Tips for Transportation in Dubai to Save You Time and Money (2024)

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:

How to find the bus routes for transportation in Dubai

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

Tips to keep in mind

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.

Things to keep in mind

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

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?

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