Getting around · Dubai · United Arab Emirates
Getting around Dubai
Public transport, passes, airport connections and when a car makes sense.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Imre Solt, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Dubai is spread out along the coast, so most visitors combine the driverless Metro with taxis and ride-hailing. The Red Line runs from the airport through Deira, Bur Dubai and Downtown to the Marina and beyond, while the Dubai Tram serves the Marina and JBR. Walking between sights is limited by distances and, in summer, the heat. Not usually.
Key facts
- Main way around
- Metro
- Airports
- DXB, DWC, SHJ
- Need a car?
- Sometimes
- Travel pass
- Nol card
Ways to get around
Metro
The driverless Red and Green Lines are clean, air-conditioned and inexpensive, with a Gold Class carriage and a section for women and children. Pay with a Nol card topped up at stations.
Eating, drinking and chewing gum are banned on the Metro and can be fined.
Tram
The Dubai Tram loops through Dubai Marina and JBR, connecting with the Metro and the Palm Monorail.
Taxi
RTA taxis are metered and plentiful, and women and families can request pink-roofed ladies' taxis. Careem and Uber book taxis and private cars.
Boat
Traditional abras cross Dubai Creek, and the Dubai Ferry links Al Ghubaiba, Dubai Marina and other stops along the coast.
Bus
RTA buses reach areas the Metro does not, using the same Nol card, and many bus shelters are air-conditioned.
Walking
Promenades such as JBR's The Walk, Marina Walk, Al Seef and the Downtown boulevard are pleasant on foot from November to March.
Tickets and passes
Nol card
A rechargeable card for the Metro, tram, buses and water buses; the Silver card suits visitors, and a day-pass option gives unlimited rides.
Dubai Pass
A paid attraction pass covering a selection of sights; it only saves money if you visit several included attractions in a few days.
From the airport
Dubai International (DXB) Terminals 1 and 3 have Red Line Metro stations about 20–30 minutes from Downtown, and taxis take about 15–25 minutes outside rush hour. Al Maktoum International (DWC) is about 45–60 minutes' drive south-west of Downtown and handles far fewer passenger flights. Sharjah airport (SHJ), used by low-cost airlines, is 30–60 minutes away depending on traffic.
Do you need a car?
Not usually. Taxis, ride-hailing and the Metro cover most visits. A rental car helps for Hatta, Al Ain or Ras Al Khaimah; driving is on the right, roads use automatic Salik tolls and speed cameras are common.
Reaching the day trips
| Destination | Travel time | How |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | About 1 hour 30 minutes by car or bus | Car, taxi or intercity bus |
| Sharjah | About 30–60 minutes by taxi | Taxi or ride-hailing; traffic is heavy at rush hour |
| Hatta | About 1 hour 30 minutes by car | Car or RTA bus |
| Al Ain | About 1 hour 30 minutes by car | Car or intercity bus |
| Ras Al Khaimah and Jebel Jais | About 1 hour 30 minutes by car | Car or private transfer |
Questions travellers ask
+Do you need a car in Dubai?
Not usually. Taxis, ride-hailing and the Metro cover most visits. A rental car helps for Hatta, Al Ain or Ras Al Khaimah; driving is on the right, roads use automatic Salik tolls and speed cameras are common.
+How do you get from the airport to Dubai?
Dubai International (DXB) Terminals 1 and 3 have Red Line Metro stations about 20–30 minutes from Downtown, and taxis take about 15–25 minutes outside rush hour. Al Maktoum International (DWC) is about 45–60 minutes' drive south-west of Downtown and handles far fewer passenger flights. Sharjah airport (SHJ), used by low-cost airlines, is 30–60 minutes away depending on traffic.
+What is the best way to get around Dubai?
Metro: The driverless Red and Green Lines are clean, air-conditioned and inexpensive, with a Gold Class carriage and a section for women and children. Pay with a Nol card topped up at stations.