Dubai has an extensive public transport network so it’s an accessible city to navigate. From the metro to the tram, buses, taxis, and even a monorail, it’s time to hop on board and explore the city. There are strict social distancing measures in place, and face masks must be worn while traveling on public transport in Dubai. Here’s a round-up guide to the public transportation in Dubai.
Dubai is split into seven zones and travelling through a single one costs Dh4. If you transfer to a bus or tram within the same journey, it is included in that rate. To ride the metro, tram, bus, or ferry, simply purchase a Nol card at any metro station. These come as one-time red Nol tickets or reusable cards.
Types of public transportation in Dubai
Dubai offers a wide range of transportation options. Some of them are given below.
- Dubai Taxis
- Dubai Metro
- Dubai Tram
- Dubai Bus
- Dubai Ferry
- Abras and Water Taxis
- Monorails
Dubai taxis
Taxi cabs are accessible and easy to find across Dubai. Dubai also boasts an extensive taxi system, which is the most expensive mode of transportation in the Emirate. There are both government-funded and privately-owned taxi companies. If you have a young child and a lot of luggage, a taxi may be the best option in Dubai. There are an abundance of taxis in Dubai and they offer a very cheap and efficient way of getting around the city. It feels safe because the drivers are following the COVID guidelines.
Many different companies operate Taxis in Dubai.
The details for different companies operating taxis in Dubai are given below.
There are 3 biggest taxi companies in Dubai, mentioned below:
- Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) run by Dubai RTA (The Rail and Transport Authority).
- Hala Taxis
- Luxury taxis
There are many types of taxis in Dubai run by DTC (Dubai Taxi Corporation) like:
- Red Top taxi (generally available for all)
- Pink top taxi (Ladies and Family taxi)
- Golden Taxi van (Hatta Taxi for the disabled)
- Black taxi (Limo)
Other taxi companies also operate in Dubai like:
- Yellow top taxi by National Taxi
- Orange top taxi by Metro taxi
- Blue top taxi by Cars Taxi
- Green top taxi by Al Arabia Taxi
Taxi Companies and contact numbers in Dubai
| Companies | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| RTA Taxi | +971-4-2080808 |
| Al Arabia Taxi | +971-4-2855566 |
| City Taxi | +971 4 3331110 |
| Car Taxi | +971-4-2693344 (Toll-free 800-227789) |
| Metro Taxi | +971-4-2673222 / 600-566000 |
| Ladies Taxi | +971-4-2080808 |
| Hatta Taxi | +971-4-2080000 |
Dubai Metro
The Dubai Metro is an automated transit system in Dubai, UAE, operated by Dubai Rail Corporation (RTA). It began service in 2009, ranking among the world’s longest driverless metro networks. Dubai Metro trains are electric-powered and air-conditioned, offering separate sections for men and women. They run every 3–4 minutes during peak hours and every 7–10 minutes when less crowded.
Types of Metro Lines in Dubai
Dubai Metro is one of the city’s most efficient and reliable transportation modes. Dubai Metro consists of two lines:
The Red Line
The Red Line, with 35 stations, goes from Rashidiya in the east to Jebel Ali in the west, passing by key places like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.
| Opened in | 9 September 2009 |
| Owner | Roads and Transport Authority (Dubai) |
| Line Length | 67 kilometers (42 mi) |
The Green Line
The Green Line is shorter, with 20 stations. It runs from Etisalat in the North to Al Fahidi Historical District in the south, passing through landmarks such as Deira City Centre and Gold Souk.
| Opened in | 9 September 2011 |
| Owner | Roads and Transport Authority (Dubai) |
| Line Length | 22.5 kilometers (14 mi) |
Notable Stations
The two lines intersect at two stations named Union and BurJuman.
Carriage in Dubai Metro
There are different types of carriages in the Dubai Metro, which may include:
- Gold Class (Expensive & Luxurious)
- Silver Class (For Both Men and Women)
- Women and Children Class (Reserved only for Women and children under the age of 10)
Mode of Payment
The mode of payment is an NOL Card. You can purchase an NOL Card from any metro station or convenience store. There are different types of Nol cards available, depending on your needs.
- Silver card for regular commuters
- Gold card for frequent travelers
- Blue card for students
Dubai Metro Timing
The Dubai Metro runs every day, but with the times change:
| Monday to Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starts at 5:00 a.m. and ends at midnight. | Starts at 5:00 a.m. and ends at 1:00 a.m. the next day. | Starts at 5:00 a.m. and ends at midnight. | Starts at 5:00 a.m. and ends at midnight. |
Dubai Tram
The Dubai Tram is a tramway in Dubai, UAE. It stretches 14.5 kilometers from Dubai Marina to Palm Jumeirah and Al Sufouh along Al Sufouh Road. It links to the Dubai Metro’s Red Line at DMCC and Sobha Realty stations, with plans for more connections in the future. Additionally, it connects with the Palm Jumeirah monorail at the Palm’s entrance from Sufouh Road.
The Dubai tram is distinct from the Dubai Metro. Unlike the Metro, the tram shares some intersections with road traffic in specific areas. The Dubai Tram has 2 tracks.
Tram stations
The Dubai Tram has 11 stations:
- Jumeirah Beach Residence 1 Tram Station
- Jumeirah Beach Residence 2 Tram Station
- Jumeirah Lakes Towers Tram Station
- Dubai Marina Mall
- Dubai Marina Tram Station
- Marina Towers Tram Station
- Mina Seyahi Tram Station
- Media City Tram Station
- Palm Jumeirah Tram Station
- Knowledge Village Tram Station
- Al Sufouh Tram Station
System length
- 10.6 km (6.6 mi)
- 14.5 km (9.0 mi)
| Began Operation | Operator | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 11 November 2014 | Keolis.MHI | 50 km/h (31 mph) |
Tram Fares & Tickets
| Ticket Type | 1 Zone or <3km 2 zones | 2 Zones | 3+ Zones |
| Standard Adult Ticket (Red) | 4 dirhams | 6 dirhams | 8.45 dirhams |
| Concessionary (Blue Nol Card) | 1.50 dirhams | 2.50 dirhams | 3.75 dirhams |
| Gold Class (Red Ticket) | 8 dirhams | 12 dirhams | 17 dirhams |
Dubai Tram Timings
The Dubai Tram runs every day with these schedules:
Saturday to Thursday
- Starts at 6:30 am
- The last tram departs at 1:30 am
Friday
- Starts at 9:00 am
- The last tram departs at 1:30 am
Frequency
Peak Hours: Tram arrives every 10 minutes
Off-Peak Hours: Tram Comes about every 12 minutes
Dubai Tram Classes
Dubai Tram has 3 Class Options:
- Gold Class (Expensive & Luxurious)
- Silver Class (Standard & Affordable)
- Women and Children Class (Reserved only for Women and children under the age of 12)
Dubai Buses
The RTA operates more than 1,500 public buses. Dubai bus service serves 17 fully equipped bus stations and more than 2,000 bus stops dotted across the city. There are 170 double-decker buses, 935 standard buses, 339 articulated buses, and special metro links. All RTA-approved vehicles are air-conditioned and feature informative screens for displaying bus stop details and general notifications. These buses are fully equipped for People of Determination, with dedicated entrances and spaces for wheelchair users. You will also hear audible alerts with corresponding flashing lights signaling when the doors open and close.
Dubai Bus Stations
In Dubai, there are two main bus stations: Al Ghubaiba and Gold Souq. You’ll also discover bus stops and stations throughout the city, including near metro stations.
The RTA bus routes cover these stations:
- Abu Hail
- Al Ghubaiba
- Al Sabkha
- Ibn Battuta
- Mall of Emirates
- Gold Souq
- Al Qusais
- Al Rashidiya
- Al Satwa
- Hatta
Many of these bus stations provide NOL top-up machines and amenities like cafeterias and vending machines to make commuting more convenient.
Dubai Bus Types
There are four main types of Dubai buses.
- Regular Buses (Operated by RTA, red, Air-conditioned)
- Night Buses (For late-night travel (10 pm-6 am), blue, Air-conditioned)
- Feeder Buses (Shorter routes, Green, Air-conditioned, Connect to main network)
- Intercity Buses (Dubai to UAE cities, white colored, air-conditioned)
Dubai Bus Tips
- Get a Nol card before riding.
- Tap it when getting on and off.
- Know your bus type and route.
- Plan ahead with RTA tools.
- Expect crowds at peak times.
- Be considerate, keep noise down.
Dubai Bus Ticket Cost
Cost Depends upon the zone min AED 3 max AED 5.
| NOL Card | Within 1 Zone | 2 Adjacent Zones | More than 2 Zones |
| Gold Card | AED 6 | AED 10 | AED 15 |
| Personal Card | AED 3 | AED 5 | AED 7.5 |
| Red Ticket | AED 4 | AED 6 | AED 8.0 |
| Silver Card | AED 3 | AED 5 | AED 7.5 |
Dubai Ferry
The Dubai ferry is an important way for people to travel by water in Dubai. The RTA ferry ride in Dubai was initiated in 2011 and now it is a popular marine attraction. A ferry is a boat that carries people and things across the water. But in Dubai, it’s more than just a way to get around. Let’s discuss the Dubai ferry trip in detail. Each ferry is 32 meters in length with a seating capacity of 100 people and also have three restrooms.
Dubai Ferry Stations
There are five Dubai Ferry stations, which are listed below:
- Dubai Marina
- Al Ghubaiba
- Dubai Canal
- Al Jaddaf
- Sheikh Zayed Road
Total seats per Ferry
| Silver Class | Gold Class | Disabled Class |
|---|---|---|
| 84 | 14 | 02 |
| Routes | Stations Covered | Timings | Duration |
| Route 1 | Ferry Station Al GhubaibaDubai Water Canal StationDubai Marina Mall Station | 11:00 am 01:00 pm 06:30 pm | 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Route 2 | Al Ghubaiba Ferry StationFloating BridgeHyatt Regency HotelAl Ghubaiba Station | 03:00 pm | 1 hour (round trip) |
| Route 3 | Al Ghubaiba Ferry StationJumeirah BeachAl Ghubaiba Ferry Station | 05:00 pm | 1 hour (round trip) |
| Route 4 | Dubai Marina Mall StationDubai MarinaAtlantisDubai Marina Mall Station | 03:00 pm | 1 hour (round trip) |
| Route 5 | Dubai Marina Mall StationPalm Jumeirah Atlantis the PalmDubai Marina Mall Station | 05:00 pm | 1 hour (round trip) |
| Route 6 | Al Ghubaiba Ferry StationSharjah Aquarium Marine Station | 07:00 am – 09:00 pm (Sunday to Thursday) 02:00 pm -10:30 pm (Friday) 08:15 am – 08:00 pm (Saturday) | 35 minutes (round trip) |
How to Book
To book a ferry ride with RTA Dubai, you have several options:
1. Use the RTA Mobile App (available on Android and Apple) or the S’hail App (available on Android and Apple) to check ferry timings and details.
2. Call 800-9090 for pre-booking and more information.
Pricing System
| Route | Silver Ticket Price (in Dirhams) | Gold Ticket Price (in Dirhams) |
| Al Ghubaiba – Dubai Marina | 50 | 75 |
| Dubai Marina – Al Ghubaiba | 50 | 75 |
| Dubai Marina (Circular Trip) | 50 | 75 |
| Al Ghubaiba (Circular Trip) | 50 | 75 |
| Al Ghubaiba – Sharjah Aquarium | 15 | 25 |
| Dubai Marina – Dubai Canal Station | 25 | 35 |
Note
2- For round trips, kids under 2 ride free on Ferry Dubai.
3- Kids aged 2 to 10 get a 50% discount (for silver and gold class tickets).
4- You can buy round-trip tickets only at marine stations.
Abras and Water Taxis
Abras
Abras are traditional & historical wooden boats that have been used for centuries to transport people across Dubai Creek. They are still in use today and are a popular way for tourists to learn about the city’s history.
Water Taxis
Water taxis are sophisticated & modern boats that provide a more pleasant and luxurious way to explore the waterways of Dubai. They are usually more expensive than Abras but are also speedier and easier to use.
Features of Abras
- Abras are typically small wooden boats that can carry up to 20 passengers.
- They are powered by a single outboard motor.
- They are too affordable, with fares starting at just AED 1.
- Abras are a popular way to get around Dubai Creek, and they offer stunning views of the city skyline.
Types of Abras
You can use four kinds of Abras for city travel:
- Motorized Abras (AED 1 per person)
- Air-Conditioned Abras (AED 2 per person)
- Petrol Abras (AED 2 per person)
- Electric Traditional Abras (AED 20 per person)
Water Buses Routes in Dubai
The water buses in Dubai are a highly modern water transit service that provides luxury, comfort, and further destinations to its passengers.
From Dubai Marina Walk
| To Marina Terrace | To Marina Promenade | To Dubai Marina Mall |
|---|---|---|
| AED 3 per person | 10 am to 11 pm (Sat-Thurs) / 12 pm to midnight (Fridays) | AED 3 per person | 4 pm to 7 pm | AED 5 per person |
From Al Jaddaf
| Dubai Design District Marine Transport | Al Wajeha Al Maeyah Marine Transport Station | Sheikh Zayed Road Marine Transport Station |
|---|---|---|
| 12:45 pm to 6:15 pm | 1 pm to 6:30 pm | 1:20 pm to 6:50 pm |
From Dubai Canal
| Sheikh Zayed Road Marine Transport Station | Al Wajeha Al Maeyah Marine Transport Station | Dubai Design District Marine Transport |
|---|---|---|
| 2:30 pm to 8 pm | 2:47 pm to 8 pm | 3 pm to 8:30 pm |
Fares for the Dubai Water Bus
- Stop 1: AED 2
- Stop 2: AED 4
- Stop 3: AED 6
- Stop 4: AED 8
Monorails
A monorail is an elevated railway system that uses a single track. Monorails are typically powered by electricity and can carry large numbers of passengers. A solid beam serves as the running surface for modern monorails. In 1820, the first monorail prototype was built in Russia.
Types of monorails
There are two main types of monorails:
1. Straddle-beam monorails
These monorails straddle a single beam, with the passenger cars suspended below the beam.
2. Suspended monorails
These monorails are suspended from a single beam, with the passenger cars hanging below.
Palm Jumeirah Monorails In Dubai
This connects Palm Jumeirah to the mainland with nine stops on a 5.45-kilometer track. The line can carry up to 40,000 passengers a day. Trains run frequently during busy times and less often when it’s less busy – about every 15 to 20 minutes.
Transit type: straddle-beam monorail
Number of Lines: 01
Number of Stations: 5 Opened, 1 Planned
List of the Palm Monorail stops
- Gateway Station (starting point)
- Golden Mile Galleria
- Al Ittihad Park
- Nakheel Mall
- The Pointe
- Atlantis Aquaventure Station (final stop)
