Dubai Public Transportation Guide - Helpful Information for new Visitors to Dubai

Dubai Metro

Dubai Metro:

The Dubai Metro is a rapid rail transit with 2 lines - Red Line and Green Line.

Metro trains in Dubai are frequent, travels to most attractions, and are fairly inexpensive, however, crowded during peak hours.

Dubai Metro has separate cars for Women (only) and Gold Class (First Class).

Gold Class (First Class) car is usually not as crowded as others on the Metro; however, tickets are more expensive for Gold Class.

Metro Red Line connects Rashidya to Jebel Ali and goes through the Airport, Deira, Dubai Mall, Mall of Emirates, and Jumeirah.

As a tourist, you might use this line a lot while in Dubai as it takes you to many main attractions in Dubai.

The Green Line Metro in Dubai connects Etisalat to Creek.

The Green Line Metro goes through Old Dubai.

You can take the Green Line Metro to Bur Dubai, Gold Souk, Dubai Museum, and the Dubai Creek area.

Dubai Metro lines Interchange Stations:

The Dubai Metro's two lines cross each other at Union station and Bur Juman station.

You can use the Union station and Bur Juman station to transfer between these two lines.

Dubai Red Line Metro Hours:

5 AM - 12 AM (Midnight)  Saturday-Wednesday

5 AM - 1 AM   Thursday

10 AM - 1 AM  Friday

Dubai Green Line Metro Hours:

5:30 AM - 12 AM (Midnight) Saturday-Wednesday

5:30 AM - 1 AM Thursday

10 AM - 1 AM Friday

Dubai Metro Ticket fare is charged per Zone (4 zones)

Dubai metro also offers NOL Card (Smart Reloadable Card) for paying fares and can be used on Dubai Public Buses.

Dubai Metro is a good way to commute in Dubai.

You can find out detailed information about fares and stations at Dubai Metro Website.

Dubai Public Bus Transportation

Dubai Public Bus by RTA:

Dubai has a very extensive and inexpensive bus transportation system run by RTA (The Rail and Transport Authority).

Public Bus in Dubai comes in very handy for regular use if you know the route, number, and stop.

The Dubai RTA is the general transport control center for bus information in Dubai.

Dubai RTA buses do not accept cash payment for fares and require fare payment by a valid NOL card (only).
 
As a tourist, we didn't get a chance to use the Dubai RTA bus as we used the Hop-On Hop-off bus (see below)

City Sightseeing Dubai Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour - $55.00

Dubai Tram

Dubai Tram:

Dubai also has a Tram which runs along Al Sufouh Road from Dubai Marina to Palm Jumeirah.

The Tram in Dubai connects to the Dubai Metro Red line at Jumeirah Lake Tower station and Dubai Marina Station.

Dubai tram ticket is fixed at AED 3.00 per trip. You can also pay using an NOL Card.

Dubai Public Transport Tips

Travel Tips for Dubai Public Transport:

- Avoid Peak morning and evening hours to travel on the Dubai Metro.

- Dubai Metro has a separate area for Women (Only). This is good for ladies during peak hours.

- Dubai Metro connects to most of the main attractions in Dubai.

- Buy an NOL card only if you intend to ride the Dubai Metro and RTA Bus frequently.  Otherwise, buy single tickets.

- Make sure to pick up or take a photo of a Dubai Metro Map.

- Another option to visit attractions in Dubai is the Hop-on Hop-off bus run by Big Bus and Citysightseeing.

  The Hop-on Hop-off tour buses have a stop at all main attractions in Dubai.

  You can get on and off the buses as you desire at attraction stops and see most of the sites in Dubai.