Dubai Transportation Guide 2025: Metro, Taxi, Driving & More

Dubai offers modern, efficient transportation systems making city navigation convenient. This comprehensive guide covers all transportation options, costs, and practical tips for getting around Dubai. **Dubai Metro System** Driverless metro with Red and Green Lines covering major areas. Red Line: UAE Exchange to Expo 2020, serves Dubai Marina, JBR, Downtown, Business Bay, Deira. Green Line: Etisalat to Creek, connects Deira, Bur Dubai, Healthcare City. Operating hours: Saturday-Wednesday 5am-midnight, Thursday 5am-1am, Friday 10am-1am. Trains every 3-7 minutes during peak hours. Air-conditioned, clean, and safe. Women and children carriages available. Gold class for premium travel. **Nol Card System** Rechargeable smart card for all public transport. Card types: Silver (standard), Gold (first class metro), Blue (personalized), Red (paper ticket). Purchase at metro stations, authorized retailers, online. Silver card: AED 25 (AED 19 credit, AED 6 card fee). Top-up at machines or retailers. Daily pass: AED 20 unlimited travel. Monthly pass: AED 350 unlimited travel. Tap in and out at gates. **Metro Fares and Zones** Zone-based fare system (7 zones total). Regular class: AED 3-8.50 depending on zones. Gold class: AED 6-16 depending on zones. Senior citizens and people of determination: 50% discount. Children under 5: free with adult. Penalties for fare evasion: AED 200 fine. Keep ticket until exit. **Taxi Services** Dubai Taxi Corporation (cream-colored) and private companies. Metered fares starting at AED 12 (AED 5 flag-down + AED 7 minimum). Day rate: AED 1.96 per km. Night rate (10pm-6am): AED 2.35 per km. Waiting time: AED 0.50 per minute. Airport pickup: AED 25 starting fare. Ladies and families taxis available (pink roofs). Book via phone, apps, or hail on street. **Ride-Hailing Apps** Careem and Uber operate in Dubai. Competitive pricing with surge during peak times. Various car categories: economy, comfort, premium. Cashless payment through apps. Track driver location in real-time. Rate drivers and provide feedback. Promo codes and discounts available. Convenient for airport transfers. **Public Buses** Extensive bus network covering areas without metro. Air-conditioned buses with comfortable seating. Route information available on RTA website and apps. Nol card payment system. Fares: AED 2-7 depending on zones. Express buses for longer routes. Night buses on select routes. Bus stops with shelters and route information. **Dubai Tram** Modern tram connecting Dubai Marina, JBR, and surrounding areas. Integrated with metro at two stations. Operating hours: 6am-1am (Friday from 9am). Frequency: every 6-8 minutes. Nol card payment. Fares similar to metro zone system. Air-conditioned and comfortable. Connects to major attractions and residential areas. **Water Transport** Traditional abras cross Dubai Creek (AED 1 per trip). Water taxis for point-to-point travel (AED 25-50). Ferry services connecting various routes. Dubai Water Bus for longer routes. Scenic transportation option. Operating hours vary by service. Cash and Nol card accepted. **Driving in Dubai** Well-maintained roads with clear signage. Right-hand traffic (drive on right side). Speed limits: 60-120 km/h depending on road. Salik (toll) gates on major highways (AED 4 per crossing). Strict traffic laws with heavy fines. Zero tolerance for drinking and driving. Seat belts mandatory for all passengers. Mobile phone use while driving prohibited. **Driving License Requirements** UAE residents need UAE driving license. GCC nationals can drive with home license. Tourists can drive with international driving permit. License conversion available for certain nationalities. Driving schools offer training and testing. Theory and practical tests required. Costs: AED 3,000-6,000 for full course. Processing time: 1-3 months depending on nationality. **Car Rental** International and local companies available. Economy cars: AED 80-150 per day. SUVs: AED 150-300 per day. Luxury cars: AED 500-2,000+ per day. Monthly rentals: AED 1,500-3,000 for economy. Requirements: valid license, passport, credit card. Minimum age: 21-25 depending on car type. Insurance included in rental price. Fuel policy: full-to-full or full-to-empty. **Parking in Dubai** Paid parking zones in commercial areas. Parking meters and SMS payment. Rates: AED 2-4 per hour. Free parking in malls and some areas. Residential parking permits available. Parking fines: AED 150-500 depending on violation. Multi-story car parks in busy areas. Valet parking at hotels and malls. **Buying a Car** New cars from authorized dealers. Used cars from dealers or private sellers. Registration with RTA required. Insurance mandatory (third-party minimum). Annual registration renewal. Salik tag for toll gates. Mulkiya (vehicle registration card). Financing available from banks and dealers. **Transportation Costs Comparison** Metro monthly pass: AED 350 unlimited travel. Taxi daily commute (20km): AED 1,200-1,500 monthly. Car ownership: AED 2,000-4,000 monthly (loan, insurance, fuel, parking). Car rental: AED 1,500-3,000 monthly. Ride-hailing: AED 1,500-2,500 monthly for regular use. Bus pass: AED 350 monthly unlimited. **Airport Transportation** Dubai Metro Red Line connects to airport. Taxis available 24/7 from airport. Ride-hailing apps permitted at airport. Airport bus services to various areas. Car rental desks in arrival halls. Hotel shuttle services available. Private transfer services bookable online. **Transportation Apps** RTA Dubai: Journey planning, Nol card top-up, real-time information. Careem and Uber: Ride-hailing services. Google Maps: Navigation and route planning. Salik: Toll account management. Dubai Drive: Parking payment and management. Wojhati: Public transport journey planner. **Tips for Efficient Travel** Plan routes using apps before traveling. Avoid peak hours (7-9am, 5-8pm) when possible. Use metro for major destinations. Combine metro and taxi for door-to-door travel. Keep Nol card topped up. Download transportation apps. Allow extra time for traffic. Consider monthly passes for regular travel.