Dubai Public-Transport

Dubai Public-Transport information

Buses

Dubai's municipal bus service isn't the best you've ever seen but nor is it the worst either. It is relatively easy to find your way around with a tourist map and you'll find that routes are generally posted in English as well as in Arabic. There isn't a standard fare system and you'll pay up to AED4 for a journey, although a short trip should only cost you as little as AED1. Drivers issue tickets but do not give change so make sure you have the exact fare ready - sometimes of course it's hard to know what that is so carry a fistful of change at all times if you're planning on catching buses. Various bus passes are available from main bus stations, including a smart card that gives you additional credit above its initial cost. Monthly unlimited transport passes are available for travel on either side of the creek but unless you are enjoying a very extended stay in the city you are unlikely to choose this option.

Local vessels

The Abra boats, small wooden vessels, cross the creek from Bur Dubai to the Textile Souk area in Deira from early morning until midnight each day. They are undoubtedly the most enjoyable part of the public transport network in the city. The short jaunt costs AED1.

Driving

Driving in Dubai can be hectic and it's not advisable unless you feel pretty confident. That said the road network (as throughout the United Arab Emirates) is excellent. In Dubai itself the roads are generally two, three or four lanes wide and everything is well signposted in Arabic and English. But navigating is the least of the problems - it's other road users you have to watch out for. Traffic generally keeps flowing but Dubai drivers are aggressive, driving close together and fast. Erratic lane changes and overtaking manoeuvres are commonplace and you should always try to allow for cars in front of you doing anything - not easy when the car behind you seems keen on getting into your boot. Accidents, as you might expect, are not infrequent and every single one, regardless of severity, must be reported to the police. Traffic drives on the right hand side of the road and you must wear a seatbelt at all times - not that you'll need much persuading after you experience the traffic for the first time. You must be 21 or older to drive. A valid international driving permit, passport and two passport-sized photographs are required in order to hire a car in Dubai. If you don't possess an international licence you can obtain a temporary local licence as long as you can produce a national licence from any of the following: EEA countries, Switzerland, Turkey, Poland, USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.

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Taxis

Dubai's cream coloured cabs are widely available throughout the city and can either be hailed on the street or pre-booked. All official cabs are metered for short journeys and should employ a fixed fare system for out of town locations. The tariff is around AED1.20 per kilometre but it is unlikely you'll be going too far. Don't be too surprised if the meter is "broken", it just means that you'll have to indulge in a bit of negotiation. Unlicensed mini-cabs are common and drivers may directly approach you on the street. Expect to pay around AED5-8 for a cab ride across the city centre, but a bit of haggling never hurts. During peak hours when traffic is bad you will naturally pay more. Cabs are also available for day hire, expect to pay around AED500 (approx. USD140), which isn't bad if you plan on travelling around a lot in the same day.