Public Transport in Dubai: A Complete Guide to the Metro, Buses, and Taxis

If you’re new to living in Dubai, one of the first things you’ll want to figure out is how to get around. While the city is known for its wide highways, luxury cars, and sprawling neighbourhoods, it also has a surprisingly efficient and modern public transport system. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) oversees everything from the metro and buses to taxis and water transport, ensuring residents and visitors can navigate the city with ease without owning a car.

This guide covers everything you need to know about public transport in Dubai: how to use it, how much it costs, and tips for making the most of it.

Dubai Metro

The Dubai Metro is the backbone of the city’s public transport system. It’s fully automated, air-conditioned, and connects many key areas of Dubai.

The metro has two main lines, the Red Line, which runs along Sheikh Zayed Road and connects to the airport, and the Green Line, which serves older parts of the city, such as Deira and Bur Dubai. Future expansions are also in the works, so we can expect a Blue Line, a Gold and a Pink Line, which will serve the city’s eastern corner.

In terms of frequency, trains run every 4–7 minutes during peak hours, and stations are open  5AM until Midnight Weekdays and Saturdays, Friday until 1AM and Sundays start at 8AM.

To use to the metro, you’ll need a Nol card (Dubai’s smart travel card) to enter and exit the metro. This card can be topped up, with a minimum amount of AED 7.50. The cost per ride ranges from AED 3 to AED 10, depending on whether you are using the Silver or Gold class Nol card.

All stations are equipped with lifts, escalators, and ticket machines, and there are separate cabins for women and children as well as a Gold Class cabin for premium travel.

Buses in Dubai

Dubai’s bus system is the city’s main mode of transportation, as it covers a wide range of routes that the metro doesn’t reach, making it an essential part of the city’s transport network.

With over 1,500 buses running across more than 100 routes, connecting residential communities with major metro stations, shopping malls, and business districts.

The buses are modern, air-conditioned, and equipped with separate seating for women and families.

Services typically run from early morning until around midnight, with some routes operating 24 hours a day. You can make payments with the same NOL card you use for the metro works on buses. Just tap in and tap out.

Taxis in Dubai

Taxis are one the most convenient ways to get around Dubai, especially if you’re heading somewhere that’s not close to a metro or bus stop.

And since taxis are everywhere in Dubai, you can hail one on the street, book through the RTA app, or use services like Careem and Uber.

Fares start with a base rate and increase per kilometre travelled but can be slightly higher if you book by phone or app. Compared to many global cities, Dubai taxis are affordable for short and medium trips. The base rate starts at an average of AED 5 if you hail a cab on the street and AED 12 if you use apps, with a minimum fare of AED 12.

All official RTA taxis are air-conditioned, metered, and regulated, so you don’t need to worry about negotiating fares.

And you’ll also find larger family taxis, ladies-only taxis, and even luxury taxis at places like the airport, or when you order online.

Getting your NOL card

Whether you’re taking the metro, bus, or even some water transport options, you’ll need a Nol card.

There are multiple Nol card options, including Red (single-use), Silver (standard), Gold (premium cabin access), and Blue (personalised for students and employees).

These cards can be topped up at ticket machines, metro stations, and online, with fares calculated based on zones. Generally, a metro or bus trip costs between AED 3 and AED 8.

Thinking about your move here?

So, if you’re new to living in Dubai, try using public transport during your first few months. It’s cost-effective, reliable, and a great way to get familiar with the city before deciding if you really need a car of your own, you can also have a read of our Dubai area guide to help you get to know the communities. And if you are house-hunting for properties for rent in Dubai or need helping searching for properties for sale in Dubai near public transportation, you can contact our in-house team.