Public Transportation In UAE

Dubai Metro:

Dubai Metro stands as the backbone of the city’s public transportation network, featuring two fully automated lines that weave through the urban landscape. The Red Line stretches from Centrepoint near Dubai International Airport to either Expo 2020 or UAE Exchange, tracking along Sheikh Zayed Road and stopping at major destinations like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Marina.

Meanwhile, the Green Line connects Etisalat station to the historic areas around Dubai Creek, providing access to cultural treasures like Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and the vibrant Gold and Spice Souks. Offering air-conditioning, Wi-Fi connectivity, and comprehensive accessibility features including tactile guidance paths and wheelchair access, the Metro represents one of the world’s most advanced rail systems.

Security is ensured through a dedicated Metro Police force and integrated emergency services, making it not just efficient but exceptionally safe for the millions who rely on it daily. For comprehensive information about routes, schedules, and facilities, visitors can visit https://www.visitdubai.com/en/articles/guide-to-dubai-metro.

NOL Card:

The NOL card serves as the unified payment system across Dubai’s transportation network, functioning as a smart card that streamlines travel throughout the city. This versatile card can be used to pay for journeys on the Dubai Metro, buses, trams, ferries, water taxis, and traditional abras, as well as for parking fees across the city.

Beyond standard fares, NOL cards offer special discounted rates for students, senior citizens, and people of determination, making public transportation more accessible to diverse segments of the population. Cardholders can personalize their NOL by linking it to their Emirates ID, which provides the valuable benefit of balance recovery if the card is lost or stolen.

The convenience of NOL extends to its availability—cards can be purchased at ticket offices, vending machines located at transit stations, authorized sales agents throughout Dubai, and even virtually through the NOL Pay mobile application. For frequent travelers, the RTA’s loyalty program, NOL Plus, offers reward points that accumulate with each journey, providing additional value for regular commuters.

Dubai Bus Service:

Dubai’s extensive bus network operates as a vital complement to the Metro system, with a modern fleet of 1,518 buses serving 119 internal routes that reach 82% of the city’s urban areas. The network includes specialized service lines—35 routes connecting to metro stations, 12 intercity lines linking to neighboring emirates including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Fujairah, 62 internal lines navigating through urban neighborhoods, and 8 fast lines for expedited travel. Operating from early morning (4:00 AM) until late night (1:00 AM), with route C01 running continuously around the clock, these buses provide essential mobility options for commuters, tourists, and residents alike.

The intercity routes—designated with codes like E100, E307, and E411—serve as crucial connectors between Dubai and surrounding urban centers, allowing seamless regional travel without the need for a private vehicle. For the most current information on bus routes, schedules, and services. Passengers can consult the Roads and Transport Authority at https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home.

Dubai Tram:

The Dubai Tram offers a unique transportation experience along Al Sufouh Road and Jumeirah Beach Road, functioning as a crucial connector between the Dubai Metro and Palm Monorail systems. With 11 strategically positioned stations serving prime locations such as Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), and Dubai Media City, the tram provides an elegant solution for navigating these dense, high-traffic areas. Passengers enjoy easy interchange options at key locations—alighting at Dubai Marina Tram Station allows a quick walk to Sobha Realty Metro Station on the Red Line, while the JLT Tram Station provides access to the DMCC Metro Station.

Widely regarded as one of the world’s safest public transit options, the tram requires a NOL card or ticket for access, available through ticket offices or vending machines located at each station.

Dubai Taxi:

Dubai’s taxi service operates as a round-the-clock transportation option, readily identifiable by their uniform beige bodies with color-coded roofs indicating their operating company. The red-roofed taxis belong to Dubai Taxi Corporation, which manages the city’s largest fleet, while yellow roofs signify National Taxi, blue for Cars Taxi (known for eco-friendly hybrid vehicles), green for Al Arabia Taxi, orange for Metro Taxi, and pink roofs designating Ladies and Families Taxis with female drivers catering exclusively to women, families, and children.

All taxis feature controlled meters ensuring fair pricing and can be accessed through multiple convenient channels—hailed directly from public spaces and commercial centers, booked via phone (80088088), or arranged through multiple mobile applications including Hala on Careem, Uber, S’hail, and dedicated service apps like DTC and Halaride. Each vehicle offers air conditioning and courteous service, with many providing complimentary Wi-Fi during journeys.

For more information about Dubai’s taxi services, visit https://www.dubaitaxi.ae/en.

Marine Transportation:

The marine transportation network in Dubai transforms the city’s waterways into functional transit corridors, offering both practical mobility and enchanting views of the skyline. Water taxis provide point-to-point service between Dubai Marina and Al Mamzar via the historic Dubai Creek, offering a faster alternative to road travel during peak traffic hours.

The Dubai Ferry service connects several key locations including Dubai Marina, Bluewater Marine Transport Station, Al Ghubaiba, Dubai Canal Station, Sharjah Aquarium, and Souk al Marfa, making it ideal for both commuters and tourists exploring multiple destinations. Traditional abras—small wooden boats that have traversed Dubai Creek for generations—now blend heritage with modern technology, offering an authentic cultural experience while ensuring passenger safety and comfort.

All marine transport options can be booked through the RTA website or mobile app, with dedicated customer service available at +971-800-9090 for inquiries and assistance. For comprehensive details about water transportation options,

visit: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/transportation/waterways/modes-of-water-transport

Wonder Bus:

The Wonder Bus delivers a truly unique sightseeing experience as Dubai’s only amphibious vehicle, seamlessly transitioning from land to water during its tour. Beginning its journey at Dubai Mercato, this innovative transport option first visits Jumeirah Mosque before continuing to significant landmarks including Etihad Museum, Al Fahidi District, Dubai Museum, and the historic Al Fahidi Fort.

The highlight occurs when the bus dramatically transforms into a boat, descending into Dubai Creek and offering passengers an unparalleled perspective of the city’s waterfronts. Equipped with full air conditioning, television screens showcasing informative content about Dubai’s history, and essential safety features including life jackets for all passengers and onboard restrooms, the Wonder Bus combines education with adventure.

The circular route eventually returns passengers to Dubai Mercato, having provided a comprehensive introduction to both the contemporary and historical faces of this dynamic city.