How to Get Around Dubai : Public Transport, Taxis & Mobility Solutions (2026)

Metro, Tram, Bus, Taxis, Ferries – All You Need to Explore the City Easily!

Dubai combines modern infrastructure, convenience, and diversity in its transport system. Whether you’re a daily commuter, tourist, or newly arrived expat, you’ll find a solution to fit your style and route – with prices and options for every budget.

Overview: Dubai’s Transport System

• Public: Metro, bus, tram, ferries, water buses/taxis—integrated, affordable, easy to plan with apps/maps.
• Private: Taxis (classic/RTA, Uber, Careem), car rental, driver, bike/scooter/ebike services.
• Everything runs on the unified NOL card system: top up once, use everywhere!

Dubai Metro

• Routes: Red Line (Rashidiya–Expo/Jebel Ali), Green Line (Etisalat–Creek); 49 stops, covers all major areas (Downtown, Marina, airport, Deira, Bur Dubai, Jumeirah).
• Hours: Daily 5:00/5:30am to midnight or 1am (Friday/Saturday). Trains every 3–5 min.
• Clean, air-conditioned, driverless, safe. Gold Class (premium), regular class, Women/Children cabins.
• Fares: 3–7.5 AED/trip depending on zones (NOL card), single/return tickets also at machines.
• Key interchanges: Union and BurJuman stations.

Bus Network

• 170+ RTA routes, fully integrated with metro/tram. Serves every neighborhood, business, mall, tourist spot; night buses available.
• Major lines : 8 (Ibn Battuta‑Jumeirah‑Dubai Marina), C01 (Airport‑Old Dubai), E100/E101 intercity (Dubai‑Abu Dhabi/Sharjah), F55 (Al Maktoum Airport–Expo).
• Cost: 3–7.5 AED/zone; pay with NOL card, reload at stations and convenience stores.
• Stops have air-conditioned shelters; real-time schedules on RTA app and at main stops.

Tram & Monorail

• Dubai Tram: Marina–Jumeirah Beach–Al Sufouh; 11 stops, links to metro and Palm Monorail, runs 06:00 to 01:00, freq. 8–10 min. Fare: 3 AED/trip (NOL).
• Palm Monorail: Links Palm Jumeirah to Atlantis and The Pointe – semi-private, single/double trip tickets via app/card (not included in standard NOL fares).

Taxis & Ride-Hailing

• RTA Taxis: Yellow cabs, widely available, 24/7, safe and reliable; minimum fare 12 AED, metre plus 2 AED/km, airport flag 25+ AED, city rides 25–60 AED avg.
• Book via RTA app, phone, or at taxi stands; can be hailed on street in safe zones.
• App taxi/ride-hailing: Uber, Careem, Yango – often pricier than classic taxis during peak hours but sometimes faster. Credit card/Apple Pay accepted.
• Special taxis: Ladies/family cars, accessible/van options, green hybrid fleet.

Marine Transport

• Abra boats: Traditional wooden shuttles across Dubai Creek —1 AED/ride (Deira–Bur Dubai).
• Dubai Ferry/Water Bus/Water Taxi: Connects key coastal points (Marina, Palm, Business Bay, Creek, Festival City), fares 3–50 AED, great for sightseeing or avoiding traffic jams.
• Timetables and route maps : RTA website and terminals.

NOL Card: The Key to Getting Around

• Universal smart card for metro, bus, tram, marine transport, some taxis, parking.
• Types : Silver (most common, AED 25 incl. 19 AED credit), Gold (premium class), Blue (personal, for residents/students), Red Ticket (cheap, one-time journeys).
• Buy at metro stations, airport, bus stops, Zoom stores, RTA offices; top up at machines, kiosks, app, or stores.
• NOL “Travel Card” for visitors: includes transport + discounts at attractions/hotels/restaurants.

Tip: One card per person. Tap in and out every ride. Kids under 5 or <90cm: free on most modes.

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FAQ – Dubai Transport Options

• What’s the fastest way in rush hour? Metro! Avoid Sheikh Zayed Road by train or plan via RTA app for bus expresslanes.
• Are women/kids safe alone ? Yes—metro/metro stations have dedicated cars, security cameras; taxis have women/family options.
• Any monthly or unlimited transport pass? Yes—NOL Silver/Gold weekly and monthly top-ups : ~350–800 AED/month depending on zones.
• Can you use one card for a whole family? No—each traveler needs a separate NOL card for correct tapping/fare.
• Does Dubai have ride shares/scooters? Yes—Careem, Lime, Circ for e-bikes, e-scooters (zones only); helmets needed.

Bottom Line: Move Easy in Dubai

Metro, bus, tram, taxi, ferry, or boat : Dubai gives you choices for every lifestyle, 24/7. With one NOL card and smart route planning, the city is yours to explore !

Article Information:

• Article Length: ~5600 characters
• Internal Links: - Dubai Arrival Basics - Best Districts for Commuters - Pickeenoo NOL Card Help - Family & Accessible Transport Dubai - Dubai Transport App Recommendations
• Last Updated: November 2025
• Category: Transport / Mobility / Expat Guide