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Dubai's public transport: a comprehensive guide
Local transport across the city is streamlined and affordable, allowing residents and visitors to explore every locality with ease.
Dubai Metro
A central component of the Dubai transport system is the city’s metro rail – known as Dubai Metro, it is the world’s longest driverless metro, spanning nearly 75 km.
Riding the metro is as easy as getting to the closest station and purchasing a Nol card – a rechargeable travel pass that provides cheaper fares than buying a new ticket for every journey. The metro, with multiple stops, offers convenient access to the city's top attractions. People of determination will find convenient lift access available on all station levels, and dedicated spaces for wheelchair users on all trains.
Dubai Metro currently operates on two lines – the Red and Green lines – across 49 stations, nine of them underground.
Know before you go: getting ready for a ride
Palm Monorail
The monorail offers an immersive experience of Palm Jumeirah, passing through the island’s best attractions – including Al Ittihad Park, Nakheel Mall, Palm West Beach and more. Tickets start at AED5 for one-way trips and AED10 for round trips.
Note: fares are subject to change – please check the official website for the latest price information.
Monorail timings
Gateway: Monday - Sunday, 9am to 9:45pm | Atlantis: Monday - Sunday, 9:15am to 10pm
Nol cards
What is it?
The Nol card is a versatile, rechargeable card designed for maximum convenience and ease of travel across the city. It’s a unified Dubai public transport pass, available for anyone to buy at:
• Dubai Metro and bus stations
• Supermarkets such as Spinneys, Carrefour and Waitrose
Where can I use it?
This card can be used to pay on all of Dubai’s public transport systems, including the metro, buses, trams, taxis and water taxis. It can also be used to pay for public parking when parking a self-owned or rented car.
Where can I top up?
• The RTA website
• Nol card vending machines at metro platforms
• Ticket booths in each metro stop
• The Nol pay app
How much does it cost?
Prices for the metro, tram and buses are as follows:
• Standard adult ticket (red):1 zone or <3km 2 zones: AED4 | 2 zones: AED6 | 3+ zones: AE8.50
• Pre-paid standard adult ticket (silver Nol): 1 zone or <3km 2 zones: AED3 | 2 zones: AED5 | 3+ zones: AE7.50
• Concessionary (blue Nol): 1 zone or <3km 2 zones: AED1.50 | 2 zones: AED2.50 | 3+ zones: AE3.75
• Gold class (red ticket): 1 zone or <3km 2 zones: AED8 | 2 zones: AED12 | 3+ zones: AE17
• Gold class pre-paid: 1 zone or <3km 2 zones: AED6 | 2 zones: AED10 | 3+ zones: AE15
Note: fares are subject to change – please check the official website for the latest price information.
Getting around Dubai
Dubai abras and water taxis
Dubai’s iconic abra boats are a traditional means of transport, found in the Bur Dubai and Deira neighbourhoods. These wooden boats offer an affordable, captivating and nostalgic journey along historic waterways. Boats depart and arrive every few minutes, and tickets cost as low as AED1.
A modern twist on this timeless experience are Dubai’s water taxis, which provide swift access to more than 40 stops with beautiful waterfront views along the way. Based on the route and destination, these rides can cost anywhere from AED55 to AED205.
Note: fares are subject to change – please check the official website for the latest price information.
Taxi fares
Please note: fares are subject to change
Plan your journey
Timetables for Dubai’s metro and buses can be found on the RTA website and apps. Hailing taxis and rides is effortless through designated apps like S’hail, and the RTA’s official website contains a handy guide on planning trips using various metrics, including destination, starting point, and preferences.
Commuters can also use Google Maps and similar apps such as Waze to check out and plan faster routes and arrange a smooth commute.
Environmental impact
Dubai’s commitment to protecting the environment is visible in its numerous conservation and sustainability initiatives, including the RTA’s vision of transitioning to zero-emission public buses and taxis by 2050. The city’s extensive public transportation network is a part of a larger plan focused on environmental stewardship by promoting lower emissions and safeguarding natural resources for future generations.
