

Cost: AED 70-100 to Downtown, AED 100-120 to Marina
Duration: 15-30 minutes (depending on traffic and destination)
Airport Surcharge: AED 25 (on top of meter fare)
Payment: Cash or credit card (all taxis accept cards)
Tips: Metered and honest, 24/7 availability
Note: Airport taxi queue can be long during peak hours

Careem / Uber

Cost: AED 50-90 to Downtown (cheaper than taxi)
Duration: 15-30 minutes
Pickup: Designated ride-hailing pickup points at terminals
Payment: Credit card/app payment only
Benefits: Often cheaper, upfront pricing, no language barrier
Note: Careem more popular than Uber in Dubai

Dubai Metro - RTA Rail System

Modern Driverless Metro

Dubai Metro is the world's longest fully automated driverless metro system and the backbone of Dubai's public transportation. Opened in 2009, it serves over 600,000 passengers daily with spotless trains, air-conditioning, and punctual service connecting major tourist and business areas.

Metro Lines

Red Line (52.1km): Rashidiya ↔ UAE Exchange (via Airport, Downtown, Marina)
- Key Stations: Airport, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Emirates Towers, DIFC, Dubai Marina, JBR
- Connects: Airport, Downtown, Business Bay, Marina, JBR
Green Line (22.5km): Etisalat ↔ Creek (Deira and Bur Dubai historic areas)
- Key Stations: Deira, Gold Souk, Bur Juman, Al Fahidi (Heritage)
- Connects: Old Dubai, souks, historic areas, healthcare city
Transfer Stations: BurJuman and Union Square (switch between lines)

Operating Hours & Frequency

Saturday-Wednesday: 5:00 AM - Midnight (every 3-4 minutes peak, 7 minutes off-peak)
Thursday: 5:00 AM - 1:00 AM Friday
Friday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM Saturday
Public Holidays: Extended hours during festivals

Metro Fares (Nol Card)

Regular Class: AED 3-8.50 (distance-based, 7 zones)
Gold Class: Double the regular fare (separate carriage, more space)
Airport Trips: Additional AED 5 supplement each way
Daily Pass: AED 20 (unlimited Metro & tram for 24 hours)
Nol Card Required: No single tickets, must use Nol Card or day pass

Getting Around Dubai

🚇 Dubai Tram

Cost: AED 3-6 (Nol Card, same zones as Metro)
Route: Al Sufouh - Dubai Marina - JBR (11 stations, 10.6km)
Schedule: 6:00 AM - 1:00 AM (every 6-8 minutes)
Connects: Dubai Marina, JBR, Media City, Internet City
Transfer: Free transfer to/from Metro within 30 minutes
Tips: Air-conditioned, modern, connects to Red Line at 3 stations

🚌 RTA Buses

Cost: AED 3-7 (Nol Card required, exact change if buying ticket)
Network: Over 1,500 buses, 119 routes citywide
Payment: Nol Card only (no cash on buses)
Schedule: Some routes 24/7, most 5 AM - midnight
Benefits: Extensive coverage, air-conditioned, WiFi on many buses
Tips: Download RTA Dubai app for routes and live tracking

🚕 Taxis (RTA)

Flag Fall: AED 5 (day) / AED 5.50 (night 10 PM - 6 AM)
Per km: AED 1.96 (standard rate)
Colors: Beige/cream (RTA), various colors (franchises - same rates)
Payment: Cash or credit card (all accept cards)
Booking: Hail on street, hotel, or call 04-208-0808
Tips: Safe, metered, honest, 24/7 available, air-conditioned

📱 Careem / Uber

Careem: Most popular ride-hailing app in Dubai (local, better coverage)
Uber: Also widely used, similar pricing
Cost: Usually 10-20% cheaper than taxis for same route
Payment: Credit card or cash through app
Benefits: Upfront pricing, track driver, cashless, rating system
Tips: Download both apps, Careem often has better availability

🚤 Water Transport

Abra (Traditional): AED 1 per crossing on Dubai Creek
Water Taxi: AED 50-150 (private charter along Creek/Canal)
Dubai Ferry: AED 25-50 (Marina - Dubai Festival City - Al Ghubaiba)
Schedule: Abras run 5 AM - midnight continuously
Experience: Authentic way to cross Dubai Creek, tourist favorite
Tips: Abras at Bur Dubai and Deira - traditional wooden boats

🚝 Palm Jumeirah Monorail

Cost: AED 30 return (Gateway - Atlantis)
Route: Gateway Station ↔ Atlantis Aquaventure (5.4km)
Duration: 10 minutes end-to-end
Schedule: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
Connects: Red Line Metro at Gateway to Palm attractions
Tips: Scenic views of Palm Jumeirah, connects to Red Line

Nol Card - Your Essential Transport Card

What is Nol Card?

Nol Card is Dubai's rechargeable contactless smart card used for all RTA public transportation including Metro, buses, trams, water buses, and parking meters. It's essential for using public transport in Dubai as cash is not accepted on most services.

Nol Card Types

Red Ticket (Paper): AED 2 + fare per journey
- Single-use or rechargeable for up to 10 journeys
- Valid for 90 days from purchase
- Not recommended for tourists (expensive long-term)
Silver Card: AED 25 (AED 6 card fee + AED 19 credit)
- Best for tourists - rechargeable and refundable
- Valid for 5 years
- Works on all RTA transport
- Can get refund at RTA offices
Gold Card: AED 25 (same as Silver but for Gold Class travel)
- Gold Class Metro carriages (front of train)
- Fares are double the regular rate
- More space, less crowded
Blue Card: Personalized for UAE residents only (not for tourists)

Where to Use Nol Card

All RTA Services: Metro, buses, tram, water buses
Parking: RTA parking meters and public parking
Water Transport: Dubai Ferry and water taxis
Selected Retailers: Some convenience stores and venues

Where to Buy Nol Card

All Metro and tram stations (ticket machines and counters)
Dubai International Airport arrivals (Terminals 1 & 3)
RTA customer service centers
Many supermarkets and convenience stores
Online via RTA website or app

How to Use

Metro/Tram: Tap on entry gate, tap again at exit
Buses: Tap once when boarding (at front door)
Balance: Keep minimum AED 7.50 for Metro trips
Top-Up: At ticket machines, customer service, or retail outlets
Check Balance: At gates when tapping or at ticket machines

Daily & Tourist Passes

1-Day Pass: AED 20 (unlimited Metro, tram, bus for 24 hours)
7-Day Pass: AED 100 (7 consecutive days unlimited)
30-Day Pass: AED 300 (monthly unlimited)
Best For: Tourists using public transport extensively
Note: Daily passes available at Metro stations only

Refund Process

Return Silver/Gold cards at Metro customer service centers
Get refund of remaining balance minus AED 6 card fee
Red tickets are non-refundable
Keep card as souvenir or for future visits

Other Transportation Options

🚗 Car Rental

Cost: AED 80-300 per day (depending on car type)
Requirements: International driving license or UAE license
Minimum Age: 21-25 years (varies by company)
Parking: Free at malls, AED 2-20/hour in paid zones
Fuel: Petrol stations abundant, relatively cheap
Companies: Hertz, Budget, Thrifty, local companies
Tips: Good for exploring UAE, Dubai traffic can be heavy

🚲 Cycling & E-Scooters

Bike Sharing: Careem Bike, Lime (limited areas)
E-Scooters: Lime, Arnab, Skoot (select areas only)
Bike Lanes: Dedicated lanes at JBR, Marina, Jumeirah Corniche
Best For: Beach areas, Marina Walk, parks
Not Recommended: Summer (too hot), main roads (dangerous)
Rental Shops: Available at beaches and parks

🚐 Private Tours & Transfers

Private Driver: AED 250-500 per day (with car)
Airport Transfer: AED 100-200 (pre-booked)
Luxury Transport: Limousine services available
Group Tours: Often include transportation
Book Through: Hotels, GetYourGuide, Viator

Travel to Other UAE Emirates

🚌 Bus to Abu Dhabi

Operator: RTA Dubai E100, E101 routes
Duration: 2 hours (120km)
Cost: AED 25 one-way (Nol Card)
Departure: Ibn Battuta Metro, Al Ghubaiba Bus Station
Schedule: Every 30-40 minutes, 5:30 AM - 11:30 PM
Tips: Comfortable buses, WiFi available, rest stops

🚗 Drive to Abu Dhabi

Distance: 120-140km (depends on route)
Duration: 1-1.5 hours via E11 Sheikh Zayed Road
Toll: AED 4 (Salik toll gates, automatic deduction)
Speed Limit: 120-140 km/h on highways
Tips: Rent car for day trip, speed cameras everywhere
Parking: Free at most attractions in Abu Dhabi

🚌 Bus to Sharjah

Routes: E303, E306, E307, E400 series
Duration: 30-60 minutes (25km, traffic-dependent)
Cost: AED 7.50-10 (Nol Card)
Departure: Al Ghubaiba, Union Station, Deira
Schedule: Frequent service throughout day
Note: Sharjah is dry emirate (no alcohol)

🏜️ To Other Emirates

Ajman: 30 min by car, bus available (AED 7-10)
Ras Al Khaimah: 1 hour by car, bus E700 (AED 25)
Fujairah: 1.5-2 hours by car, bus E700 (AED 25)
Umm Al Quwain: 45 min by car
Tips: Rent car for multi-emirate trips, buses available but less frequent

Essential Transportation Apps

🚇 RTA Official Apps

RTA Dubai: Official RTA app - route planner, journey planner, live bus tracking
- Metro/bus/tram routes and schedules
- Nol Card balance check
- Real-time service updates
- Fare calculator
S'hail (Taxi): Official RTA taxi booking app
- Book RTA taxis in advance
- Track your taxi in real-time
- Cashless payment option
- Rate your driver

📱 Navigation Apps

Google Maps: Excellent in Dubai, real-time transit and traffic
Waze: Community-based traffic alerts and navigation
Moovit: Public transport planner with live arrivals

🚗 Ride-Hailing Apps

Careem: Most popular in UAE (acquired by Uber but operates independently)
Uber: Widely available, good alternative
S'hail: Official RTA taxi app

🅿️ Parking & Salik Apps

RTA Dubai: Pay parking meters via app
Salik: Toll gate account management
- AED 4 per toll gate crossing
- Automatic detection via windshield tag
- Rental cars: Usually included in rental
mParking Dubai: Pay for parking remotely via SMS/app

💡 Helpful Features

Real-time Metro/bus arrival times
Route optimization (fastest/cheapest/least transfers)
Offline maps available for download
English and Arabic support
Accessibility information for stations
Service disruption alerts

Essential Transportation Tips

                Pro Tips for Navigating Dubai
                Get Nol Card Immediately: Buy Silver Card at airport - essential for all public transport
Download Careem & RTA Apps: Before arrival for easy navigation
Metro Air Conditioning: Very cold - bring light jacket
Friday Timings: Metro opens 10 AM (holy day), plan accordingly
Women & Children Carriages: Front Metro carriage reserved (optional for women)
Gold Class Worth It: During rush hours for comfort and space
Avoid Driving: Unless necessary - traffic heavy, parking expensive downtown
Peak Hours: 7-9 AM and 5-8 PM - Metro crowded, traffic congested

            

Metro Etiquette

Let passengers exit before boarding
Stand behind yellow safety line on platforms
Priority seats (pink) for women, children, elderly, disabled
No eating or drinking (AED 100 fine)
No sleeping on seats (AED 300 fine)
Keep voices down, use headphones
Large luggage allowed but avoid rush hours
Gold Class front carriage - Gold Card required

Taxi Tips

All RTA taxis are metered and honest
Ladies/Family taxis (pink roof) - women & children only
Airport taxis have AED 25 surcharge
Salik toll gates: AED 4 each (added to fare automatically)
Tipping: Round up or 5-10 AED appreciated
4 passengers max in regular taxi (5 in large taxis)
Can pay by Nol Card, cash, or credit card
Driver may not speak fluent English - show address

Money-Saving Transport Tips

Metro always cheaper than taxis (AED 3-8.50 vs AED 15-50)
Use Careem/Uber instead of airport taxis (save AED 25 surcharge)
Daily pass worthwhile if making 3+ Metro trips per day
Walk within areas - Dubai Marina, JBR walkable once there
Avoid taxis during peak hours (traffic = expensive)
Free shuttle buses connect some malls and hotels
Abra boats on Creek only AED 1 (cheapest transport!)

Getting to Major Attractions

🏙️ Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall

Metro: Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station
Walk: 10-minute covered walkway from station
Cost: AED 3-8.50 (from most areas)
Duration: 15-30 minutes from Marina/Airport

🏖️ Dubai Marina / JBR

Metro: Red Line to DMCC or Jumeirah Lakes Towers
Tram: From Metro stations along Marina Walk
Walk: Marina is very walkable (promenade 7km)
Water Taxi: Scenic option along Marina

🌴 Palm Jumeirah / Atlantis

Metro + Monorail: Red Line to Nakheel, then monorail (AED 30 return)
Taxi: AED 40-80 from Downtown/Marina
Careem: Usually cheaper than taxi
Duration: 20-30 minutes from Downtown

🕌 Old Dubai (Deira & Bur Dubai)

Metro Green Line: To Al Fahidi, Al Ghubaiba, Deira stations
Abra: Cross Dubai Creek (AED 1, 5 minutes)
Gold Souk: Al Ras Metro Station
Tips: Walking through souks is part of experience

🏜️ Desert Safari Locations

No Public Transport: Desert camps not accessible by Metro/bus
Tour Packages: Include hotel pickup/drop-off
Private Car: Rent 4x4 if experienced (off-road driving)
Taxi: Can arrange return pickup (expensive)

🎢 IMG Worlds / Global Village

IMG Worlds: Free shuttle from Mall of the Emirates Metro
Global Village: Shuttle buses from Metro during season (Oct-Apr)
Taxi: AED 50-100 from Downtown
Tour Packages: Often include transport