How to travel around Dubai on Public transportation

Dubai is identified as one of the leading cities in the world and the most developed city in the United Arab Emirates with giant skyscrapers, fabulous amenities, and an excellent healthcare system. These are a demonstration of the vision the Emirate has for its people. The public transport system managed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) complements this vision with a wide network of well-connected modes of transport seamlessly catering to the travel needs of the locals and visitors.

Using the Dubai Metro

Spacious and air-conditioned carriages, modern design and superior technology with a driverless railway system are pleasant experiences for passengers using the Dubai Metro. Operating with 02 metro lines, green and red, this service connects residential and commercial districts of the city whilst catering to those visiting the main attractions of Dubai near the Metro lines thus a preferred choice of travel for visitors with bucket lists of things to see and do in Dubai.

A boon to visitors arriving by air as they can seamlessly connect from the Dubai International Airport to the city on their arrival whether on a short stay or a longer one. Passengers can connect from the metro to the bus or the Dubai Tram etc. with ease. There is also a women-only carriage on Metro services.

A bonus on Metro travel is free Wi-Fi connectivity within the cabins. You can pay for the trip using the Nol card, a prepaid smart card and keep topping it up at machines and kiosks at the metro stations. This Nol card can be used for other modes of transport too.

Travelling by bus

Hopping a bus is an affordable and convenient way to travel around the city with RTA operating about 119 internal lines offering connectivity from various bus stations to metro stations, to intercity lines so that passengers may also travel to other Emirates and fast lines. Locals, residents, and visitors can travel in comfort using these bus services, whilst over 600 air-conditioned bus shelters have been rolled out to make the passengers wait in comfort whilst more and more such shelters are being rolled out. Payment is by using the Nol card, for a bus ride with a single tap.

There are spot checks by inspectors at times on these buses, hence have the Nol card with you if you are using public transport and observe the seating signage to sit at the appropriate section. The first three rows of buses are generally left for women and children.

Dubai Tram Service

A newer mode of efficient public transport, the Dubai Tram serves 11 tram stations between Jumeirah Beach and Dubai Marina. This tram service operates at 12-minute intervals during regular hours of the city and during peak hours at 8-minute intervals clearing the scores of commuters.

With its links to Dubai Metro and Palm Monorail, the tram service is a great convenience to visitors at leisure properties such as Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. When paying with Nol card the rate is slightly lower than buying a ticket. A ride in the tram’s Gold Class is even higher. There is a women-only carriage on the tram service too.

Public Taxis

These are popular as they are quick and convenient although more expensive than other modes of public transport. These RTA taxis can be easily flagged on the street provided the area is specified as a taxi pick-up point.

There are taxi ranks at the airport, shopping malls and busy streets that you can easily use.

There are special taxis provided solely for women with female drivers. Payment for the ride is by using the Nol card, cash or credit or debit card.