In this article, I explain how to get around in Dubai, with a review of all the means of transport of the city.
Here you'll find
- Transportation in Dubai
- What you need to get around Dubai easily
- Practical information on how to do it
- My advice for the right choice
- And much more!
If you're looking for information on how to get around Dubai, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Getting around Dubai: article summary
- The Dubai metro: simple and cheap
- Dubai buses for isolated destinations
- The Dubai Tourist Bus, for maximum comfort
- Cab and Uber in Dubai, the practical solution
- Rent a car in Dubai, the best way to visit Dubai
- Dubai's abras, the most original means of transport
- Getting around Dubai: travellers' most frequently asked questions
The Dubai metro: simple and cheap
At present, Dubai has 2 Metro lines the red line which runs the length and breadth of the city green linereserved for older neighborhoods.
Other lines are planned, but for the time being, you can use this convenient means of transport to get from one place to another. in the city center (Downtown Dubai), with stops at Dubai Mall / Burj Khalifa or the Dubai Marina.
It's a means of transport inexpensiveIt's easy to use, but unfortunately doesn't serve all the major attractions. But if you want to get around town and reach Dubai's highlightsis an excellent solution.
The basic ticket costs about 2 euros and you can opt for the Nol Card, which is a reloadable card ideal for saving money if you intend to use the metro frequently to visit Dubai.
Please note This is the best way to get to the city center from your car. Dubai airport !
Dubai buses for isolated destinations
Dubai has 119 Bus routeswhich cover more than 80 % of the urban area. This makes it a very attractive option for travellers. on a budgetwith ticket prices varying according to the distance travelled, starting from 1 euro.
They operate between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. and midnight and 1 a.m., with departures from every 10 minutes at peak times for main lines / every 30 minutes for secondary lines.
Remember to validate your ticket when getting on and off the bus!
The Dubai Tourist Bus, for maximum comfort
A tourist bus, based on the Hop on Hop Offallows you to circulate freely in Dubai and even to tour it, if you wish to visit the city from the comfort of a bus with a French audio guide.
It is available in 24-hour and 48-hour versions, and operates daily between 9am and 5pm. All you have to do is hop on at the stop that suits you best, get off wherever you like and visit the sights. a monument or a districtthen board the bus freely.
The full tour lasts between 75 and 135 minutes, depending on the ticket you choose, and you can even enjoy a Dubai cruise with Premium tickets!
Cab and Uber in Dubai, the practical solution
Visit Cab could well be the best option to get around Dubai. It's a relatively affordable (2 euros for a standard trip, then around 55 cents/km) and safe way to get around.
More than 10,000 cabs operate in Dubai, and there are even special cars for womenwhich are easily recognized by their pink color. What's more, for those who use the Uber app, it's available in Dubai, for fares quite similar to those charged by cabs.
There are two disadvantages to this means of transport: you may be caught in traffic jams frequent on major roads, and to cope with driving... enough... fast. You've been warned!
Rent a car in Dubai, the best way to visit Dubai
You can also rent a car from international agencies, in town or at the airport, if you want to travel on your own. And while you're at it, you can even rent a luxury car in Dubai !
This is obviously the comfort solution and practicality, and you could easily make it worth your while renting one if you take a trip around Dubai. A great opportunity to discover Al Ain (the garden city of the Emirates!) or venture as far as Sharjahwhich is only 37 km from Dubai.
Dubai's abras, the most original means of transport
In the old town, on the Deirayou'll be able to take a completely atypical means of transport: abrasives. These are traditional boats that allow you to cross Dubai's creek in just a few minutes. They cost just 30 euro cents.
It's well worth the effort, especially if you're planning a trip to the Dubai Gold Soukor discover the astonishing futuristic district of Dubai Creek Harbour.
Getting around Dubai: travellers' most frequently asked questions
Now you know how to get around Dubai. But you may still be unsure about how to get around Dubai by public transport.
Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions!
Can you visit Dubai on foot?
You can visit some of Dubai's districts on footto stroll along the waterfront promenades, or to browse through the main shopping centersBut Dubai doesn't lend itself to a large-scale walking tour.
The city is very large and the major points of interest are quite far apart. So don't think about doing everything on foot: it's impossible!
What's more, depending on the time of year you go to Dubai, the weather is likely to be very cold. very hot. Add to this the fact that sidewalks are not designed for walkers, and you'll understand that it's far from the most practical way to get around Dubai.
Is it easy to drive in Dubai?
Apart from driving a little nervous of some cabs, it's quite pleasant to driving in Dubai. The drivers respect the current highway code. And outside rush hours, traffic flows smoothly.
On the other hand, in the morning (between 7 and 9 a.m.) and in the evening (from 5 to 7 p.m.), you won't be able to avoid the monster traffic jams sometimes blocking the roads.
Finding your way around Dubai
Whichever means of transport you choose to get around Dubai, you'll need to find your way around. I recommend using Google Maps on your smartphone or have a good GPS installed.
To help you, you can also consult my interactive map of Dubaito make your life easier!