In Dubai, only one thing is for granted - traffic 😅 (We’re kidding, it’s not that bad). But it’s true that every day millions of people move from place in the city, so the roads are always full of movement. Fortunately, there are several transport options available in Dubai, for different budgets and preferences. The top 5 ways for getting around in Dubai are: Driving, Metro, Bus, Taxi and Cycling.
In this blog, we will share everything you need to know about each of these transport methods, including how they work and how much the cost.
1) Driving in Dubai as an Expat
Do I need a local Driving License?
How does the Metro in Dubai work?
First up, is the most popular way of getting from A to B: Driving
Yes! And there’s a reason this is the preferred way of getting around for Dubaians - The roads are spacious, with up to 8-lane highways and can get you anywhere you need. What’s more, the city keeps investing in road infrastructure and to this day is still expanding.
As of today, the metro (which is the second most common type of transport in Dubai), only runs alongside Sheikh Zayed Road - the main highway in Dubai. While the metro will get you to some of the most popular locations in the city, you can’t access areas further inland without a car - another reason to why so many people choose to drive - At this point you may be wondering what exactly you need to do to be able to drive in Dubai, which brings us to the next most asked question.
When you land in Dubai, you will most likely be able to rent a car as a tourist for a couple of months with your International Driving License. If you become a legal resident (and get your Emirates ID), you will then have to “convert” your Home country’s driving license into a UAE one.
The timelines and conversion criteria depend on your home country, and there are a number of steps you must take in order to get a local driving license. This may include getting an eye test, translating and attesting your Home country’s driving permit, and paying the right fees in the right place. Sign Up for free to Matutto to see the step-by-step guide on how to get your Resident Driving License in Dubai depending on your nationality.
Whilst exchanging your license can seem daunting, it’s not a difficult task. If you’re unsure how to sort it out, visit your nearest RTA Happiness Center and they will help you understand what you need to do. RTA Happiness Centers are the Road and Transport Authorities Offices for drivers in Dubai.
In Dubai the toll system is called “Salik” and it’s very well automated. In essence, you will have a QR-type of sticker in the windshield of your car, and when you pass a highway (or area) that has toll charges, you will be charged automatically. You can top up your credit via the RTA App (Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority App) on your phone, which you will have to set up in advance.
If you rent a car, it will already come with the Salik sticker and the car rental company will simply charge you the toll amount by the time you return the car. To give you an idea of costs, everytime you pass by Sheikh Zayed Road (the main highway in Dubai), you will be charged AED 4.
Salik is also used in some parkings, which is super convenient given you will be able to use it and just be charged afterwards without having to make a visit to the paying machines. If you are going to start driving in Dubai soon and want to learn how to set up your Salik, Sign Up to Matutto to see the step-by-step guide.
Before you’re set on driving in Dubai, you should be fully aware of all the costs you will most likely face at one point or another. If you want flexibility in the city and the ability to live further away from touristic spots (without relying on taxis), driving will probably still be worth it. Here are the main costs to take into account:
But let’s move on from driving - Cause there’s plenty other ways to get around!
Yes, Dubai has a good network of Public Metro and Buses, which are regulated and operated by the RTA (Road and Transport Authorities) of Dubai. You can take these transport methods with a Nol Card, which is a transport card you can top up with credit as and when you need it.
There are 4 types of Nol Cards which have different categories, and give you different pricing based on their TIER:
You can find out more about Nol Cards in the official RTA website here. Nol Cards can also be topped up via the RTA App, and if you are more of a driver, it’s still helpful to have a Nol Card because some parkings can be paid with it.
The Dubai Metro is the second most popular transportation option for both residents and tourists. It is a fast and efficient mode of transport, because you can essentially avoid traffic. It is worth noting however, that the current Metro line expands over the North to the South, alongside Sheikh Zayed Road (in a straight line). If you’re deep inside the city, you may not have a Metro station near you, but don’t worry! Because the Dubai Government has already announced the expansion of the Metro into most areas of the city, so watch this space for developments.
You can buy a Nol Card at any Metro station, and top it up right there in either the machines or with an RTA worker at the kiosk. During peak hours there is a new metro every 3 minutes, and they are super smooth - unlike London which sees multiple “signal line failures” every day. A trip can cost you as little as AED 3, (with the average single trip ticket costing AED 4) - this of course, depends on the zones you travel through. Unfortunately, contactless payments for rides with your bank card have not yet been introduced like in most European cities - but I wouldn’t be too surprised seeing this move in a few years time.
The metro is a great option for those who want to avoid traffic congestion and arrive at their destination quickly. However, the downside is that it can be crowded during peak hours, and there are limited options for those traveling to areas not covered by the metro.
The Buses in Dubai cover more than 80% of the city (and growing). Although it’s not the most common transportation method used by Tourists, many people who live far from work and want to avoid getting a car, take it.
You will need a Nol Card to take the bus, so make sure to buy one in advance at a metro station, and top it up with the credit you need for your bus rides - You can also find Nol Machines or Kiosks at key bus stations across the city.
When you board the bus, it’s important to tap your Nol Card on your way in, but also out of the bus when you off-board. If you don’t tap out, the ride will continue running and you will be charged the maximum ride amount, which can be triple of your fare.
Buses are quite affordable in Dubai, with the cheapest ride being AED 3 with a Silver Nol Card (the most common card) - this depends on the number of Zones you go through in your bus journey.
Cycling is also a great way to explore certain areas of Dubai such as the Marina, and also the beach area of Jumeirah Beach. It’s not very common for people to cycle between May and October, as it gets too hot outside, but it can be very nice to do so during the cooler months, when you know you won’t sweat as much.
Dubai has several cycling tracks and areas that are bicycle-friendly to both beginners and experienced cyclists. The cost of cycling in Dubai varies depending on whether you own a bicycle or need to rent one. A daily rental for a bicycle can cost around AED 20 (For Careem Bikes), which has pick-up and drop-off points spread around the city, while owning a bicycle can be more expensive. A big tip for people who like cycling (specially between November and April when the weather is milder), is to consider getting the Careem premium subscription. For only AED 20 per month you can take an unlimited number of 30-minute bike rides per month - subject to to their terms.
In most cities in the world, grabbing a Taxi is seen as a “Premium option”, however, in Dubai that’s not the case - as Taxis are for the most part fairly affordable. This is because of a combination of factors between lower fuel prices, labour costs and overall driving culture.Generally, RTA Taxis have a starting Fee of AED 5 (which can be a little higher during peak times), and then it costs about AED 2 per km you ride - you can find the actual price stamped on the backseat windows of every Taxi.
It’s also important to know every Taxi must accept card payments, so don’t worry about having to carry cash with you.Most people nowadays just order a Taxi via Careem (a company owned by Uber), as it is the most convenient way of doing so.
But if you go to any mall, airport or “busy place”, you will find a queue of taxis outside of the exit doors. The caveat of being reliant on taxis is that during some peak hours and busy events (like concerts), you may have to wait for hours for a taxi to become available. This doesn't happen too often, but it’s something to take into account.
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