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Getting Around Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Globetrotter

09 May 2023 - 4 min read

Dubai, located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is a true gem of the Middle East and one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world. It's known for its famous landmarks, such as the Burj Khalifa, which is the world's tallest building, and the Palm Jumeirah.

Dubai also has a modern and extensive transportation system that makes it effortless for tourists to explore the city's beauty. The wide and sophisticated highways also provide convenience for those who prefer to navigate with private vehicles. Dubai's exceptional transportation infrastructure ensures a seamless and enjoyable travel experience, and to help you make the most of it, here are the top five recommendations for tourists.

Transportation Recommendations in Dubai

1. Taxi

Source: Unsplash

Advantages: Taxis are one of the most convenient and easy transportation options in Dubai. You can find taxis everywhere on the street and in front of hotels or shopping centers.

Rates: Taxi fares in Dubai are relatively affordable, with a minimum fare of around 12 AED and a surcharge of 2 AED/km. Additional fees are charged for ordering via telephone or taxi application. For a taxi fare from Dubai Airport to the city center, it will cost around 50–70 AED.

Tips: To ensure a smooth taxi ride in Dubai, make sure to inform the driver of your destination and request that they activate the meter before starting your journey. If you want to avoid traffic jams on the roads, you can also take a water taxi or "abra", which will take you to Dubai's riverfront.

2. Dubai Metro

Source: Unsplash

General information: Dubai also has a sophisticated rail system known as the Dubai Metro. Two lines connect various tourist destinations in Dubai, such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Palm Jumeirah.

Routes: The Red Line runs through Dubai from Rashidiya to Jebel Ali, with a total of 29 stations. The line serves several popular destinations, including Dubai's international airport, the Dubai Mall, and the Burj Khalifa. Meanwhile, the Green Line runs through Dubai from Etisalat to Dubai Creek, with a total of 20 stations. This line serves several popular destinations, such as Dubai Creek, Dubai Museum, and City Centre Deira.

Rates: Train fares in Dubai depend on the distance traveled and the zone traveled. Train fares are relatively affordable, ranging from 2 AED for short trips to 7.50 AED for long trips. Tickets can be purchased via ticket machines at stations or the Nol Card, a prepaid card that can be used for all types of transport in Dubai.

Operational hours: Dubai Metro trains run from 5 am to midnight on weekdays and until midnight on weekends. Train frequency varies depending on the hour and day, but usually there is at least one train every 7-10 minutes.

3. Bus

Source: Unsplash

General information: Dubai offers an extensive and modern bus network that can take you to various tourist destinations. Buses in Dubai run from 6 am to midnight, and fares are relatively affordable.

Rates: Bus fares in Dubai vary based on the distance traveled. The minimum bus travel fare is 2 AED, while the maximum fare is 15 AED. Passengers can purchase tickets through ticket machines located at bus stops or by using the Nol Card, a prepaid card that can be used for all types of transportation in Dubai.

Routes: Buses in Dubai include public buses, tour buses, and express buses. Public buses cover over 100 routes throughout the city and beyond, including popular routes 7, 8, 10, and 91. Tour buses have two lines, the Red Line and the Blue Line, which go to famous tourist destinations such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Palm Jumeirah. Express buses go to long-distance destinations like Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, with popular routes E100 and E101.

Operational hours: Buses in Dubai operate from 6 am to midnight on weekdays and until midnight on weekends. Bus frequency varies depending on line and time of day, but usually there is at least one bus every 10-15 minutes.

Also read: Things You Can Do During a Transit at Dubai Airport

4. Dubai Ferry

Source: Unsplash

General information: Dubai has an extensive and modern ferry network that serves several destinations along the city’s coast.

Rates: Ferry fares in Dubai vary depending on the destination and the type of ferry used. The minimum fare for ferry travel is 15 AED, while the maximum fare is 125 AED. You can buy tickets either by using the ticket machines available at the port or by using the Nol Card.

Route: There are three ferry routes in Dubai: Dubai Ferry, Public Ferry, and Ferry International. The Dubai Ferry, which is a favorite among tourists, connects several popular tourist destinations, such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Palm Jumeirah, and offers night tours and trips to nearby islands. The Public Ferry in Dubai also travels important routes, such as trips from Dubai harbor to Al Ghubaiba and Jebel Ali ports. Lastly, the Ferry International takes people between countries, for example, from Dubai to Bandar Abbas, Iran.

Operational hours: Ferries in Dubai operate from morning until night. The frequency of ferries depends on the line and time of day, but usually there is at least one ferry every 30 to 60 minutes.

5. Dubai Wonder Bus

Source: Shutterstock @Ralf+Liebhold

General information: Dubai Wonder Bus, also known as the Water Bus is a slower and more affordable alternative to ferries for water transportation in Dubai. The Water Bus is also a fun way to enjoy Dubai's coastal views while traveling between tourist destinations.

Rates: The cost of riding the Water Bus in Dubai depends on the distance traveled. The minimum fare is 2 AED, while the maximum fare is 15 AED. Tickets can be purchased at Water Bus stops or by using the Nol Card.

Routes: The Water Bus stops at several tourist destinations along Dubai's coast, including Marina Mall, Jumeirah Beach, and Dubai Festival City. Some popular routes include:

Route 1: Marina Mall - Marina Walk - Marina Terrace - Marina Promenade - Marina Quays - Jumeirah Beach Residence

Route 2: Dubai Festival City Mall - Al Seef - Al Fahidi - Dubai Old Market - Dubai Museum - Al Shindagha

Rute 3: Dubai Canal - Dubai Design District - Dubai Creek Harbour - Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

Those are the top five transportation recommendations for tourists visiting Dubai. Choose the free transportation options that best suit your needs and budget.

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