Middle East’s most thriving metropolis, Dubai is one of the most visited cities in the region. Packed with awe-inspiring skyscrapers, Instagram-worthy attractions, and an irresistible shopping and dining scene – Dubai has much to offer with the avid explorer. Plus, the city makes exploration easy with a world-class public transportation system that is reliable, efficient, and if you play your (Nol) card right, it’s also easy on your pocket. Here is everything you need to know about Dubai’s public transportation facilities and how you can navigate it to your advantage on your trip here.
Dubai public transportation: The basics
Here is a quick look at all the public transportation systems in Dubai:
- Dubai Metro: Possibly the most efficient transport system in the city, the Dubai Metro has 2 lines, 49 stations, and trains that run every 2-3 minutes.
- Public buses: The city’s public transport agency operates more than 1,500 buses. The bus system is spread over 119 internal lines (35 of which connect to metro stations), covering 82% of the urban area in the Emirate of Dubai.
- Dubai Tram: Running for 14.5 kilometres, Dubai Tram has been operational since 2014. The tramway is located on Al Sufouh Road, connecting Dubai Marina to the Palm Jumeirah and Al Sufouh.
- Monorail: Restricted to Palm Jumeirah, the monorail connects the island to mainland Dubai.
- Taxis: In Dubai, taxis are easily available, however, they tend to be on the pricier side.
- Dubai Ferry: Operated by Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA), the Dubai Ferry has six ferry terminals. The ferry services are largely preferred by tourists who want to take in the sights of Dubai through its waters.
- Dubai Abras: Dubai Abras are traditional, wooden boats that evoke memories of a bygone Dubai. Again, rides on the Abras are a tourist attraction rather than a serious public transportation system.
The public transportation system in Dubai - metro, buses, trams, abras, ferry, water taxi - is managed by the RTA. The best part is that all these services use the same ticket type - the NOL card. You don't need to worry about purchasing a different ticket for each service. Road taxis, however, need to be paid primarily by cash.
What is the NOL Card?
The NOL card is a smart card that allows commuters in Dubai to use various RTA transport modes with a single card. With its 'touch and go' feature, you can simply tap your card on the card reader at the entry and exit gates of the Metro and waterbus stations, at the entrance gate of every RTA bus, and on all RTA parking meters. The system automatically charges the correct fare from your card. Remember that credit must be added to the card before travel. The NOL cards will get you access to the following services in Dubai:
- Metro
- Buses
- Water buses
- Dubai Tram
- RTA's paid parking
- Dubai water bus
- Abra rides
Types of NOL cards
Gold
With this travel card, you will be able to board a wide range of public transport services in Dubai, including buses, Dubai Metro, Dubai tram, and water transportation services. Additionally, you will be able to access the privileged gold-class cabins on the Dubai metro and trams. The card costs AED 25.
Silver
This card allows you on all modes of transport and is perfect for tourists and travellers. The card costs AED 25 and includes an AED 19 e-purse value. The Silver NOL card is valid for 5 years.
Personal
The Blue card, or the Nol Personal Card, is similar to the Silver Card. Available only to locals, the card’s added advantages include discounts for students and senior citizens on the metro and free travel for those with disabilities.
Types of NOL Tickets
Red: This is a paper ticket that costs AED 2 but, unlike the cards, can only be used for one type of mode of transport, either the Metro, buses or the monorail. With the ticket, you can opt for five daily passes or 10 journeys. This is best suited for those who are in Dubai for a day or two.
Read our 2025 NOL card guide for all the details on this super convenient way that allows you to easily navigate Dubai.
Getting to Dubai city from the airport
Dubai has two airports - Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
DXB is a modern airport handling huge international passenger traffic, and is equipped with world-class facilities. Situated just north of the city, it has three terminals with Terminal 3 being the largest airport terminal in the world. DWC on the other hand doesn't handle a lot of passenger traffic and is dedicated primarily to cargo. In this guide, we'll focus on how to get to the city from DXB.
By metro
Both terminals 1 and 3 are connected to the city via Dubai Metro’s Red Line. This line connects the airport to Dubai Downtown, JLT/DMCC, Dubai Marina/DAMAC, and Jebel Ali. If you land at Terminal 2, you can get to Terminal 1 or 3 through a bus service, if you want to take the metro to the city.
- Timings:Monday to Thursday: 5am - midnight
Friday: 5am – 1am (next day)
Saturday: 5am - midnight
Sunday: 8am - midnight
- Frequency:Every 5-7 minutes
- Tickets: You can use the NOL card to travel on the metro or get tickets from ticket machines and ticket counters at the station
By bus
The Dubai RTA’s fleet consists of air-conditioned buses with fares that start from about $2 per journey to the city centre. Buses leave from stands opposite Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Remember, to use public bus services in Dubai, you must purchase a prepaid NOL card as cash is not accepted. Children below 5 years of age and with a height of less than 90cm travel for free.
- Timings: Daily around the clock
- Frequency: Every 20 minutes
- Tickets: You can only use a prepaid NOL card (cash is not accepted
By taxi
The airport is well connected to the city and you’ll easily find a taxi at all times of the day and night. Taxis are easily available and pretty convenient, even though they are more expensive than other public transport options. Luckily, since they are franchised by the government, taxi fares are standardised across companies.
- Timings: Daily around the clock
- Tickets: Cash/card
Private and shared transfers
Commuting by taxi from the airport can be expensive. On the other hand, shared transport is often reasonable and a comfortable travel option. You can choose between minibuses, vans, and luxury limousines. Plus, you get the added luxury of a driver waiting for you at the arrival gate and dropping you off at your hotel. This makes shared and private transfers from the airport an easy and efficient option. They are way cheaper than private cabs and also save you time and rid you of the hassles associated with public transport.
Read more about Dubai Airport Transfers
Dubai public transportation deconstructed
1Dubai Metro
The Dubai Metro offers one of the easiest and quickest ways to get around the city. It has two lines. The first is the Red Line that runs from Centrepoint (previously known as Rashidiya) to UAE Exchange. For travellers and tourists, the Red Line is the most handy as the stations are closely located to the city’s top attractions, including Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina and the Mall of Emirates. The second line is the Green Line, running between Etisalat and Creek stations. When exploring old Dubai, including the Al Fahidi neighbourhood and the city’s gold and spice souks, we recommend you hop on to the Green Line.
Monday to Thursday: 5am to 12am (midnight)
Friday: 5am to 1am (next day)
Saturday: 5am to 12am (midnight)
Sunday: 8am to 12am (midnight)
2Dubai Bus
The widespread RTA bus network is a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the city. They are air-conditioned, equipped with NOL card sensors at the entry and exit points, and can easily be accessed by people with special needs. Combine this with the coverage area and you have one of the most efficient bus networks in the world. The bus stops are air-conditioned too, to keep you safe from the Dubai heat.
Similar to the Dubai Metro and other transport services, you will need a NOL card to travel on the buses and cash is not accepted on the buses. There are 15 major bus stations in Dubai and numerous bus stops along the way. The major bus stations are divided into major stations, sub stations and feeder bus stations. You can check out the official Dubai RTA bus station list to learn all about them.
3Dubai Trams
The RTA-operated Dubai Tram has been part of the Dubai Public Transport network since 2014. The tram line is currently limited and runs 14.5 kilometres along Al Sufouh Road, connecting Dubai Marina to the Palm Jumeirah and Al Sufouh. You can transfer from the tram to the metro at the Jumeirah Lakes Towers Station and Dubai Marina Station of the Dubai Metro's Red Line. The tram is also connected with the monorail of the Palm Jumeirah. It comes with additional services such as Wi-Fi, disabled access, private cabins, a cabin for women, and a dedicated metro police.
Monday-Saturday: 6am-1am
Sunday: 9am-1am
4Taxi Cabs
Like every other major city in the world, taxis are ubiquitous throughout the city and easily available. Despite being the most expensive form of public transport in the city, its ease and comfort make it one of the most convenient ways to move around in Dubai. Taxis in Dubai are run by various companies - Dubai Transport, Arabian, National, Cars, and Metro. All run at similar rates, at AED 1.75/km, with the minimum charge capped at AED 12. Taxis can be easily found at the entrances of malls, shopping destinations and all major tourist attractions. You can also hail one on the road, though it does get difficult during rush hour.
5Monorail
Opened in 2009, the Dubai monorail is the first monorail in the Middle East. The Dubai Monorail runs on the Palm Islands and connects it to the mainland with further plans to connect the line to the Metro Red Line. The Palm Monorail is one of the best ways to navigate across the Palm Jumeirah: a way of getting from one place to another while promising a ravishing view. The Dubai Monorail accepts only cash. You cannot travel on the Dubai monorail with a NOL card. A one-way ticket costs AED 20 and a return ticket costs AED 30.
Gateway | Daily: 9am–9:45pm
Atlantis | Daily: 9:15am–10pm
6Abras
Abras are the city's most traditional form of transport. Half boat and half raft, the abras have retained their design and functionality for centuries and are a present-day link to the old days of Dubai. Abras are the most common forms of boats you'll see plying their trade and ferrying passengers across the beautiful 14-km stretch of the Dubai Creek.
Bur Dubai Abra - Deira Old Souk Abra: 6am–am 12
Dubai Old Souk - Al Sabhkha Abra: 24x7
7Dubai Ferry
Largely aimed at tourists, the Dubai Ferry is a joyride that weaves through the waters of the Marina. Hop on for a 60 or 90-minute ferry and you’ll be taken through Dubai Marina, the Dubai Canal and Bluewaters. As you sail along, you’ll spot landmarks like the Palm Jumeriah, Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab and more.
11:30am – 6pm
Dubai Hop-On-Hop-Off Tours
Dubai Hop-on-hop-off buses are perfect for tourists as they help you easily get from one landmark to the other. Dubai has two hop-on-hop-off operators: Big Bus and City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Buses. These operators have planned routes with about 40 stops along the way. You can get on the bus at any of these stops and get down wherever you like.
Big Bus Routes
Big Bus operates two routes in Dubai:
- Red route: Burj Khalifa/ Dubai Mall, Financial Centre, Museum of the Future, Royal Palace, Arabian Dhow Cruise, Bastakiya Old Village, Al Fahidi Fort, Old Souk of Arabia, Shindaga Museum, Gold Souq, Spice Souq, Dubai Creek, Baniyas Road, Burjuman, Dubai Frame.
- Blue/beach route: Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall, Ain Dubai, Dubai Marina / JBR, Bayside / Skydive, Tallest Block, Media City, Atlantis the Palm, Palm West Beach, Souk Madinat Jumeirah / Burj Al Arab
City Sightseeing
You can explore three routes with City Sightseeing in Dubai:
- Red route: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Museum of the Future, Al Seef Contemporary Area, Dubai Show Cruise, Al Fahidi district, Dubai Museum, Old Souk, Al Shindagha Museum, Gold and spice souk, Riveria Hotel, Dubai Creek, Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers, Dubai Frame.
- Blue route: The Dubai Mall, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Atlantis the Palm, Fairmont the Palm, Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina Mall, The Beach @ JBR, Marina Promenade, Grosvenor House Dubai, Infinity Tower, Mina Seyahi, Mall of Emirates.
- Sunset and night tour: The Dubai Mall, Mina Seyahi, Atlantis the Palm, Fairmont the Palm, Madinat Jumeirah, Mall of the Emirates.
Here's our detailed comparison of the top Hop On Hop Off Buses in Dubai
Best way to get around Dubai
With so many public transportation options in Dubai, how does one go about choosing the right mode of transport? With a little bit of research beforehand, you can zero-in on a pocket-friendly and convenient transport options.
Cheapest mode of public transportation?
The Dubai Metro is the cheapest mode of public transportation in Dubai. Get your NOL Card right away!
Fastest mode of public transportation?
You guessed it - the Dubai Metro takes the cake once again. This is especially applicable for longer distances. Another quick mode of transportation might be a taxi cab, but try to avoid peak hours.
Stops at tourist destinations conveniently?
The iconic red double-decker Hop-On-Hop-Off buses are your best option.
Convenient mode of transportation?
Dubai's iconic taxi cabs with the yellow "taxi" sign are pretty popular. All cabs are metered and wheelchair accessible. Even though they are convenient, they are on the pricier side.
Wheelchair-accessible modes of transportation?
The Dubai Metro, the tramway and the city buses are all wheelchair accessible.
Dubai public transportation tips
- If you're traveling in Dubai with family, you might consider using taxi cabs. 4-5 people will fit in and it is very convenient. The only downside is dealing with Dubai traffic.
- While taxis are comparably more expensive than other modes of transportation in Dubai, they are cheap compared to other metropolitan cities.
- If you are out and about during peak hours, we strongly recommend using the metro. This is also the best mode of transportation if you need to cover long distances.
- We strongly recommend using Dubai private transfers from the airport over hotel transfers.
- If you're in the Dubai Creek area, do not forget to try out the Dubai Abra experience. It's quite remarkable.
- Looking for the fastest mode of transportation on The Palm? The Dubai Monorail is the way to go.
Ready to Explore Dubai?
Fancy heading out to some other must-visit Dubai attractions? Take inspiration from our list of the best things to do in Dubai here. Use our comprehensive Dubai Travel Guide to explore the rest of Dubai in a hassle-free fashion with all the need-to-know information in hand.
FAQs: Dubai Public Transportation
The Metros, the buses, and the taxis are the safest and convenient ways to get around the city and visit the attractions.
The Dubai Metro is the cheapest mode of public transportation in Dubai.
Taxis are government-controlled, safe, and metered- so it is very much advisable to book in Dubai.
Some apps advisable to download before your trip to Dubai are Darb, XE Currency, Wojhati, BOTIM, and more.
NOL cards cost about AED 25 (including AED 19 e-purse value).
