How to Travel in Dubai: Metro, Taxi, and More (2025 Guide)
Dubai is a modern city built for travel—whether you’re exploring its sky-high towers, historic souks, or desert adventures. But if you’re new to the city, you might be asking:
How do I travel in Dubai easily?
This 2025 travel guide covers the best transportation options in Dubai, including the Metro, taxis, buses, and ride apps. Whether you’re on a budget or prefer comfort, this guide helps you move around the city smoothly.
🚇 1. Dubai Metro – Fast and Affordable
Dubai Metro is the most popular and budget-friendly way to get around.
📌 Key Details:
- Two main lines: Red Line and Green Line
- Fully automated (driverless)
- Air-conditioned, clean, and safe
- Operates 6 AM – 12 AM (extended on weekends)
💳 Nol Card Required:
You need a Nol card to use the Metro (also used for buses and trams).
🚉 Main Metro Stops for Tourists:
| Station | Attraction Nearby |
|---|---|
| Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall | Downtown, Dubai Fountain |
| Mall of the Emirates | Ski Dubai |
| Union Station | Connection to Green Line |
| Al Fahidi | Old Dubai & Souks |
| Dubai Marina | Marina Walk, JBR |
🚕 2. Taxis – Safe and Easy
Dubai’s official taxis are regulated, clean, and metered.
🚖 How to Get a Taxi:
- Hail on the street (available almost everywhere)
- Use Dubai Taxi app or call: 800 88088
- Book through ride-hailing apps like Careem or Uber
💰 Taxi Fare:
- Starting fare: AED 12 (from airport), AED 5–8 (city)
- Cost/km: Around AED 2
- Credit cards and Nol cards are accepted in most taxis
🚌 3. Dubai Public Buses – Budget Option
- Over 150 routes across the city
- Air-conditioned and cheap
- Uses Nol card (same as Metro)
🕓 Bus Timing:
- Operates from 4:30 AM to 1:30 AM, depending on the route
🔍 Tip:
Use the RTA S’hail App to check bus routes and timings in real time.
🚋 4. Dubai Tram – Scenic Coastal Rides
- Connects Dubai Marina, JBR, and Al Sufouh
- Good for tourists staying near the beach
- Transfers possible between Metro and Tram using Nol card
⏱️ Frequency:
- Every 6–8 minutes
- Runs from 6 AM to 1 AM
🚠 5. Monorail – Access to Palm Jumeirah
- Runs on Palm Jumeirah Island
- Connects Gateway Station to Atlantis Hotel
🎫 Ticket Price:
- AED 20 (one-way), AED 30 (return)
📝 Note: Nol card does not work here – buy a separate ticket at the station.
🚘 6. Car Rentals – Freedom to Explore
- Available at airport and major hotels
- International Driving Permit (IDP) may be needed
- Traffic rules are strict and roads are excellent
🚗 When to Rent a Car?
- Planning to explore other emirates like Abu Dhabi or Fujairah
- Long stays or family trips
📱 7. Ride-Hailing Apps – Uber & Careem
- Careem is Dubai’s local ride-hailing app (offers bikes, taxis, and car types)
- Uber also operates smoothly in Dubai
📲 Benefits:
- Choose car type (Go, Comfort, XL)
- Track rides, schedule in advance
- Often slightly more expensive than taxis
💳 Nol Card Types & Costs
| Card Type | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Red Ticket | AED 2 (plus top-up) | Short-term tourists |
| Silver Card | AED 25 (includes AED 19 balance) | Most visitors |
| Gold Card | AED 25 (Gold Class metro) | Premium experience |
| Blue Card | For residents only | Requires Emirates ID |
🧠 Smart Tips for Getting Around Dubai
- Buy a Nol Card at any metro or bus station
- Use Google Maps or RTA S’hail App for real-time directions
- Avoid rush hours (8–10 AM, 5–7 PM) if using public transport
- Use Dubai Taxi for convenience if you’re in a hurry
- Always carry your ID or passport when traveling
✅ Quick Comparison Table
| Mode of Transport | Cost | Comfort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro | Low | High | Tourists, daily travel |
| Taxi | Medium | Very High | Short trips, late nights |
| Bus | Very Low | Medium | Budget travelers |
| Tram | Low | High | Marina/JBR area |
| Monorail | Medium | High | Visiting Atlantis or The Palm |
| Uber/Careem | High | Very High | App users, families |
| Car Rental | High | Very High | Road trips, long stays |
❓FAQs – How to Travel in Dubai
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is public transport safe in Dubai? | Yes, very clean and safe—even for solo female travelers. |
| Can tourists use Nol cards? | Absolutely. Get a Red Ticket or Silver Nol Card. |
| What’s the cheapest way to travel in Dubai? | Dubai Metro and public buses. |
| Are taxis expensive? | Not too expensive. They are metered and regulated. |
| Can I travel at night? | Yes. Metro and tram run till midnight or later; taxis are 24/7. |
📢 Conclusion
Getting around Dubai in 2025 is easy, affordable, and comfortable—thanks to its world-class transport system. Whether you prefer the Metro for daily travel, taxis for convenience, or buses for budget travel, there’s an option for everyone. So grab your Nol card, download the S’hail App, and start exploring Dubai the smart way!