Public Transport in Dubai – All You Need to Know About Getting around the City
“What is the best way to get in and around the city of Dubai,” is one of the most common questions if you are a new resident or a tourist in Dubai. Imagine you are ready to explore all the wonders that the city has to offer. However, as a new resident or a traveller, you are concerned about getting in and around the city without breaking your bank. Well, worry not! There is an excellent public transport in Dubai that is not only convenient but pocket-friendly too!
Right from the Metro to water taxis, this city rewards you with a diverse range of transportation facilities. With such an excellent public transportation system, discovering every corner of Dubai becomes effortless, thus promising a smooth journey from starting till the end.
This blog will walk you through some of the best means of public transportation services in Dubai whilst guarding your pocket.
1. Dubai Public Bus – An Economical Way to Travel
Dubai’s extensive bus network is the oldest and fantastic public transportation option, ideal for the people who want to get in and around the city in a budget. Although it takes more time to reach your destination as compared to other means of transport options, it’s an affordable way to travel the beautiful and luxurious city of Dubai.
Catching a bus in Dubai is not a hefty task as the buses in Dubai runs as frequently as every 30 minutes. The entire bus network is managed by the RTA (Road and Transport Authority Dubai) and there are a total of 193 bus routes and more than 1,500 bus stations. More than 30 million people travel by bus weekly. To combat the scorching heat of the sun in Dubai, the bus stops are air-conditioned and fully-equipped with televisions to keep the passengers entertained.
To make use of a bus transport, you need a NOL card that need to be topped up with some credits to ensure a seamless journey. If you don’t have a card, you will not be able to travel by bus as it only accepts payments through an online card. This means of public transport in Dubai runs 24 hours of the day, making sure that people can explore the city any time.
Now, what makes this bus network great is the fact that it is an affordable way to reach destinations that might not be accessible by other means of Public Transport in Dubai. If you are looking for some outdoor activities to do in Dubai, you can travel to Al Qudra Lake via taking the Bus routes 366 and F29.
2. Dubai Taxis – Flexibility at your Fingertips
Thought public transportation in Dubai is convenient and affordable, you may still require a taxi or a rented vehicle to reach the exact destination. The city offers the best taxi services. You just need to book the taxis through taxi-hailing apps such as Careem and Uber. Also, you can hail the cab directly from the street.
This mode of public transport in Dubai is a much flexible way of travelling in and around Dubai, especially at times when you have some heavy luggage or less time.
When in Dubai, you may explore some different colours of the taxis. Now, let’s give you an idea about what different colours of the taxis represent.
In the city of Dubai, the taxis run under the guidance and supervision of the RTA (Road and Transport Authority). All the taxis have a common beige colour however, the colour of the roof varies and reflects different services and franchises. Have a look at what different colours of the roof means:
- Pink Roof – The pink roof of a taxi represents that they are meant for ladies and are considered as family taxis. Women drive these cars and they only drive for ladies, children, and families.
- Red Roof – These are the standard taxis that are available across the city. These taxis are operated by Dubai Taxi Corporation.
- Orange Roof – These taxis are collaborated with the Dubai Metro and provides hassle-free travel solutions and smooth connectivity between various modes of public transport in Dubai. These taxis are operated by Metro Taxi.
- Yellow Roof – Operated by National Taxi, these taxis offer the same services as the red one. It is one of the first’s private taxi companies that started operating in Dubai in 2000.
- Green Roof – This taxi is popular amongst the local population living in the Emirates and expatriates and is run by Al Arabia Taxi.
- Blue Roof – This taxi is known for its eco-friendly initiatives and are operated by Cars Taxi. This company was the first to introduce hybrid vehicles in the year 2008.
*Points to Remember
• You are required to pay AED 0.5 per minute if you are making the taxi wait
• You need to bear an extra charge of AED 20 while passing through Sharjah Emirate
• The minimum fare of a taxi is AED 12
• There is a fixed starting rate of AED 12 on Thursdays and Fridays and during the peak hours (7 a.m. – 10 a.m. & 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.).
• The rate per kilometers is AED 1.82
3. Dubai Water Bus and Water Taxi – Experience a Picturesque View
Dubai water taxi and water bus are a great means of public transport in Dubai if you want to explore the vibrant and picturesque views of Dubai. It is an efficient and enjoyable means of public transport to enjoy with your friends and family without breaking your bank.
These taxis and buses operate within the Dubai Marina and its surroundings. What else could be a better way than exploring Marina and its neighbouring areas in a water bus or taxi whilst enjoying the stunningly beautiful views.
This mode of transport is a great way to explore the city in a unique way as the stops include the iconic Burj Al Arab, mesmerizing Jumeirah Beach, the architectural gem of Palm Jumeirah, and many other scenic destinations.
They are air-conditioned and extremely safe however; a lot of noise is produced during the entire journey that can be daunting at times.
Note: Nol cards can be used for water buses or water taxis, however, the fares depend upon the distance you travel.
4. Dubai Abras – To Explore Dubai Maritime City
Dubai Abras are traditional wooden boats, providing a ferry across Dubai Creek. Those who want to dive into the city’s history can make use of this transport and learn about the history. Hundreds of visitors and vendors use this public transport on a daily basis as it is the most affordable means of public transport in Dubai, which means 1 trip for just AED 1. This transport starts from 6:00 a.m. to midnight every single day.
Abra Route
The Dubai Abras operate between Deira and Bur Dubai. Though it’s a small journey
Route 1: From Deira old Souk Abra Station to Bur Dubai Abra Station
Route 2: Comparatively, it is a much busier route and runs continuously from Al Sabkha Abra Station to Dubai Old Souk Abra Station.
Tickets: The Dubai Abra accepts cash payments. You need to pay AED 1 per person and it will just take your 5 minutes to cross the Dubai Creek.
Either you can buy a ticket for one way or hire a private Abra and take a 1-hour ride.
5. Dubai Metro – A Convenient and Reliable Mode of Transportation
A reliable and convenient means of public transport in Dubai, the Dubai Metro was inaugurated on September 9, 2009. This mode of transport is resident’s favourite due to its reliable and convenient nature.
The Dubai Metro can easily cover an area of 45 kilometers in one hour. For example, you can reach Al Qusais to Ibn Battuta Mall in just one hour. The two main metro lines; Red and Green covers the prime areas of Dubai which include, The Dubai Mall, and the famous Burj Khalifa. This means of transport protects you from the scorching heat of the sun whilst making you reach at the right destination.
The Red Line of the Dubai Metro commences from Rashidiya and ends at Jebel Ali Port. On the other hand, the Green Line of the Dubai Metro commences from Etisalat and ends at Dubai Creek metro station. If you are looking for some holy place to visit in Dubai, you can head to Jebel Ali Temple. To reach this temple, you need to take the Red Line of the Dubai Metro. When you choose Dubai Metro, you don’t need to wait as trains runs every 4 minutes.
Metro Tickets
• Nol Red Tickets
It is the best option if you want to travel for one day as you need to recharge it every time you use this card. Keep in mind that this card cannot be recharged more than 10 times.
• Nol Silver Card
It is an ideal choice if you frequently travel. You need to recharge it once.
Metro Timings
Dubai Metro operates 7 days a week. The timings are as follows:
• Monday to Thursday – 5:00 A.M. to 12:00 A.M. (midnight)
• Friday – 5:00 A.M. to 01:00 A.M. (The next day)
• Saturday – 5:00 A.M. to 12:00 A.M. (midnight)
• Sunday – 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 A.M. (midnight)
6. Palm Monorail – To Explore the True Beauty of the Iconic Palm Jumeirah
If you are in Dubai or are planning to explore this luxurious city, missing out on the iconic Palm Jumeirah would be a great loss!
Palm Monorail is the best means of transport that will help you explore this wonderful gem without any fuss. However, unlike other means of transport, you are not allowed to use Nol cards. You need to purchase a ticket and enjoy a short yet beautiful ride from Al Sufouh road to the Atlantis, Palm.
7. Electric Scooters and Bicycles – The Best Eco-Friendly Option
Cycling is gradually gaining traction in Dubai due to the increasing number of cycling paths and people’s concern of living a sustainable life. There are many companies such as Careem Bike, NextBike, and other companies that provide bike rentals at famous tourist places in Dubai such as Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai.
Download the Careem Bike Dubai app for renting a bicycle if you want to do so.
8. Dubai Tram – For a Seamless Travel Experience
In case you are planning to explore the vibrant areas of Palm Jumeirah or Dubai Marina, then Dubai Tram is the best means of public transport in Dubai. Primarily located just off the Al Sufouh road, the tram stations make it easy for the travellers to hop on and off as they explore.
And, the best thing about Dubai Trams is that you can use Nol Card for your travel, just like Dubai Metro, rewarding you with an effortless travel experience.
Some of the Quick Tips
Below are some of the quick tips if you want to get in and around Dubai without any fuss.
• You can reach out to 901, in case of any emergency, if you are a tourist.
• You are not supposed to click stranger’s pictures without their permission
• While travelling to Dubai, you need to carry appropriate medical prescription that you need
• Taxi drivers are more informed of the exact address
• Always carry your sunscreen and hydrating creams while travelling to Dubai
• Kissing in public is an offense until and unless you are a married couple
• Public Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited
• Women are required to carry a scarf to cover their heads before going to some religious place
• Try to plan your visit during winter months of Dubai i.e. October to April when the weather is pleasant
• There are designated seats for children and women in metros, if men are seen on those seats, they will be charged with a hefty fine or imprisonment
• Crossing the roads except Zebra Crossing is prohibited. If you get caught, you need to pay a hefty fine
• There is heavy traffic during weekends (Fridays and Saturdays). So, it’s important to plan your trips accordingly
