An Indian’s Guide to Local and Affordable Transportation in Dubai
Shishira & Navneeth
Full-time travellers (25 countries and counting) & Chartered Accountants
- 11min Read
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Public transportation in Dubai makes every corner of the city accessible to travellers. Here is a list of Dubai public transport:
- Bus Transport in Dubai: Night Tour Buses, Hop-on-Hop-off Buses
- Dubai Metro
- Taxis
Metro is the best option for fast and affordable transportation in Dubai. Take note that buses in Dubai don’t accept cash, instead, use a NOL card.
While Dubai is known for its glitzy hotels, mega malls, and man-made attractions, there are also many ways to experience authentic local culture and travel in Dubai on a budget. Transportation in Dubai is diverse, ranging from modern metro systems to traditional modes like abras, offering options for every traveller. This guide will provide tips and information to help Indians navigate like locals using public transportation in Dubai, including the metro, buses, and taxis.
Getting Around Dubai: Transportation Basics
If you’re on a Dubai budget trip, public buses provide an affordable way to commute like a local. Here’s all you need to know:
A. Bus Transportation in Dubai
Local bus service in Dubai
Embrace the efficiency of the local Dubai public transport, including buses and the metro, for a convenient and affordable way to move around the city. Some important bus routes for visitors include:
- Bus 8 – Rashidiya Metro to Satwa – Stops near malls, Burj Al Arab beach, and Dubai Museum
- Bus 13 – Al Ghubaiba bus station to Al Jubail bus station – Travels along Jumeirah Beach Road by Burj Al Arab
- Bus 83 – Al Ghubaiba bus station to Deira City Centre – Links malls and attractions on two sides of Dubai Creek
- Bus C01 – Ibn Battuta Metro to Global Village – Connects metro to Global Village seasonal theme park
How to find the bus routes for transportation in Dubai
Google Maps: Offers best transit directions for Dubai buses with route numbers, travel times, walking alternatives, etc. Just enter the destination and tap public transport.
Tourist Information Centers: Provide free printed RTA bus maps and schedules. Staff assist with ideal bus routes to major sights.
RTA Dubai App: The official app of the Roads & Transport Authority shows updated bus routes, schedules, and maps.
How to buy tickets/pay for the bus ride
- The average pay for a person per trip can be AED 5 and AED 4 for an additional person on the same trip. Tap the card on card readers when boarding buses. Moreover, weekly, monthly, and annual NOL Cards offer discounted bus rates for regular commuters.
- Cash isn’t accepted on buses. Use a NOL card to pay the fare or buy a ticket at select bus stations.
- Buses can be flagged down at official bus stops along the route. Check maps at stops for route details.
Tips to keep in mind
- Use the RTA website or S’hail app to view bus routes, stops, and schedules.
- Avoid buses during rush hour when they tend to be overcrowded. Experience the convenience of Dubai transportation, including taxis, buses, and the metro, for seamless travel within the city.
- Push the “Stop” button in advance if you need to get down at the next bus station.
- Switching from the metro to the bus and vice versa is free within two hours if you’re using a NOL card.
- To uncover the best local markets and shopping districts, rely on a Dubai map to lead you to the finest retail destinations.
- Maximise your sightseeing experience with a hop-on hop-off Dubai bus tour, ensuring you don’t miss any of the city’s highlights.
B. Dubai Big Bus Tour
Hop-on Hop-off (HOPO) Bus
Big Bus Dubai operates open-top double-decker buses for easy exploration across two convenient routes – the Red Route and the Blue Route. With over 15 stops spanning modern attractions like Dubai Frame and Burj Khalifa to historic spots along Dubai Creek and traditional souks, the hop-on hop-off bus allows you to create your itinerary. Travel seamlessly from Muscat to Dubai by bus, offering a cost-effective and scenic route between these two Middle Eastern destinations. Buses run at intervals of 20-30 minutes with complete circuits taking roughly 2 hours.
Top destinations to visit with the HOPO bus
The Dubai Frame on the Red Route offers the ultimate bird’s-eye views intertwining old and new Dubai. Snap front-facing photos from the open upper deck with ultra-sleek highrises juxtaposed behind Dubai’s last remaining windtowers. Be sure to follow the zoning rules.You will love Atlantis. The famous Aquaventure water park at the Palm Hotel complex features record-breaking waterslides through shark-filled lagoons. The majestic Burj Khalifa should also be on every Dubai bucket list – use your free entry ticket to ascend to the prime observation deck on Level 125. Emirates Airlines has introduced a promotion where travellers booking flights with Dubai’s premier carrier will receive complimentary tickets for access to At The Top, Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk, and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Night tour bus
At sunsets, glittering vistas transform Dubai into a glitzy gold-hued wonderland. Big Bus runs separate evening sightseeing tours between 6:30 pm and 9:30 pm with key photo stops at Dubai Frame, Burj Khalifa light shows, and vibrant Madinat Jumeirah waterways lined with Arabic architecture.
How to book tickets
Reserve Dubai Big Bus tickets online in advance for guaranteed seats. Bookings on their website can only be made via credit or debit cards with options like 24/48 hour passes, multi-day tickets, etc, averaging AED 165 – 307 (~INR 3,738 – INR 6,966) per person. Bundle deals include add-ons like Dhow Cruise dinner, museum entries, etc.
Book your tour tickets with Niyo Global
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Things to keep in mind
- Make an initial full loop of each bus route to get familiar with the stops before hopping on and off frequently.
- For the best views of Burj Khalifa, take the Red Route anti-clockwise.
- Carry small cash bills as many Dubai attractions have entrance fees that need local currency.
- Dress respectfully with shoulders and legs covered when visiting mosques along the routes.
- You can spend time exploring stops at your own pace. Just catch the next bus when you’re done.
C. Dubai Metro
Different Types of Metro for Transportation in Dubai
The Metro is the fastest and cheapest transportation option, suitable for budget travel in Dubai. Dubai Metro has 2 lines – the Red Line and the Green Line. The metro has stations near most major attractions and neighbourhoods. The Red Line has 29 stations spanning the Sheikh Zayed Road from Rashidiya to Jebel Ali. And the Green Line connects key areas like Deira, Bur Dubai, and Healthcare City.
How to find the metro routes
Google Maps is your best bet for navigating the Dubai Metro system. Just enter your station or landmark like “Burj Khalifa” and select public transit to see step-by-step routes, lines, travel times, and station details. Google Maps works offline, too, so it’s handy if you don’t have constant data access.
If you prefer physical metro maps, don’t worry, every metro station in Dubai has route maps. The attendants are usually happy to help point visitors in the right direction to key attractions.
How to buy tickets/pay for the metro ride
Dubai’s metro ticket prices are cost-effective, making it an ideal choice for travellers on a budget. Here are some ways you can buy tickets/pay fares for your metro ride:
International cards – You can directly credit money to your NOL card at the automated vending machines using your credit or debit card issued in India, like Visa or Mastercard. You can also pay using the tap-and-pay feature on your phones. Currency notes may not be accepted if the machine can’t calculate exchange rates accurately.
Transport cards – NOL cards function similarly to London’s oyster cards. Just tap the reusable smart card when entering and leaving the metro gates. The minimum top-up is AED 14.
Cash – Cash payments to recharge your NOL cards are allowed too. Ticket vending machines accept coins and notes in AED currency. Make sure you’ve got exact changes to avoid issues.
Mobile balance – A cool feature in Dubai is you can directly recharge NOL cards by linking them to your mobile number, be it Etisalat or Du networks. The recharge value gets deducted from your prepaid talk time balance.
Tips to travel in the metro
- Check the Dubai Metro’s ticket prices to plan your cost-effective commute while enjoying the convenience of the city’s modern public transportation system.
- Keep to the left side of the concourse and escalators.
- Stand clear of platform door edges until trains come to a full stop.
- Expect rush hour from 7:30 – 9:00 AM and 4:30 – 6:30 PM on weekdays.
D. Taxi
Getting around by taxi is one of the most popular and convenient options for transportation in Dubai. The city offers various taxi services to suit different budgets and needs. Payment by credit card may not be accepted. Carry small bills and coins. Estimate Dubai transportation cost to budget effectively for your trip, factoring in expenses for taxis, metro rides, and other modes of transport.
You can also save on your transportation expenses by opting for a cheap car rental in Dubai, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace.
Other popular taxi apps for local transportation in Dubai
Careem App: Careem is the most widely used ride-hailing app in Dubai and UAE. It offers cars, taxis, vans, and other vehicles with upfront fare estimates based on destination. Payment is by cash or credit/debit cards enabled in the app. Engage the services of a knowledgeable Dubai tour guide to enhance your travel experience by gaining insights into the city’s history, culture, and attractions.
Hala: Hala offers tourists and residents assurance over fare quotes through an all-in-one taxi app tailored for Dubai. Cashless convenience and rewards for loyal customers make it a popular pick for a hassle-free Dubai taxi experience.
What is the typical cost?
A regular Dubai taxi costs about AED 8 (INR 181) at flagfall, including the first 1 km, then AED 1.82 (INR 41) per km thereafter.
– You can pay for taxis with a credit/debit card or cash in AED currency.
– You may tip about 10-15% if the driver provides good service.
Other useful apps
Curb App
Curb also connects passengers with licensed Dubai taxis but has a smaller fleet than Careem. It shows indicative pricing while offering options like premium and family taxis on booking. Payment is by credit card on the app.
Taxis are the easiest and often cheapest way for Dubai tourists to get around quickly and safely. Payment by credit/debit card or cash is allowed in traditional Dubai Taxi vehicles and authorized ride-hailing apps like Careem and Curb. Discover the convenience of public transport in Dubai, offering a reliable and affordable way to navigate the bustling city.
E. Ferry in Dubai Creek
Taking a ferry ride along Dubai Creek is one of the top things to do to truly soak in the essence of historic Dubai. These traditional wooden abras operate as a quick mode of crossing the creek while offering captivating views of the city’s evolution. You can hop on an abra from stations like Dubai Old Souk, Sabkha, or Baniyas Road, costing just AED 1 for the 5-minute journey. As the abra gently glides through the creek’s calm waters, admire the charming contrast of old and new – with modern skyscrapers juxtaposed behind weathered wind towers, nestled alongside the bustling gold and spice souks unchanged since decades.
Key Takeaways
- If you’re on a budget trip, opt for local buses to experience the local culture of the city and have stories for when you go back home. Remember that buses don’t accept cash. Use an NOL card instead to pay the fare or buy a ticket at select bus stations.
- If you’re travelling to places without metro availability, you can take a bus using an NOL card. Switching from the metro to the bus and vice versa is free within two hours if you’re using an NOL card.
- Say you’re travelling far and want a comfortable ride, opt for taxis. Use the Careem App or Hala to get cabs. They work just like Uber and Ola.
- The metro is the fastest and most cost-efficient option for transportation in Dubai. It is a well-connected city, and the metro operates on two lines, Red and Green covering the hotspots of the city like Burj Khalifa on Google Maps, and click on Public Transit. You’ll get the direction in a couple of steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best way to pay for public transportation in Dubai?
The NOL card is the best option for saving money on fares and making easy transfers between metro, bus, and tram. The reusable card can be preloaded with credit and scanned on all RTA public transit. It offers discounted fares over paper tickets.
2. Can I use my everyday credit card to pay fares?
Credit cards are only directly accepted for some RTA fares. However, you can use your debit or credit card to purchase and reload an NOL card at ticket offices and machines. Some RTA vending machines may accept international credit cards for one-time paper tickets.
3.How do I know which bus or metro to take?
Use the RTA website or S’hail app to view routes and plan your trip. Google Maps also provides transit directions and maps. At stations, there are maps and customer service kiosks to assist you with transportation in Dubai.
4. Is there an airport metro line or train?
The Red metro line is directly connected to Terminals 1 and 3 at Dubai International Airport via a metro station. Follow signs to ride the metro into the city from the airport conveniently.
5. Can I use a Dubai travel pass or tourist card?
Yes, the NOL visitor pass can be purchased for 1-14 days of unlimited travel. Check the RTA website for options based on the number of zones needed.
