Last checked: November 2026
Getting around Dubai works best as a mix: Metro, taxis and ride-hailing inside the city, and car or rail between emirates. Distances are long and summer heat is strong, so most visitors rely on air-conditioned transport and short rides instead of walking between districts. This guide sits alongside the main Dubai travel guide.
Quick answer: Use the Dubai Metro for the Red and Green lines, the tram and Palm Monorail for short local links, taxis or ride-hailing for door-to-door trips, and Etihad Rail or a road transfer for Abu Dhabi. A nol card pays for most public transport, and the RTA website lists current fares and rules.
What Public Transport Does Dubai Have?
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) runs most services. Check the RTA website for fares, hours and maps, because routes and stations change.
- Dubai Metro: the Red Line runs along Sheikh Zayed Road past Downtown to the south-west, and the Green Line serves Deira and Bur Dubai around the Creek. A Blue Line is under construction. Each train has a women-and-children cabin, and eating and drinking on board is not allowed.
- Dubai Tram: a short line through Dubai Marina and JBR that links with Metro stations.
- Palm Monorail: connects Palm Jumeirah with the mainland tram and Metro network at one end and Atlantis The Palm at the other.
- Buses: cover most districts but are slower than the Metro and are best for routes the rail lines miss.
- Abra, Water Bus and ferries: the abra is the small wooden boat that crosses Dubai Creek between Bur Dubai and Deira, and the Water Bus and ferries link waterfront areas.
A nol card, or the RTA app where available, covers Metro, tram, bus and boats. Top it up before you travel and keep a positive balance for the exit gate.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Licensed RTA taxis wait at ranks outside malls and hotels or can be booked through the official taxi app. Ride-hailing apps such as Careem and Uber also operate in Dubai. Taxis use meters, and fares follow RTA rules, so ask for the meter to be on. Avoid unofficial drivers who approach you in terminals or malls, because they are not regulated and quote their own prices.
Driving and Car Rental
Traffic drives on the right. Rental cars normally carry a Salik tag for the toll gates, and paid parking is common in busy areas. Speed cameras are widespread, and the UAE applies a zero-tolerance rule to drinking and driving. Many foreign licences are accepted for short visits, but some nationalities need an International Driving Permit, so confirm with the rental company before you book. Driving rules and fines are set by Dubai Police and the RTA.
How Long Does It Take to Reach Nearby Cities?
| Route | By car (typical) | Other option |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai to Abu Dhabi | About 1.5 hours, 140 km | Etihad Rail, about 57 minutes; intercity buses |
| Dubai to Sharjah | 20 to 60 minutes, traffic dependent | Intercity buses |
| Dubai to Ajman | 35 to 60 minutes | Intercity buses |
| Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah | About 1 hour | Coach and taxi transfers |
| Dubai to Al Ain | About 1.5 hours | Intercity buses via Abu Dhabi |
| Dubai to Hatta | About 1.5 hours | Bus or taxi |
Etihad Rail passenger services between Dubai and Abu Dhabi began on 30 September 2026. The Dubai station sits outside the city centre, so allow time to reach it. Fares and timetables are on the Etihad Rail website. Domestic flights are not a practical option for most trips, since the UAE is small and roads and rail cover the main routes.
Which Option Should You Choose?
- Choose the Metro if you want the cheapest and most predictable ride along Sheikh Zayed Road and the Creek.
- Choose a taxi or ride-hailing if you travel with luggage, children or in summer heat.
- Choose Etihad Rail if you want the fastest and least stressful trip to Abu Dhabi.
- Choose a rental car if you plan Hatta, the desert or several emirates in a day.
- Choose an abra or Water Bus if you want the most scenic short crossing.
Common Mistakes
- Accepting rides from unofficial drivers instead of using ranks or apps.
- Relying on an old timetable: Etihad Rail is new, and some stations are still opening in phases.
- Eating or drinking on the Metro, which can lead to a fine.
- Walking long distances at midday in summer.
- Planning trips between 7 and 10 in the morning or 5 and 8 in the evening without allowing for heavy traffic.
Checklist Before You Travel
- Buy and load a nol card, or check the current RTA payment options.
- Save the official taxi app and one ride-hailing app on your phone.
- Check the rental company’s licence and insurance rules.
- Check the Etihad Rail timetable for your date.
- Carry water and a light cover-up for air-conditioned carriages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is public transport in Dubai suitable for tourists?
Yes. The Metro, tram and boats are clean and signed in English. They work best along the main corridors, and taxis fill the gaps in areas without stations.
Is Uber available in Dubai?
Yes, Uber and Careem both operate, alongside licensed RTA taxis. Check the app for the vehicle type, and confirm the pickup point because malls and hotels often use set zones.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
It depends on the country that issued your licence. Many visitors can use their home licence, but some need a permit. Ask the rental company before you book, and carry your passport.
Can I reach Abu Dhabi without a car?
Yes. Etihad Rail and intercity buses connect the two cities, and licensed taxis make the trip too. Rail is the fastest, but check the timetable and your station first.