Transports
Car rental
Driving is definitely the most practical mean of transport in Dubai, but not the most ecological. The city has a high quality roads and highways network that is very pleasant to drive in.
You can rent a car directly from the airport but I suggest you take some time to compare the offers and make an online reservation. Some rental companies accept cash for the caution, but many of them will ask for a credit card (not a debit card, be careful).
Once in Dubai you can use the RTA’s application “Smart Drive” that works in all the Emirates without WIFI.
If you need shorter rentals for occasional trips, RTA (Road and Transport Authority) recently licensed new pay-per-minute car rental services.
RTA Smart Drive
Pay per hour rental
- UDrive: http://www.udrive.ae
- Ekar: https://ekar.ae/
Taxi
Taxis are convenient and not very expensive. Make sure you use a licensed and metered one.
Pink women-only and family taxis are also available. Be aware that some taxi drivers only know the main destinations, so make sure you have the exact address.
Taxis are easily found down town and at metro stations, but other destination you might need to reserve online or by phone.
You can use the Careem application for specific reservations. You will know in advance the name of your driver, the car and any information about the service.
Booking by phone
- Taxi booking phone number: 04-2080808
Careem application
Taxi fare
- Online taxi fare calculator: http://www.dubaitaxi.ae/en/Pages/TaxiFareCalculator.aspx
Other info
- Website: Dubai Taxi Corporation
Metro and Tram
Dubai Metro is convenient, clean and fast. Two lines (Green and Red), as well as a Tram line located at Al Soufouh.
All trains display Women and Children only cabins.
However, you will have to complete your journey by bus or taxi to reach destinations that
are not close to a Metro station.
You will need to buy a rechargeable Nol Card that works in Dubai Metro, Tram and Buses.
Red Line Metro Stations timings
- Saturday to Wednesday: 5:00 am to midnight
- Thursday: 5:00 am to 1:00 am
- Friday: 10:00 to 1:00 am
Green Line Metro Stations timings
- Saturday to Wednesday: 5:00 am to midnight
- Thursday: 5:30 am to 1:00 am
- Friday: 10:00 to 1:00 am
Dubai Tram
- Saturday to Thursday: 6:00 am to 1:00 am
- Friday: 9:00 am to 1:00 am
Other info
- Nol Card website: http://www.nol.ae/
- Dubai Metro Handy Guide: Dubai Metro Handy Guide PDF
Bus
Dubai buses are a cheap option and the city is well-served by air-conditioned bus stops.
You will have to plan your journey before leaving as it can be confusing to go from one line to another.
Be aware that bus routes are very long, so you might feel you lose a lot of time in transport.
Timings
- Gold souk and Ghubayba stations: 5:00 am to midnight
- Sub stations: 5:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Metro feeder bus stations: 5:30 am to 1:10 am
Other info
- Nol Card website: http://www.nol.ae/
- Wojhati Journey Planner: Wojhati
Bike rental

Dubai is not 100% bike friendly, you won’t be able to cross all the city by bike, but you can definitely cycle in many places, whether you want to go for a gentle ride down town or challenge yourself at Al Qudra Cycle path.
You can hire a bike from a specialized store or rent a bike from one of the several Byky (Emaar) stations.
Al Qudra Cycling Path
- Trek bikes: http://www.trekbikes.ae/rentals/
Bike rental Stations
- Locations and availability: http://www.bykystations.com/en/dubai/locations/
Water
What about going by the water? In addition to Abras, there are several means of maritime transport: water taxis, water buses at Dubai Marina and the Ferry that lasts about one hour and serves several locations such as Al Ghubaiba, Marina Mall, Palm Jumeirah or Al Mamzar on demand.
Information