Home » City Guides » Dubai » Getting Around

Getting Around

While many people who live in and hold a job in Dubai drive to work in their own car, there are alternatives.

Taxis

If you don’t yet have a car or are averse to driving, taxis are the best and easiest way to get around Dubai. Unlike some other cities around the world, most of Dubai’s taxis are metered and quite reasonable for short trips. If a longer trip is in order, there are special shared taxis that go to different destinations.

If a float across the Creek is something you might enjoy, water taxis that travel between Dubai and Deira only cost roughly 50 fils.

Car Rentals

Widely available, car rentals are a great alternative to hailing taxis. While they cost a little more, the freedom to go where you want is invaluable. Bring along your passport and international driving license to seal the deal. Ask your rental agency for maps of the area to get your bearings

Water Taxis

An interesting way to travel between Dubai and Deira is by water taxi across the Creek. The cost of this experience is 50 Fils.

Getting Around

Getting there and away (by Air) Dubai International Airport, ranked 17th among international airports. Passenger and cargo hub. A third terminal and concourse currently under construction, dedicated to Emirates Airline and Airbus A380.

Getting there and away (by Waterway) Small boats ferry passengers across Dubai Creek from Mainland Dubai to outlying districts. The main international ports are Jebel Ali (30km or 18.5 miles from Dubai city) and Port Rashid in Dubai, Mina Zayed in Abu Dhabi, Port Khalid and Khor Fakkan in Sharjah, Port Saqr in Ra's al-Khaimah and Fujairah Port in Fujairah. These are all commercial ports and are not designed to cater for tourists. Some companies operate ferry services to Iran. Again, these are not designed for tourists but they can be booked through travel agents.

Getting around (by Bus) Large bus system servicing 69 routes averaging 90 million people per year. Expansion ongoing.

Getting around (by Metro) Dubai Metro currently under construction for the emirate. Its partial operation is to be launched by 2009 and expected to fully operate by 2012. Consisting of 70 km of track, 43 stations, 33 above ground, 10 underground.

Getting around (by Car) Private vehicle is the main mode of transportation. Two road toll networks are in place with boasting fully automated tolling stations, collecting AED 4 (US $ 1.08) per transit. Road access to the UAE from Saudi Arabia and Oman is excellent. Connections can be made with the Trans-Arabian Highway on the overland route to Europe.

Getting around (by Taxi) Extensive, efficient and reliable taxi system