Getting around in Dubai
Metro, tram, taxis and Nol cards.
The metro is fast, clean and cheap
Two lines cover most visitor areas: the Red Line runs along Sheikh Zayed Road from the airport through Downtown to the Marina, and the Green Line loops around the Creek, Deira and Bur Dubai. Trains run Monday–Thursday and Saturday 5:00–midnight, Friday until 1:00, and Sunday from 8:00 to midnight. Each train has a Gold Class carriage and a carriage for women and children. Source: Dubai Airports (official metro hours) and RTA, checked 2026-10-10
Get a Nol card on day one
You need a Nol card or ticket for the metro, tram and buses, which do not take cash. A Nol Silver card costs AED 25 including AED 19 of credit; fares are about AED 3 for one zone, AED 5 for two and AED 7.50 for longer trips. The paper Red Ticket costs AED 2 and fares are a little higher (about AED 4, 6 and 8.50). Always tap in and out. Source: RTA and 2026 travel guides, checked 2026-10-10
Taxis are metered and plentiful
Official RTA taxis are cream with coloured roofs and always use the meter. Street-hail flag-fall is AED 5 by day and AED 5.50 at night, the minimum fare is AED 12 (AED 13 when booked by app), and each Salik toll gate adds AED 4. You can also book Dubai Taxi through Careem or Uber. Avoid unofficial drivers who approach you. Source: Gulf News (RTA fare revision), checked 2026-10-10
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