Dubai, the Middle Eastern city that never sleeps! Undoubtedly, a location that has a lot to offer, and hence why one of the most important things to learn when first arriving is how to get around. Fortunately, there are several transport options available in Dubai that cater to different budgets and preferences. In this page, we will share the six most popular transport options in Dubai: Metro, Buses, Cycling, Taxis and Driving.
Yes, Dubai has a good network of Public Metro and Buses, which are regulated and operated by the RTA (Road Transport and Authorities) of Dubai. You can take these transport methods with a Nol Card, which is transport card you can top up with credit as and when you need it. Nol Cards also have different categories, and give you different pricing based on their TIER. This means you can pay a higher rate to get access to the Premium Cabin on the train, for example. You can find out more about Nol Cards in the official RTA website here.
The Dubai Metro is the 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 an 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 announced the expansion of the Metro into most areas of the city, so watch this space for developments.
So, how does the Metro work in Dubai?
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. 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.
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 Machienes 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 normal card) - this depends on the number of Zones you go through in your bus journey.
Cycling is 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 points spread around the city, while owning a bicycle can be more expensive.
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 a any mall, airport or “busy place”, you will find a queue of taxis outside of the exit doors.
Driving is the most popular option for residents to move around in Dubai and the UAE in general. Many Expats decide to either buy or lease a car shortly after they move to the city, since the cost is relatively low in comparison to other countries. This depends on several factors, including the cost of the vehicle you purchase/lease, fuel, parking and highway fees. The average cost of fuel in Dubai is quite low, at around AED 3 per litre (although it can vary) but you’ll need to add the rest of the costs to this, which may end up being a bit more pricey.
Driving is a convenient option for those who want to travel to areas not covered by public transport or have a busy schedule. The only downside is that traffic congestion can be a problem during peak hours, and parking can be expensive in some locations.
If you want to know what documents you need to drive in Dubai, make sure to sign up for free to Matutto.com where you learn everything you need to know about driving in the UAE.
.png)