Dubai Transportation Guide
Everything you need to know about getting around Dubai — from Metro cards to car ownership, taxis to tolls.
Find What You Need
Start Here
New to Dubai?
Start with the complete overview to understand all your transport options and whether you need a car.
Read Getting Around Guide →Planning to buy a car?
Follow the path: Driving License → Buying a Car → Car Costs → Parking & Salik guides.
Start with License Guide →Going car-free?
Learn the Metro system and how to effectively use taxis and ride-hailing apps.
Explore Metro Guide →Already have a car?
Understand the ongoing costs, parking zones, and how the Salik toll system works.
Check Car Costs →Quick Answers
Do I need a car in Dubai?
Depends on where you live. Metro-accessible areas (Marina, Downtown, DIFC) don't need cars. Villa communities do.
How much is the Metro?
AED 3-8.50 per trip with NOL card. Daily cap at AED 20 (Silver class).
How do I get a driving license?
Depends on nationality. Some countries get direct exchange, others need full testing.
What does owning a car cost?
AED 2,500-4,500/month for mid-range car (insurance, fuel, parking, tolls).
Is Uber available in Dubai?
Yes, both Uber and Careem. Careem is more popular with better coverage.
How do tolls work?
Salik system: AED 4-6 per gate crossing. RFID tag required, auto-deduction.
Transport at a Glance
| Mode | Coverage | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚇 Metro | Limited (Red & Green lines) | AED 3-8.50/trip | Metro-line residents, commuters |
| 🚕 Taxi/Uber/Careem | Everywhere | AED 12+ starting, ~AED 2/km | Flexibility, occasional use |
| 🚗 Private Car | Total freedom | AED 2,500-4,500/month | Villa areas, families, convenience |
| 🚌 Bus | Extensive network | AED 3-5/trip | Budget transport |
| 🚊 Tram | Marina & JBR only | AED 3/trip | Marina residents |
All Transportation Guides
Getting Around Dubai
Complete overview of all transport options, whether you need a car, cost comparisons, and transport by neighborhood. The perfect starting point for new arrivals.
Dubai Metro Guide
Everything about using Dubai's Metro: routes, stations, fares, NOL cards, Gold class, etiquette, and tips. Essential for car-free living.
Getting a Dubai Driving License
Complete process guide: direct exchange vs testing path, costs, timeline, driving schools, and what to expect. Essential first step for car owners.
Buying a Car in Dubai
New vs used, buy vs lease, budget guide, popular cars, where to buy, inspection checklist, and registration process. Everything you need to make the right choice.
Car Ownership Costs in Dubai
The real numbers: insurance, fuel, parking, tolls, maintenance, and hidden costs. Complete monthly cost breakdown by car type. Budget accurately.
Taxis & Ride-Hailing in Dubai
Complete guide to RTA taxis, Uber, and Careem: how they work, pricing, when to use each, and monthly budget estimates. Essential for car-free living.
Dubai Parking Guide
Zones, fees, mParking app, permits, and how to avoid fines. Essential knowledge for car owners navigating Dubai's paid parking system.
Salik (Dubai Toll System)
How Salik works, toll gate locations, getting your tag, costs, and avoiding gates. Essential for all car owners to budget accurately.
Common Questions
It depends on where you live and work. If you're in Metro-accessible areas like Dubai Marina, Downtown, JLT, or DIFC, you can manage without a car using Metro + occasional taxis. However, if you live in villa communities (Arabian Ranches, JVC, Motor City) or have a family, a car becomes essential. Dubai is car-centric by design, but the Metro network is expanding.
The Metro is the cheapest option at AED 3-8.50 per trip with a daily cap of AED 20. Buses are also cheap at AED 3-5 per trip. For occasional travel, combining Metro with taxis/Careem costs around AED 500-1,200/month, which is far cheaper than owning a car (AED 2,500-4,500/month).
Dubai has excellent roads and clear signage, making it relatively easy to drive. However, traffic can be aggressive, and you need to adapt to local driving habits. The road network is straightforward with Sheikh Zayed Road as the main artery. GPS navigation is essential, and most expats find it manageable after a few weeks.
You can use your home license as a visitor, but residents must get a UAE license. Some countries (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, EU, Japan, and others) can directly exchange their license for a UAE one. Other nationalities need to take driving lessons and pass tests. The process varies from 1 week to 3 months depending on nationality.
Very reliable. It's modern, fully automated, air-conditioned, and runs on time. Trains come every 3-4 minutes during peak hours. However, coverage is limited to specific areas (Marina, JLT, Downtown, DIFC, Deira, older Dubai). It doesn't serve many residential communities, so check if your home/work locations are Metro-accessible.
Careem is more popular in Dubai. It started here and has more drivers, better coverage (especially in residential areas), and additional services like Careem Kids (with car seats). Uber is also available and sometimes cheaper. Many people have both apps and compare prices before booking.
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Not Sure Where to Start?
New to Dubai? Start with our Getting Around guide for a complete overview of all transport options and whether you need a car.
Getting Around Guide