City guide
Dubai, United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪
Status: ready
Last refresh: 2026-02-22 08:04 UTC
Authorities
1
Transport modes
5
Payment methods
3
Airport links
5
Transport Authorities
Getting Around
| Mode | Operator | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| metro | Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) | Red and Green lines connect key areas like airport, DIFC, Business Bay, Dubai Marina. Driverless, air-conditioned. |
| tram | Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) | Dubai Tram serves Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence. |
| bus | Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) | Extensive network including AC buses; covers suburbs and metro connections. |
| other | Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) | Abras (water taxis) on Dubai Creek. |
| train | Etihad Rail | Inter-emirate passenger service from Abu Dhabi to UAE border; limited for Dubai metro area use. |
Paying for Transport
- Nol Card Contactless smart card for metro, bus, tram, taxi, parking. Buy at stations/machines; load credit or passes (Silver/Gold/Blue/Red). Open
- Apple Pay/Google Pay Contactless payment on metro, buses, trams.
- Taxi Meters/Cash/Cards All taxis metered; accept cash, cards, Nol.
Operating Hours
- Weekday Metro: 5am-1am (Sun-Thu); Buses vary 4am-midnight; Taxis 24/7
- Weekend Metro: 8am-1am (Fri), 10am-1am (Sat); Buses reduced; Taxis 24/7
- Night service Metro runs until 1am daily; Night buses on select routes post-midnight.
Rideshare & Taxis
- Careem Available Primary rideshare; airport pickup available; premium options.
- Uber Available Available via Careem integration in UAE.
Airport Connections
- Metro - Dubai International Airport (DXB) Terminals 1&3 (Red Line) Direct to city center ~25 min, AED 7.50 (with Nol)
- Taxi/Rideshare - Dubai International Airport (DXB) To DIFC/Business Bay 20-40 min, AED 40-60
- Metro - Dubai International Airport (DXB) Terminal 1 (Red Line) Direct to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall ~30 min, AED 4-7.50
- Bus - Dubai International Airport (DXB) To Deira/Bur Dubai 20-30 min, AED 5
- Taxi - Al Maktoum International (DWC) To city center 40-60 min, AED 60-100
Live Delay Info
Local Tips
Buy Nol card on arrival at DXB metro station for seamless multi-modal use. Metro avoids traffic; ideal for Business Bay/DIFC. Download RTA Dubai app for live tracking. Taxis have women drivers available. Peak traffic 7-10am, 4-8pm Sun-Thu. Workweek Sun-Thu; quieter Fri-Sat.