Dubai Transport Guide: How to Get Around Like a Local
Dubai's transport network is modern, affordable, and efficient. This guide covers everything from the metro and buses to taxis and water taxis—with official RTA fares and insider tips. Transport costs are a key part of your daily travel budget, so understanding your options will help you save money.
🎫 The Nol Card: Your Dubai Transport Pass
One card for Metro, Tram, Bus, Water Taxi, and some Taxis. Essential for any tourist.
Purchase at any Metro station, RTA customer service center, or selected retailers. Source: RTA Official
Transport Options Explained
Coverage: Red Line: Airport to Marina | Green Line: Deira to Creek | Route 2020: Expo City
💡 Tips:
- ✓ Get a Red Nol Card (AED 25 with AED 19 credit) for tourists
- ✓ Women and children cabin at the front of each train
- ✓ Trains run every 3-5 minutes during peak hours
- ✓ No eating or drinking on the metro (AED 200 fine)
- ✓ Runs from 5:30 AM to midnight (Fridays from 10 AM)
Coverage: Connects Dubai Marina to JBR, Palm Gateway, and Media City
💡 Tips:
- ✓ Connects to Red Line Metro at DAMAC and JLT stations
- ✓ Best way to reach JBR Beach and The Walk
- ✓ Connects to Palm Monorail for Palm Jumeirah access
Coverage: City-wide, available 24/7. Cream-colored cars with colored roofs
💡 Tips:
- ✓ All taxis are metered and air-conditioned
- ✓ Pay by cash or card (Nol Card works too)
- ✓ Airport tariff: AED 25 minimum fare
- ✓ Pink taxis available for women and families
- ✓ RTA Taxi app for booking
Coverage: City-wide. Careem is the local alternative (now owned by Uber)
💡 Tips:
- ✓ Both apps widely used in Dubai
- ✓ Careem often has better local coverage
- ✓ Schedule rides in advance for airport transfers
- ✓ Surge pricing during peak hours and events
Coverage: Extensive network covering areas not served by metro
💡 Tips:
- ✓ Air-conditioned with free WiFi
- ✓ Pay using Nol Card only (cash not accepted)
- ✓ Night buses available on major routes
- ✓ RTA Dubai app for real-time bus tracking
Coverage: Traditional abras cross Dubai Creek; water taxis cover Marina and Festival City
💡 Tips:
- ✓ Traditional abra is a must-do experience (only AED 1!)
- ✓ Operates between Deira and Bur Dubai across the Creek
- ✓ No booking needed for abras—just show up
- ✓ Water taxis require advance booking via RTA
📊 Official RTA Transport Data (2024)
Dubai Metro Ridership: 250+ million trips annually
Metro Network Length: 90+ km across 3 lines
Metro Stations: 53 stations including 11 underground
Licensed Taxis: 12,000+ vehicles in Dubai fleet
Bus Routes: 120+ routes city-wide
Water Transport: 150+ abras operating daily
All fares and information are from official sources: Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai
🔗 Official Transport Resources
RTA Official Resources:
Mobile Apps:
- • RTA Dubai App - Official app for routes, fares, Nol balance
- • S'hail - RTA's journey planner app
- • Uber & Careem - Ride-hailing apps