Transportation in Dubai
Set around the banks of the Dubai Creek on a desert plain backing on to the Arabian Gulf, modern Dubai has yet to stop growing.Most attractions are on either bank of Dubai Creek, in Deira or Bur Dubai, along Sheik Zayed Road or out at Jumeirah Beach and Dubai Marina.The centre of the city clings to the banks of Dubai Creek, with modern Deira on the north bank and the older quarter of Bur Dubai on the south. South of Bur Dubai, Sheik Zayed Road is lined with many luxury hotels and business buildings, while to the west is the expanse of Jumeirah Beach which extends down the coast to Dubai Marina.
Read more about transport from and to the airport
Taxi
Get around in an air-conditioned taxi. Hail metered taxis on the street or pre-book. Fixed fares apply to journeys outside the city boundaries. Tipping is discretionary.
Boat
Basic wooden boats, known as abras, take only a few minutes to cross the creek between Bur Dubai and Deira and are excellent value.
Foot
Deira and Bur Dubai are easily negotiable on foot as they are flat and there are numerous places to stop for a cooling drink, but it is too hot to walk around between mid May and late September. There is no walkway along busy Sheik Zayed Road. However, you can stroll all the parallel Beach Road in Jumeirah.
Bus
Few tourists use buses, although timetables and bus maps are available from the bus stations in Deira and Bur Dubai, with routes and bus numbers usually posted in both Arabic and English.
Rent your car
With wide avenues, cheap fuel and plenty of parking, you’d think Dubai was made for cars. The downside is its heavy peak-time traffic. There are parking meters on the street and large shopping centre car parks, but make sure your ticket is always valid to avoid high fines.
Transportation Tips
Hiring a car can be a good option for those with more than a few days in the city as public transport is not tourist-friendly and frequent taxis become expensive. Rent a car at the airport, in Deira and through many four- and five-star hotels.
