Public transportation in Dubai
Dubai has a comprehensive and modern public transportation system that offers various options for residents and visitors to navigate the city. Here's an overview of the main public transportation options in Dubai:
Dubai Metro
The Dubai Metro is the backbone of the city's public transport system, consisting of two main lines:
- Red Line: Runs from Rashidiya to UAE Exchange, covering major tourist destinations and Sheikh Zayed Road
- Green Line: Connects Etisalat to Creek, serving residential areas
The metro operates seven days a week, with trains running every 3-8 minutes during peak hours and 7-15 minutes during off-peak hours[1][5].
Dubai Tram
The Dubai Tram network covers a 10.6 km route with 11 stations, connecting popular areas like Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence, and Al Sufouh. It integrates with the Dubai Metro, allowing for seamless transfers between the two systems[5][6].
Public Buses
Dubai's extensive bus network covers 87% of the urban area, with 1,518 buses operating on 119 internal lines. This includes routes that connect to metro stations, intercity lines, and express lines[3][5].
Marine Transport
Dubai offers various marine transport options, including:
- Abras: Traditional wooden boats that cross Dubai Creek
- Water Taxis
- Dubai Ferry
These provide both practical transportation and scenic routes for tourists[3][5].
## Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
Taxis are widely available in Dubai, including special taxis for women and families. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are also popular options[3][5].
NOL Card System
The NOL Card is a smart card used for payment across Dubai's public transport network. There are four types of NOL Cards:
- Red Card: For short-term visitors (2 AED)
- Silver Card: For tourists and regular users (25 AED, includes 19 AED credit)
- Gold Card: For premium travel, including access to Gold Class metro carriages
- Blue Card: For frequent travelers and residents[1][2]
Fares
Fares are based on the number of zones traveled and the type of NOL Card used. For example, using a Silver Card:
- Short journeys: 3 AED
- Medium journeys: 5 AED
- Long journeys: 7.50 AED[1][2]
Dubai's public transportation system is efficient, affordable, and continues to expand, making it increasingly easy for people to move around the city without relying on private vehicles.
Sources
[1] Dubai Metro Fares And Ticket Charges 2024 - Emirates Inside https://emiratesinside.net/dubai-metro-fares/
[2] NOL Card - Transport - Dubai https://www.introducingdubai.com/nol-card
[3] Dubai Public Transport Guide: Ticket Costs, Apps, Rules & More https://www.bayut.com/mybayut/guide-public-transport-dubai/
[4] Public Transport - RTA https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/public-transport
[5] Transportation In Dubai 2024 - Metro, Bus & Other Options - Holidify https://www.holidify.com/pages/public-transport-in-dubai-300.html
[6] Dubai Metro Fares And Ticket Prices 2022 - Nol Cards, Passes https://www.dubai-online.com/transport/metro/tickets-fares/