UAE offers modern transport: world-class airports, Dubai & Abu Dhabi metro, taxis, buses, and car rentals.
Learn how to move efficiently across Emirates, book tickets, and travel safely.
Best Mode at a Glance
Flights (Inter-Emirate)
Quick for Dubai-Abu Dhabi, Sharjah-Dubai
Book online, use apps; digital boarding pass
Domestic airports: 1–2 hours before departure
Metro & Trains
Dubai Metro, Abu Dhabi buses & future metro
Day cards save time; priority/women coaches available
Air-conditioned, punctual, clean
Buses & Trams
Intercity buses connect Emirates affordably
Trams cover Dubai Marina & city center
Plan transfers with metro or taxis
Rule of thumb: Flight for 200+ km; Metro/Bus for city travel; Taxi/App ride for short hops.
Domestic Flights — Fastest Between Emirates
Emirates, Etihad, and Air Arabia provide inter-Emirate flights. Book online for best deals and check cabin rules.
Tips
Morning departures minimize delays
Allow 1–2 hrs buffer after international arrival
Use airport taxis or metro for transfers
Metro, City Buses & Trams
Dubai Metro is air-conditioned, punctual, and has priority cars. City buses cover suburbs; trams run Dubai Marina.
Mode
When to Use
Pro Tips
Metro
Cross-town, airport links
Buy day card; check women/priority coaches
City Bus
Short trips, suburbs
Exact fare or Nol card; AC buses are comfortable
Tram
Marina & city center short rides
Plan connections with metro; avoid peak rush
Taxis & App-Based Rides
Careem, Uber, and local taxis are reliable. Confirm fare/meter, sit in back at night, and share trip status.
Short trips: auto-rickshaw alternative not common, use taxis
Airport prepaid stands available
Night safety: share trip with hotel/contact
Self-Drive & Rental Cars
UAE roads are modern; city traffic manageable. Rent cars if confident; carry International Driving Permit if required.
Avoid speeding; radar cameras are strict. Night desert drives require experience.
Tickets, Apps, Luggage & Accessibility
Smart Planning
Batch long trips first; short hops last
Keep e-tickets, IDs, screenshots
Use hotel cards for directions/taxis
Luggage
Carry small daypack; keep essentials with you
Lock bags in rental cars
Useful Apps
Google Maps/Waze for navigation
Careem/Uber for rides
RTA Dubai & Abu Dhabi transit apps
Accessibility
Airports & metro have elevators; request assistance early
Choose hotels with lifts near transit hubs
Scenic Routes Worth Experiencing
Desert drives with dunes (Liwa, Hatta)
Coastal roads along Dubai & Abu Dhabi waterfronts
Hatta mountains & Jebel Hafeet for sunrise/sunset
Travel Safe: Common Sense
Use registered taxis/app cabs at night
Ignore street helpers; check official boards
Keep bag in front in crowded areas
Photo of passports/visa in cloud backup
Confirm fare/directions to avoid mistakes
Ask hotel desk for going rates; saves time and confusion.
Greener Travel Choices
Use metro/bus instead of short taxis when possible
Walk in city centers for short trips
Use shared rides for airport transfers
Transport Costs & Passes
Understanding the cost of travel in the UAE helps tourists and residents budget effectively.
Public transport is significantly cheaper than taxis and car rentals, and smart cards make the process smooth.
Nol Card (Dubai): Rechargeable card used for metro, buses, trams, and even water buses. Cost: AED 25 (includes AED 19 balance).
Hafilat Card (Abu Dhabi): A smart card system for buses. Weekly and monthly passes offer huge savings.
Day Passes: Tourists can buy one-day unlimited metro/bus passes starting AED 20–25.
Taxi Fares: Minimum fare AED 12–25 depending on emirate; average per km AED 1.80–2.00. Night surcharges apply.
Car Rentals: Daily rentals range AED 80–150 for economy cars. Luxury rentals can exceed AED 600/day.
Tip: For stays longer than 5 days, buy a Nol Silver Card or Hafilat weekly pass instead of paying per ride.
Airport Transfers Across UAE
The UAE’s international airports are world-class and offer smooth transport options to the city centers.
Choosing the right transfer can save both time and money.
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Connected via Red Line Metro to major hotels and malls. Airport taxis are metered and available 24/7. Ride-hailing apps pick up from designated areas.
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Air-conditioned shuttle buses run every 30–45 minutes to Abu Dhabi city. Cost: AED 4–8. App-based rides are reliable and faster for late-night arrivals.
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Budget travelers can take intercity buses to Union Square (Dubai) for AED 20–25. Taxis available at fixed airport rates.
Tourists visiting UAE can use sightseeing-specific transport for convenience and a richer travel experience.
Hop-On Hop-Off Buses: Double-decker sightseeing buses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi cover all major attractions.
Water Ferries: Affordable boats connecting Dubai Creek and Marina, ideal for scenic views.
Tourist Shuttle Services: Many hotels run shuttle buses to malls and beaches.
Green & Eco-Friendly Travel
The UAE is serious about sustainable transport, aligning with its Net Zero 2050 strategy. Eco-conscious travelers can make greener choices.
Use metro or buses instead of short taxis whenever possible.
Dubai introduced Green Taxis running on hybrid engines.
Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations are widespread in malls & hotels.
Shared rides and carpooling apps reduce carbon footprint.
Eco-travel tip: Carry a reusable water bottle to avoid buying plastic bottles during commutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it's modern, air-conditioned, and monitored. Women/priority cabins available.
Yes, most rental companies allow inter-Emirate travel. Check insurance coverage and ID requirements.
Mostly, you need a Nol card (Dubai) or Etihad card (Abu Dhabi). Some intercity buses accept cash.
Moderately priced; daytime fares affordable, but airport rides are slightly higher. Use apps to estimate cost.
In big cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, mostly yes. In smaller emirates, consider buses or taxis. Metro cards can help during rush hours.
Keep your bags close and secure. For taxis, ensure your luggage fits the trunk and keep valuable items within reach. For metro, avoid peak hours with large bags if possible.