Saturday 10 January 2026| Dubai | Posted at 09:10  am | Updated at 12:47 pm

If you’re new to Dubai or visiting for the first time in the year 2026, our detailed guide on how to get around Dubai using public transport part 1 and part 2 can save you time, money, and stress. This part 2 guide covers metro, tram, buses, water transport, Nol cards, and insider tips for expats, tourists, and luxury travelers.

Dubai’s public transport system is safe, modern, clean and surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it. From metro to tram, and Dubai bus to water transport, Nol cards and fare zones, everything is integrated, making your travel smooth, economical, and stress-free. By following this guide, you’ll master this public trasportation guide efficiently.

Before we get into detail, have you ever thought:

Why Dubai’s Smart Public Transport Is a Game-Changer for Expats & Tourists

Also Read: How to Get Around Dubai in 2026: The updated Guide Part 1

Top 5 reasons why UAE Public Transportation win hearts

Dubai’s RTA (Roads & Transport Authority) runs a comprehensive network that connects every major hub: Metro, Tram, Buses, and Water Transport.

The RTA system is modern, safe, and easy to use, perfect for newcomers who don’t want to drive in busy traffic. Understanding how to get around Dubai using public transport helps expats settle in quickly and tourists explore without hassle.

Key features that make UAE‘s public transport stand out:

• Safe, monitored stations
• Punctual services with clear schedules
• Clean and comfortable vehicles
• Air conditioned waitng rooms
• Dedicated waiting rooms for ladies
• Unified payment with Nol cards
• Accessible for residents and visitors
• Eco-friendly and air-conditioned vehicles
• Commuting in Dubai is comfortable and predictable.

Official references:
🔗 RTA Official Website
🔗 Nol Card Portal
🔗 Dubai Metro

Dubai Metro: Your Go-To Way to Get Around Dubai Using Public Transport system

The metro is Dubai’s backbone; think of it as a fast, air-conditioned train linking major parts of the city. Learning how to get around Dubai using public transport via the metro will save you time, especially during peak hours.

Fully automated and ideal for expats, tourists, and business travellers who want reliable transport.

Metro Operating Hours (2026)

Knowing when trains run helps you plan your day and avoid standing around at empty stations.

Train frequency: Peak hours every 3–7 mins; off-peak 7–10 mins. Tip: Check live schedules on the RTA S’hail app.

Metro Fares usually range between AED 3 (less than a Dollar) and AED 7.5 with a NOl Silver Card.

Metro Lines & Key Stops

Red and Green Lines connect major attractions, shopping areas, and residential neighborhoods — perfect for anyone learning how to get around Dubai using public transport.

🔴 Red Line (Airport → Marina → Expo)

• DXB Airport Terminals
• Deira City Centre
• Union
• BurJuman
• Business Bay
• Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall
• DMCC / JLT
• Dubai Marina
• Expo Station

🟢 Green Line (Old Dubai)

• Etisalat
• Al Qiyadah
• Salah Al Din
• Abu Baker Al Siddique
• Union
• Baniyas Square
• Gold Souq
• Al Ras

Tip: Red Line is great for tourist attractions, Green Line is ideal for traditional neighborhoods.

Dubai Tram Insider Tips: Navigate Marina & JBR Like a Pro

Trams are smaller, quieter trains connecting Marina, JBR, and Palm Gateway, perfect for short scenic trips and beach days.

Knowing how to get around Dubai using public transport by tram is ideal for newcomers and tourists.

Tram Operating Hours

Frequency: Every 8–10 mins. Trams are excellent if your hotel or apartment is near the waterfront or you want a relaxed ride without taxis.

Tram stops include:

• Dubai Marina Mall
• JBR (The Beach)
• Al Sufouh
• Palm Gateway

Useful when learning how to get around Dubai using public transport near seaside hotspots.

RTA Buses Demystified: Timings, Routes & Terminals

Dubai Bus: Don’t Ignore It

Many people skip buses at first. But honestly? They’re super useful.

Dubai Bus reaches almost everywhere where the metro doesn’t reach.
They’re air-conditioned.
And safely, they run all over the city.

Moreover the perfect option for anyone learning how to get around Dubai using public transport beyond the metro or tram.

Bus Timings (General)

Major Bus Terminals

Tip: Bus routes may change. Always verify via RTA S’hail app.

Water Transport: A Brilliant Way to Experience the Scenic Dubai Creek & Marina

Part of the charm of how to get around Dubai using public transport is crossing Dubai Creek by abra, a traditional wooden boat.

Learning how to get around Dubai using public transport by water gives a scenic perspective of the city.

It’s a great way to see Old Dubai especially at sunset

Water transport is scenic and connects:

• Dubai Creek: Bur Dubai-Deira-Bur Dubai (traditional Abra) AED just 1–2 across the Creek
• Dubai Marina & Canal: Marina & Canal routes (Water Bus)
• Palm Jumeirah: Link luxury hotels and beach clubs (water taxi)

Nol card works on most water transport.

E-Scooters & Bikes — Short City Trips Made Fun

You’ll find scooters & bikes in select zones like:

📍 JLT
📍 Marina
📍 Downtown

⚠ Helmet recommended
To be safe, Stay in marked lanes

Also Read: E-Scooter Fine in UAE: Key Rules, Fines & Safety Laws (2026)

UAE Jaywalking Laws: Fines, Jail Terms, & Strict Liability

Download S’Hail: The Most Important App You’ll Use

RTA S’Hail App

This is your all-in-one journey planner.

Use it to check:
✔ Routes
✔ Live timings
✔ Fares
✔ Transfers
✔ Walking time

A must-have for anyone using public transport daily.

Fare Zones Explained: Save Money While Mastering Public Transport

Dubai is divided into zones — understanding them ensures you pay the right fare and avoid surprises when figuring out how to get around Dubai using public transport.

Silver Nol Card Fares (2026)

🔶 Gold Class fares are roughly double Silver
🔷 Red Ticket fares are slightly higher per zone

📍 A journey with transfers is considered one trip if transfers occur within 30 minutes.

So in brief, transfers within 30 mins = one journey (up to 3 transfers). Reference: RTA Fare Calculator.

Nol Card Essentials: Buy, Recharge & Protect Your Balance

Your Nol card is your key to navigating Dubai, think of it as your city pass.

Knowing how to get around Dubai using public transport starts with choosing the right card type.

It works across:

✔ Metro
✔ Buses
✔ Tram
✔ Water transport
✔ Public parking
✔ Some taxis

Nol Card Types & Pricing

Where to Buy & Recharge

You can purchase and recharge Nol cards:

✔ Metro and tram ticket machines
✔ RTA Customer Happiness Centres
✔ Many supermarkets/retailers
✔ RTA Dubai app
✔ S’hail app (top-up online)

Balance Tip: Always keep at least AED 7.50 before boarding to avoid refusal at gates.

Lost Your Nol Card?

No stress, follow the below Step-by-Step recovery options

You can block it and transfer the balance to a new card. Learning how to get around Dubai using public transport includes understanding Nol card recovery.

📞 Registered Card

1. Call 800 9090
2. Block the card
3. Transfer balance to new card

📍 Unregistered Card

Visit metro station office with card info, balance may still be recoverable.

Pro tip: always register your Nol card online.

Pro Tip for Expats: Always register your Nol card online, it protects your balance and makes travel smoother.

Dubai Transit Fines You Must Avoid

Rules are strict but fair — knowing them keeps you stress-free. When learning how to get around Dubai using public transport, avoid fines by tapping your card correctly.

Fines can start from AED 200+

Pro Tip: Always tap in and tap out correctly— especially on buses — to avoid fines.

Also Read: Distracted Driving in the UAE: Fines, Risks and Tips to Drive Safe | UAE Centre

Tailored Advice for Every Traveller

🇦🇪 EXPATS: For Everyday Life & Commuting

Dubai public transport is strict but fair.

If you’re an expat learning how to get around Dubai using public transport daily, here’s what helps most:

✔ Register your Nol card
✔ Consider monthly passes
✔ Avoid rush hours
✔ Sit in women-only carriages, if applicable
✔ Learn your home → work route
✔ Use S’hail for real-time updates

Public transport saves huge taxi costs, especially long-term.

Local Tips Only Residents Know

✔ Keep Nol balance above AED 15
✔ Try to board early during peak hours
✔ Always stand right, walk left on escalators
✔ Trains & stations are fully air-conditioned, a blessing in summer
✔ Wi-Fi is available in many stations

Who Should Use Public Transport in Dubai?

Best For:

✔ Tourists
✔ Students
✔ Daily commuters
✔ Budget-conscious residents

Maybe Not Ideal If:

> You live far from Metro
> You travel late-night often
> You prefer door-to-door trips

So… Do You Actually Need a Car in Dubai?

Yes, no or may be, if…

you live near the metro = No, not always or,
you stay far from main routes = Probably yes.

Many expats happily survive on public transport, especially in Marina, Downtown, Bur Dubai, Deira, JLT, and Business Bay.

Getting Around Each Emirate (Quick Note)

If you’re travelling beyond Dubai:

• Abu Dhabi: Mainly bus & taxi
• Sharjah: Buses + intercity
• Ajman: Affordable buses
• RAK / Fujairah / Umm Al Quwain: Limited routes

Also Read: Ras Al Khaimah to Dubai Bus Guide Timings Cheap Ticket Prices (2026)

Dubai RTA Launches E308 Intercity Bus Route Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi | UAE Centre

Expats often rely on public transport daily. Here’s how to maximise convenience:

✔ Register your Nol card
✔ Use monthly or longer-term passes
✔ Plan routes via apps
✔ Avoid peak hours if possible
✔ Learn bus + metro combinations

Pro Tip: Many employers reimburse travel passes, check if yours does.

TOURISTS: Best Routes & Quick Tips

Tourists love public transport because it’s affordable and connects major sights:

+ Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa (Red Line)
+ Marina & JBR (Metro + Tram)
+ Old Dubai (Metro + Bus)
+ DXB Airport (Red Line & bus links)

Use Red Ticket Nol if staying a short time, it is quick and easy.

LUXURY TRAVELLERS: Comfort With Efficiency

Even if you prefer premium travel, public transport has a place:

✔ Use Gold Class cabins
✔ Travel outside peak hours
✔ Enjoy quiet sections
✔ Combine metro with private car or chauffeur

Frequently used by business travellers and residents who like its reliability, efficiency plus the premium class comfort.

Practical, Detailed & Useful Tips for Riders

1. Peak vs Off-Peak

✔ Morning rush: ~07:00 – 09:00 AM
✔ Evening rush: ~05:00 – 07:00 PM

Expect metro and buses to be busier at these times.

2. Carry a Backup

If you rely on digital Nol cards on your phone, it’s wise to also carry a physical card as a backup. Some users report occasional card reader recognition issues on buses.

3. Bus Tap-In & Tap-Out

You must tap both when boarding and exiting on buses to ensure the correct fare is computed.

4. Check Zones in the App

In the S’hail app, you can view the current travel zones overlay, especially useful if your route passes through multiple areas

FAQs: Everything You Might Ask About Getting Around Dubai

1. Cheapest way to get around Dubai using public transport?
Silver Nol + Metro + Bus combination.

2. Can tourists use Nol cards?
Yes, Red Ticket is ideal for short stays.

3. Do Metro and buses run 24/7?
Metro: No. Selected bus routes: Yes (C01).

4. Is public transport safe at night?
Yes, highly monitored and well-lit.

5. What if I forget to tap out?
Maximum fare charged.

6. Can multiple people share a Nol card?
No, one card per passenger.

7. Minimum balance to board?
AED 7.50.

8. Where to check schedules?
RTA S’hail & Dubai apps.

9. Are there monthly passes?
Yes, ideal for expats.

10. Gold class cabins enforced?
Yes, fines apply for misuse.

Also Read: best time to visit Dubai in 2026: Our detailed smart guide

Top Pet Boarding Places in Dubai: Best Daycares & Resorts for Your Furry Friends (2026 Guide)

Final Thoughts: Discover Dubai Like No Other

Dubai’s public transport isn’t just functional.
It’s calm, elegant, safe, and thoughtfully designed.

Above all, Safety, Comfort & Etiquette, Important in Dubai

Whether you’re a luxury traveler, expat, tourist, frequent traveller or a new resident…
You’ll find it surprisingly easy to fall into the rhythm of the city. Overall in Dubai no need to worry about anything.

Graceful journeys.
Quiet rides.
Endless skyline views

Habibi, come t❤️ Dubai