Getting around Dubai: metro, taxis, tram, abras and car hire

The easiest way to get around Dubai is to combine the metro's Red Line, which runs the length of the city from the airport to the Marina, with taxis for the last few kilometres. Public transport is run by the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai's transport authority), which sets fares for the metro, tram, buses, boats and taxis. A single card, the Nol card, works on the metro, tram, buses and public boats.

At a glance

Prices are in UAE dirhams (AED), the local currency, which is pegged to the US dollar.

From Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Dubai International, DXB, sits right in the city. The Red Line serves Terminals 1 and 3, with direct trains to BurJuman, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Business Bay, Mall of the Emirates and the Marina.

By taxi, Downtown is about 11 km and 30 minutes away. Airport taxis charge an AED 25 flag fall, then roughly AED 2.15 to 2.35 per kilometre, plus AED 4 for each Salik gate (Dubai's road toll). A private transfer can also be booked before you land.

Sudden airspace closures remain possible in the region in 2026; our guide to Dubai and the regional situation has the latest.

From Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)

Al Maktoum International, DWC, is in Dubai South, south-west of the city: about 36 to 40 km from Downtown and 25 km from the Marina. No metro line reaches it. The RTA runs bus route F55 to Ibn Battuta metro station on the Red Line, a ride of about 40 minutes. For a first visit, a taxi or pre-booked transfer is the simplest option, especially to the Marina or the Palm.

The metro

Two metro lines are in service:

• the Red Line, the most useful for visitors, follows Sheikh Zayed Road: the airport (Terminals 1 and 3), Union, BurJuman, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Business Bay, Mall of the Emirates, then the Marina and JBR (Sobha Realty and DMCC stations);
• the Green Line serves Deira, Bur Dubai and both banks of the Creek, and meets the Red Line at Union and BurJuman.

A Blue Line is under construction, with opening announced for 9 September 2029.

Hours: 5 am to midnight Monday to Thursday and on Saturday, 5 am to 1 am on Friday, 8 am to midnight on Sunday (local time). Check the RTA website or app before a very early or late journey.

Carriages: each train has a Gold Class carriage, roomier and reserved for Gold card holders, and a carriage for women and children, marked in pink. The other carriages are open to everyone.

The Nol card and fares

The Nol card is Dubai's transport card. There are several kinds:

• the Silver card is rechargeable, costs AED 25 including AED 19 of credit and is valid for five years: the best choice for a stay of several days;
• the Gold card costs the same and gives access to Gold Class, with fares twice as high;
• the Red ticket is a paper ticket costing AED 2, loaded with a few journeys, for occasional use.

The network is divided into zones, and fares depend on how many you cross:

Changing mode within 30 minutes counts as a single journey. Cards are sold and topped up at station ticket offices and machines (minimum AED 20 at machines), in the nol Pay app and in some convenience stores. Tap in and tap out.

The tram and the Palm Monorail

The tram runs 10.6 km with 11 stops between the Marina, JBR and Al Sufouh, for AED 3 a journey on a Nol card. It operates from 6 am to 1 am, from 9 am on Sundays, and connects with the Red Line.

The Palm Monorail, run separately and paid outside the Nol system, leaves from Palm Gateway station at the base of Palm Jumeirah and runs up the island to Atlantis. Tickets cost AED 20 single and AED 30 return, and a day pass AED 35. See our page on Palm Jumeirah.

Taxis and ride-hailing apps

Official Dubai taxis are cream with a coloured roof; a pink roof means a female driver, and these taxis are reserved for women and children. They run on the meter:

• AED 5 flag fall from 6 am to 10 pm, AED 5.50 at night, with a minimum fare of AED 12;
• about AED 2.15 to 2.25 per kilometre, adjusted monthly in line with fuel prices;
• AED 4 for each Salik toll gate and AED 0.50 per minute of waiting.

The Careem, Uber and S'hail apps (S'hail is the RTA's own) book a taxi or a car with driver; the minimum fare there is AED 13, with a booking fee of AED 4 to 7.50 depending on the time. Use only official taxis or these recognised services.

Abras and boats

The abra, the Creek's traditional wooden boat, makes for the loveliest ride in town: AED 1 a crossing between Bur Dubai and Deira, from 6 am. Routes link Bur Dubai with Deira Old Souq, near the spice and gold souks. It is the natural way to explore Old Dubai.

Leaving Dubai by public transport

• Hatta: the RTA's H02 express bus leaves Dubai Mall bus station every two hours from 7 am to 7 pm, for AED 25. See our page on Hatta.
• Abu Dhabi: since 30 September 2026, Etihad Rail trains have linked Al Yalayis station in Dubai with Mohamed Bin Zayed City station in about 64 minutes; the Abu Dhabi station is far from the centre, so a taxi is needed. The RTA's E101 bus leaves from Ibn Battuta station, for AED 25 and about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Hiring a car

A car is mainly useful for trips out of the city: the desert, Hatta, Abu Dhabi. In town, the metro and taxis are simpler. Things to know:

• Driving licence: the licence accepted for renting and driving depends on the country that issued it; depending on the case, your national licence is enough or an International Driving Permit is required. Without an International Driving Permit, check insurance cover with the rental company. The safest course is to carry an International Driving Permit and confirm with the rental company. Before you leave, check France Diplomatiediplomatie.belgium.beDFAE (eda.admin.ch)mae.gouvernement.luGOV.UK (FCDO)ireland.ie (DFA)Auswärtiges AmtRegeringen (UD)Udenrigsministeriet (um.dk)RegjeringenOdyseusz (MSZ)MZV ČRBMEIANederland WereldwijdViaggiare Sicuriexteriores.gob.esPortal das ComunidadesUlkoministeriö (um.fi).
• Drink-driving: zero tolerance, however small the amount. The fine is at least AED 2,000, with up to three months in prison, and your insurance will not cover an accident.
• On the road: driving is on the right, seat belts are compulsory in every seat and phones are banned at the wheel. Local driving is fast; the Dubai-Abu Dhabi road is known to be dangerous. Flashing headlights usually mean a driver wants to come through.
• After an accident in Dubai, only move the vehicle if it is blocking traffic, and wait for the police.
• The desert should only be tackled in a properly equipped 4x4, with other vehicles, or with a reputable operator.