The journey itself can be a real pleasure in Dubai, with plenty of options to get you from A to B. Dubai’s taxis and public transportation are as clean, modern and air-conditioned as its shopping malls, ensuring you’ll reach your destination in style.
Taxi
The Dubai Taxi Corporation operates a fleet of clean, reliable and inexpensive taxis to get you across town. All taxis are metered, with a minimum fare of AED10. Average fares can range from AED20 for a short ride to AED80 to get from one end of the city to the other, with additional fees for rides to the airport or to the Northern Emirates. Cabs are easy to spot with their red roofs, and women travelers who prefer to be shuttled around by a female driver can look out for pink-topped cars. Flag down a taxi on the street, find a stand at the shopping mall, or ask your hotel doorman to call one for you.
Public bus
Air-conditioned public buses are a convenient way to travel popular routes like Jumeirah Beach Road and the journey to Ibn Battuta Mall. Choose a double-decker bus to get a better view as you cruise around the city. You can view a current timetable and route map at the RTA website. Whether you’re taking the bus or the Metro, you can purchase a preloaded NOL card at the bus station, ticket vending machine or RTA service center.
Dubai Metro
Opened in 2009, the Dubai Metro is a spotless, comfortable and futuristic service with sleek, driverless trains and air-conditioned platforms. Like city buses, it’s operated by the RTA and can be accessed with NOL cards or single tickets. Journey prices range from AED3-7.50, or you can purchase a day ticket. There are stops at many of the city’s major places of interest, including the city center, World Trade Center, Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, and Bur Juman. Trains operate until midnight Saturday-Wednesday, and until 2am on Thursdays and Fridays.
Sightseeing bus
The Big Bus Company provides an open-top tour of some of Dubai's best sights, including the Wafi Mall, Dubai Museum, Gold Souk market, and Dubai Creek Park. You can buy a 24 or 48-hour ticket, which allows you to hop on and off the bus as you please. Learn more about the city with a recorded commentary describing the sights along the route, and enjoy perks including admission to the Dubai Museum and a dhow river cruise. If you’ve just landed in Dubai, this is a great way to get the lay of the land and take some pictures of the shimmering views.
On the water
Dubai is split by Dubai Creek, a saltwater inlet from the sea. Traveling by boat is a novel way to get from one side to the other, connecting Deira with Bur Dubai and coastal attractions including the Dubai Marina Mall. Take a traditional wooden abra boat ride, easily accessible from our Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, or look out for water buses, taxis and ferries. If you want a private boating experience, you can rent a rowing or motorized boat by the hour to enjoy the waterfront views at your own pace.