While Dubai is renowned for its iconic structures and attractions like the Burj Khalifa, it also boasts one of the world's most efficient and budget-friendly public transportation systems. With options ranging from buses to the metro, trams, and abra rides, the city is well-connected. Navigating Dubai becomes a breeze using these public transport modes. And if you are new in Dubai and are trying to wrap your head around the modes of public transport, Connector is here to your rescue. This is your ultimate guide to using public transport in Dubai with routes, fares and everything that you need to know.
Dubai Metro - Routes, Timings, Fares And More
Covering a vast distance of nearly 90 kilometres and with ongoing expansion plans, the Dubai Metro stands out as one of the most economical modes of public transportation in the UAE. Comprising two lines, the Red Line and Green Line, it is connected across key areas.
The Red Line starts its journey from Centrepoint, formerly known as Rashidiya Station, in close proximity to Dubai International Airport. This line follows the city's main highway, Sheikh Zayed Road, stopping at significant landmarks and neighbourhoods. Notable locations along the route include Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, Business Bay, Jumeirah Lakes Towers (DMCC Station), Dubai Marina (Sobha Realty Station), and Mall of the Emirates. Upon reaching Jebal Ali Station, the Red Line diverges in two directions. If your destination is Expo City Dubai, you can stay on the same train. However, if you intend to head towards Ibn Battuta Mall, a train switch at Jebal Ali Station is required. The Red Line concludes its journey at UAE Exchange Station, beyond the Jebel Ali Industrial Area.
On the other hand, the Green Line starts its route from Etisalat Station in the Al Twar area and extends to the historically rich Dubai Creek. Along this line, passengers can explore cultural landmarks such as Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Deira, and the gold and spice souks.
Dubai Metro Timings: Dubai Metro functions daily; from Monday to Thursday, you can board the metro from 5am to midnight; on Fridays, the metro operates from 5am to 1am(next day); on Saturdays the timings are 5am to midnight, and on Sunday, the timings are 8am to midnight. The timings also keep changing due to festivals and other activities in Dubai.
Dubai Metro Fare: The Dubai Metro has a minimum fare of Dhs 3, and the metro system is divided into seven zones throughout the city. Fares are determined based on the number of zones travelled. Additionally, the fare varies depending on the class selected, with options including silver class and gold class. Gold class is akin to first class and comes with a higher cost.
Conveniently, all payments can be made using Nol cards. Nol cards are available for purchase at Dubai Metro stations, bus stations, and popular supermarkets like Carrefour, Spinneys, and Waitrose. This card serves as a easy payment method for residents and visitors, facilitating efficient travel across Dubai.
Dubai Tram - Route, Timings, Fares And More
Introduced in 2014, the Dubai Tram stands out as the first tramway project outside Europe to be powered by a ground-based electric supply system, eliminating the need for catenary cables. The tram encompasses 11 stations and travels through notable landmarks such as Dubai Marina and JBR, offering a practical means of transportation. The key tram stations include Jumeirah Beach Residence 1 Tram Station, Jumeirah Beach Residence 2 Tram Station, Jumeirah Lakes Towers Tram Station, Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Marina Tram Station, Marina Towers Tram Station, Mina Seyahi Tram Station, Media City Tram Station, Palm Jumeirah Tram Station, Knowledge Village Tram Station, and Al Sufouh Tram Station.
Purposefully designed to connect the Dubai Metro with the Palm Monorail along Jumeirah Beach Road and Al Sufouh Road, the tram loops around Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence, and Al Sufouh Road. The Dubai Tram serves as a modern and efficient mode of transportation, seamlessly connecting various parts of the city.
Dubai Tram Timings: The Dubai Tram operates daily from Monday to Saturday, with timings from 6am to 12.24am and on Sundays from 9am to 12.20am. During peak hours, trams arrive at stations every ten minutes, while during off-peak hours, the frequency is every 12 minutes. The complete journey on the Dubai Tram typically takes around forty minutes.
Dubai Tram Fare: Just like Dubai Metro, the base fare for Dubai Tram is Dhs 3 and you can use a Nol card to make the payment.
Dubai Bus - Routes, Timings, Fares And More
Similar to the Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) manages the Dubai Buses to facilitate convenient transportation for residents and visitors. The RTA manages a fleet of over 1,500 public buses, covering metro lines, inter-city routes, and fast lines. The Dubai bus service extends its reach through 17 well-equipped bus stations and over 2,000 bus stops scattered across the city.
All vehicles approved by the RTA are air-conditioned and include informative screens that display details about bus stops and general notifications. These buses are fully equipped to cater to People of Determination, featuring dedicated entrances and spaces specifically designed for wheelchair users.
Planning your Dubai bus journey is made simple with the S'hail app. Just enter your location and locate the bus station along your route. The two primary Dubai bus stations are Al Ghubaiba and Gold Souq. Bus stops and stations are conveniently situated throughout the city, including areas outside metro stations. RTA bus routes cover key stations like Abu Hail, Al Ghubaiba, Al Sabkha, Ibn Battuta Mall, Mall of Emirates, Gold Souq, Al Qusais, Al Rashidiya, Al Satwa, and Hatta.
Dubai Bus Fare: Just like Dubai Metro, the base fare for Dubai Bus is Dhs 3 and you can use a Nol card to make the payment.
Dubai Ferry - Route, Timings, Fares And More
Operated by the RTA, Dubai ferries offer a comfortable and air-conditioned maritime experience for passengers. With seating for up to 98 people, these ferries are ideal for visitors eager to explore Dubai from a unique perspective, the city boasts several ferry routes, some tailored specifically for sightseeing.
The Dubai Ferry FR1 service connects Dubai Marina Mall and Al Shindagha. This route takes passengers on a scenic journey via Bluewaters Island and the mouth of Dubai Water Canal. Beginning from Dubai Marina Mall, the ferry makes stops at Bluewaters and then travels along the outer rim of Palm Jumeirah, offering breathtaking views of Atlantis, The Palm, Burj Al Arab, and other resorts. After halting at the Dubai Canal station, the ferry continues past La Mer, Pearl Jumeirah, and Dubai Maritime City, concluding its route at the mouth of Dubai Creek in Al Shindagha. The entire journey takes just under two hours.
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The Dubai Ferry FR3 provides a sightseeing service along Dubai Creek, originating from Al Seef. Passengers can enjoy a leisurely journey up the creek, passing by Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and Dubai's souks, witnessing some of the oldest buildings in the city before returning to Al Seef.
Another sightseeing option is the FR4 ferry service, which departs from Dubai Marina Mall. This route takes passengers out to Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis, The Palm, providing a captivating view of the impressive towers of Dubai Marina, the iconic Ain Dubai, and the magnificent Palm Jumeirah from the sea.
Dubai Ferry Fare: Starting at a budget-friendly Dhs 25 per person for a one-way journey, ticket prices can go up to Dhs 75 for certain sightseeing routes. Additionally, passengers have the option to choose from family packages or opt for the elevated experience of gold class tickets.
So if you are planning to travel via bus, tram, metro or ferry soon, plan your route accordingly and we are sure this information will be helpful.