How to Travel Around the City of Dubai – Easy ways to explore the city!

Dubai is one of the wealthiest cities in the world and is among the most visited cities in the Middle East as a tourist and business hub for several decades. The city has top infrastructure facilities that make travelling in and around Dubai a breeze! Here are some ways to navigate the city with ease. 

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Dubai Metro 

Spreading across nearly 90kms, the completely-automated Dubai Metro offers an efficient means of exploring the city. At present, there are two major lines – the Red line, which diverges into two paths at the Jabal Ali interchange and the Greenline. Passengers can purchase either single, return or day-pass tickets or go for the cashless card Nol. There are numerous metro stations across the city for effortless travel to destinations. Travellers can use the Roads and Transport Authority's useful online guide to planning trips.

If you have just reached Dubai, there are two stops along the Red line to Dubai International Airport (DXB) at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Just look out for the posts for the metro after you've collected your baggage. Tickets and cashless cards can be purchased at the station counters.

Travellers can take two pieces of luggage on the Dubai Metro train. The specifications include one large suitcase not larger than 81cm x 58cm x 30cm and hand luggage not bigger than 55cm x 38 cm x 20cm.

 Buses 

Buses are the low-cost alternative to discovering the city. You can get a bus from all of Dubai's airport terminals. The bus routes intersect in every significant neighbourhood. Buses run 24-hours a day as frequently as every 30 minutes.

Make sure to scan your map to get some idea of the vast bus network. Passengers can also purchase a top-up Nol card in advance as bus drivers do not take cash. There are over 1,500 air-conditioned buses in Dubai. Air-conditioned shelters can be found at each bus stop, and departures are organised at regular intervals to make the bus a hassle-free commuting option. Visitors can also book a tour on the hop-on, hop-off bus tours for a fast and fun experience. It can be reserved online or at any of the major shopping centres in the city.

Remember, to plan your trips utilising the RTA Wojhati mobile application.

 Car

Dubai’s road system has immensely developed over the decades to equip visitors with a fuss-free travelling experience. The city’s main street, Sheikh Zayed Road, connects several neighbourhoods and must-visit locations. With gorgeous structures, hotels and malls on every side, a long drive is the best way to admire the glittering Dubai skyline.

Taxis are available from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on almost every corner of the city. These can be pre-booked or called from a roadside curb. Dubai provides a taxi service, especially for ladies driven by female drivers. You can reserve a ride by dialling +971 4 208 0808.

Private taxi services like Uber or Careem will permit you to make a taxi booking via the mobile application – the latter further permits you to reserve an RTA taxi. Payments can be made utilising cash or a card. 

If you have a valid international driving licence, you can efficiently rent a car at an affordable price from the local car hire providers. Enjoy a self-driving adventure in Dubai by obtaining the online UDrive application. Which will allow you to locate a car nearest to you, then get in and you can pay-as-you-go. Drive along the charming streets of Jumeirah or, just stop by the beach. Transport can be arranged via hotel suites in Dubai the likes of Oaks Liwa Heights.

However, make note of the speed limitations and traffic regulations before you begin driving in Dubai. When travelling via road, it is also best to factor in travelling time. If you hope to leave at rush hour, make sure you depart ahead of the scheduled time to bypass any delays caused by traffic.