Dubai’s world class infrastructure is one of the reasons why travellers love visiting the city. While many of them choose to rent cars or take private taxis, Dubai offers a smart, efficient and affordable public transport system that helps you get around the city in comfort. Knowing how to navigate the city using public transport can save you time and money, whether you’re on your own or travelling with your family.
What Tourists Need to Know about Dubai’s Public Transport System
Getting around Dubai is made easy courtesy of its superb public transport system. In fact, you can go out on a Dubai city tour using only public transport. Read on as we tell you all that you need to know about the city’s public transport system.
TOC
- A Well-Connected City
- The Modes of Transport
1. The Dubai Metro
2. Dubai Bus System
3. Dubai Tram
4. Water Transport
5. The Palm Monorail
- How to Pay: Nol Card
- Timings and Frequency
- Final Thoughts
A Well-Connected City
Managed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai’s public transport system connects almost every part of the city. The metro, taxis, buses, water taxis, trams and more make up Dubai’s clean, reliable and safe public transport system. Visitors to the city can explore it without having to face the stress of driving.
The Modes of Transport
The ‘City of Gold’s’ efficient transport system comprises various modes of transport. Let’s look into each one of them.
1. The Dubai Metro
One of the most popular public transport options in the city, the Dubai Metro is fast, air-conditioned and fully automated. There are two main lines that meander through the city–the Red Line and the Green Line. Including the airport, shopping malls and business districts, they cover many important locations together.
Passing through key areas like Deira, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina, the Red Line runs from Rashidiya to Expo City. Including Al Ghubaiba and Dubai Creek, the Green Line passes through the city’s older parts.
The trains run on time and there’s an interval of only a few minutes between them. With signs in both Arabic and English, every station is well-marked and easy to navigate.
2. Dubai Bus System
Covering most parts of the city, the bus network in Dubai is a great option if you’re going somewhere not connected directly by the metro. Running on fixed schedules, the buses are air-conditioned and clean.
Operating on more than 100 routes, there are over 1,500 buses. Passing through tourist and residential areas, most buses set off from the metro stations. The bus might be your best bet if you’re going to places like Global Village or Miracle Garden.
Make sure that you wait only at official bus stops. Every stop displays the routes and timetables. There’s also the option of using the RTA’s mobile app so you can check the timings on a real time basis.
3. Dubai Tram
Ideal for visitors staying near the Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) or Al Sufouh, the Dubai Tram connects directly to the metro and the Palm Monorail. That makes the trams easy to hop into and hop off from between the attractions in and around this area. Trams are a vital cog in the wheel of the transportation services Dubai.
The sleek and modern trams with a glass finish offer nice views of the city. Making stops at key points like Dubai Marina Mall, JBR Walk and Media City, the trams run at intervals of 10 to 12 minutes.
4. Water Transport
Water transport is a charming way to experience Dubai, a city with a long history entwined with the seas around it. Choose from the water transports available.
- Abras: Crossing the Dubai Creek every few minutes, these are traditional wooden boats. Enjoy a short and scenic ride at just AED 1.
- Water Buses: A relaxed way to travel between waterfront areas, these operate online in Dubai Mariana.
- Water Taxis: Water taxis are more private and you can book one in advance. While they are slightly costly, they offer a luxurious experience.
5. The Palm Monorail
A ride on the Palm Monorail is a must when you visit the famous Palm Jumeirah. It runs between the Gateway Station at the base of the Palm and the Atlantis Hotel at the other end. Enjoy beautiful views of the island, the coastline and the Arabian Gulf on the smooth and comfortable ride.
Your Nol Card won’t work here since the monorail is not part of the regular RTA network. The tickets for the monorail are sold separately and you can buy them online or at the station.
How to Pay: Nol Card
You’ll need an Nol Card to use much of the public transport system in Dubai. You tap these smart cards at the entry and exit points of the spots you board and deboard the various modes of transport from. Based on how far you travel, the card automatically calculates your fare.
tourists usually prefer the Silver Card even though the Nol cards come in various types. Costing around AED 25, you can top up these whenever you need to. These cards can be used on:
- Metro
- Buses
- Trams
- Water buses
- Some taxis
You can buy and top up your Nol card at the metro stations, supermarkets, bus stations and vending machines spread across the city.
Timings and Frequency
On weekdays, the Dubai Metro runs from around 5:00 AM to midnight and on weekends, till 1:00 AM. While the schedules for buses and trams are similar, there may be variations depending on the routes.
The timings may change slightly during festivals like Eid and on holidays. Use the RTA website or the app to check ahead.
Final Thoughts
One of the best in the Middle East, Dubai’s public transport system is designed for comfort, safety and efficiency. Enhance your experience of exploring Dubai greatly by using the city’s world class transport system, no matter how long you’re staying. You can reach out to the experts in the Travel Saga Tourism team for more information.
Experience the city like a local for a closer feel of Dubai’s lively vibes. Enjoy travelling around the city in an easy and enjoyable way by using its wonderful public transport system.
