TRAVELLING TO DUBAI
METRO DUBAI
The Dubai Metro has two convenient lines (the red and the green) running from Dubai International Airport (DXB) through the city's busiest neighborhoods. Dubai’s Metro possesses the largest driverless train system in the world, offering comfortable seats, affordable prices and air conditioning onboard. All you need to do is buy a Nol card and top it up as you go or buy a single-use ticket at your departure station. The Dubai Metro operates from 05:30 am to 00:00 between Saturday and Wednesday. On Thursdays, it runs from 05:30 am to 01:00 am, and on Fridays, from 10:00 am to 01:00 am.
The trains of the Dubai Metro have women-only cars, cars for families, and VIP cars (called gold class). Although the train network is limited, the lines are well designed. For instance, the red line runs from Rashidiya next to the airport and from north to south through the city and all the way to Jebel Ali. It stops at Burj Khalifa, Mall of the Emirates, and Ibn Battuta Mall. The green covers most of the points of interest in Deira and Bur Dubai.
RENT YOUR VEHICLE
TAXI
CAB FROM DUBAI AIRPORT TO YOUR HOTEL OR DOWNTOWN DUBAI
You will find many cabs in Dubai, including taxis from the RTA’s fleet. You can also order a vehicle for hire via apps such as Careem and Uber. The pick-up cost from the airport is AED 25 (about 6€), and you’ll also have to add the cost of your ride. Each terminal has clear signage indicating the pick-up area. The cab fare is 1.96 dirhams per kilometer, and the minimum fare is 8 dirhams during the day and 9 dirhams between 10 pm and 06:00 am. This minimum fare is twice as expensive if you order a cab over the phone. Taking a cab at the airport will incur a supplement of 25 dirhams (30 dirhams for special or larger cabs).
Cabs can also be booked for half a day or a whole day. The price of a cab for 6 hours is 500 dirhams and the rate for 12 hours is 800 dirhams.
YOUR OTHER TRAVEL OPTIONS
BUS
Catching the bus in Dubai is a low-cost option to explore the city. You can hop on a bus at any of the Dubai airport terminals, with routes serving all the main districts. They work 24/7 and run as often as every 30 minutes. However, you should always plan your trip in advance with a map. You should also purchase a Nol card because bus drivers don’t accept cash.
BOAT
Dubai originally boasted a small diving community, so it is no surprise that the city developed its water transportation network. The options range from embarking on the Crique boat ride for 1 AED to renting a luxury yacht to party away with friends.The RTA also offers ferry crossings. For just AED15, visitors can sail along the coast and stop in several areas, including Business Bay and Dubai Marina. The ferries depart from the Al Jaddaf station daily at 10 am, 12 pm, and 5:30 pm.
BIKE
Biking is a healthy and original way to discover the city and the desert. There are many urban bike paths and options for getting around on two wheels in Dubai (including rental services). If you want to explore further, go to Al Qudra, where an 86 km long road will take you to the desert for a sporty and peaceful escapade.