The United Arab Emirates combines futuristic cities with ancient desert traditions, offering world-class luxury, innovative architecture, and rich cultural heritage. From Dubai's soaring Burj Khalifa to Abu Dhabi's stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the UAE delivers unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
- Public
- Dubai Metro Red and Green Lines cover major tourist areas with air-conditioned modern trains. Abu Dhabi has no metro but extensive bus network. Both cities have comprehensive bus routes.
- Taxi
- Metered official taxis plentiful and safe. Careem and Uber both operate and are often cheaper during off-peak. App-based booking avoids any metering disputes.
- Rental
- Car rental excellent for intercity travel between emirates and day trips to Hatta, Fujairah, and Al Ain. Roads are excellent but traffic heavy in cities during rush hours.
- Walking
- Dubai and Abu Dhabi city centers are walkable in cooler months but extremely hot May-September. Covered walkways connect malls and metro stations.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Metro Red Line - AED 7-15 ($2-$4), 10-15 minutes to city
- Shuttle
- Taxi - AED 50-80 ($14-$22) to Downtown Dubai, 15-20 minutes
- Bus
- RTA Bus - AED 3-10 ($1-$3), various routes
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
{'description': 'Extensive RTA bus network covers all Dubai areas. Abu Dhabi has DoT bus service. Buses are air-conditioned and reliable but can be slow during traffic.', 'cost': 'Dubai: AED 3-10 ($0.80-$2.70) per trip. Abu Dhabi: AED 2-4 ($0.55-$1.10)', 'tips': 'Same Nol Card works for metro and buses in Dubai. Download Wojhati app for Abu Dhabi routes. Night buses available on major routes.'}
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare, tram, water_transport
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Dubai: AED 12 ($3.30) day, AED 13.50 night. Abu Dhabi: AED 5 ($1.40) base + AED 1.82/km
- Apps
- Careem (most popular), Uber
- App Names
- Careem (most popular), Uber
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Extensive intercity bus network connects all Emirates. RTA operates routes from Dubai to other emirates.
Routes: Dubai-Abu Dhabi: AED 25 ($7), 2 hours. Dubai-Al Ain: AED 30 ($8), 90 minutes. Dubai-Fujairah: AED 25 ($7), 2 hours.
Flights
Limited domestic flights as distances are short. Mainly Dubai-Abu Dhabi route.
Cost: Dubai-Abu Dhabi flights rare due to short distance. Most travel by road.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Dubai International Airport
From centre: 5 km
Options: Metro Red Line - AED 7-15 ($2-$4), 10-15 minutes to city; Taxi - AED 50-80 ($14-$22) to Downtown Dubai, 15-20 minutes; RTA Bus - AED 3-10 ($1-$3), various routes; Private transfer - AED 100-150 ($27-$41); Uber/Careem - AED 45-75 ($12-$20)
Abu Dhabi International Airport
From centre: 30 km
Options: Airport Bus A1 - AED 4 ($1.10), 40-50 minutes to city center; Taxi - AED 70-100 ($19-$27) to city center, 25-35 minutes; Private transfer - AED 120-180 ($33-$49); Uber/Careem - AED 65-95 ($18-$26)
Al Maktoum International Airport
From centre: 37 km
Options: Taxi - AED 100-140 ($27-$38) to Downtown Dubai, 35-45 minutes; Private transfer - AED 150-200 ($41-$54); Uber/Careem - AED 95-130 ($26-$35)
Sharjah International Airport
From centre: 13 km to Sharjah center
Options: Airport Bus - AED 15 ($4) to Dubai, 30-40 minutes; Taxi - AED 80-120 ($22-$33) to Dubai, 25-35 minutes; Uber/Careem - AED 70-110 ($19-$30)
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Careem
UAE's most popular ride-hailing app with cash and card payment. Covers all Emirates and offers Careem Bike sharing in some areas.
Uber
International standard for app-based taxis. Useful for its international familiarity and consistent pricing.
RTA Dubai (Wojhati)
Official Dubai Roads and Transport Authority app for metro journey planning, bus routes, and Nol card top-up.
S'hail
Multi-modal journey planning for Dubai covering all public transport modes with real-time updates.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Buy a Nol Card (AED 25 including credit) on arrival - works for metro, buses, trams, and water buses in Dubai
Download Careem app before arriving - often cheaper than taxis and driver ratings ensure safety
The Dubai Metro Red Line covers Dubai Airport (DXB) to Marina - no taxi needed from most hotels
Intercity travel: buses from Ibn Battuta, Al Ghubaiba, and Al Jubail stations connect all Emirates affordably
Avoid taxis during rush hours (7-9AM, 5-8PM) - traffic is severe on Sheikh Zayed Road and bridges
Water abra boats cross Dubai Creek for AED 1 - the most authentic and often fastest route between Deira and Bur Dubai
Parking in Dubai: Salik toll gates add AED 4 per crossing to car rental bills - check if included in rental rate