Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) runs Metro, tram, buses, taxis, and marine routes. Most visitors combine Metro + short taxi; residents add buses.
Dubai Metro
- Red Line: UAE Exchange ↔ Centrepoint via Airport T1/T3, Deira, Downtown, Marina, Expo City.
- Green Line: Etisalat ↔ Creek through Bur Dubai and Deira.
NOL card fares are zone-based — commonly AED 3–7.50 per trip in standard class (check rta.ae for current tariffs). Gold Class costs more but helps at peak hours with luggage.
Tram (Marina & JBR)
Loops through JBR and connects with Metro at DMCC and Sobha Realty. Useful on beach days.
Buses & abras
Buses reach Global Village, Mirdif, and industrial areas the Metro skips — plan routes in the RTA app. Traditional abras across Dubai Creek cost about AED 2 per crossing.
Taxis & ride-hail
Metered Dubai Taxi (cream roof) from a published flagfall plus distance. Careem and Uber operate citywide; surges hit during rain and mall closing times.
| Trip | Practical choice |
|------|------------------|
| Airport → Downtown | Metro Red Line |
| Marina ↔ JBR | Tram |
| Late night | Taxi / ride-hail |
| Creek old town | Metro Green + abra |
Sources: RTA official tariffs and network maps (rta.ae); RTA Dubai app.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons — Dubai Metro (CC BY 2.0); Dubai Marina skyline (CC BY 2.0).
Dubai Story Desk — original guide, verified May 2026.