Dubai Transportation – Taxi, Train, Bus & Airport Tips

Dubai Transportation

Dubai is a buzzing metropolis which offers many transportation options. Safe and efficient choices include taxis, metro trains, and buses. Dubai is also home to an international airport that serves as a major hub.

Taxis

Most Dubai visitors prefer to ride in a taxi rather than rent a car. Many visitors find Dubai roads confusing and are intimidated by the high-traffic.

Taxis in Dubai are inexpensive and plentiful compared to taxis in other cities. The cars are generally clean, new, and safe. The drivers charge regulated and reasonable rates. Dubai taxis are also safe for tourists including women traveling alone. In fact, there is even a pink-roofed ladies-only taxi service. You will see many of these taxis at the airport.

As in other large cities, taxis are sometimes difficult to get in Dubai. Your best bet is to reserve a private taxi online. Otherwise, go to a decent hotel to hail one. Go inside the hotel for 10 minutes, then come out and ask a hotel staff member to call a car or taxi. The hotels will have their own metered vehicles, but their meters seem to run at high speed.

Dubai is home to many taxi companies. The government owns and operates the largest taxi company. Users may call Dubai Taxi from their dispatch center or hail them on the road.

Dubai Taxis have an assortment of car models. They come in a few different color combinations including:

• Pink and white
• Yellow and white
• Blue and white
• Green and white.

Visit Dubai Taxi’s website for more information on the taxi service.

Train

Dubai has an ultra-modern metro. The system is clean, fast, efficient, and represents decent value for money. The Dubai Metro is the longest driverless, fully automated train system in the world.

The Metro trains run along the length and breadth of Dubai. At present, there are two lines, the green line and the red line. Within the two lines, the Metro is divided into five zones. The Dubai Metro also has a line connecting the Dubai International Airport to the city. The Metro trains are frequent both during peak and off-peak hours.

The Dubai Metro Stations also contain air-conditioned pedestrian overpass walkways. Food or drinks are not allowed in the Metro. For more information about current fares, routes, and schedule, visit the Dubai Metro website.

Bus

Dubai’s bus network is an inexpensive way to travel to places that the Metro doesn’t reach. The air conditioned bus network includes more than 600 bus stops in and around Dubai. Many of the bus stations are also air conditioned.

Many buses go to the Gold Souk Bus Station. This is close to popular attractions like the fish market, the gold souk, perfume souk, and spice souk.

The buses have pros and cons. The benefits include the low price, and they are air-conditioned. If you get a seat, they are comfortable. The downsides include crowded buses that move very slowly due to the traffic. Some of the stops are also difficult to find.

Airport

In 2014, Dubai Airport took the title of World’s Busiest International Airport. It rapidly rose to prominence on the back of a massive development program. The terminals feature towering waterfalls, holographic information terminals, a hotel, and duty-free shops.

The airport is a hub, so connections are plentiful. It is the home base of the Emirates Airlines, FlyDubai, and Emirates Air Cargo. Most major airlines have direct or indirect flights to Dubai. There are plenty of connections to North America, Europe, and Asia.

The Dubai airport waiting areas are comfortable. Some areas even have reclining chairs. For more information visit Dubai’s Airport website.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about transportation via bus, train, taxi, or airport in Dubai.